Main Site |
* Kevil stands in the door to the library for several minutes, a faint grin painting his features as he watches Loria reading. After a while, he enters the room and crosses to the window seat, bending to kiss Loria's cheek. * Loria looks up from her book briefly, then sticks her nose back into her book. "Good afternoon, dear..." <Kevil> ::grins:: I did tell you that Mistress Charity was coming for her interview today, yes? <Loria> ::blinks, mentally measuring the number of pages left in her book:: Was that today? <Kevil> ::chuckles and kisses her cheek again:: Yes, n'shava. She should be here soon. Do you want to try to get a bath before she arrives? Or wait until later? <Loria> ::looking at herself:: I'm not too dirty, I think. Let me throw on a clean dress and brush my hair. I think I've been here all morning. What time is it? <Kevil> An hour or so before sunset. * Loria stands up, stretching. * Kevil watches her stretch appreciatively, his smile amused. * Loria tucks a bookmark into her book. "Really, I shouldn't read all day... " <Kevil> You have not! There are hours left to the day! ::he gestures expansively toward the window:: <Loria> ::smiles:: Yes, but I got up before noon... ::stands up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek:: <Kevil> ::eyes her suspiciously and thickens his accent:: What is this "before noon" I hear of? <Loria> ::laughs:: You wouldn't know, would you? ::tugs a lock of his hair affectionately, then runs off towards the bedroom:: <Kevil> ::laughs, and strolls after her at a leisurely pace:: * Charity looks up at the house with wide eyes. "I s'pose this's it..." She takes a firmer grip on several bags held in her right hand, and with her left gently shakes the arm of the young boy beside her. "Mind ye behave, boy..." <Daffyd> ::looks up at Charity with wide, guileless brown eyes:: A'course, Aunt Ree... * Loria shucks her housedress and slips into a white cotton shirt, blue skirt and matching vest. She steps into a pair of black slippers. <Charity> ::sighs, then heads up the path to the front door, taking several steadying breaths before knocking firmly:: * Loria brushes her long hair quickly, tying it back in a half-ponytail. She looks at herself in the mirror, then frowns. * Kevil looks around at the knock. "Ah, our... guest has arrived." He smiles. "Are you ready, or shall I answer the door alone?" <Loria> ::glowering at her reflection:: You get it. I'm going to stay here and pull all my grey hairs out. <Kevil> ::laughs and takes Loria's hand, pulling her gently away from the mirror:: Do not... I like the effect - it is as if you wear always a fine silver hairnet, d'va? <Loria> ::smiles up at him:: You're very nice to me... ::takes his arm:: <Kevil> ::kisses the top of her head as they walk toward the door:: Should I not be nice to you? <Charity> ::fidgets slightly, smoothing the front of her plain woolen gown:: <Daffyd> Don't worry, Aunt Ree. <Loria> ::laughs:: You can be not nice to me later... we mustn't keep our guest waiting. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Indeed... ::he opens the door and smiles:: * Charity starts slightly as the door finally opens, then dips into a brief curtsey. "Master Talarin..." She glances at Loria and curtseys again. "Lady Talarin?" <Loria> ::grins:: Not yet... ::returns the curtsey:: Loria duNache. * Kevil smiles and nods. "Mistress Charity." He drops to one knee and smiles at the boy, perhaps eight years old, with bright blonde hair and wide brown eyes. "Daffyd. I did not know you would join your aunt this evening." <Daffyd> ::carefully, as if reciting:: Good evening, Master Talarin. <Charity> ::touches the boy's hair fondly, then looks at Kevil somewhat apprehensively:: I'm sorry 'bout that, Master. The boy's mum is... ::she glances at Loria very briefly:: ...indisposed tonight... He won't be a bother, I promise. * Kevil straightens with a nod. "I've no objection." He glances at Loria. <Loria> ::shrugs, smiling:: He might like to