<br/>"About how many people do you think are here currently?" I ask casually as I am led up the stairs "it doesn't seem like it would get many visitors. I thought I was lost for sure!"<br/><br/>I keep a close eye out for side passages that might be worth exploring later, or anything of obvious value along the walls. "maybe they went elsewhere - they're a flighty bunch." I say at the mention of my "friends" - I don't want to spend all weekend pretending to be awaiting non existent friends.<br/><br/>As we pull up to my room, I thank the maid, then carry on before she can leave.  "I'm sure I can have fun even if my friend *doesn't* show up. It must be a most interesting sort of people who come here" I add with a grin. In my experience, the help are often more tuned in than the masters of the house, and much happier to share what they know. I think about naming my friend "Brian"... a few stories of torrid weekends with single men can get some maids dropping every rumor they've ever heard in exchange for a few juicy tidbits. This lady looks a little too religious, though... I stick with "friends".<br/><br/>I like that I can roam as I like, whatever her response. Saves me from making up any more stories for the moment. I plan to do some roaming right after dinner.