“So,” Noah’s voice cut across my thoughts, “Enough about me. The reason I wanted you here was to ask about you.”
“Me, sir?” I fretted.
“Of course.”
“But … why?”
“Like I said before, your eyes are like enormous open windows. I see a secret in them Avalon Redding.”
It seemed he knew the effect he had on me when he said my name. I felt weak.
“Sit.” He told me, pointing to the closest green leather couch. I sat on its edge nervously, and Noah sat across from me. A coffee table divided the space between us. Why had he taken such an interest in me? I didn’t want to let my thoughts run amok. I swallowed nervously and looked at my knees.
“How old are you?” Noah asked.
“Eighteen.”
“I assume you didn’t live in Frost Arch prior to working in this Manor?”
“No sir,” I chanced a glimpse at him and found that he was watching me furtively, “I came from a small town called Mortlock. It’s a day away by horse and carriage.”
“I’ve passed it.” Noah nodded, “On my travels. Please, continue.”
“Um, well, I came here to look for work.” I didn’t want to admit that I was a run-away. It would lead to all sorts of awkward questions, and I didn’t want to talk about Helena. She was still a secret, “I’m of age now, and I didn’t want to be a burden on my parents any more. We weren’t the richest family. People are afraid of Fire Mages, sir. It’s hard to find work.”
“Looks as though you found it all right.” He smiled.
“I guess I was lucky. I barely looked at all. I guess I was just in the right place at the right time.”
“Or perhaps you were just meant to be here.” He mused.
“Perhaps.” I looked down at my knees again.
“You don’t seem eighteen. I was much more immature and ignorant when I was your age. It’s hard to believe that it was almost ten years ago.”
I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or not so I simply stayed quiet until he spoke again. He was ten years older than me. Twenty-eight. Strangely, it didn’t bother me. He didn’t say anything for a long while.
“Would you mind, Miss Avalon, if I requested your presence in this study once a day for a short period?”
My head snapped up, “Why, sir?”
“I find you have a calming aura. I feel quite relaxed and myself. It’s easier to forget unwanted memories that way. I’d like you to be somewhat of a personal servant.”
I stared at him, my face impassive. Was this a joke?
“Will you?” He pressed, “I will ask Charles to pay you extra for your services.”
I nodded slowly, “What exactly is it you will need from me?”
“Just a bit of this and that. I do a lot of research and writing.” He nodded to a nearby desk which was littered with parchment and ink, “I barely leave my room. I get annoyed when many people disturb my thought process, but you seem to do the opposite. I think I would get a lot more work done with your help.”
“Yes, sir.” I breathed.
“So you accept?”
“O-of course.”
“Excellent.” He smiled and stood. I did the same and tried to look anywhere but him.
“I would like you here in this study at six o’clock every evening. Right after supper, when I believe that is a period during which you do not need to worry about the fires?”
“Yes, sir. I usually help with other chores during that time.”
“Good, good. Well I will inform Charles that he will need to find someone else to help with the other chores at that time. I’m sure they will manage without you for a few short hours. And of course you will be pardoned to tend to your speciality jobs such as baths and so on later in the evenings.”
I nodded and Noah opened the study door for me, “Until tomorrow.” He smiled as I exited, my legs like jelly.
Oh my, what would Jack think of this?
He would be furious when he found out. That was, of course, if I decided to tell him
Chapter eight
Room Service