EMMA BROWN, MAID<br/><br/>(http://www.animenfo.com/image/anime_1690.jpg)<br/><br/>George, one of the footmen and I were on duty waiting inside the main entrance. I had seen the altercation between the housekeeper and the other footmen over the snow covered holly boughs but kept silent. It was best to do so when Mrs Hemlock's voice was raised. Soon the issue was resolved and a quiet time passed, only the relaxing low clunking of the grandfather clock in the hallway measured my shift out in heavy seconds.<br/><br/>There came the crunching of iron-tyres of a carriage on the gravelled driveway. The snow had been swept by the groundsmen last night and again this morning but it was beginning to settle again. George opened the door and stepped out to open the carriage door also. I waited on the step and curtsied as none other than Countess Ebberly alighted.<br/><br/>George busied himself with taking down the Countess' bags and then waiting discreetly so that she might enter the house first. I smiled politely and gestured for her to enter.<br/><br/><strong>"Good afternoon, Ma'am, please... this way."</strong>I followed the lady in and took her coat and gloves and wrap.<br/><br/><strong>"Welcome to Forest Keep, Ma'am. His Lordship has given you the white bedroom again. Your bags will be taken up. Master Alistair is in the drawing room if you would wish to speak with him."</strong><br/><br/>Presuming that this would be satisfactory, I led the way upstairs and through the warmly lit great gallery past the crackling log fire to the drawing room and knocking discreetly, opened the door to show the Countess in. To my surprise Her Ladyship was also present as was the housekeeper.<br/><br/>I curtsied to the two family members,<strong>"Your Lordship, your Ladyship, Countess Ebberly."</strong>Following my brief announcement I waited just inside the door in case I was needed.