Reaver's Servants

Breaking the Routine

"Froggy went a courting and he did ride…sword and pistol by his side…"

Miss Sarah often sang when she made breakfast. It was one of the things that made the mornings in Lakeview Manor complete. She wasn't much of a singer any other time. She couldn't explain it, but when she was alone in the mornings, fixing breakfast, she had a lyrical voice. In any other given situation, her singing sounded like a dog howling at the moon. She often believed it was because the peacefulness of the mornings or how happy cooking made her gave her the ability to sing.

"He rode 'till he came to Miss Mousie's door…where he had been many times before…"

Tapping her heels to make a tune as she beat some eggs in a bowl, Miss Sarah almost caught herself in a jig. The sun was shining in the foyer through the windows. Spring was upon the people of Albion and the birds outside seemed to sing along with Miss Sarah. It seemed that way when Barry came down the stairs to fetch Reaver's breakfast. Miss Sarah had left the doors to the kitchen open so she could get some of the sunlight from the foyer in the kitchen.

Barry stopped on the bottom step when he heard Miss Sarah hum. He closed his eyes and took in the smell of fresh toast and the sizzle of bacon frying. Something about spring made the house glisten, even when there was no sun out. Barry knew that soon the other servants would be down for breakfast and then Reaver would be up and about; after that, chores. He had very little time to see Miss Sarah in the mornings, but he cherished every second.

"Miss Mousie came a-trippin' down…in glass slippers an' a golden gown…"

Barry straightened himself up, checking himself in his reflection in one of the windows, and started for the kitchen. He tried to keep himself from doing a jig just as Miss Sarah kept singing.

"He took Miss Mouse upon his knee…and said, 'Miss Mouse, will you marry me?'"

Coughing softly, Barry got Miss Sarah's attention. Miss Sarah looked surprised and jumped a little. "Oh, Mr. Hatch! You scared me." She giggled as she finished mixing the eggs. "Mr. Reaver's breakfast will be on its way up soon. Some of the eggs spoiled because this new-fangled ice box Mr. Reaver bought needs to be fixed."

"I'll have a repairman in here this evening, Miss Sarah." Barry assured her as he sat on a tall stool on the other side of the cutting counter. Miss Sarah smiled and nodded her thank you and went back to making breakfast. Her humming made Barry smile. Everything about her made Barry smile, from her soft humming to the way she tapped her feet along to her own beat. It was like she came in with the spring and the sunshine just followed close behind.

Miss Sarah finished making breakfast and prepared her boss's plate. "Oh, I love spring." She sighed and placed the plate on the silver platter. "Mr. Hatch, did you know in a few short weeks it will be the one year anniversary of Mr. Reaver hiring us?"

Barry picked up the platter after Miss Sarah finished putting a pot of coffee and an empty cup with breakfast. Barry blinked and balanced the tray. "Oh, I didn't realize!" Barry shouted as Miss Sarah walked with him to the stairs. "I guess I've gotten so used to meeting you in the kitchen every morning and seeing everyone around during the day that I plum forgot. You all have made yourselves quite at home here, it seems like you have always been here."

Going up the stairs, Barry passed by the other servants as they made their rounds. Willa and Beryl were sweeping the dining room and Gordon passed by carrying his equipment. Reaver had recently purchased some new flower bushes and for the last few days, Gordon had been up to his ears in dirt, mulch, and flower pots. Willa and Beryl, having just a few weeks ago dodged the very worst of Reaver's moods with the marble tile incident, seemed to be happy falling back into good graces with their boss.

It seemed like every morning that Barry almost ran into Rosie when heading into Reaver's bedroom. It was Rosie's job to oversee Reaver's room which included waking Reaver up, doing his laundry, letting out the linens, making sure the room was tidy, and getting the cat ready in the morning. Rosie had a big basket of laundry in her arms, just barely missing Barry as she opened the door and left for the laundry room. Barry smiled at the routine and made his presence known. "Breakfast is here, Master Reaver." Barry announced.

Reaver waved his hand dismissively. Rosie had apparently already brought the paper up. Reaver muttered under his breath and turned the page. He glanced down at Reavie, who decided to join him on the bed this morning. She had her own bed in the corner of Reaver's room, but she enjoyed the rare moments Reaver let her on the bed with him.