play in the atrium... <Kevil> ::nods:: An excellent thought, n'shava. ::He steps aside and gestures for Charity and Daffyd to come inside:: * Charity takes hold of Daffyd's hand, and slips past Kevil and Loria into the foyer, looking around with wide eyes. * Kevil leads them through the foyer and into the atrium. "Daffyd, you may play here if you like, d'va? If you get cold, come into the house, there." He points toward the door that leads into the main part of the house. * Loria absently closes the temple door. * Daffyd nods, pulling his hand free from his aunt's and heading as if entranced toward the fountain. <Charity> ::looks like she's going to protest briefly, but settles for,:: Don't get all wet and muddy, lovie. <Daffyd> ::absently, already staring down at the bright koi:: Yes, Aunt Ree... * Charity watches Daffyd for a moment with a sigh, then straightens and turns back to Kevil and Loria. She is a short, slender woman with dark hair tucked up under a cap and watery blue eyes. Her face would be pretty if it wasn't marred by old pox scars. Her hands are rough and strong-looking, obviously used to work. * Loria smiles at Charity. "Good evening to you, ma'am. Kevil's told me a lot about you." <Charity> ::smiles a little nervously:: I'm 'fraid ye have me at a disadvantage, then, Mistress. I've only spoken with Master Talarin once or twice... <Loria> ::shakes her head:: Don't worry... my betrothed is very chatty. He can take all day to say good morning, if you let him. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at Loria:: What is this "morning"? ::he grins and winks, then opens the door, ushering the two ladies into the house's main hall:: <Loria> ::laughs:: I keep forgetting... * Charity looks around curiously as she enters the house. * Loria spies her cat, resting in a nook of the hallway and scoops him up. <Charity> Oohhh... What a handsome specimen, to be sure! ::she offers a tentative hand to the cat:: <Loria> This is Pepper. He sort of allows the rest of us to live with him. ::Pepper sniffs at Charity's hand curiously, then starts purring loudly:: <Charity> ::looks surprised, then smiles and tentatively scratches Pepper's ears:: <Loria> ::Pepper closes his large gold eyes, rubbing at her hand:: Well, that's a first... * Kevil grins. "Astonishing..." He grins at Loria. "I believe Lord Pepper has cast his vote." <Charity> ::glances between them:: He don't... doesn't... like people, much? <Loria> ::smiles, putting the cat down, who twines around Charity's legs:: Not right away, no... <Charity> ::grins:: Well, I was at market just before... Might be the herbs I picked up were bundled with some catnip. ::she hefts her bags:: Which way's the kitchen, m'lady? * Loria leads the way to the kitchen, a massive room for such a simple purpose. There is a large fireplace/oven on one wall, a cold storage room, a large pantry, and several wooden tables. <Charity> ::looks around the kitchen with wide eyes, then puts her bags carefully on one table and begins opening cabinets and doors, conducting a swift inventory:: Master Talarin said I's to make dinner, as a trial, aye? Is there anything you've got in mind, Lady? * Loria smiles. "Anything is fine, so long as it's not more cold meat and bread." <Charity> ::looks at Loria, faintly scandalized:: For dinner? Never, m'lady! ::she glances around the kitchen again:: Is there... Shall I start now? <Loria> ::nodding:: Go ahead. I'm afraid I've not organized in here very well yet, so you might have to look around if you need something. <Charity> ::nods briskly and begins unloading vegetables from her bags:: I'll call if I can't find summat, Lady. * Loria laughs. "You sound like my sister... if you can't help, get out from underfoot, yes? All right, Miss Charity." * Kevil grins and straightens from where he'd been leaning against the door frame. "We are dismissed, n'shava..." <Charity> ::looks around apologetically, biting her lip:: I'm sorry, I just... ::she trails off helplessly:: * Loria waves