52

"I am sure you are hungry from your travels. Dinner has been arranged for you and will be brought out momentarily. After dinner, I will take you to the quarters that have been prepared for you. There you will be washed and changed for your meeting with the Lord of the house. You will not go about the house or grounds exploring without a guide or escort. You may call me Master Gilroy. If you should require anything, please let me know, and I shall see if it is within our means to attain it. Do you have any questions before dinner is served?" Les had had so many questions throughout the day, but was dumbfounded now and couldn't think of anything. So she just shook her head no with wide eyes, then watched Master Gilroy leave the room. Not long after, her dinner was brought out, by a plump old woman in an apron, and she finally discovered what the wondrous smell was. It was a simple plate of meat and veggies with a bit of bread, and served with mulled wine, but it was delicious and hot, and she ate and drank to her full. When she had finished and put down her fork, a younger woman came and took her plate away. She was finishing her wine when Master Gilroy returned. He went out to the door and stood with it open, waiting for her.