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

[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.