Diarmuid was instantly dumbfounded from the start of their journey to her house. She had arranged for a chauffeur to drive them in a luxurious car and once they had reached the black and golden gates that opened to a luscious garden, the poor model nearly had a heart attack. He had expected a penthouse but when they begin to drive to the outskirts of London, Diarmuid only guessed a house… He never imagined something like this.

"This is my family house, I thought it would better suit for your recovery as opposed to a stuffy building." They were both helped out of the car. "This estate offers the comfort of a house, as well as the comfort of nature and serenity. I hope it is to your liking."

Diarmuid looked up at the towering house, or villa rather, it was huge and the antique touch it held was what made him feel as if her were in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Vines climbed up the grey stone walls, thick with the summer leaves. Flowers sprinkled the bushes around the house and the stone brick floor was neat and tidy. The house was immense and fit for a king.

"It is beyond anything I would have ever imagined. Are you sure it's alright for me to stay here?" He asked, looking over at Arturia. "I would not like to inconvenience your family."

"My parents live in another estate we own that is up near Scotland, they like their privacy after they stepped down from the company. My sister is away with her husband and that leaves the house to myself." She explained as they entered the house, only to meet an enormous foyer that opened to a grand staircase.

This place was a palace, Diarmuid was sure. There was absolutely no way this was an ordinary mansion. The wallpaper was gold and red, a spectacular chandelier hung from the high ceiling as huge paintings hung on the walls, one centered above the staircase of a family, Diarmuid guessed it was Arturia and her family. Trinkets lined the tables and he could swear he had just slipped through time and landed in Queen Victoria's reign.

"Don't you get lonely in such a big house?" He wasn't sure why he had spoken out loud and he immediately regretted his words for she had fallen silent.

He watched as she made her way towards the staircase, the butler behind them following her with the bags in his hands.

"You will be staying in one of the many guestrooms. It will be on the south wing, so that it will be easier for the maids to tend to you in case of any issue." Diarmuid caught up, standing next to her now.

"Again, I think that is not necessary, but I thank you nonetheless." He bowed his head.

She stepped ahead, a soft smile on her face, "I would like to make you the most comfortable that you can be. I am sure that this house will offer you peace and tranquility. You are welcomed to roam around the estate and explore the gardens. The butler could also prepare a carriage for you if you wish to ride about the property and if in any case you would like to visit the village."

"Wow, I uh, thanks. Really, thank you…"

They stopped in front of a brown door and the butler opened the door for them.

"This is where you'll be staying," she spoke, revealing a grand bedroom that came complete with a fireplace, sitting space and king-sized bed. The white lace curtains were pushed to the side to reveal large windows that allowed lots of light in and made the room much more spacious.

He stood much too stunned to speak, only stared in awe and wonder. He had lived in a small apartment for most of his life and to be staying at such a grand estate truly left him speechless and dumbfounded.

Arturia introduced the butler. "This is Mister Adley, he will be your footman and valet. There will be the sound of a gong when each meal is prepared and there is a jacket that is suitable only for the dinner room. Mister Adley will inform you of the customs."

The man stood in a butler's suit, bushy mustache above his top lip and grey gelled back hair. He seemed aged and nearly ready to retire. Though, his stance read all but tired. He was poised, confident and ready to attend his master.

Diarmuid barely had time to register what she meant before she spoke again, "I will let you get settled in and we could meet for dinner in the dining hall, I will see you then."

"Y-yeah, of course." Diarmuid nodded, waving her goodbye as she disappeared behind the door.

"Where would you like me to put your belongings, sir?" The butler snapped Diarmuid back to reality before he got carried away analyzing the room.

The Irishman glanced over the room one last time. "Anywhere...I guess. And you can call me Diarmuid, please."

"Sir." Mister Adler gave a court nod arranging Diarmuid's belongings by the closet. "I will return when it is near dinner time. I will lead you to the dining room." And then he too left the man to himself in the huge room.

Diarmuid slowly sat down on the bed, feeling the cream white comforter under his touch, the cotton so fluffy and soft. He tapped his foot on the hardwood floor, letting the noise fill the air around him. He took in the distinct smell of lavender and then he stood from the noiseless bed. Stepping toward the fireplace where there was no trace of a fire, he noticed a decorated rope hanging from the ceiling. Obviously, he pulled it (with his good hand), it moved but nothing happened. He thought that it could have been to open the chimney or something of the sort and so he continued to look around, forgetting about it.

He walked towards one of the windows, looking past the French bars and out into the courtyard. He was now able to properly see the gardens, which were extravagant and reminded him of the Versailles Gardens, he would not be surprised if Arturia belonged to any royal family.

There was so much to see but he did not want to seem intrusive, thus, when someone entered the room, he almost jumped away from the window.

"Sir, you called?" Mister Adler stood at the door.

Diarmuid blinked. "I did?"

He nodded. "Yes, you rung the bell, as I remember."

"I did?"

The man pointed at the rope and asked, "Did you pull the rope?"

Diarmuid blushed. "Er, yes." He nodded.

