MRS HEMLOCK, HOUSEKEEPER - DRAWING ROOM<br/><br/>The new girl was bundled away by a footman, her protests being quite ignored by everyone. Silly girl, she had no idea that life here could be really rather comfortable; a good bed, hot meals, regular baths and only a little bit of exercise, nothing too strenuous. And of course some rather pleasant things happened too, if you didn't mind those who gave you those pleasures not asking your permission first. Give her a week and she'd realise how much better off she was here than grubbing a living in some noisy factory or whoring her body for sixpence at the docks.<br/><br/>Her Ladyship then came in, looking quite the elegant darling of charm as she so easily manages to do. Despite the positions I have so many times seen her contorted into and heard the noises she makes<em>in extremis</em>she still manages in the cool light of day to act the lady.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"I was wishing to enquire if either of you had seen my dear husband yet this day?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>As a servant it was not my place to speak when Master Alistair was present but in the event he was unaware of his father's whereabouts I made a small cough and spoke up.<br/><br/><strong>"His Lordship is in the study your Ladyship,"</strong>I said,<strong>"I believe he is reading the mail. Shall I escort you down to speak with him?"</strong>with the word 'escort' I applied a little emphasis and let my had rest fleetingly against 'Martha's Tongue'. Perhaps Madam would like a little taste of the belt across her rump on the way down? A gentle reminder of the status of things is always a good idea where those who submit need to be reminded of the fact.<br/><br/>Countess Ebberly then arrived, and though I nodded politely to her I did not address her since she had not addressed me. Emma went to get some water and I made to withdraw if I was no longer needed.