Staff Interviews

[Rawdon Bray]

In the world of Mr. Bray, a lot of time had passed since his housekeeper, he could officially call her that now, had abandoned him to greet his visitor at the door. He was used to being alone naturally, but since he expected them back at any second, he found it impossible to do as he wished and take a quick nap. It had been a long day of unpacking, strolling to the village with his applicant request and being uncharactaristically chatty. The social side of the afternoon in particular had exhausted him and he unintentionally fell asleep when closing his eyes for a second to recharge. He only awoke from his brief slumber when a knock on the door pulled him back into the world of the living. Groaning grumpily, he he bid his housekeeper come in.

When she did so, a female companion followed with hair as red as flames and he fancied himself host to a dryad or nymph. How delightful! For the shortest of times, his spirits were lifted far into the heavens and he even smiled at his ethereal guest, feeling her influence numbing his senses. Delilah. What a perfectly perfect name for such an earthly creature. He was only removed from this odd state of mind when it was announced she wished to apply for the position of gardener, which did not suit him at all of course. A woman! Had he not just spoken of his disapproval for such a thing to Miss Bell? Mr. Bray inhaled sharply, feeling his chest rising with the restrained sentiments of disappointment when he came to a realisation. He no longer resided in New York. Alas, he now inhabited Benevolence, a place completely deprived of all decency.

So when he finally spoke, aware for the first time of his changed surroundings and how they affected matters, he sounded almost kind and caring.

"Welcome to my home, Miss Strangeway. I am Mr. Bray, the master of his house and I am pleased to receive you here as my potential gardener. Miss Bell, I hope you will forgive me for stating that your presence is unnecessary for this interview. You may return to the drawing room and have some tea while we conduct our business here. After that, I will escort you home as promised."

Now he returned his attention to the new applicant, fiery Miss Strangeway, who had the real look of the country about her. He glimpsed at the basket she had brought and took notice of the examplary vegatation it contained. "You grew those yourself?" he asked to be polite rather than to ascertain if it were true. "Most impressive. Please do tell me something about yourself; your age, your history, your work experience, whatever you believe might be relevant for this interview."

He poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her. "Please sit down and take some refreshment while you speak." It did not escape his notice that as the day had progressed, the art of conversation had come more and more naturally to him and he deemed himself quite sociable and likable at present.

[Delilah Strangeway]

Once Elizabeth’s back was to her, leading her the way to the library, the smirk returned. You would think that since the two’s younger sisters were friends that there would be a little more ease between them. But no. Delilah could see how uncomfortable she was around her. It was how every villager, at least the ones with some social tact, looked; averted eyes, avoiding conversation, and some started doing nervous habits when having to deal with her for longer than a minute. Oh the simplicity of people. What had she ever done them? Didn’t matter, never really mattered, better to be the creeper then the creeped out anyways.

“Thank you Miss. Elizabeth.” She said before breezing into the room. Hm, he didn’t seem as brutish as the few villagers that had seen him described him as. Not with that smile or politeness. Sigh. What a bore then. She had been hoping that he might be another person that would stir things up and make the villagers uncomfortable, like her, and her mother and brother did. Seems like the only thing he’d stir up are the mothers looking for a husband for their daughter. What a waste of expectations. There wasn’t a need for anymore well-mannered people with no interesting personality or history here in Benevolence. Oh well, at least the location of the residence wasn’t a let down.

Delilah smiled though, and hid any disappointment that might dull the spark in her eyes. She gave a polite enough curtsey the basket still propped on her hip. “Thank you, my mother and I are very proud of our plants.” Her was soft and sounded like a echo of a little silver bell. Her voice never rose above the average speaking volume, but even with her soft voice there was that little ring of confidence and spirit. But you had to be listening very carefully to hear it. Once he offered her to sit down she carefully set the basket full of potatoes, carrots, peas, and squash. All the vegetables were larger then the average size and dark color, as if the vegetables were clueless to the fact winter was just around the corner.

