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.

"I'll go and get ready!" said Alissa running down the hall, where she bumped into Winston, "Eeeohh, Helleoh little girl!" he drawled reaching out to feel her curling hair, Alissa cringed under his uninvited touch. Winston for his part handled her as though he were appraising livestock for purchase.

Randy paused to watch from where he stood, a low growl forming in his chest. He did not like that Winston one bit, particularly not after learning his intentions.

Finally Winston removed his hands from Alissa's person leaving the little girl feeling inexplicably dirty and upset. She threw an almost questioning glance at Randy as though he might have an answer before scurrying to her room.

Randy gave a displeased snort as he returned his attention to the lunch he'd been packing. It was bound to be difficult not to tell her what Winston had in mind, but the last thing he wanted to do was upset her--especially over what was potentially nothing.

"She loves meh! The soft little thing!" Winston cooed to no one in particular as he passed Randy.

Randy's ears flattened slightly and he sped up his packing, very nearly squashing a few food items without realizing it.

Alissa returned to Randy with a change of clothes and she'd taken the time to wash her hair, more to make herself feel better about Winston having touched it.

"I believe we are all ready, then." Randy motioned for her to follow him out the door in a hurry, lest Winston catch them and have something else to say first.

Alissa seemed to relax once they were away, "Is your friend nice?" she asked.

"Oh, yes," Randy replied as he sent a mental flash to said friend to announce their visit. "I am sure he will be pleased to see us."

Alissa beamed, "I'll be pleased to see him to if he can help me with my studies!"

Randy led her through town until at last they reached a house which was set away from the rest of the nearby buildings. He knocked on the door and it was answered by a man of similar structure, only a few inches shorter than Randy and nearly as broad. He greeted them both with a smile.
"Randy! Good morning," he said in the same accent, though his voice was notably less deep than Randy's. "Who've we got here?" He stepped aside and motioned for Randy and Alissa to come into the house.

"My name is Alissa Summerville," said Alissa holding out a hand for him to shake.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Summerville," he said, giving her hand a brief shake. "I am Dr. Anson, but you may call me Gilbert." He paused and frowned. "But not Gil."

"I'll call you Gilbert if you call me Alissa," said Alissa with a soft smile.

"We have a deal," said Gilbert. "What brings you in today?" He already knew the answer, just as he'd already known who Alissa was, but it would have seemed strange not to ask.
"I thought you might be able to help Alissa with her studies," Randy explained; "we are in need of some information regarding the French monarchy."

"Something to make it more interesting," said Alissa.

"More interesting, you say? I may have just the thing for you." Gilbert turned to a large book which just happened to have already been opened to a chapter on the subject, and pointed to the page. "Here are various personal accounts and details on past kings and their kin. Everything from their spending habits to their embarrassing bodily functions, compiled by those who had spent a significant amount of time either with them or those that they knew."

Alissa was immediately intrigued, "That's perfect!"

"It does sound very interesting," said Randy, peering at the book.
"If you would like to stay for tea, I would be happy to read you some of the accounts," offered Gilbert.

Alissa nodded eagerly, not just because she was interested but because she would take any reason to avoid Winston she could find.

They stayed for a good while, having lunch and tea and discussing history. When at last they'd run out of excuses not to return home, Gilbert bade them goodbye and gave Alissa a smaller book to read in her spare time. It appeared to be brand-new and was all about King Arthur... "I am afraid the records regarding the monarchy must remain with me," he said, "but you may come back as needed to learn more. In the meantime, that is yours to keep."

Alissa's face lit up and she thanked him eagerly, clutching the book to her chest as though it were made of gold.

Randy also thanked him and gave him a wave as he and Alissa left. "So what do you think?" he asked her.