Pool had taken out a small notepad, upon which he began writing Henry's food choices; he repeated some of the items, "yes, yes the bread with raisins, cheese, eggs, a cake of some sort, picnic items, yes that sounds quite doable. ?Sounds as if lunch¡ Will be in order tomorrow, as opposed to breakfast," he made his assessment before turning to acknowledge Renas gratitude. ?"you are indeed most welcome, Lady Rena," his tone and expression matched one another in sincerity. ?"Mary and I have served the doctor for quite a number of years, and it is so refreshing for both of us to see how happy he has become, now that you are here. ?Please allow me to assure you that you are a welcome addition to this household, most welcome." ?When Rena wished Pool A good night and told him to rest well, a slight frown touched Mary's lips as she threw a questioning ?glance at the mistress, a glance which seemed to mutely inquire, what about me? ?"A very pleasant night to you as well, mistress Rena, Dr. Henry, enjoy your food; we will trouble you know further until you ring for us¡ Whenever that maybe." ?He gave a deep bow to Rena, then to Dr. Henry, always being careful to speak to the one who offered whatever kindness or favor was being granted first, while not leaving out the other person of the couple. ?He gave Mary a stern look, hoping to remind her to bow as well; "what? Oh¡ Yes," this time, she remembered to bow to lady Rena first, but her bow was grudging, to say the least, she then turned, smiled and bowed deeply to the doctor, Then turned back to Reena and stated, "i'll bring those clothing articles to you tomorrow, after you have rung for us, as I do not wish to awaken you before you're ready to awaken." ?She had to admit to herself that, this was rather sneaky, but she hoped the mistress would agree to it, as it would give her¡ The opportunity to sleep in as well, while appearing on the surface as if she were truly concerned about not awakening them. ?Sensing the unspoken tension between the two women, Pool gave Mary a look of consternation, which silently said that she should be ashamed of herself. She responded to him with a questioning look. He stood there, blushing with shame on Mary's behalf, and would await responses from either of the couple before stating hurriedly, "my sincerest apologies to both of you, master and mistress, it appears¡ I may not have instructed her thoroughly enough, a very pleasant night indeed to the both of you, come along, Mary." ? The truth was that¡ He had¡ Instructed her quite thoroughly, but since he was far older than she was, he felt it was his responsibility to absorb any blame that might be otherwise cast upon her, feeling somehow responsible for her apparent lack of training and impulsive actions. ?"well really! ?This is quite, unnecessary," Mary protested, but Pool looped his arm around hers, and dragged her out with him. ?The couple would hear the fading argument, they would hear Mary demand, "what the Blazes are you doing!" ?"isn't that obvious," Pool retorted, his tone perturbed, "I am attempting to save you from further embarrassment and humiliation in the presence of Dr. Henry, and the lady Rena." ?"what does it matter? What do you care," Mary demanded, "you¡ Get the privilege of sleeping in tomorrow morning, while I¡ Have been set the annoying task of sorting and bringing clothing to the good lady," The last two words of her statement were blades of biting sarcasm. ?"I say indeed, Pool, I do believe she fancies you, at least to an extent, perhaps meaning to keep you waiting, just in case she and the doctor do not work out." ?The Butler's eyes widened with surprise, rubbish! ?Lady Rena extended the same kindness to you as she did to me."" ?"and then she took it away," mary's tone was petulant. Pool replied with that same patient tone, the one she had heard him use so much with her, the one which, while relieving her that she was not to be scolded, irritated her for making her feel like a child; "dear girl, she revoked her kindness toward you at this time, because you¡ Forgot one of the main points of etiquette." ?He ?motioned for her to sit ?on the couch, and she complied as he continued,"now Mary, you know full well, do you not? That when we are serving more than one person, and one of the persons extends a kindness to us, or pays us a complement, we must always¡ Without exception, acknowledge and show gratitude to the one who extended the kindness first. This means that, while you definitely odd not to have neglected the doctor, you ought to have shown your gratitude to lady Rena, first, furthermore," he continued, " I fear that you're open display of appreciation, yes and even affection toward the doctor¡ Is presenting a certain measure of discomfort to the lady Rena." ?"do you think she's jealous?" ?Mary's eyes widened with surprise, showing the certain amount of joy which she was taking in the whole ordeal. ?Pool actually gave her a sympathetic look, as if to say¡ Poor girl. ?"hardly, she has nothing of which to be jealous if you'll pardon my saying so." ?Mary's words were sharp daggers of emphasis, "I will not¡ Pardon you're saying so, what a dirty, unreasonable thing to say." ?She lowered her head into her hands, and began to cry. ?Pool gave a deep sigh of resignation, with only a thin veneer of sympathy and patients preventing him from completely exploding at Mary, he half commanded, half pleaded, "to bed with you, girl, to bed with you; the hour is late, we both need sleep, and I am certain that in the morning, after you are well rested, you will see the folly of your actions this night, and fully repent to the lady Rena concerning them." ?Before she could argue, he waved a dismissive hand toward her, he had walked with her to the door of her room, "good, night, Mary! May you rest well, and show a far better disposition tomorrow then you are at present!" ?After opening the door of her room for her, he decisively turned away toward his own room, showing that he had had more than his share of dealings with the young servant girl for the present evening. ? ? ?
Kat