It was a delicate situation, but the villagers' welcome seemed… well, it wasn't rejected. And the children at least were vocal in their enjoyment of the fruits and sweet buns and the roast and other foods that had been brought out. Unintelligible, but vocal, and their happiness and appreciation were evident whatever language they spoke. The men kept their distance, but they were polite and helpful, bringing what little the rescuees had, mostly clothing, into the manor. Maria, Katarina and Lady Cavendish directed them to the prepared rooms, trying to see everyone wasn't crowded. Some of the women were attached to some of the children, out of either an actual relationship or just protectiveness, and wished to sleep in the same room as them.
There was an early mid-day feast, with little conversation save for the bare few of the rescuees who could speak their tongue, such as the tall, blonde Varangian woman who Maria was surprised to find was actually younger than her, despite being tall enough to look down on most men. She had been hesitant and wary, and desperately, desperately hopeful that this was not just a dream of a false hope. Katarina was at her side instantly when she broke down crying, and the duke's daughter had smiled apologetically to the awkward-looking women, except for one old matron who had joined in the hugging, stroking the girl's long hair as if she were the woman's own child.
A lot of things had to be done, mostly explaining again and again where everything was, and by the time Lady Cavendish went to Maria asking if perhaps they should return to the Academy, the sun was low, and Maria judged that even if they left right then they would barely reach the Academy in time for curfew.
"The two of you had had best go without me," Maria said. "I need to stay and supervise."
"There is no need for you to supervise their sleep, Lady Maria," Lady Cavendish said, sounding mildly reproachful. "Can't your steward handle it? That's what they're there for."
"I don't have one," Maria said. "I saw no need."
Lady Cavendish gave her a very flat look. "You… saw no need. When you were absent from the academy to organize the transfer of more than forty people to your lands for them to live upon it. You saw no need for a steward to assist you in handling the details. "
"I was able to handle the arrangements," Maria said, trying not to sound defensive.
"At the expense of being absent," Lady Cavendish said. She didn't sound reproachful at all. That made it worse, somehow.
"That was unavoidable," Maria said, aware she was now sounding mildly defensive.
To her surprise, Lady Cavendish nodded. "Indeed. However, now that it's all over, you can implement your plans to allow you to take the onus of management out of your hands and return to the Academy."
"…"
Lady Cavendish gave her a disappointed look.
"Hey, are you two done?" Katarina said as she walked up to them with a smile.
Maria had never been more glad to see her.
Lady Cavendish nodded, still looking mildly disappointed. "Yes, I believe we are done." She turned and began to walk to the carriage.
"Well, come on Maria, you still owe me a bunch of cookies," Katarina chirped, not seeming to see Maria's flinch as she walked to follow Lady Cavendish.
For a moment, Maria just stood there, torn. She looked behind her, to where lights were starting to glow in the manor's windows. The candles had been a welcoming gift from the village chandler, and something Maria had also forgotten to provide. Smoke was rising from the dormitories chimneys and the manor kitchen as some female relatives helped the children's caretakers prepare food once more, as despite identifying people Maria, had not yet gotten to inquiring if they would be willing to work for her…
Someone grabbed her arm. "Come on Maria, don't just stand there, we need to get back before curfew!" Katarina said cheerfully, gently but insistently pulling her along. "We need to get back."
Maria was already halfway to the carriage before she thought of resisting, but Katarina seemed inexorably strong. Maria looked desperately over her shoulder to the dormitory where the children where waving goodbye, to the manor where some windows were open and people were looking out at her leaving… leaving them.
Failing them.
At the carriage, she tried to stop, to turn back as she met the steps inside, but Katarina's gentle push had a shocking strength behind it, and she found herself stumbling into the carriage.
"Oh, did you remember to hand in your assignments?" Katarina said. "Today's the last day of your excused absence, so you need to hand them in by tomorrow or else you fail."
Maria just stared at her.
Katarina patted her on the shoulder. "It's all right, I sometimes need to be reminded too."
Maria wasn't sure at what point of the carriage ride she fell asleep. When she woke up, Katarina was carrying her like a child through dormitory halls, and it was night beyond the windows.
"Mmmm…" Maria managed to make her mouth move.