"You'd think with all the time people waste complaining, they'd find a way to solve their own problems." Reaver muttered as he turned the page again. He rubbed Reavie behind her ears with his free hand and went back to reading the article. Barry only nodded and poured Reaver his coffee. Reavie jumped down as Barry set up the breakfast tray and placed it in his boss's lap. Reaver handed Barry the paper and began eating his breakfast. "Ahh, Miss Sarah did it again! Delicious as usual. What that woman lacks in singing ability she makes up for with this magic she produces. How is a woman like her not married?"

Barry swallowed deeply and took out Reaver's schedule book, opening it to that day. "Alright Master Reaver, you have a busy day. You're due at the factory this afternoon and you've got a few appointments with some investors after lunch. After that, there are some new inventions that need your approval down at one of the testing warehouses. Before I forget, what would you like me to tell Miss Sarah to make for supper?"

Taking his schedule book, Reaver laughed softly and closed it again. "You've always kept my schedule clutter free, Hatch. I commend you. How long have you been working for me? Much longer than the circus rejects, I know that. Years it seems now, Hatch, that I hired you and you've still kept me from falling over myself despite how many times I've…" Reaver cleared his throat and decided not to say anything more. The very thought of Reaver being anything but perfect was a sensitive issue for both master and servant. "Well, either way, I commend you, Hatch."

Deciding it was time for him to start his day, Reaver got up and stretched his legs as far as they would go. He scratched his side and waited for Barry to lay out his clothes. "You know, Master; in a few weeks it will be a year since the others came to work here." Barry mentioned as he brushed Reaver's coat with his hand.

"Well, I suppose you're right." Reaver picked up his schedule book and turned it to the very beginning. "Yes, I remember. I bought a new schedule book the day before they were hired. Well, I shall congratulate them later on not getting shot this long. I honestly think they've grown on me. I have a feeling they'll be here for a long, long time. Like you, Hatch."

Barry said nothing as Reaver got dressed. His thoughts went to what Reaver just said and started to wonder why it hit him so hard. Barry had been working for Reaver for years now. Every morning he woke Reaver up, helped him get dressed, kept his schedule, and took charge of the manor while he was away. Barry didn't mind routine. He loved it, actually. He'd prefer routine to countless surprises. But as he watched his boss finish dressing, Barry wondered if this was really what he was meant for.

Sighing softly, Barry followed Reaver out of the bedroom and toward the foyer. As per routine, the servants were waiting to see their boss off. "Hatch, I have a big job for you to do today while I'm out. I need you to not only pack at least three days' worth of clothing and have them ready for me, along with my carriage; I need you to arrange passage for me on the next train leaving Bowerstone for the mountains. I'll be leaving on a business related trip this evening. Can I trust you and the circus rejects not to burn down the house while I'm gone?"

"Yes, Master Reaver." The servants (including Barry) said in unison.

Reaver smiled and took a walking stick from the umbrella holder by the door. "Alright, my doves, you know the routine. Hatch is in charge while I'm gone. I want all of your chores done by the time I get back and I don't want you all slacking while I'm away on business. I'll only be gone for three days, so no wild parties…at least not until I get back." Reaver laughed.

When Reaver finally left, the servants departed to do their various chores. Miss Sarah stayed by Barry for a minute or so. "Well, I'd better start cleaning up the kitchen." She murmured softly. Miss Sarah made her way back to the kitchen slowly. Barry didn't take his eyes off her. He wanted to say something, but his mind kept going back to what Reaver had said earlier.

"What am I doing with my life?" he whispered as the doors to the kitchen shut softly. Miss Sarah kept the doors closed while she was cleaning so no one would bother her. She made exceptions for Barry and Reaver, but everyone else knew not to bother Miss Sarah while she was tending to the kitchen. Barry wondered if Miss Sarah noticed the routine as well. She probably did, seeing as she had her own routine and liked to stick to it. Any deviation from the routine made Miss Sarah anxious, though she usually got over it quickly.

