<div align="center"><strong>Lady Constance Henshaw<br/>Preparing the House for the arrival of the guests<br/>With Maids Chloe &amp; Ethel</strong></div><br/>Lady Constance Henshaw moved through the house with the two maids who were on duty for the weekend following her.  Ethel always volunteered, Chloe, well she was paying off a debt to the family so to speak.  Chloe and Ethel were both begin given their orders for the evening, their outfits ready for them in their rooms in the servants wing.  The guests were due in the next hour and Connie wanted to make sure that everything was prepared.<br/><br/>“Make sure that every bed has a bed warmer in it, even though it is summer the beds will still be cold. I want everything perfect tonight.” She told them, her voice letting them know she would not tolerate any problems or mishaps.  This evening was the start of the weekend, everything had to run exactly as the Lord had planned.<br/><br/>The bedrooms had all been aired, beds changed, fresh towels and toiletries in every bathroom.  The house had been dusted from head to toe.  The silver and brasses all polished.  Everything looked fresh, clean and shining.<br/><br/>In the kitchens cook was busy preparing the food.  The menu had stretched them, she had been like a fiend, barking orders at the scullery maids, making sure everything was prepared.  The menu was sumptuous, and the two maids who would be serving it, (literally) had been prepared in their role.<br/><br/>“Now you both know what to do this evening.  The feast will begin at 8 o'clock.  You are both to be washed and clean shaven, laying on the table.  Mrs. James (the cook) will be laying the food out on you both.  There is to be no talking tonight, and remember you will be available for the guests to touch.  I do not wish to hear any sounds of protest or refusal.  If I do you will both receive punishment from his Lordship in front of our guests.” She was stern as she looked at the girls, her eyes going from Chloe to Ethel.<br/><br/>Ethel bobbed a curtsey, “yes Ma'am, we understand, I'll keep an eye on Chloe here as this is her first weekend party” the older maid said, already feeling her excitement bubbling in her belly.<br/><br/>“I know I can rely on you Ethel” Lady Henshaw said, “Make sure my children are ready, I want everyone downstairs to greet the guests.  His Lordship will give the welcome speech over dinner.  Ethel, after dinner, the gentlemen will probably take cigars and brandy in the drawing room, make sure they have<em>everything</em>they need” she told her, knowing the maids would have a busy night tonight.<br/><br/>Ethel curtsied again, glancing at Chloe, the younger maid was in for an eye opening evening.<br/><br/>Connie waved the girls away, “make sure you are on your best behaviour” she warned, knowing Ethel would watch Chloe closely.<br/><br/>Walking into the Library she made sure everything was ready.  The crystal decanters had been filled with the best brandy and port. In the drawing room there would be the best cigars and whiskey.  The weekend was to be the best yet.  Tonight would involve the feast, then the after dinner entertainment. She knew the first night was always fairly quiet compared to the rest of the weekend.  The perfect way to start a weekend that would hopefully be what everyone needed.<br/><br/>Leaving the Library she headed towards her husband's, his Lordship's study.  She knocked on the door and then stepped in, smiling at the man at the desk.<br/><br/>“Everything is ready my Lord, “ she said softly, “did you wish to inspect the rooms?” she asked him, knowing that he had the final say on if everything was ready or not.<br/><br/>