her hand. "Don't worry about it... I'm an absolute disaster in the kitchen." <Charity> ::uncertainly:: If you say, m'lady... <Kevil> ::offers Loria a hand:: Come, n'shava, we shall remove ourselves. ::he smiles at Charity:: You will call when dinner is ready, yes? <Charity> ::nods:: Of course, m'lord. * Loria exits the room, going back to the atrium. * Kevil smiles and follows Loria, murmuring, "It is obvious where she is most comfortable, d'va?" <Loria> ::nodding:: Better her than me. <Kevil> ::chuckles and nods:: Do you go back to your book? <Loria> ::smiling:: I thought I'd see what your ragamuffin was up to first. <Kevil> "My" ragamuffin? ::grins:: <Loria> ::winking at him:: * Daffyd is sitting on the edge of the fountain, only somewhat damp, his sleeves pushed up to his elbows as he tries fruitlessly to catch a fish. * Loria laughs. "You look like Lord Pepper, there, kiddo." * Daffyd looks up with a start and scrambles to his feet. "M'lady, I'm sorry! I, um..." He looks at Kevil hopefully. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Your aunt told you to stay dry, did she not? * Loria laughs, scooping up a handful of water and splashing Kevil. <Daffyd> ::grins at Loria:: <Kevil> ::snorts and brushes water from his shirt:: * Loria giggles. <Daffyd> ::smiles shyly, then reaches out to pat Loria's arm.:: You're pretty. * Loria kneels down to look at Daffyd. "Do you think so?" <Daffyd> ::nods solemnly:: And nice. <Daffyd> ::looks around:: Is this really all your house? <Loria> ::grins:: You know, I keep asking myself the same question. But yes, it is. <Daffyd> Wow... It's big. Our whole house would fit right here, and that's me and Mama and Aunt Ree and Aunt Vi and... Well, Gran' used to live there, but she's gone now. ::he looks sad for a minute:: So's Aunt Vi. * Loria ruffles the child's hair briefly. "I'm sorry..." <Daffyd> ::looks up with a smile:: Well, Aunt Vi isn't dead like Gran'. She just went to live at another house. Mama's gonna move somewhere, too... ::he leans down again, distracted by the shimmer of a fish:: * Loria laughs, standing up and getting a bread crust from the bird feeder. "Here... break it up and sprinkle it in the water." <Daffyd> Oh! ::he takes the crust and begins to clumsily crumble it into the water:: * Kevil chuckles and crosses to put an arm around Loria. "Going to spoil him, n'shava?" <Loria> ::looking up at Kevil:: I like children. <Daffyd> ::crows delightedly and points as several fish come up to feed:: Look! <Loria> ::smiling:: They do that, yes... <Kevil> ::smiles and kisses the side of her mouth:: I do, too. <Daffyd> ::leans closer to look at the fish, his eyes wide with excitement:: <Loria> ::absently hooking one hand over Daffyd's collar:: Don't fall in, honey. <Daffyd> ::absently:: Yes'm. <Kevil> ::laughs softly and kisses Loria's cheek:: I am going to play for a bit. <Loria> All right... ::sitting down on the side of the fountain:: Do you like stories, Daffyd? <Daffyd> ::looks up:: Oh, yes'm! ::he squirms around to sit next to Loria:: Are you gonna tell me a story? * Kevil glances at Loria and Daffyd, then shakes his head with a grin and heads for the music room. * Loria smiles, putting her arm around the little boy. "Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived on a sheep farm..." <Daffyd> ::self-importantly:: I saw sheeps, once! <Loria> ::smiling:: Well, she saw sheeps every day... [time passes...] <Loria> And they lived happily ever after to the end of their days... <Daffyd> ::sighs happily:: That was a nice story. * Charity enters the atrium as twilight deepens. "Davvy-duck? Where'd ye get to, child?" * Daffyd slides off his perch by the fountain. "I'm here, Aunt Ree!" <Charity> ::starts a little as she makes out Loria as well:: Oh! M'lady... I was gonna send the boy to fetch ye... dinner's ready. <Loria> ::smiles, smoothing out her dress:: I'll get Kevil, he's in the music room... <Charity> Yes'm. ::she takes Daffyd's hand:: You can help serve, then. Come on... ::she