Barry walked back upstairs, passing by Willa and Beryl as they straightened up the dining room. They said their hellos to Barry, but he didn't acknowledge them. When they left to clean the rest of the house, Barry sat in his chair at the dining room table and stared at the flower vase centerpiece. "I've been Reaver's assistant for years. Every morning I see that he gets up and every day I see that the manor is kept. I shoo away his one night stands and keep his schedule. He hasn't fired me, or killed me. Well, if I don't count the balverine incident. But why do I feel so…unfulfilled?"

After a minute of staring at the tablecloth, Barry found a glass of scotch being placed in front of him. He looked up and saw Gordon standing over him, filling another glass and then placing it beside Barry's. "Are you alright, Mr. Hatch?" he asked, placing the top back on the crystal scotch bottle and putting it on the table. "You look like you could use a drink. I doubt Mr. Reaver will notice if some of his scotch is missing. Between you and me; I take a few nips every now and then and he has yet to notice."

Gordon and Barry shared a chuckle. Barry invited Gordon to sit with him. "Your secret is safe with me. But if you want the good stuff, Reaver keeps it hidden in his bottom desk drawer." Barry smiled a bittersweet smile and just stared at the glass.

"I don't usually see you sitting here contemplating life, Mr. Hatch. Of course, with all the work Mr. Reaver has given me to do in the garden since spring started, I'm barely in the house at all." Gordon watched as Barry picked up the glass and took a quick swig. "I'm going to assume this is a problem not even Miss Sarah's wise words can solve."

Barry sighed and looked at Gordon. "Gordon, when you worked in the circus, did it make you happy?"

Gordon seemed taken aback by the question. "One doesn't climb high ledges, swing from great heights, or walk tightropes unless they find it enjoyable, Mr. Hatch." He chuckled. "But even when you love something, it can get tiresome. Sometimes even a new routine can't even keep your passion alive for something. Luckily the circus traveled a lot which gave me some down time to rethink everything and by the time we set up in a new town, I was feeling much better."

"I've been keeping Master Reaver's life on schedule for years. As much as one can, anyway." Barry sighed and leaned back. "But he is the Master of this house. I don't think I've ever been the master of my own domain, just the keeper."

Nodding, Gordon took a swig of his scotch and thought for a moment. "What did you do before you came into Mr. Reaver's service?" Gordon asked.

Barry shrugged. "Odd jobs, mostly. I was a boxer for a while. I would have made it to the big leagues if I hadn't been clocked in the head too many times. My right eye is still a little blurrier than the left. But that's not a life, Gordon. I felt it would eventually kill me so I decided to leave that world behind. I thought to myself, 'Hatch, find yourself a decent job and a wife and settle down.'" Barry took another quick swig. "I found my passion for accountancy being a city clerk's assistant out in Oakfield, but after a few scandals that I'm not at liberty to talk about, I'm no longer allowed within a mile of the town limits."

Gordon's eyes widened. He wanted to know more, but at the same time, he didn't. Barry finished his glass of looked up at the ceiling. "Like I'm the first man in a farming village to get drunk and ride a cow through the town hall wearing only their underpants and a milk bucket for a hat…"

Clearing his throat and desperately wanting the change the subject, Gordon poured Barry and himself some more scotch. Barry looked at Gordon with a sad look in his mismatched eyes. "Then after a few odd jobs, I found myself in Reaver's employ as his assistant/attendant and that's been my life ever since. I've been happy with it until recently…"

"It sounds like you're having something of an existential crisis." Gordon leaned back in his chair. "What do you think brought this about?"

"I know exactly was brought this about. This morning, Master Reaver said he believed you all will be here a long time. Just like me." Barry focused on his empty glass. "The pay is good and when you don't cross him, Master Reaver is a decent enough boss, but I just don't feel like it's for me anymore…" Barry got up and started to leave the dining room. "I'd better go pack Master's luggage before it gets too late…"

Gordon took the scotch glasses and took them to the kitchen. While he knew he and the other servants were fine with working for Reaver for a long time (considering the working conditions were somehow better than when they worked with the circus), Gordon knew an unfulfilled soul when he saw one. Miss Sarah, who was happy with her place in the kitchen among the food and cutlery, hummed her song as Gordon placed the glasses on the cutting table.