She delicately sat down on the settee across from him, the cushion barely indented under her feathery weight. She took the tea he offered her and held it in her lap without taking a sip. “I’m twenty years-old. I was born and have lived here in Benevolence all my life. I’m the eldest of three, of Lilith and Dominic. My father’s a hunter so you may see him wandering around out here.” she glanced down at the tea before continuing, “I’ve been gardening with my mother since I was old enough to dig. With my mother as my teacher I know how to keep a vegetable and flower garden. I suppose you can say I have a green thumb,” a coy smile graced her lips. “The next time you go in town you can walk by my house and see for yourself why I might be the best applicant for a gardener. Once you see it you’ll know it’s the Strangeway house.” She said referring to the fact that whatever land they had was covered in nearly every plant you could imagine that grow in this region.

[Rawdon Bray]

She certainly seemed a chatty little girl, he observed as words flowed from her mouth like a waterfall. It was refreshing after his struggle to hold a conversation with Miss Bell. Furthermore it enabled him to return to his taciturn state, which was all the more natural to him and in line with how a gentleman should conduct himself - speak briefly and concisely. He relished his tea as he listened and made several internal notes regarding her conversation. For one, he dreaded his visits to the village enough as it was, without needed to pay any social calls. He intended to have his dinner at the inn and head straight back to the woods, where he was safe from their peasant influences.

"I daresay it is unnecessary for me to call on your family to observe the multitude of vegetables that grow there. I quite believe you and although I normally would not allow for a lady to be in charge of my garden, I am willing to put these sentiments aside as I am sure it will cause no problems in your...circles," he finished somewhat clumsily but refused to offer any apologies. A gentleman never apologised. Especially not to servants. Where was the need?

With the paramount aspect of their interview concluded, he started to feel uncomfortable. It was hardly decent to be alone with two ladies in one day and he found comfort in the fact that no one here was educated enough to be aware of the infraction. As such, he rose from his chair and attempted to smile, failing miserably.

"We have kept Miss Bell waiting long enough. Let us join her and walk into town together so you may inform your family of your position in my household. There is only one more matter that needs to be discussed - wages and whether you will reside here with Miss Bell and I or are to remain at home. But let us discuss the matter on the way to the drawing room," he suggested and led his guest out of the library so they could accompany Miss Bell back home to make arrangements with her family.

[Elizabeth Bell]

Bess stood outside the doors fiddling with her hands. Honestly, without a purpose aside from waiting, being alone in this vast place was unsettling. It was really astounding, these dimensions, the height of the ceiling... but the staring eyes of the statues, the faces in the moulding, there really were so many faces... she nearly jumped out of her skin when the doors flew open; and the serene, smiling face of Miss Strangeway gave away nothing of what had transpired. It was Mr. Bray's face that revealed it -- he had a staff now. She could hardly keep from huffing. Trust the Strangeway girl to cast a spell and earn employment the man was unwilling to give to a woman just an hour before!

She nodded to each in turn and then fell in behind Mr. Bray as they walked, keeping her distance from the red-head. Either way, though, she needed to be polite. She cleared her throat, lifted her chin, and swallowed her pride. "Miss Strangeway. I trust your family is well?"

Well... it was an attempt. She wondered if Mr. Bray could sense their animosity at all, or if he was as dense as a winter thorn thicket.

[Delilah Strangeway]

The corner of Delilah’s lip twitched up ever so slightly as she noticed the change in Mr. Bray’s demeanor. It was a little more how she had suspected he would be. Maybe he didn’t know what attitude to put forth or maybe he had had a pleasant conversation with Elizabeth and she had spoiled his mood. Either way it didn’t matter. The location of this mans residence was of more interest to her then the man himself. And unless he did prove to be amusing Delilah wouldn’t care for much interaction with him. No need to make even more unneeded acquaintances.

She sat there and politely smiled as he practically insulted her. Closed minded city slicker. “No, I don’t think there would be.” said as naively as possibly. Sure a woman gardening and farming around here was completely acceptable, that’s how they made a living. So even if she were apart of a circle there wouldn’t be a problem. Just because women where he comes from leisure about because they have nothing to do doesn’t mean he had the right to judge the ones that have to work for them to eat. “And I don’t believe saying anything about you actually calling on us. I simply suggested you walking by Sir.” She smirked.

