<div style="text-align: justify;">Mary nodded when Lorna said she missed her own family. She had no idea of the exact circumstances in her new mistress’ family, naturally. Yet, she knew that whatever they were, she would have said the same words. This was how well-bred ladies behaved, after all. “I shall keep you company when you feel lonely, my lady”, she promised softly.<br/><br/>Naturally, for Mary, family was a much closer and important concept than it was to Lorna. She had seen her parents - her cunning mother especially - as her north from an early age. Away from the woman, Mary had to admit she felt slightly lost every now and then. She knew what she wanted, and where she aimed to reach - as high as possible for her station. But the details had always been worked out by her mother. Mary wondered if her relationship with Lorna could be mutually beneficial in that sense. She had, after all, managed to reach the King’s favors, and would probably still have them if it wasn’t for the Queen. Mary, naturally, didn’t have any intention to try for the King. She planned to aim a little lower, but still high.<br/><br/>Mary noticed that her mistress was considering her. She did the same, silently analyzing her reactions. And learning quietly from her mistakes. She had to be very careful as to not see herself disgraced. And of course, she had no interest in being anyone’s mistress. She wanted to play her cards right and become a wife above her station.<br/><br/>“I thank you for the kind words, my lady”, Mary replied humbly to Lorna’s words. She nodded when the woman said she would dine and return to her assignment. “Yes, my lady”, she agreed. The woman would stand quietly at Lorna’s side and wait for her to finish her meal before picking everything up. Executing a courtesy, she excused herself and left, closing the door without making much noise. There was much to think about regarding her new mistress and how she could be placed in Mary’s plans.</div>