"Keeno Ki-mo Komo Key, way down yonder in a hollow tree,

An owl, a bat, an' a bumble bee,

King Kong Kitchie-Kitchie Ki-Me-O…"

Gordon smiled and leaned against the cut table. Miss Sarah turned around and greeted Gordon with a surprise. She laughed and smiled when she saw him. "Oh! Hello there, Gordon. How goes the gardening?" Miss Sarah asked, taking the glasses from the cutting table.

"It goes well. I just got done talking to Mr. Hatch. I'm a little concerned." Gordon got right to the point.

"Is he coming down with something? Should I make soup for lunch? I told him he needed to be careful around the beginning of spring, what with all that pollen flying around." Miss Sarah started for her good pot but felt Gordon's gaze stop her. "He's not sick, is he?" she asked sadly. "I've noticed his mind seems to be everywhere but his work lately."

Gordon nodded. "He's having one of those 'existential crises' and he's questioning whether or not he wants to keep working here with Mr. Reaver…or us."

Miss Sarah looked at Gordon like a deer caught in a bright light. "Is Mr. Hatch thinking about quitting?" she gasped softly. The very thought of not having Barry around to greet her in the mornings or having their tea together in the afternoons with the other servants made Miss Sarah's heart ache. Lately, Barry had been joining her on their weekly night off. He'd been brushing off playing poker in lieu of going with Miss Sarah to the bookstore or to the café or to her weekly "Hollows and Hobbes" meeting, or anywhere her little heart desired.

Waving the thought away, Gordon shook his head. "I don't think he's quitting, but I don't doubt the thought has crossed his mind. He said he feels unfulfilled. I think he's just been spending too much time in the manor lately. Spring is here; he should go outside and get some fresh air."

Miss Sarah thought for a minute and smiled brightly when an idea came to her. "I was going to go into town to run some errands, I'll ask him to come with me. I bet he'd like that and I'd enjoy the company. A little change in the routine can do wonders." Miss Sarah put down her cooking pot and walked out of the kitchen with a big smile.

She made her way upstairs and toward her boss's room. Miss Sarah saw the door ajar and knocked on it softly. Barry opened it slowly a welcomed Miss Sarah in. "Hello, Miss Sarah. I was just packing Master Reaver's luggage. He leaves tonight." Barry sighed and went back to what he was doing.

"Mr. Hatch, you seem a bit down lately. We've all been stuck inside this manor and now that spring is here it seems like a waste to just lie around while the sun is shining." Miss Sarah watched as Barry finished packing the last suitcase. "Mr. Hatch, I have some errands to run in Bowerstone, would you like to come with me?"

Barry shot up and looked at Miss Sarah with a smile. "I'd…" Barry cleared his throat and fixed his shirt. "I'd love to, Miss Sarah."

Miss Sarah gave Barry her sunniest smile. "Great! I'll go get my purse and I'll meet you downstairs in a few minutes."

Wasting no time, Barry left Reaver's room and ran to his own. After fixing himself up, Barry made his way downstairs and found Miss Sarah going over a list. She held a basket on her elbow that moved along with her arm as she pointed to things on her list. "Tomatoes, celery, onions, carrots, maybe a head of lettuce…" she murmured softly. Miss Sarah looked up and smiled when she saw Barry come down the stairs. "Ready to go, Mr. Hatch?" she asked.

"Ready when you are, Miss Sarah." Barry tried his hardest not to make a goofy smile as he walked over to the front doors and opened then. The spring day was as beautiful as they had hoped it would be. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. The sound of children laughing and playing by the lake was another indication of spring, though the water was still too cold for swimming. Barry was starting to feel better already, even though they had barely passed by the guard's hut on the hill.

Gordon stood by the front gate, watching the two. He wiped the sweat from his brow and made his way back to the garden. He found Rosie sitting on a stone bench, taking a break. All the laundry was hanging and now she was waiting for it to dry. "I saw you talking with Mr. Hatch earlier." Rosie mentioned as Gordon went back to planting the flower bushes. "I can feel sadness in him. He seems a bit out of sorts."

Gordon folded his arms and nodded. "He's having something of an existential crisis. I guess Miss Sarah figured a day out in the city would do him some good. I hope it does, I don't want him moping around the garden in a depressive state. They always come to the garden."