Quirking an eyebrow at the horrible attempt at a smile, she gave a small nod and followed him out with the basket still propped on her hip. How gentlemen of him to ask if the basket was heavy, if she needed assistance. “I’m unconcerned with the wage so you can pay me as you see fit, all I ask is that you cover the expenses I need to buy tools, seeds, and such.” she said while easily keeping up with his strides with her gliding just behind him. “She staying here is she? I think I should like to keep Miss. Elizabeth company here, after winter of course when I’m actually needed.”

Delilah couldn’t help but smile when she saw Elizabeth. How daring for Miss. Modesty to be stay in a house alone with a man. Oh this should be a fun thing to watch unfold. As they walked toward the door Delilah noticed the distance that Elizabeth was keeping from her. Not to subtle in hiding her dislike was she? “Oh yes as always. Izzie had a slight cold but she recovered quickly. I hope to hear it’s the same for your family, especially Miss. Mercy. Izzie did fret when she heard she was ill and couldn’t see her.” she said at least trying to sound friendly, unlike Miss. Bell’s attempt at politeness.

[Rawdon Bray]

The chit-chat of these country peasants confused and repulsed him, but what could one do? He certainly did not expect these ill-educated girls to live up to his standard - which he based on acquaintances in the highest social ranks. Such manners could not be obtained in the farms, but had to be instilled in childhood. Nevertheless, he condescended to be civil to employee and neighbour alike and endured their chatter.

"Walking by?" he replied to Miss Strangeway and chuckled at her lack of understanding. Walking her home without introducing himself to her family would be a grave insult, but he did not expect her to be aware of this. As her future employer, he was obliged to treat her respectably and with that, her family. But his wishes contradicted each other. He both wished to make his business a success and to be left alone by all. But in order to achieve the first, he would have to make amends with the local populace.

"I really ought to make myself known to your family. As your employer I feel it is my duty to introduce myself to them," he directed his speech at both ladies, who briefly entered into conversation with each other, one decidedly less interested than the other. It was not in Mr. Bray's nature to be curious about people's thoughts, relationships or other matters. He had resolved to dedicate himself completely to his business.

"Shall I walk you home now?" he asked them as they reached the front door. Although he had only just met the two ladies, he talked himself into liking them - difficult though that might be due to Miss Bell her taciturn disposition and Miss Strangeway's abrupt manners. It would make their working relationship all the more agreeable if they got on well. Other masters had told him this.

[Elizabeth Bell]

Elizabeth clenched her jaw, thinking about the unwise excursion the girls had taken into the river. Mercy had been near death, yet again. And even though the more adventurous schemes tended to be the invention of the younger Miss Strangeway, Bess believed what was said: that this particular idea had originated with Mercy. The girl was rapidly growing discontented with living as if made of glass. Unfortunately, in many ways she was just as fragile.

Elizabeth managed a small smile, as awkward as she felt with Miss Strangeway. How would they manage to live in the same building? At least it was as large as it was. Her eyes lifted briefly to stare agog at a statue of a wolf, leaning over with a grotesque snarl to threaten their safe passage. She shivered, looking away quickly.

"Mercy was ill, yes, for the better part of two months; but she has come through it yet again, and I am sure that she would love to see Miss Meriwhether."

When they reached the massive doors, Elizabeth felt a chill race through her at the sight of the still autumn woods beyond the threshold. Sometimes she had the odd notion that the wood was a sentient observer, knowing intimately each and every violent massacre as if they were its natural offspring.

She turned to Miss Strangeway, arching a brow at Mr. Bray's question with a small, questioning smile. Mr. Bray's company could be uncomfortable, when he got it in his head to be a certain way. Even so, Bess wasn't comfortable enough with the woods -- or with Delilah Strangeway -- to feel at ease without an escort.

"That is very thoughtful, thank you. If you don't mind, Mr. Bray, that would be lovely," She said, smilingly bypassing the chance she had nearly given Delilah to refuse. If she opposed, there would be no voicing it now.