"Oh! You're awake!" Katarina said, still sounding as cheerful as ever.
"What time is it… ?" Maria said, trying to sound awake.
"It's after dinner," Katarina said cheerfully. "You slept through it. I had Anne keep some food warm for you in your room."
"Can you… put me down?" Maria said, embarrassed.
"Nope!" Katarina said, still cheerful. "You obviously need sleep, so I'm carrying you to your room so you don't walk and can stay sleepy."
Maria blinked. That… did not sound like a Katarina-like idea. "Who told you to do that?" she said suspiciously.
"Why do you think someone had to tell me that?" Katarina said with a pout.
Maria gave her a level look… which turned out to be a mistake as her eyes started to droop again, and she jerked her head up straight, opening her eyes to wake up.
Even as she tried to gather a fountainhead of anger– well, it was Katarina, so at best it would be a warm kettle of annoyance–- they reached her room, which was open for some reason. Miss Shelley stood there, hands clasped as the aroma of food wafted out from her room. She bowed to Maria. "Lady Campbell," she said, sounding apologetic. "I hope you are satisfied with the selection of food I chose for you. I apologize for my intrusion into your space, but Lady Katarina ordered me to. Know that I touched nothing, and the food was placed on a table I had brought in."
Maria twitched, but before she could glare at Katarina, the latter dropped her feet, putting Maria on the ground. "Whew!" Katarina said, rotating her arms. "You're heavier than you look"
"Lady Katarina, you are never supposed to comment on someone's weight," Maria said from force of habit. "It's improper."
Katarina gave her a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I know it's all muscle," she said with a smile. "I mean, you weren't flabby at all when I was carrying you. You butt felt really tight!"
"Still doing it," Maria said flatly.
"Eh, heh heh…" Katarina scratched the back of her head bashfully. "Sorry."
Then, before Maria could pour out any of her half-full teapot, Katarina enfolded her in a hug. "Please don't be angry," Katarina said gently. "We were all just worried about you. When you're rested, you can undo everything we did, but for now, let us help."
Maria blinked. "What?" she said.
Katarina just smiled. "Rafael will explain." She turned Maria around and gently pushed her into her room.
Maria blinked. In the middle of the free space of her room was a small, round table containing plates of food. Three purple flame candles mounted on a candelabra gave her room it's only illumination.
Rafael stood on the opposite side of the table, looking as wonderful as ever.
"Are you allowed to be in a lady's room, former Head-Clerk?" Maria said, even as a tired smile came over her face.
"Well, your servants didn't stop me, so I assumed you left orders to let me in," Rafael said.
"I don't have any servants," Maria said.
Rafael nodded. "Yes. I heard it's something of a problem."
"I am coping with the situation," Maria said, knowing she sounded prim.
Rafael he nodded. "Yes, I'd heard. How are you keeping up with the paperwork, by the way?"
Maria looked aside.
There was a sound as Rafael stepped closer. "You could ask for help, you know. You don't need to do all this alone."
Maria shuffled nervously and frowned. "I did ask for help. Lady Cavendish and Lady Katarina were of great assistance."
"And they're your only friends?" Rafael said.
"I did not wish to inconvenience any more people than I had to," Maria said. "This was my responsibility."
"Speaking from experience, responsibilities, like vengeance, can be settled much faster when we ask our friends," Rafael said. "I've taken some time off from the Ministry. If you give me authorization, tomorrow I can go in your place to take care of hiring people for your estate to take care of your wards."
"I can't ask you to do that!"
"I know," Rafael said. "I'm asking you."
Maria stared at him.
"You are the strongest, bravest, smartest, kindest, most proper person I know," Rafael said. "I, and many other people, are all proud to know you and have you in our lives. You make us all want to try and be better. Not because we want to impress you. But because you make being better seems so easy. You're the woman who taught Katarina Claes some measure of propriety. Keith and his mother both wish they were you. I would literally not be who I am without you. Please let me help."
Sometime later, Rafael walked into Katarina Claes' room.
It was full. Most of the Student Council were gathered there, while in the next room Rafael could see Anne, and the rest of Katarina's servants, as well as other people who looked like servants as well, not actually in the same room as their betters but obviously listening.
