Alissa frowned, "Mama says that...she wants me to grow up and start acting like a lady,"

"Well, I don't mind silliness at all," Randy assured her. "I think it is very important for people--especially young ones--to retain a sense of humor and liveliness."

"I think so too," said Alissa, she finished her food and yawned, "I think I'm ready to sleep," she put the tray aside and crawled under her blankets, "You'll want to rest too, Winston will probably want you as soon as he wakes,"

Randy grimaced. "I suppose so... Goodnight, dear." Without really stopping to consider it, he gave her a peck on the cheek and tucked the blankets in around her.

Alissa gave a soft chuckle and smiled sleepily, "Goodnight..." she replied.


......

Winston had Randy up at the crack of dawn for another bath and more veal paste.

Another bath already? More wasted food? Randy worked not to express his irritation.

Again Winston had Randy scrub his feet and apply the veal mask, afterward he had Randy dry and dress him, barking at him every time Randy was too rough.

Randy frowned from time to time, but didn't complain, working through the orders just like any other unpleasant task with the mindset that it was important for him to be done with it and not cause trouble.

When he was done Winston flopped his glove in Randy's face, "Geoh on now! Alissa needs yew to tutor her, no man wants a wife who's an ignoramus,"

Randy's lip curled with the urge to snap his teeth at the offending glove--or perhaps just to bite Winston in the face--but he gave a nod and turned quickly to go and find Alissa.

Alissa was waiting in the study with her French monarchy book in hand, "Is Winston all taken care of?"

"Yes, for now," he sighed. He knew better than to tell her just what the parting message had been.

"Well then you can help me with these studies! You said you had a friend who could make French monarchs more interesting," said Alissa.

Randy brightened. "Yes, I did. Since our initial plans were canceled, why don't we see to that now?"

Alissa nodded, "It would get us away from Winston for a day,"

"And that would be most refreshing. I shall pack some food and your book and we will be on our way," said Randy.