Making his list and checking it seven times twice

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

Pryce has systematically been conducting inventory of the linens, china, crystal and silver since he was promoted from First Footman to Butler. He began with the linens, white damask, crisply starched, followed by the china (12 patterns), moved on to the crystal (Waterford, naturally) and today at last finally sits down with the silver. The strains of Mozart's Symphony #40 drift through the air thanks to the record player perched atop the upper cabinets. He's made the count, separated serving and eating utensils, lined them up by length (longest first) on the old farmer's table in the kitchens, has a goodly supply of silver polish and soft clean rags at hand and finally has donned white cotton gloves to begin his work in earnest.

No fires to put out. No last-minute surprises. No one to bother him, just the butler and his routines.

[Tag for Gideon, please?]

Comments

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

"Would the kitchen be too much trouble?" He is working hard there, after all. "If it is, the library's perfect." Chives doesn't let her take tea in the kitchen unless she forces his hand.

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

But he is not a Chives, could never hope to reach that level of perfection. And she is not a Spade. So he only bemoans the unseemliness of the locale and nods. Clubs are not nearly so formal as the sharp Suits, and he is above all a Club butler.

"As my lady wishes." She may take her tea here, but only if he's allowed to hold out a chair for her, serve her as is proper and then hover in the background alert to her every beck and call.

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

That level of perfection isn't, in Briony's opinion, something to be wished for. But maybe that's why - despite all the undeniable Spade traits - Briony is a Club.

"Thank you, Pryce." And she'll submit to the routine, of course, waiting patiently as tea is brewed, scones are fetched, and everything is set out with precision. "How are you settling in?"

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

"Very well. Thank you, Miss. Miss Karin left Below Stairs running smoothly, and you should find no change to your routine. Will you be visiting us long today?"

Will she be taking luncheon with someone? He approves of her in the Castle; it's where she ought to remain. Unlike his predecessors he has no objections to animals on premises so long as their owners are responsible. He quite enjoys dogs and cats, for instance.

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

"She would, of course." She'd always been professional, though her sudden rise had been unexpected...and now Briony had to make sure she wasn't going to be stupid and aim for Nine.

Because she couldn't have it.

"A few hours, I think. Dr. James and I need to discuss what the infirmary needs and adjust any delivery schedules."

They would probably require lunch at some point. Anton, of course, merely requires having someone to adore.

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

That earns another smile of approval. "Very well. I'll inform Cook. Did Anton accompany you? I'll put aside something to keep him occupied."

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

"Of course he did." He needed to get out and get air more often, and there were enough kids at the Castle that it was always fun for him. Even if several of those kids were theoretically adults. "I think he'd appreciate a bone." Or, hell, a ball.

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

Alas, he hasn't the time to play with the hound. "I'll check the walk-in. I'm certain Cook set by some lamb shanks for stock."

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

"As long as Tricia doesn't mind that it's getting appropriated." But Tricia likely knew perfectly well that it was the butler who ran the kitchen.

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

"Naturally, I'll check with her first, Ma'am, to be certain." The butler may run the kitchen, but he also had no intention of losing Tricia lest Viscous Valerie, She Who Thinks She Can Cook, be foisted on them again.

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

Oh, Valerie. But it could be worse: Danielle Who Thinks She's French Because She Married Someone Named Henri. "I'm certain she'll appreciate it, Pryce. Has the kitchen staff been helping you settle in?"

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

He'd practically been raised Below Stairs. He Belonged. "Yes, Miss. They've been very helpful." And if any balked at someone his age assuming Karin's old role, he had a quiet word with them in the yard.

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

It's not even her place to ask it. She might be a Nine, but never one who's had much to do with Castle life. Still, some old habits died hard, and Briony was in a way a Deck princess. Almost a literal one, considering her parents.

"Good," she says, crisply. "You'll tell Tricia the scones are excellent?"

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

It's not her place, perhaps, but it's good to know there are still higher Numbers about who take their rank and duty seriously. He offers her the barest smile.

"I'll be sure to pass along your compliment, Miss Briony."

[civilizedpoison.livejournal.com]

"Appreciated, Pryce."

And with that, she'll settle back to enjoy her tea, quietly.