"Ellen likes to cook, the more you eat the more she can make food and experiment with recipes, so it works out well," said Alissa.

"It couldn't be more perfect," sighed Randy.

"Let's go then!" Alissa lead him to the kitchen where a large dinner was already waiting for them.

Randy brightened at the sight of it. It was definitely a pleasant change from his previous assignment, during which he'd needed to make frequent trips to the hidden Schickelgruber settlement to stock up on food.

They ate dinner and chatted, Ellen's brother Errol told Randy all about the faerie folk and finally as the evening turned into night Alissa leaned tiredly onto Randy's arm and fell asleep.

Randy looked over at her and smiled, then lifted her carefully to tuck her into bed.

The next day proved to be just as pleasant as the last. Then the following day Lady Summerville brought Winston Stickbottom to the manor.

Randy knew he wasn't going to like this "Lord Stickbottom", but attempted to maintain his usual decorum without bias as was expected of him. Yet the moment he laid eyes on Winston, he knew it was going to be difficult...

"Eeeeooh, are you the new servant?" Winston drawled, pressing a scented lace handkerchief over his nose and mouth.

"I am. Shall I take your coat?" Randy tried not to crack a smile.

Winston nodded, shed his coat and flung it at Randy, making sure not to come into direct contact with the other man.

Randy caught the coat and went to hang it, barely suppressing a snort of laughter as the odd mix of absurdity and sheer revulsion threatened physical manifestation. He'd never seen the like! Or heard, for that matter...

Alissa peered at Randy from around a corner, "Oh no....I recognize those frills....Winston," she grimaced.

"Yes." Randy glanced back at Winston. "May I speak with you privately for a moment?" he asked, nodding for Alissa to come outside with him.

Alissa nodded and followed him eagerly, "What is it?" she asked once they were out of sight,"

Randy glanced over his shoulder to be sure that they were alone, then pointed in Winston's general direction and burst out laughing.