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

[keeping-faces.livejournal.com]

He is reading into this too deeply. Carmella did the same in her earlier years of serving as a member of Club Castle's staff.

"At ease, Pryce. I am merely here to send you my personal congratulations. I realise my presence here is a bit unorthodox but old habits die hard. I have to slowly distance myself from the servant's quarters."

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

"I'm certain Her Majesty will find herself welcome anywhere in Club Castle as she certainly is here." Though it would be more seemly if she was Upstairs instead of Down.

"And she is far too kind. My only hope is to continue on with the excellent level of service provided by my predecessor. Might I interest you in tea, Milady?"

[keeping-faces.livejournal.com]

"Why thank you Pryce but I understand that the castle staff need a place to themselves so I won't make a habit of visiting." She knew what Gideon was getting at, in his own indirect way.

"No, thank you. You may however, bring tea up to my office in, say, half an hour?"

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

Her acquiescence to the Rules earns her a small, barely visible flash of smile. "Of course, Your Majesty. It will be my pleasure."

[keeping-faces.livejournal.com]

The Queen dipped her head approvingly, making her way towards the exit before turning back to face Gideon.

“Tell me, are we decking out the castle this year? We oughtn't let the Diamonds show us up.”

[belowcastle.livejournal.com]

"Of course, ma'am. The Yule Log will be lit come Christmas Eve as always. I believe Mr. Montgomery selected us quite a nice one this year. And a small army of Twos and Threes are decking the halls even as we speak." Thankfully without the surfeit of mistletoe that plagued the Diamonds. He manages not to sniff haughtily--barely. "I believe the gardeners have put on quite a display, as well. Fiona Elliot could tell you more about Outside."