Chapter 98 - Sisterly talk
Later, after Gaven and the Countess’ visit, Scarlett was waiting in front of her desk in the office. A knock came from the door and Molly entered the room, performing a low curtsy.
“My Lady called?”
“Yes.” Scarlett put aside an old ledger she’d been going through that detailed the room and chambers in the mansion. She had asked Marlon for it earlier since it bore accounts of what they were currently used for, and consequently, what they weren’t used for. “There is something important I wish to discuss with you.”
She fixed her eyes on the woman before her. “Know that this is a very sensitive matter. It is imperative that you do not speak of this to anyone else. That includes Garside, Marlon, or any of the other staff here in the mansion. Is that understood?”
The look on Molly’s face grew uncertain, but she slowly nodded her head. “I understand, my Lady. I won’t say a word of it to anyone.”
Scarlett studied her for a few seconds. Her previous experiences with the servant were positive enough, so she didn’t feel it likely that the woman would break her word. Just to be safe, though, she’d get Fynn’s help later on to confirm the woman wasn’t lying. She had done the same thing for all the staff after the Hallowed Cabal attacked the mansion, to ensure there were no spies or the like among them.
“For the time being, there will be a guest residing here in the east wing. Their circumstances, however, do not allow for much interaction with others. They are particularly sensitive to their environment, so during their stay I will have you aid them and ensure their needs are met with no further complications. You are being assigned this task because you have proved yourself both attentive and capable, and I do not wish to leave this individual’s handling to someone unqualified.”
Molly looked at her for a time, as if she was digesting the meaning behind those words. “…Are they dangerous, my Lady?”
“As long as you do not agitate or excessively bother them, there should be no issue,” Scarlett replied. “I will hand you a list of what to do and what to avoid in their presence. For most of their stay, I believe they can be left to their own devices, so this should not occupy too much of your time. I would also ensure that you receive appropriate compensation if you were to shoulder this responsibility.”
“That won’t be necessary, my Lady, but thank you for the consideration.” The woman performed another short curtsy. “I am your faithful servant, so it is only right that I carry out your commands. I will take care of this guest for as long as they remain here in the mansion.”
“The compensation was not up for discussion, but good. I will introduce you to the guest later today. Until then, you may return to your normal duties.”
“As you wish,” the woman said and left the room.