For a moment, Rafael had a twinge as he remembered his own servants who had accompanied him from the Dieke estate when he'd gone to school here. They'd been kind people, for all that they were nervous a lot because they feared… that woman… but once here, they'd all relaxed. They been capable at their jobs, and his valet Ghirardelli had been the closest confidante he'd had growing up in that place. He felt guilty now for not having thought of them since he'd become part of the ministry. Were they all right?
Shaking away the guilt, he held up an envelope. "Maria's permission, as well as her notes on what needs to be done and possible hiring prospects," he said. "She's doing her schoolwork now to hand them in tomorrow, but I think she'll be fine. I made her tea. A lot of tea."
"Excellent," the Third Prince said, reaching to take it from him.
Rafael held on for just a moment, staring the prince in the eye. "If you do anything because you think it's funny…"
"Are you threatening a prince?" the Third Prince said.
"You'll have to explain why you did such a thing to Katarina," Rafael finished.
The Third Prince blinked. He glanced at his fiancée, who was looking concerned but clueless.
"A critical hit," the Third Prince conceded gracefully, "but you don't have to worry. I respect Lady Campbell too much to do anything to aggravate her unless she were in the bloom of health. Cadbury," he called, and one of the servants, wearing the dark suits of the palace servants who served the royal family and were probably some of the most dangerous fighters in all Sorcier, stepped into the room. "Take this and go to Lady Campbell's manor to begin enacting the plan. Master Smith–"
"Walt now, actually," Rafael said, smiling slightly. "I changed it back so no one would think I was related to the former-director."
"Ooh, good for you Rafael!" Katarina said.
"Master Walt, then," the Third Prince continued smoothly, "will be overseeing matters tomorrow, but everyone get a head start on it now. You might have to sleep in the carriages if there isn't enough space. Include buying the horses that Lady Dustiness recommended. Pay for it with my account, but have the receipts list the lowest amount estimate possible, so that Lady Campbell will not feel obligated to reimburse me full price. Investigate everyone in town in case we missed anyone affiliated with the Marchioness' activities, and arrange the hiring interviews. Someone with a good eye for people."
"I shall see to it myself, your highness," the servant said, accepting the authorization in Maria's name.
"Good man," the Third Prince said, with the sort of smug pride one gets at having clearly capable subordinates.
Not that everyone else's servants weren't any less willing. Poor Ginger Tucker had been the only one without servants to contribute to help with running Maria's estate for the next few days, and she looked extremely guilty about it until Katarina had hugged her in reassurance. Maria had more friends than she knew and they were all willing to help even if Maria was too… Maria to ask.
Lady Diana had been most insistent when she'd come back to the Student Council room from Maria's estate, even having them stop paperwork, as if seeing Maria on the razor's edge of exhaustion had been more than she could watch without doing anything. That was what had prompted them to call Rafael to make up a plan to convince her to let them help. It was a sign of how much the plan was necessary that Maria was sleeping in the room for the hours they had concocted the plan and didn't wake for any of it, even with some of the fierce arguing that had ensued before a determined Diana had shushed them.
"Sorry for making you all stay up tonight for this," Katarina said towards the servants in the next room, bowing her head in apology.
As most of the servants, who were all in the employ of members of the student council, looked shocked at a noble addressing them so, Anne and the rest of Katarina's servants simply sighed, looking embarrassed. "Lady Katarina, you shouldn't apologize to servants," Anne said. "It's most improper."
"But that's so rude!"
As friends exchanged looks that said 'Ah, Katarina', Sophia suddenly stood up and marched towards him, looking intent.
"Is something wrong, Lady Ascart?" Rafael said.
Sophia rolled her eyes at the formally, but pointed dramatically. "Why do you have bite marks on your earlobes?"
Rafael suddenly found himself the focus of attention again. "What bite marks?" he said innocently.
"The ones on your earlobes… and your neck… And you have sauce on your nose," Sophia said. "And the other side of your neck."
Rafael tried to look dignified as he wiped his nose, even as Katarina started to grin widely. "That isn't anyone business," he said blandly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go back to the Ministry and hope the new Director is willing to let me have the next few days off even after I interrupt his dinner."
Katarina began to squeal.
