She took a bite of the roll, while Mary answered her.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Yes, -those- Parkinsons... </span>The Viscount and his wife were the sort who generally kept their eyes open, their mouths closed. And who were somewhat known for befriending higher ranking peers.  At least, Lorna had heard them spoken of in that regard.   Enough so to suppose that it described a legitimate tendency of theirs.<br/><br/>And had their daughter learned from them?<br/><br/>She met the intelligent seeming eyes again, and speculated.  It might be mildly interesting to find out.<span style="font-style: italic">And, perhaps mildly useful, as well.</span><br/><br/>She nodded in response to Mary's last statement, and after swallowing her food, supplied:<br/><br/>"I've heard of your parents. And that's wonderful.  I am rather sure that you will prosper, here.  Greenmoor is a very special place, a blessed place.  His majesty keeps and maintains a most splendid court."<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">His majesty... </span>Once, not so very long ago, she'd been on a name basis with him.  But now, it was<span style="font-style: italic">'yes, your majesty,' 'aye, my lord,'</span>and<span style="font-style: italic">'of course, my king.' </span>Just like any other subject of his realm.   How swiftly and utterly things did change, sometimes.<br/><br/>But that wasn't a new lesson.  It was one that she'd already learned, most thoroughly, in childhood.   She smiled at this new acquaintance.<br/><br/>"The new year is nearly upon us.   You will soon experience Greenmoor at its very best."