leads Daffyd back toward the kitchen:: * Loria heads towards the music room, tilting her head, listening for the sounds of Kevil's playing. * Kevil is working at the harp again, playing chords in slow series, watching his fingering closely. * Loria leans against the doorframe. "Still trying to outdo me, are you, my lord?" <Kevil> ::glances up with a smile, then looks back at the harp, carefully positioning his hands:: Outdo you? Never. I strive only to be worthy of you, my lady. <Loria> ::grins at him:: I couldn't learn to play that well, that fast... Anyway, dinner's ready. <Kevil> Ah... ::his sigh is almost regretful as he stands and stretches:: <Kevil> Well. Let us see what Mistress Charity has produced, then. ::he offers Loria his arm:: * Loria takes his hand, turning it to look at his fingertips. "You need to lay off a bit, til you build up the right calluses." <Kevil> ::looks at his fingers, then pokes at them gently, making a wry face:: So it seems. I had thought the lute would have... But then, the positioning is very different. ::he kisses Loria's hair:: Where would I be without your care? <Loria> ::laughs:: I have some ointment for that... ::she runs a finger along the webbing of his thumb and forefinger:: <Kevil> Hmm... ::He purrs softly, stretching his hand out under her touch, then smiles at her:: Dinner, n'shava? <Loria> ::nodding:: Let's. Cute kid, your ragamuffin. * Kevil takes Loria's arm and leads her toward the dining room. "I will give him cute... How did he suddenly be come "mine", I wonder?" <Loria> ::laughs:: * Kevil leads Loria into the dining room. The table is lit with a half-dozen candles in a cluster, two places set in one corner. He grins, and steps quickly forward to hold a chair for Loria. * Loria sits down, self-consciously pulling a few dried leaves off her skirt. * Kevil fondly brushes a loose wisp of hair behind Loria's ear, then takes the chair by the other set place. * Daffyd enters, his shirt hastily straightened and brushed clean, his face solemn in the dim light. He offers a bottle to Kevil. "Aunt Ree says I can't pour, Master Talarin." * Loria covers her mouth with her napkin, laughing. <Kevil> ::grins and takes the bottle, mussing Daffyd's hair:: I should say not... ::his face matches the boy's solemnity, though his eyes twinkle:: Thank you, Daffyd. Please tell your aunt that we are ready to dine. * Kevil opens the bottle and grins at Loria as he pours wine into the waiting glasses. "Can not pour, indeed! I wonder if he could even reach the table." * Loria swats Kevil with her napkin. "Hush, you. You were short once too, I imagine." <Kevil> ::chuckles and sips his wine:: Indeed. Nor was I allowed to pour until I could comfortably reach the glasses.. * Loria takes a sip of wine. "I wonder what she made." * Charity enters, bearing a medium-sized platter on which sits a duck, roasted to a crisp brown, resting on a bed of thick-sliced potatoes, carrots, and turnips. She sets the platter in the space just between Kevil and Loria. * Loria takes a deep breath, sighing with appreciation. * Daffyd follows close behind, carefully carrying in both hands a large casserole dish. He hands it up to Charity, then at her look scurries back to the kitchen. <Charity> ::placing the casserole dish on the table:: That's squash and greens and cheese, there... * Daffyd returns with a breadbasket, which he carefully places on the table himself, just by Kevil's elbow. <Charity> ::smiles nervously:: I hope it's to your liking, Master, m'lady... We'll be in the kitchen if ye have need of us... ::she ducks into a quick curtsey, then takes Daffyd's hand and retreats into the kitchen:: * Loria snags a piece of bread, breaking it in half and then buttering it. * Kevil moves the bread basket further from the edge of the table, then takes a piece himself. "It certainly *looks* good." * Loria takes a bite of her bread, closing her eyes. "Nothing like fresh baked bread." <Kevil> ::watches Loria with a grin, then takes his own