Chapter 6
Two months later, Lily had settled in nicely into her life as the housekeeper of Phantomhive manor. As she predicted, her daily tasks involved more than what Sebastian had originally put forward, though it was more out of her general competence and efficiency than his "laziness" as she had thought it would have been. Not wanting to snub her fellow servants, she had lessened the amount she took over, only doing so if asked to by Sebastian.
In this time, the butler had begun to notice a few oddities within his newest colleague. She was never surprised when he "appeared", seeming to be always able to sense him, when the other three jumped. However, it was as if she was saving these for whenever she was startled. Sebastian had been witness to these rather amusing occurrences, several times. If caught off guard, usually by an explosion or crash caused by the others, Lily would go from walking to leaping on top curtain bars, or nearby cabinets, in a seeming single bound.
Bar these two oddities, Lily seemed to be the ideal servant. Other than her sharp tongue and wit, though Sebastian found this more amusing than infuriating, as the new girl was always happy to have a verbal duel with him.
During this time, Lily had become familiar with part of the young Masters family, his aunt Madam Red. She held a good rapport with the Madam, as she also enjoyed the wit of the ex-circus performer. She had also met Madam Red's Butler, Grell. Compared to Sebastian, he seemed utterly hopeless, on par with Mey-Rin, Finnian and Baldroy. Along with this was the young Masters associates, though she held little opinion of them.
One particular morning, Lily stood at the back of the manor, waiting to greet the cart which was bringing in the meats and new table cloths Sebastian had ordered for that evening's guest, along with the usual supplies.
"Morning Miss Lily," Jameson said merrily, his silently son nodding to her. She nodded, walking to them as he slowed the horses to a halt.
"Morning Jameson, Junior."
"Someone fancy coming for a meal, Miss Lily?" Jameson asked as the two got down. Lily merely shrugged, going to the back of the cart.
"I don't know, I don't ask, none of my business." She said, laying emphasis on the two words. Jameson and his son nodded.
"Understood Miss Lily…" He said, climbing up he passed the crates to his son, who carried them into the manor. He passed the materials to Lily, who rolled her eyes, carrying it in after Junior. After three trips between the cart and house, everything was unloaded.
"That'll be the usual Miss Lily,"
"Surely not Jameson, these meats are worth more than that…"
"Nah, I insist, no extra charge for them." He said, grinning at her, his son nodding.
"Well, thank you Jameson. Sebastian will arrange the funds to be transferred as usual. I will see you next week…" She said, a small smile on her lips.
"Oh, of course Miss Lily, good day…" He said, the pair leaving, the father seeming to drag his feet more.
"Poor fool," she said softly, going to secure the door, before getting to work, unloading the crates.
An hour later, Lily was preparing for whatever Sebastian would require for the young Masters breakfast, while also cleaning up after her and the others morning meal.
"Lilith," Sebastian said, appearing in the doorway, before making his way into the kitchen. She looked up, nodding to him.
"Morning Seb, is the Master awake yet?" She asked, walking over to the stove, picking up the large kettle.
"Not yet," he smirked slightly, she was always prepared for his morning trips to the kitchen.
"Course, what will this mornings options be?"
"I believe a lightly poached salmon with a mint salad, toast, scones and pan de cebada will be sufficient for today."
"Fair enough…" She said, going to fetch the salmon as Sebastian prepared the tea, "how are you Seb, sleep well?" She asked, her usual morning enquiry.
"I am very well, and yes, I did. Thank you, yourself Lilith?" He replied, smirking slightly, glancing at her.
"Likewise Seb, as always," she said, busily preparing the salmon.
"I think it may be best if you made breakfast today, Lilith, as Baldroy seems to be…"
"Absent?" She offered, nodding, "alright Seb…" She said, sweeping a piece of her hair out of her face. "Jameson insisted on charging the usual price for today's additions."
"I see, any particular reason for this generosity?"
"I think he likes me, but… I don't see him that way, deluded old thing." She said, as the two prepared their Masters breakfast.