"Elizabeth? Elizabeth!" A feminine voice called up the grand staircase. "Hm. Must be somewhere upstairs," the voice's owner told herself. She began up the stairs, pulling her skirts up to see as much of her feet as was possible around the bump that was her growing baby. She paused on the landing, looking up and down the hall that lead to the North and South wings. A door halfway down the South wing opened. Out came the manor's cook, Lauren, followed closely by the head of staff and maid, Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, I have been looking everywhere for you! Blake spotted the carriage not far up the road. They'll be here soon."
"Oh good! You two go on outside, I'll find Emily and Alec," Elizabeth told them in her very Irish accent, motioning them towards the door. She smiled, watching as Lauren and Citrine made their way back down the staircase. It didn't take long to find the young Emily. She was in North sitting room, polishing the shelves and rearranging the small trinkets. Elizabeth watched the eighteen year old quietly. The girl's dark hair had been pinned back into a bun, much like Elizabeth's own.
"Oh! Elizabeth, I didn't hear you come in." The brunette fanned her flushed face.
"I didn't mean to frighten you, Em. It appears our new employer is mere minutes from here. Get yourself on outside."
"But, Elizabeth! I'm almost done polishing the wood and-"
"Hush! You can finish it later. Now shoo! And grab Alec if you see him. Go on, shoo!" Elizabeth grinned, ushering the girl out of door. She paused, evaluating the girl's work. Nodding, she started out the door and down the hall, spying the graying Alec link arms with the bouncing Emily and escort her outside.
She paused, catching sight of her reflection in the small mirror that hung above one of the squishy sitting room armchairs. Green eyes peered back at her scrutinizingly. Copper ringlets were pinned into a bun at the back of her head, her dress reflected the customs of her home land; full swishing black skirts protected by a white apron instead of the sleeker skirts French women preferred. She rubbed her slender fingers over arms, moving to roll down her sleeves. She wrinkled her nose, inspecting the numerous freckles that dotted her face. With a shrug, she turned and made her way downstairs and out into the thawing yard.
--
'Erik,
By the time you read this, you'll be well on your way to your new estate, Renault Fields. As the name suggests, wheat and also apples are grown on the property. The income is not lavish, but you shall live quite comfortably as a French Viscount.
I know it has only been a month and a half since the incident, but Erik you must continue on living. I can only hope you will learn to accept what has happened and move on with your work and your life.
In a week's time, you shall be attending a dinner party thrown by the Duke Thomas. You may thank Elizabeth, your head of staff, for this. Should you need advice or instruction, Elizabeth or Alec will be pleased to assist you.
Take care, Erik. After all I've done for you, please just take care. I know you still mourn what happened and most likely hate yourself for it, but look around you. You'll find happiness and comfort somewhere. And I certainly hope it's at Renault Fields.
Sincerely,
Ann Giry'
Erik sighed heavily, looking out the window of the carriage. Not far ahead he could spy the gate that would lead to his new home. He wrinkled his nose, reaching up to ensure that his mask was still in place. The gates opened and the carriage rumbled to what appeared to be a very large almost-castle like house. He could see the six servants lined up outside the front door. The carriage came to a sudden halt and the driver jumped down to help him out. He heard what looked to be the youngest maid gasp. The pregnant woman beside her hushed her quietly. A red haired woman stepped forward and curtsied.
"I'm Elizabeth, if it pleases you Monsieur Renault. I am the head of staff. Lauren has prepared a most excellent meal if you're hungry," she motioned to the honey-haired cook. "I'll show you to your room if you'd prefer to rest first." She looked at him expectantly. She turned her head towards the two men, leaning it towards the carriage. Both men moved to take what little luggage Erik had brought with him.
Erik surveyed the woman in front of him. She dressed differently than the three behind her. And she had an accent. An Irish accent. Curious. She had freckles, though she appeared relatively pale. As long as she did her job well, he could care less though. "Show me to my room."
"Of course Monsieur." The other servants took this as their cue to be dismissed. Erik followed Elizabeth through the foyer, up the Grand Staircase, and to the end of what she informed him was the North Wing.
"Here it is Monsieur. If it displeases you, there is another room in the South Wing. I, and the rest of the servants, are located on the ground floor. Just go down the staircase and to your right. Feel free to find us there or wake us at any time should you need something. Take a left and you'll end up in the kitchens, cellar, and pantry. The South wing contains the library, two guest bedrooms, and a few other assorted rooms. The stables are located at the back of the estate. There are three very fine creatures there. All available for rides. Alec or Blake will gladly saddle them for you."
Erik looked at her nodding. He looked around what was to be his room. There was a small sitting room, then a door that lead to the master bedroom and bathroom. A second door led to a small study. "This will please me just fine," Erik told the head of staff, nodding.
"Will you take your dinner here? Or down in the dining room?"
"Here. Just leave it on that table there."
"Of course, Monsieur." Silence passed between them for a moment. Elizabeth inspected her employer and her employer inspected his room. "If you have no more need of me..."
"You may go."
Elizabeth curtsied and left the room quietly. She spied Alec and Blake bringing up the small amount of Erik Renault's luggage. 'Hm,' she thought to herself, 'what an odd man this Monsieur Renault...'