Rosie left the garden for a moment and went to the gate, as if being guided by something else entirely. She just stood there and watched as Barry and Miss Sarah disappeared from sight. Her eyes started to glow and her knees became weak. Rosie fell to the ground, grasping her head. Gordon, who had watched from the garden gate, ran to Rosie and helped her back up a when her eyes stopped glowing. Rosie moaned and rubbed her forehead. "That was a big prediction. I think I need to sit down…" she murmured softly.

"You haven't had a prediction in a while, at least not one that big. Are you alright?" Gordon asked, helping Rosie back to the garden.

Sitting down, Rosie rubbed her head. "I think…" Rosie shook her head and smiled at Gordon. "I've been practicing secretly every night before bed and I think I finally have them under control." Rosie smiled a small grin and rubbed her head. "I have to speak with Mr. Hatch when he gets back."

In Bowerstone

Miss Sarah seemed to be lost in her own tune, despite the sounds of spring around her. Music was often playing in Bowerstone, no matter what season it was. Spring time just meant more minstrels were dancing about, singing and trying to make easy coin.

"Without my Uncle Rat's consent…no, I would not marry the president…

Old Rat laughed 'til he shook his sides…to think Miss Mousie would be a bride…"

Barry sighed happily, despite how he was feeling earlier. He always felt at ease whenever he was around Miss Sarah. "What a beautiful day!" Miss Sarah exclaimed as they walked past the town gates. "The streets are filled with happy people and the day is ready to be seized!" Barry wasn't sure what made Miss Sarah so happy all the time. He wasn't complaining, of course. Her smile was a good distraction from his feelings of fulfillment that he'd be having lately. Spring time was a big season for Bowerstone, as well. The vendors had fresh wares and there was light music in the air.

Miss Sarah seemed a lot happier out in the town. "It's not that I don't like living at the manor, but I enjoy towns to such an isolated spot in the country." She mentioned as she pulled out her list. "Towns are filled with such interesting people, everything is close by, and you don't have to worry about ducks."

"Ducks?" Barry asked, wanting to know more.

"I don't like ducks." Miss Sarah said softly. "I don't mind seeing them in the water outside the manor or making them for dinner, but up close and alive…" Miss Sarah shivered a bit. "They scare me."

Barry chuckled and stayed close. "Don't worry, Miss Sarah; Barry Hatch will protect you from those ducks." He laughed. Miss Sarah smiled at his light teasing and looked at her list again. She led them toward a vegetable vendor. "Sometimes, right before the summer starts, swans will appear in the lake." Barry mentioned as Miss Sarah picked up a tomato.

"Swans I can handle." Miss Sarah squeezed a few tomatoes softly and placed them in her basket. Reaver usually gave Miss Sarah a very generous food budget to work with, but Miss Sarah still liked to look for sales at the stalls. If the need called for it, Miss Sarah would have certain foods (like meats, fish, and other foods you can't readily buy in the market) delivered to the manor, but she preferred to shop for the vegetables personally. At least until Gordon's garden started growing. "I wonder why there aren't that many farms out in Millfields." She wondered, paying the vendor for the veggies.

Barry folded his arms. "There used to be, until Master Reaver bought up a lot of the land out there. Property values skyrocketed when he had Lakeview built." Barry offered to carry Miss Sarah's basket while they continued to shop the stalls.

Miss Sarah nodded and walked over to a fruit vendor. "I'm thinking about making a strawberry cake tonight for dessert. I haven't had that in a long time. I bet Mr. Reaver would like it." Miss Sarah wandered toward the fruits and looked at each one discriminately. Her scrutiny when it came to the foods she cooked was legendary and even the faintest hint of a bruise would cause Miss Sarah to reject the food item in question. While the vendor's sign said "The Freshest Foods in Albion", Miss Sarah decided to take that challenge.

The people of Bowerstone seemed happy, at least to Barry. He heard Miss Sarah murmur about apples and how nice the blueberries looked, but his focus remained on the townsfolk. Everyone seemed so happy to just walk along the streets, stopping to browse the shops, and eat at the cafés. Barry started to look a little jealous.

