WEEK 2 - CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

[maladied]

Let's retire in the countryside
Just as you wish it

Welcome to Hillbury

You come to in an intricately decorated dressing room. For those familiar with it, the style seems to be that of a Victorian manor house, and to those that aren't, even you can tell this is a stately room fit for the elite. In fact, you too, are decorated to match, fully dressed in luxurious suits or dresses, elegant and perfectly tailored, but still somewhat breezy and lightweight for the time period and class it belongs to. Looking outside, you get a view of a rolling and bright countryside. In the far distance, fields of crops and grazing cows can be barely spotted, but all of the nearby landmarks are elegant manors presumably similar to the one you stand in.

Comments

[rosietaintedglass]

You're well-informed, as expected. Any news on the other guests?

[maladied]

Oh, well if you'll beg my pardon, milord, I've heard nothing good about the Lord Barton from my associates. They say he's an old miser who cracks the whip over the minorest of grievances. But you didn't hear it from me.

[He seems quite excited to share gossip, actually.]

[rosietaintedglass]

Quite unfortunate when the older generation doesn't conduct themselves with the dignity befitting their age.

[There's a real sigh in his voice at this, honestly.

How old is the generation he's thinking of....... don't worry about it.]

But certainly, what's said in this carriage will stay here.

[maladied]

[He nods.]

I certainly don't want to run afoul of anyone. I have two little ones at home, y'see.

[rosietaintedglass]

Ah, then you're working hard for their sake. But hopefully, you can also see them often, or they'll be missing their father before long.

[maladied]

Of course, milord! My family's worked for the estate for four generations and you and yours have been very kind to me in return! Much better than some others in the area can say.

[rosietaintedglass]

It's good to hear that you're satisfied with our working relationship.

[At least for now, they seem to be working with a fairly frank footman; thank you to the mysterious force out there attempting to drag them to a high society party for the sudden tutorial--]

As for the others, they should know by now that treating one's employees well is the key to a well-run estate.

[maladied]

Too right you are. Though I've heard the hosts, the van Zieks family are kind employers as well. Seems they spend a lot of time lately at the country estate.

[rosietaintedglass]

Heartening to hear they seem to like our area, then. More competent local allies will benefit everyone here.

What is it that has drawn them, I wonder?

[maladied]

Word is that Lady Henrietta is in poor health. They're hoping that the country air will do her some good.

Given what I hear about London's air these days, I reckon it surely might!

[rosietaintedglass]

I wasn't aware she was doing so poorly -- I suppose she might not make the gathering today. We'll have to find an opportunity to convey our regards.

But being away from both the city air and water should indeed help.