"Ah," the man breathed, "I overlooked it. When you need someone to tend to you, you simply pull the rope, and someone will come rushing along. The rope is connected to a bell that rings in the servants' hall, it tells us which room to go to."

"Wow, that's pretty cool. Do all the rooms have them?"

"Yes, each single one."

Diarmuid nodded in awe, thinking of how the bell system really worked.

The butler straightened his suit jacket. "In any case, is there something that you would like. Tea, perhaps?"

"...Water, if that's alright." Diarmuid rubbed the back of his neck.

"Right away, sir." The man bowed and exited the room. Once more Diarmuid was left alone. It wasn't long before he heard the gong and his valet entered the room with a knock, helping him into nicer wear and a specific dinner jacket.

He was led down the hallway and the staircase, through a sitting room and finally, he arrived at the dining room, where Arturia was already seated. Again, the room was big, and the dining table could fit what looked like ten people or more.

"Good evening." Arturia remained seated, but she looked up at him as he was ushered to a seat.

Diarmuid smiled, "Good evening." The atmosphere was slightly awkward as he sat down across from her, his valet tucking him in.

"I understand you might feel uncomfortable and out of place, but this is an earl's estate and alas we must abide by the customs." She held no expression, as was custom of her. Her lips were placed in a straight line and even her eyes looked to be lifeless.

She was hard to figure out and he did not even think he was starting to figure her out. One minute she would give the smallest of smiles and the next she was back to being stoic and expressionless, almost as if expression made her weak or she was well above that.

"You're a lady earl?" He really should not have been surprised, the estate was a giveaway. "Is there a term for lady earls?" He blushed, thinking how ridiculous he sounded.

"Well, no there is no term for female Earls. "She shook her head ever so slightly, "They are given the title of Countess, since the title of Earl is equivalent to that of Count."

"Oh, the things you learn every day. I would have never known." He laughed, albeit a little nervously.

She sipped from her glass of red wine, "To answer your first question. I am not a Countess. My father is the Earl but as he is away, I am acting Countess until my parents return from their vacation, which will hopefully be soon."

They ate in silence afterwards, only commenting on the weather or politics every now and again, until they finished and were ushered into the drawing room.

"Sit, please," she insisted, and they sat at a couch. "Three weeks will fly by, I can assure you. In fact, you have already been working for me for more than three weeks. It does not feel like much, does it now?"

He laughed, "It certainly has gone by quickly."

"I am pleased that you have not come across heavy paparazzi at your home. Have you come across any inconvenience?" Arturia asked.

Diarmuid shook his head. "No, surprisingly. Though I can across a lot of paparazzi when I was meeting with Sileas."

"Ah," she nodded, "she seems to attract them like moth to a flame. She loves to be on the spot light."

"So I have seen."

He had not noticed before but Arturia was wearing a deep burgundy dress that hung past her knees. Her hair was up in its usual ponytail but now that they were right next to one another, he could see the faint tint of pink on her cheeks. She looked simple but pretty.

"Would you like some tea?" She asked as she stood from the couch, walking towards the rope that hung next to another chimney.

Diarmuid smiled, "Only if you would like."

"Aha," he could hear the smile through her short laugh, "then tea it shall be." She rung the bell and sat back down, white gloved hands resting on her lap.

He furrowed his brows. Opened his mouth to speak and then closed it. He looked away from her, resting his eyes on a painting on the opposite wall of the room. "I don't think I've ever seen you wear a dress before…"

"I never wear dresses." She grimaced, "I prefer to wear suits and every so often an office skirt. Dresses are sometimes...distracting for both myself and others. Though, as I have previously mentioned, this house holds customs that are well above me and my preferences."

"Well..." he spoke, "I think you look beautiful."

She opted to remain silent, waiting patiently for the footman. He arrived in no time, allowing her to ask for tea and he disappeared. "I hope that your brother is not too upset with the arrangement."

"I promised to call him tonight to let him know how I'm doing."

She nodded, "That is lovely." They sat in silence once more and it took a rather long time until the footman arrived with the tea. He poured each of them a cup and left once more.

The pair awkwardly sipped at their tea, exchanging a glance every now and again. She made sure that he was not exerting his hand and would offer to help him a few times, but he declined with the pride that remained in him still, after such a fall in front of her.

Arturia stood. "I suggest we head to bed. It is getting late and I will have an early morning for the ride back to London. I hope we can see each other again before I head off."

He stood as well, offering a smile. "Yes, I hope so too."

"I will be having breakfast at six in the morning if you would care to join me. Though, I suggest you remain in bed and my maids will make something for you so that you need not trouble yourself."

"Oh, please, I will join you. This house is quite big for one person." He smiled.

She blinked, giving him a nod. "Good night. If you are in need of anything, do not hesitate to ring the bell. Remember, I wish for you to have a perfect stay for your recovery."

"Thank you," he grinned, "I really can't thank you enough."

"My pleasure." She turned to leave.

"Good night!" He waved and after giving him one last glance, she headed off.