"Mr. Hatch, I need the basket." Miss Sarah chirped. Barry shook himself from his day dream and gave the basket back to Miss Sarah. The basket was starting to get heavy, so Barry decided to carry it for a while as Miss Sarah shopped. Barry didn't know how Miss Sarah could be so happy. As if she could read his mind, she answered his question. "I know it seems trivial, but I find grocery shopping quite relaxing and therapeutic." She said after a long silence.

"You do this a lot, though. Hasn't it become routine?" Barry asked.

Miss Sarah nodded. "Yes, it has. But routine isn't bad. I enjoy the routine we have around the manor. In a home that big with a boss that specific, routine is good to have." Miss Sarah smiled and led Barry toward a fabric stall. "Rosie has to mend some of Mr. Reaver's clothes and I told her I'd pick up some fabric and thread today. He likes silk, but between you and me, the regular cotton fabric works much better. It's a lot more durable and a better fabric for the hotter weather. She's been using it for months and so far, Mr. Reaver hasn't noticed."

Barry started chuckling. "You all have found ways around that manor, haven't you?" he asked with a laugh. Miss Sarah nodded happily and put her index finger to her lips with a wink. Barry got the idea quickly and made a zipping motion with his fingers over his mouth. "I'm afraid to ask what else you all get away with around there." He laughed. Barry felt his stomach rumble and he rubbed it softly. "Are you hungry, Miss Sarah?"

Miss Sarah nodded. "We can get something to eat after I pick up some fabric. I have a dress design I'm working on in my spare time and I need from more fabric as well."

After Miss Sarah bought her fabric, she and Barry found their way to another food vendor. This one sold sandwiches. After getting their lunch, Barry and Miss Sarah sat on a bench and ate together happily. Even eating simple sandwiches made Miss Sarah happy. She hummed softly and tapped her foot to the beat of a nearby traveling band. Someone was gearing up their fiddle to play, and a drum was being tuned. Miss Sarah tapped her foot along with the drum.

"Oh, what would the wedding supper be?

Two butter beans and a black-eyed pea…

What more would the wedding supper be?

Buttercups and dewdrop tea…"

"Miss Sarah, can I ask you something?" Barry asked, putting his sandwich down. Miss Sarah stopping humming her song and nodded while biting into her sandwich. "Lately, I've felt like I'm in a rut of some kind. I used to get such joy out of my job but it wasn't until this morning that I realized…"

Miss Sarah looked at Barry inquisitively. "…that you're not happy?" she asked. Barry nodded, looking guilty. "Mr. Hatch, everyone gets into these ruts every now and then. Even I do. Sometimes, you just need to mix it up a bit. For example, I used chili powder in that tomato soup Mr. Reaver had for supper the other day. Not much, just enough to give it a nice bit of zing. He seemed to like it and I found a new way to make tomato soup."

Biting into her sandwich, Miss Sarah saw Barry just stare at her. "Granted, it was a little change, but still it's something."

"This morning, Master Reaver said he believes we'll all be at the manor forever. It got me thinking…maybe I don't want to be there forever." Barry sighed and sat back, no longer wanting his sandwich. "I've planned his days for years and I used to get joy from it. But now, I feel like I'm falling into the inevitable."

Hearing Barry sigh made Miss Sarah sad. "Maybe you've grown so used to being a part of someone else's routine, that it's become your own."

Barry's eyes widened. "You think I've become so used to planning out Master Reaver's days and nights that I've become a part of his routine and I don't have my own?" he asked.

Miss Sarah shrugged. "I guess for lack of a better way of saying it, yes. Mr. Hatch, when was the last time you planned something for yourself? Have you ever sat down and plotted out your own day without Mr. Reaver or someone else in mind? When was the last time you told yourself you were going to read a book or have tea in the garden or go for a swim in the lake without having to see if it was alright with Mr. Reaver first? In the short time we've been working together, you've kept the manor on a strict schedule but I don't think I've actually seen you do something for yourself. It seems even those poker nights on our nights off are scheduled. Breaking from routine can be scary, I know. But sometimes, whether we want to or not, we have to take off our shoes and walk barefoot. What I mean to say is: we can spend the rest of our lives doing what others tell us and going by their time clocks, or we can throw caution to the wind and take time into our own hands. I'm sorry if that sounded harsh, Mr. Hatch."

