The Duke's Bride

[Lance Roidmet]

"Just writing a letter for my uncle. I need to update him on all that's happened, despite his being in the King's keeping," meaning his dungeons, "he's been allowed to write to me and I him. It's been... challenging trying to figure out how to explain our agreement."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I'm sorry he's been unjustly kept. If you'd like I can partition for his release. However it is our arrangement that brings me here today. Duke Amell is getting married next week and I need to attend. If you wish to attend I would like your company but if you're not ready for it I will take Sir Wild and Master Garrett with me." I say gently

[Lance Roidmet]

Lance looks down at his paper in thought. "Would you... prefer I attend?"

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"It would look better, but if you're not up to it I will make it work" I say smiling

[Lance Roidmet]

"You need all the support of a husband you can get, don't you? I'll go. But I will only attend the ceremony, I do not feel ready for a reception."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Thank you. Speaking of weddings I will keep our small, but we will need to have a few guests. Is there anyone you want me to leave off the list? Don't worry I will take care of most of it"

[Lance Roidmet]

"Small is good. We don't have many extended relatives -- I believe mother has an older sister but I do not recall what happened to her. She must be wed by now." 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I'll look into it." I say "is there anything else I can do for you?" I ask gently

[Lance Roidmet]

Lance looks out the window. "Just bring the murderer to justice, like you promised."

[Doctor jones]

It's been a week since my first visit to Redmant castle. I had expected to be called out sooner given the poison I'd given her... still to my shock I found that the duke is in fact still alive! My lord will hate this news. The butler is healing on schedule and while their one of the maids asked for a calming drought so it's not as roses as they are making it. If the countess is so on end fe as to send her maid to me for a calming drought then soon she will find the dukes madness unbearable and do what needs done

[Siegfried]

"Am I able to do the dusting," urges Siegfried. Sitting around letting his leg mend still makes the lad anxious, the more so as Elaine keeps hiring more help and needing Siegfried less and less. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Seigfried you still need to keep off it but I have something I need your help with." I bring him into my study where there is a stack of parchment and a few small books. "Seigfried, you know that in three months I'm leaving. Wither you stay her or come with me you will need to improve your education and now is a good time to do so. I would like you to be my chief steward but to do so you need to read and write better." I say gently

[Siegfried]

"I can write my name and read the grocer's bill," he points out, frowning a little. And to his credit, he can, though he reads the bill aloud in order to hear the words pronounced and understand them -- a sign of a poor reader. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I know you CAN read and write but it never hurts to practice and this way you can teach the new staff."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I Tupelo hop seigfried knows I'm doing this to help him. If he chooses to stay behind he will be in charge of a new staff and effectively the head of house under myself and lance, and should he go with me I will need his perspective to help me with reforms in the laws and an education is I April end for that too