[Delilah Strangeway]

What a lovely bunch the three of them were, hm? Mr. Bray with his need of being superior over them, Miss. Bell obviously being bothered by Delilah’s presence, and Miss. Strangeway…well Delilah that she was being quite pleasant. If she didn’t encourage conversation she wondered how many awkward silences there would be. How odd that one of the quietest girls in the village was the chattiest one in the group of three now. Maybe it was because she was the only one that didn’t give a whistle about the company. I mean you could cut the awkwardness with a knife. This could be fun. She couldn’t wait to move in!

Delilah gave a soft smile when Miss. Elizabeth said that sister had recovered, “What a relief to hear that she did. I’m sure Izzie will be most glad to hear, and will be coming by very soon.” That she was sincere about. Though Delilah probably wouldn’t give a care if any other person fell ill or died, she hoped for Miss. Mercy’s well being for the sake Meriwether. She knew how special a friend the girl was to her little sister, even though there was ten years difference in age.

Observing Miss. Elizabeth as they made their way to the door. The woman would glance around and have an even more uneasy look. Was she uncomfortable with the house too? Delilah started to pay attention to how Elencastel looked, and she lifted an eyebrow. It did have a overbearing and almost menacing look. But it was just stone and inanimate objects…why on earth get a chill from something that can do absolutely nothing to you? Silly woman.

Should she say silly man also Delilah wondered as she lifted both eyebrows in curiosity at Mr. Bray’s chuckle. Ha! She should be the one laughing at him! First there was no reason to call on her family and now it was his duty to introduce himself? “Of course Sir! That would be proper thing to do after all. How silly of me to think otherwise.” She said smiling without the slightest hint of sarcasm in her voice though it glinted in her eyes. Poor man he was making himself a fool yet hadn’t the slightest idea. Maybe he could prove amusing.

Delilah didn’t even attempt to answer if he should walk them home. She was perfectly fine either way, with or without and escort. Miss. Elizabeth seemed a bit anxious to answer first anyways. Once out the door Delilah headed straight for her cart and lifted the basket into it, glad to finally have the extra weight gone. Coming up to the old mule she slipped it another carrot and rubbed it’s neck before smirked. “Shall we?” she asked and patted the mule on the neck which sent up a cloud of dirt. She looked right at Mr. Bray to see how disgusted he might look and the counryness of it all.

[Rawdon Bray]

In a sense, it alleviated his worries to be out of doors and Mr. Bray breathed in the fresh air, coughing instantly at its country smells and pulling out a handkerchief to protect him from the imaginary smog. When glancing at his two companions, he wondered at their history and listened silently to the niceties regarding a certain sister. Such small talk did not interest him in the least of course so he pretended not to hear and admired the landscape instead, which almost met his approval.

They were setting off on their journey when Miss Strangeway went about feeding carrots to a mule and speaking to the animal as if it were a human being. Mr. Bray attempted to praise her open-mindedness, but his sense of intellectual superiority could not be overcome and he concluded the animal was her only friend. Poor girl. He almost felt sorry for her. But who could befriend such a person? No one respectable, at least. Certainly not a gentle woman such as Miss Bell, who he regarded as quite interesting.

"So, perhaps you can tell me more about the village. I have visited it only thrice and have not yet formed a proper opinion. Any further information would be welcome."

He did not know what topics of conversation could possibly interest his companions so he limited himself to small talk and if that exhausted him, he could always question them on more profound matters for the sake of amusing himself. "You have always lived here, I gather. Did your ancestors live here too?"

They walked through the forest and enjoyed the sights it afforded them - flowers in bloom, dancing trees and butterflies playing tag. Before today, Mr. Bray had only seen such scenes in picture books and he smiled to himself, prizing himself lucky for living there. The feeling dissipated upon seeing a bear in the distance. They actually resided here? It did not please him to think of the forest as a home to actual dangerous species. Such a notion could not be borne! It was certainly too close to his castle for his taste and he resolved to have some additional safety measures installed. Perhaps a fence or a brick wall. He'd discuss the issue with an expert.

