Although the duke was in Russia, Paxton set off for Chatsworth on the Chesterfield coach arriving at Chatsworth at half past four in the morning. By his own account he had explored the gardens after scaling the kitchen garden wall, set the staff to work, eaten breakfast with the housekeeper and met his future wife, Sarah Bown, the housekeeper's niece, completing his first morning's work before nine o'clock. He married Bown in 1827,page 41, A Thing in Disguise: The Visionary Life of Joseph Paxton, Kate Colquhoun, 2004, Fourth Estate and she proved capable of managing his affairs, leaving him free to pursue his ideas. thumb|upright|left He enjoyed a friendly relationship with his employer who recognised his diverse talents and facilitated his rise to prominence.
although the duke was in russia paxton set off for chatsworth on the chesterfield coach arriving at chatsworth at half past four in the morning by his own account he had explored the gardens after scaling the kitchen garden wall set the staff to work eaten breakfast with the housekeeper and met his future wife sarah bown the housekeeper's niece completing his first morning's work before nine o'clock he married bown in 1827page 41 a thing in disguise the visionary life of joseph paxton kate colquhoun 2004 fourth estate and she proved capable of managing his affairs leaving him free to pursue his ideas thumb|upright|left he enjoyed a friendly relationship with his employer who recognised his diverse talents and facilitated his rise to prominence