Shaking his head, Barry finally felt something hit him. "No, it's exactly what I needed to hear, Miss Sarah. I know what I need to do."

Miss Sarah was starting to regret giving Barry that advice. She knew it wouldn't be fair to give him bad advice. "Are you going to quit, Mr. Hatch?" Miss Sarah asked sadly. Barry just stared at Miss Sarah; he didn't know the answer himself. Miss Sarah sighed and placed her hands on her lap. "I think we'd all be sad to see you go, Mr. Hatch." She chirped, trying to hide her blushing cheeks. "I know I would hate to see you leave. I enjoy our morning talks when you come into the kitchen to get Mr. Reaver's breakfast and I know the others appreciate your help when it comes to dealing with Mr. Reaver."

Barry seemed taken aback when Miss Sarah put her hand on his gently. "You'd be missed, Mr. Hatch." She chirped. Barry blushed and smiled softly. Miss Sarah scooted closer to Barry, ignoring her basket and her sandwich. Barry and Miss Sarah brought their faces closer to each other, their foreheads touching. Miss Sarah blushed softly, and Barry returned it with his own blushing.

Before either could go any further, the sound of children cheering and a loud horn surprised them both. Miss Sarah jumped and nearly fell off the bench. Barry grabbed his heart and breathed heavily. Barry growled at the minstrels, playing their lutes and violins as the children danced to the beat of the drum. Miss Sarah struggled to get back up on the bench and fixed herself up. After she shook her dizziness away, she smiled wide at the dancing children. "Mr. Hatch, come dance with me!" she shouted happily.

"You go on ahead, Miss Sarah. I need to get my heart beating regular again…" Barry laughed. Miss Sarah left Barry with her purchases and skipped over to the dancing group.

He wondered how she could be so happy. Every time he saw her, she had a smile on her face. Miss Sarah just seemed to light up a room no matter what. Even when she was mad (which happened more often than one would guess), Miss Sarah still somehow saw the bright side of things. Even their boss's perverted antics or pranks by the other servants didn't seem to upset Miss Sarah much. A frown never lasted long on Miss Sarah's face before she would start laughing with everyone else.

"First came in was a silver moth…spread her wings for a table cloth.

Next came in was a bumble bee…played a little banjo on her knee.

Next came in was the old grey goose…picked up his fiddle and he cut loose!

Next came in were two little ants…they stood up and had a dance!"

Miss Sarah danced happily with the children in the square. While most of the adults stared and even clapped her on, Barry started thinking. Miss Sarah did have a point earlier. Barry gathered up Miss Sarah's purchases and stood up. He had a feeling the song was ending, so he decided to wait for Miss Sarah. As he waited, something in a nearby shop window caught his eye. Something about this particular item seemed to be calling to Barry. Before he could move any closer, Miss Sarah grabbed his arm.

"It's getting late, Mr. Hatch." Miss Sarah chirped softly. Barry nodded and walked with Miss Sarah toward the bridge. He kept looking back, trying not to show Miss Sarah that he was distracted. Barry kept both eyes on Miss Sarah as they left Bowerstone to the music of the minstrels.

Back at Lakeview

"Oh what a feast, what a wedding day…

They left for the honeymoon right away…

Now they live in a hollow tree…

Where they have good health and children three!"

Miss Sarah chopped her veggies to the tune as the other servants got the dining room ready. Noting that Barry was in better spirits, Gordon felt a wave of relief come over him when he saw Barry's smile. It even persisted when Reaver came home later that night, announcing that his business trip had been called off. While this didn't surprise most of the servants (they had just heard about it that morning), Barry was the one who had to unpack Reaver's luggage. Dinner that night was some kind of elaborate fruit and veggie salad requested by Reaver.

Barry always ate dinner with Reaver. It was something they always did. Reaver would go on about his day and Barry would pretend to listen. As Reaver rambled on about how his investors were idiots and the likelihood of a guard coming by to question him about the shooting of a potential business partner among the evening's events, Barry just picked at his food.

Barry's mind went back to Gordon's advice as well as Miss Sarah's. Mostly Miss Sarah's, though. The thought of his own routine seemed exciting, but he didn't let anyone else know that.

