The servants looked at each other, then at Wulf, who nodded reassuringly.  Jurgen was first to speak, his voice soft and carefully modulated, almost musical, though his accent was strange.  ‘I am honoured that my lord reposes such trust in me; I will endeavour to earn it.  At present all is well regarding the household finances and all matters relating to the administration of the estate.  There are some matters regarding the investment of monies which were sent ahead of you, but if you are content to leave that in my hands and my uncle’s, I do not believe there will be any difficulties arising from that.’<br/><br/>The stout steward’s brows were knotted, but it seemed not from anxiety but from the effort  of following the foreign speech of his new master.  His accent was far thicker and harder to follow than the clerk’s, but he spoke slowly enough to be understood.  ‘I speak not much the German, batyusha, forgive mistakes.  All is well in household, except one or two of servants not working hard - lazy.  This I will make better, with whip if need be.  The houseman - the one who looks after this house and all things in it, I do not know word - Master Wulf has dealt with already.  And all are clear that eyes stay on duties, and mouths stay shut.  But is one small thing.  It is customary here for priest to live in house of lord like you, and all persons go to services in manor chapel.  But staff are orthodox, and you are not, so they ask if they can go to church in town.  Will be only once a week,  and will come right back, excepting on holy days, which is days of not working.   If we buy slaves they will not go to church, so there will be workers for those days.  Master Wulf said not to buy till we ask you.’<br/>