"Does no one ever come to the forest? It's awfully quiet here."

[Elizabeth Bell]

Bess actually had to fight down a smile at Miss Strangeway's blatant show of naturalism. Most of the villagers spoke to the animals. In fact, she had once or twice caught her father muttering to the plants in his fields, and he had been completely unabashed. She understood that it might seem arcane, or dull, or even rustic to a person from the city. She thought that Delilah must know this, and was purposefully aiming to offend his delicate sensibilities. While it was offensive in a way, Bess couldn't help but feel a twinge of humour, which she quickly forced down in order to answer Mr. Bray's question.

"Certainly, Sir. The valley has been settled for thousands of years, as far as we've heard -- it is placed very well for defence, what with the mountains there and the wood here. The river, the wood and the land provide abundantly." She smiled to herself, her love of her home obvious. She was proud of it. The villagers had been told many times how uniquely rich their soil was, how ripe their river with fish. She continued, disliking the silence her pause created.

"Our laws are simple and very old; as we are prosperous and have but a meagre population, it is not often necessary to give punishment. We have a Council of Elders, comprised of the most respected and influential in our community, but thus most matters discussed are of an economic nature. As my father is the most prominent employer and descends from the oldest traceable line in Benevolence, he leads the council most often."

She blushed, feeling as if she were bragging. She was, just a little. Being the eldest daughter of John Bell made her a soft of village princess, and she was used to being treated with some amount of respect and reverence. Mr. Bray seemed quite content to place her at the bottom of the social heap.

Suddenly noticing the handkerchief held to his nose, she sniffed the air discreetly. It smelled fine, to her. Crisp, wonderful, in fact. Oak and pine, aspen, damp soil... were these things supposed to be unpleasant? She lowered her gaze. Maybe it was the mule.

"Only the Hunters enter the wood, and only during the day. There are... animals... here that are not like any animals elsewhere, and it is perceived as unwise to..." To enter their realm. "To travel about carelessly." There, that sounded a little less superstitious.

[Delilah Strangeway]

“Alright Sir?” she politely asked with a sly smile. The air here had to be the freshest thing he ever smelt compared to city air, yet coughed like a billow of smoke was blown in his face. Delilah glanced at the mule, who snorted in protest of the cough. She patted its neck again and coaxed it to start its way down the path once Mr. Bray and Miss. Bell headed down it first. She pulled the hood of her cloak back over her head and contented herself in listening to whatever small chit chat might arise, deciding see what the conversation might sound like if she didn’t join in. Boring probably. But who knows she had been surprised a few times today.

She walked soundlessly while the cart creaked along, which probably was going to be annoying Mr. Bray by the time they got into town. He’d probably be as annoyed as Delilah would be if she knew what he thought about her ‘loneliness’. He was right she didn’t have any friends and it was because of the type of girl she was. But she wasn’t lonely. She saw no need in friends. She didn’t care to have someone to gossip with or have them turn her into a witless girl that marriage is their only reason for existence. No, she’d rather be slowly picked apart bit by bit by a Gewyn. Besides it wasn’t like he was going to find any friends here either.

Delilah would let Miss. Bell answer the question about the village, she had a lot better things to tell about it then Delilah did. But she did speak up a little when he asked about their ancestors, “Only my fathers side. His ancestors were one of the first to settle here. My mothers however came here when she was sixteen.” not that you really even cared. Funny how he seemed to be so pleased at her when she had first walked in for the interview, and now it was becoming obvious he had about as much interest in her as the rest of the village. Oh well, she was just here for the forest after all.

At Miss. Bell’s explanation of the woods Delilah smirked as she had beat -around- the bush about why no one came in it. Was she embarrassed about her and the villages belief in the wolf creatures? She also held her tongue though and would allow the responsibility of the whole story fall on someone else. Besides if she of all people weren’t going to properly warn him then she saw no reason why she should. “Yes, do be carefully Sir when walking to and from the village. There have been several attacks lately, a girl that I believe is residing at your house Miss. Elizabeth, and a couple in mine.”