#elsewhere

"Truly, lady, it wasn't..." She protests, but seems reluctant to contradict Nadeen. "This is your chamber?" She moves to fluff the pillows on the bed and smooth the comforter with a practiced air, and straightens the chest at the foot of the bed.

"Yes, rather grand isnnn't it?" Pleased

She nods! "If your Pyschka will permit it, I can bathe her as well, and brush out that coat. Soon it will be warm."

"Oh she endures it. Ivan on the other hand can be a pig.. fortunately he's not my problem. Now...I do have to show you some of my clothes that you can't use the dryier on.. they must be hung ..here" And she shows her her preferences

Flo listens, and takes a few notes where it seems appropriate! "Do I need to do something special about rooms that are warded? Or is any such intended to keep myself out as well?"

"I'll open the door for you until we work out a better system" she says

She nods! "Yes, Lady." A pause, and she asks, "Would it be an imposition if I brought Rian sometime? He will not cause any trouble, not if I give him something to do, and I wouldn't need to impose on Maude."

"If it's okay with Sylvi" She says "Yes. I also want Pyscha to get his scent"

A smile. "I will ask Miss Sylvi, unless you prefer to. He won't be any trouble, I promise!"

"Okay, but one thingg, we haven't exactly prepped the house for two year olds. Give any risks to him a good looking over and let me know if I need to buy a playpen or some baby gate.. if he's not too old for those to be of use"

"I wouldn't ask you to spend on anything like that. Or if you do, you must take it from my pay. I'll get a gate. I never needed one at home - where would I put it?" A small smile. "I suppose that's a benefit to having a studio - only one room to look out for."

"I suppose, but it's nnno trouble. Just like me providing a uniform, I can and should pay for it"

"Oh! Should I be wearing a uniform?"

"Do you want one? Keep your regular clothes clean. If you do wantn one it will be tasteful"

"If it would please you? I do not mind. Would it be more appropriate for Court? I am afraid I may not have anything appropriate otherwise."

"We'll talk to Marigold about it. As she is steward you'll be answering to her"

"If there is any conflict, who should I defer to?"

"Between me and her?" A brow

A nod. "Obviously you carry rank as Baroness... but if she is Steward, is that above Reeve?" A touch apologetic to be asking.

"I do not want to mistep."

"Ultimately it's up to the Baron who rules, but for the sake of simplicity, defer to the Steward. If she and i disagree, I'll bring it up to her later myself. You should not be put between us. "A sigh "Unfortunately while a sweet heart she can be head strong"

She nods. "Is there anything else you'd like me to take care of here? Does the lawn need any care? ...are there horses in the stables?" She sounds unsure, but, "I can learn anything you need of me."

"Just maid duties for now, we'll see how it goes from there"

She says "Flo, one more favor. While working here in his house? At least when Sylvi's around? Don't be too formal. The freehold is fine, but here it might make Sylvi uncomfortable. The Bridge is a skilled diplomat, but prefers a less feudal system"

A blink, and she nods. "I'll work on that. Thank you for the warning."

"Yes, I know, stuns and confuses me too sometimes" A smile

"Is there anything else I can do for you today?"

"Well, if you'd be willing to mop the kitchen floor, I'd be grateful. " She doesn't mention she hates that task. Always makes her feel like cinderella in reverse

"Of course. Here... I'll give the place a good going over, and you can tell me what I missed, so I can be sure to do that next time."

"Thank you. " She says "And is there some sort of food or snack yo u like I can have in place here for you?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" She asks, with a smile. "I can keep your larder stocked."

"Flo, it is in my own interest to make sure you don't leave me for a better job, and besides, i's no trouble for me add a few more things on the menu. Goodness, Sylvi even has some of Colton's favorite snacks around here."

"Well, I am a bit partial to Doritos... if I'm going to splurge. The off-brand just isn't the same, even if people say so, so I normally don't have any around. It's more important to have fruit and things for Rian, then junk food for me..."

"We won't over do it, but doritos it is.. ah Nacho cheese or ranch?"

“Nacho cheese, the kind that dye your fingers orange. A trick I've used is to use the leftover chopsticks from Chinese takeout to keep my fingers clean...”

"Really?" She's faced this challenge herself, "i'll have to remember that. I'll put it on the list."

She nods! "Thank you again for the opportunity."

"You're welcome... come, you got the tour inside, let me show you the grounds"

And she leads her to see, just to get a feel of the place.

(End Scene)