bite:: Mmf. * Loria chews, serving herself some casserole and duck, putting a heap of vegetables on one side of her plate and liberally dousing them with butter and salt. * Kevil washes down his bread with a swallow of wine, and then serves himself some of everything. * Loria takes small bites of everything, chewing thoughtfully. * Kevil works his way slowly through his plate, pausing to put extra butter and salt on the turnips. He makes a face at Loria and whispers, "I never did care much for turnips..." <Loria> ::grins:: My Ma' fries them up thin and crispy... they're pretty good that way. <Kevil> ::grins:: Perhaps. <Loria> ::rapping Kevil's hand with the back of her fork:: Eat your turnips. They're good for you. ::she grins at him:: <Kevil> ::meekly:: Yes, my lady. ::he reaches for more butter:: * Loria snorts, then blushes furiously as she spits a mouthful of casserole out into her napkin, laughing. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at her:: What? <Loria> ::composing herself:: You just sounded an awful lot like Vallie, when he was about ten, especially when he was feeding his dinner to one of the dogs under the table, <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Ah, I see... ::he leans sideways slightly to peer under the table:: Alas. Lord Pepper has deserted me in my time of need. * Loria takes another bite of casserole. "This is quite good." <Kevil> Yes? ::tries a bite, then nods and takes another:: * Loria finishes her casserole off, then starts in on the veggies. * Kevil alternates bites of heavily buttered turnip with bites of casserole, then starts in on the duck. * Loria wipes a bit of juice off her chin, licking her fingers. * Kevil grins at the duck. "Lover's fare." He pulls a piece of the meat from the bone with his fingers, and offers it to Loria with a faint smile. <Loria> ::blushes faintly, then leans over and bites the piece of duck out of his fingers:: <Kevil> ::grins and winks at her, then returns to his meal:: <Loria> So... ::leaning on her elbow, she looks at him:: <Kevil> ::puts down his fork and looks at her with slightly raised eyebrows:: So? <Loria> ::waves a hand at him:: Of dinner. What do you think? <Kevil> Ah... ::he looks down at his mostly-empty plate:: I liked it immensely. Aside from the turnips. And you? <Loria> ::nodding, displaying her empty plate:: I like turnips. <Kevil> ::chuckles and eats his last few bites of duck:: So I see. ::he cocks his head at her:: So she can cook... ::he smiles:: <Loria> ::snitching one of Kevil's uneaten turnips:: Why don't you ask her to come in, and I'll ask her a few questions? * Kevil nods and gets up. He goes to the door and opens it a crack. "Mistress Charity? Loria and I would like to speak with you some - please, come and sit with us a moment." * Kevil returns to his seat and picks up his wine glass, swirling it thoughtfully. * Charity enters, drying her hands on her apron and looking somewhat nervous. She perches carefully on the edge of a chair and nodding to each of them. "M'lady? M'lord?" * Loria smiles, pushing her empty plate away. "It was quite tasty, Miss Charity. I do appreciate it." <Charity> ::smiles and nods again:: Thank you, m'lady. <Loria> ::folds her hands together:: Miss Charity, did you do housekeeping at... ::she coughs:: your mother's home? We have quite more house than I can keep dusted, myself. <Charity> ::nods quickly:: Yes'm. Though... ::hesitantly:: Our house wasn't so big as this one, m'lady. I don't know if I could keep up, by myself, and still cook an' all... <Loria> ::nodding:: We're going to have a few girls come in, once a week or so, to help with cleaning. I know it's a big project. But we really need a full-time housekeeper and cook. <Charity> ::nods quickly:: That's what Master Talarin said, m'lady. ::she glances quickly at Kevil, then looks back at Loria.:: <Kevil> ::nods and sips his wine, obviously willing to let Loria conduct the interview:: <Loria> ::smiles warmly:: Tell me what you did for your mother's