After dinner, Reaver decided to take his dessert outside, so he could enjoy the night air. When it was time to clear the table, Barry found himself alone again. He took the dishes to the kitchen, though he found Miss Sarah oddly absent. He guessed she was outside with Reaver and the other servants, serving tea and dessert. Barry didn't think too much of it and started for the foyer. He stopped just at the doorway and found Rosie standing in the middle of the foyer.

"Oh, Hello there, Rosie. How are you doing?" Barry asked.

Rosie said nothing. She walked up to him and gave him a piece of paper. "Mr. Hatch…" she said after a long silence. "…I had a prediction today and it involves you and Miss Sarah. Please, whatever you do, don't let Miss Sarah or anyone else see that. My predictions always made her nervous, even good ones. You're good at handling things around here, so I trust you with this. Be mindful, though. Now that you know what will come, you have a greater chance of changing it. I suggest going against Gordon and Miss Sarah's advice when it comes to this."

With that, Rosie walked away without another word. Barry opened the piece of paper and read it. His eyes widened and he ran to the front door, which was open. Barry stood in the doorway and read the piece of paper again. He smiled and looked up at Miss Sarah, who was serving tea. He smiled at the very last line and read it to himself.

"…you will both be happy…"

The Next Day, In Bowerstone

Through the window of a particular store, if one looked over the shiny bobbles and other glistening items, one could see the clerk at the register nodding to a request being made. The lady had a big smile and confirmed everything with her customer. After gold exchanged hands and the final confirmation was made, the lady told her customer that she will send him a notice when his specific order was done and ready to be picked up. She bowed as he left and thanked him for his service. The bell over the door rang as the customer left.

Barry folded up the receipt and placed it in his jacket pocket. Though it cost most of his savings, he had decided that his new "routine" would start this day. He marched away from the store with a smile on his face and a skip in his step as he made his way back to Millfields.

He had a lot to get done, but Barry didn't look worried. He whistled as he took out his schedule book and flipped a few pages. Barry took out his pen and circled a specific date. He put both his schedule book and pen away as he made his way across the bridge. Barry had a lot of planning to do.

"Keeno Ki-mo Komo Key, way down yonder in a hollow tree,

An owl, a bat, an' a bumble bee,

King Kong Kitchie-Kitchie Ki-Me-O…"

N'cha, my beloveds!

Since I'm pretty sleep deprived, I'm going to keep this short. I did a lot of overtime to get this out on time but I hope to all get out that it doesn't seem rushed. If it does, let me know and I'll work my magical Luna Peachie powers to make it all better, okie?

Haha…oh, I haven't slept in like two days…

But on a nicer note, I'm feeling a lot better now that my stories are updating again. I feel pretty damn good considering. I feel like I projected a lot of my feelings from my hiatus into this chapter, what with falling into a creative rut and my personal life coming to a screeching halt. I feel a lot better now, but the rut lingers, you know? I'm glad to be back, actually. Not posting on left me with a weird empty feeling. I felt like I was letting you guys down. But I hope my newest updates will make up for that.

The song I used in this chapter is called "Froggy Went A-Courtin'" and it's a pretty old folk song that I enjoyed as a kid. It's been covered many times, but I used the Elizabeth Mitchell version because it's simpler and has a happier ending. Look it up on YouTube. You'll be tapping your feet to it.

Oh! Before I continue, I'd like to thank someone very special. On deviantArt, there is an artist going by the name of robowarrior01908. She's been nice enough to do some art of my characters, mostly Miss Sarah, and they are just so freakin' adorable! I also think she's psychic, because she's somehow predicted what is going to happen in the next chapter. But I'll get to that in a minute.

So, this chapter marks the beginning of the end. Not the literal end, my doves! Well, the end of the story, anyway. It's still a few chapters off, but I have a lot of fun stuff planned for you guys before I send my very first fan fic off to pasture. So, what did Rosie write down? What does Barry have planned? You'll have to keep reading to find out!

Next Chapter: A lot of stuff is happening in this upcoming chapter. Visiting family and a full moon keep the servants and their boss on their toes as a legend comes back to wreak havoc on Millfields once again. Hilarity will ensue.

Let me know how I did in the review thingy and keep this story going!

Read, review, and be merry my doves!

Reaver and Barry Hatch belong to Lionhead.