house. <Charity> Ah... ::she ticks off on her fingers:: I cooked, for the... the visitors, and cleaned rooms between. Kept the rest of the house neat and tidy, too. Did the marketing, most days. A little sewing, but I can't do nothing fancy-like... <Loria> ::nods:: All right. You do much washing? <Charity> ::nods and grins faintly:: Lot of washing, aye... And caring for the little ones. <Loria> ::nodding:: Would you like to see the housekeeper's room? <Charity> ::blinks:: Room, m'lady? <Loria> ::nodding:: Where you'd stay... <Loria> For your personal things, and your bed... ::she smiles:: <Charity> ::looks surprised:: I... I thought it'd be a cot in the kitchen, Lady... <Loria> ::shaking her head:: We've got a small bedroom with some sitting room space, upstairs. <Charity> I... ::she glances at Kevil, then looks back at Loria and nods once:: I'd like to see it, yes'm. * Loria stands up, stretching. She leads the way upstairs to the small housekeeper's room, with a small bed, neat dresser, two upholstered chairs and a small tea table. <Charity> ::looks around the room, blinking in surprise:: * Kevil follows, waiting in the hallway outside the room. * Loria leans against the doorframe. "Would this suit you, Miss Charity?" <Charity> ::twists her hands together, then looks at Loria with wide eyes:: More than, m'lady... * Loria looks at her, nodding suddenly. "Loria, please." <Charity> ::blinks, then smiles:: "Miss Loria?" <Loria> ::laughs:: That'll do, I guess. When can you start? <Charity> ::cautiously:: I'd need to take Daffyd back and fetch my things, but I could be back first thing in the morning... * Charity glances at Kevil and then looks down at her hands. "What wages?" <Loria> ::nods:: Would thirty silver a month be good? Plus room, board and meals, of course. <Charity> ::goggles:: *Thirty*, my- Miss Loria? ::she glances over at Kevil again, then nods quickly:: That's... acceptable, yes'm. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: Are you comfortable with a budget for purchasing supplies, Mistress Charity? Or shall we arrange for letters of credit? <Charity> ::considers briefly:: I can figure for meals, Master Talarin, but it'll be a while afore I know what the budget is for cleaning and keeping... <Kevil> ::nods:: Very well... ::he looks at Loria with a smile:: And if my lady will be "Miss Loria", then I must be "Master Kevil," please. "Master Talarin" is what the children call me. ::he grins faintly:: * Loria looks up. "Miss Charity, can you read?" <Charity> ::blinks:: Not... much. I can mark supplies and whatnot, but that's about it... <Loria> ::smiles:: All right. We'll include lessons in your wages, if you'd like to learn. <Charity> ::catches her breath:: Oh, yes'm, please! I... ::she looks over at Kevil:: I tried to make sure the children got some learnin', but there was never much time for it m'self... <Loria> ::smiles, offering Charity her hand:: Then it's agreed? <Charity> ::takes Loria's hand with a smile:: Yes'm, agreed... Thank you, Miss. <Loria> ::grins at her:: Feel free to have your nephew over, once in a while. He's a dear. <Charity> ::grins:: He's an imp, that one is. But with your permission, I might bring him to help once in a while. <Loria> ::nods:: * Kevil offers a hand. "We'll see you in the morning, then, Mistress Charity?" <Charity> ::nods shyly:: Yes Master T- Kevil... ::bites her lip:: Call me Ree, please. I don't much care for Charity. * Loria smiles. "Of course, Miss Ree..." * Kevil nods. "Miss Ree it is, then." * Daffyd creeps up the stairs. "Um... Aunt Ree? The... the pie..." <Charity> OH! The pie! ::she flies past Loria and Kevil and down the stairs to the kitchen again:: * Kevil blinks and looks at Loria. "Pie?" <Loria> ::seriously:: It's a pastry, usually with sweet fruit filling. <Kevil> ::seriously also:: Indeed? What does one do with it? <Loria> ::making her eyes big and round:: I don't know. Let's go find out, shall we? <Kevil> ::laughs and offers Loria his arm:: Let us, indeed. |
|
|