The Chateaux Rolle has been a beehive of activity for the last three months since the announcement that the lady of the house would be taking up permanent residence at the beginning of the new year. Boxes began arriving, meticulously labeled as to their intended destination, and the changes immediately began. Inevitable construction delays, however, have pushed the original date back from it's first projection to the middle of the second month, despite the fact that not all the renovations are complete. The activity has centered, therefore, on the master and guest rooms, the entire round south tower being reconfigured into one suite the size of a small cottage. This has put on hold the work being done in the library, courtyard, great hall, and chapel, the first being the most extensive portion of work. Much to some residents' dismay.
     One of the cars was taken by the head of the house, the surprisingly young groundskeeper, to meet Dr. Gifford at the train depot. Rumor being that she flew in on her company jet to Geneva to meet the train and have a private train box hired to bring herself and her belongings to her new home. Little is known about her other than her association with the earlier owner of the castle, her profession as a psychiatrist, that she has only visited the chateaux briefly this fall for a few hours in the span of her ownership, and that she is (unfortunately) American. Bergren, the official head of the house, has tried to reassure the other two on his permanent staff that despite all that, she seems to be a kind young woman who will bring life back into the business of running the place.
     The next bustle for the housekeeper was the announcement last night before the departure of her plane that she would be accompanied by a guest on her first stay, adding another layer of trouble to the already chaotic affair.
     And now, it appears, she is here. The car pulling up over the gravel drive to the entry port distinctive in its crunching before it stops presumably to let her into the grand front doors of her new abode.

     The staff is preened and cleaned to the best of their ability, first impressions being the most important by far. The staff waits patiently atop the stairs at the front door as the Rolls Royce sent for the Lady of the House glides to a stop just below.
     The staff is quite ready for the mistress of the House to take her place, for servants in an empty home of such opulence often find that, despite their preconceived notions, it becomes more a tomb than a home in many cases. Landry is the resident appearance and first-impressions expert, being the head butler, even if he is not the head of the House. THAT particular situation will have to be rectified at the earliest opportunity. Whoever heard of the Head Butler not being in charge?
     Landry clears his head however, now is not the time for such thoughts, now is the time to see how to best help Lady Victoria (as he cannot help but think of her, castles are for royalty. American's are, by definition, the furthest thing from royalty).
     Again he catches himself scowling and again he puts on a welcoming smile. Bergren steps out to open the door for Victoria even as the other two descend the stairs to greet her. "Welcome to Castle Rolle!" He says with all the dignity and welcoming nobility he can muster, which apparently, is not insignificant.

     Slender legs come out of the back seat first, and the rest of her follows with a surprising (perhaps) amount of refined grace. Wearing a black wool coat over a slightly severe but flattering black jersey dress with ivory panels inserted to give it a more modern flare, she could have stepped out of a copy of Vanity Fair or some other fancy snobbery magazine. Her carriage is excellent, her smile warm and with no small amount of excitement, and with all of that she looks as though she couldn't be more than 25. Which, of course, must be some kind of makeup trick or another.
     "Thank you, Mr. Landry, it's lovely to finally meet you." She steps forward to the foot of the short staircase offering out a hand in a positively American gesture of introducing one's self to one's help. "I've heard very good things about your work here from Bergren, I look forward to working together on the rest of the projects for the house."

     If Landry is shocked by her apparent youth, he is well-trained enough to keep it from registering on his face. Though deep inside there is only one thing more distasteful than an American in possession of an ancient European castle, and that is a YOUNG American in possession of an ancient European castle. No doubt there will be weekly... what is the term, keggers, and spring break college students jumping from the Entry tower to the river below before summer is out.
     But still, American customs are not lost on him, regardless of his predilections. And he takes the hand with a gentle squeeze. At the mention of the renovations Joshua's face freezes in a little smile, but the warmth is back almost before it was completely gone. "I am at your service as always Ms. Gifford." He glances to make sure Bergren is gathering up the luggage from the trunk as he asks, "Now, shall we have dinner prepared? Or would you perhaps prefer a short tour of the grounds?" He offers her his arm, "And of course we could always turn down your bed, as you must be exhausted after your trip."

     The light squeeze is returned, a hint of amusement at the lack of response to her creeping into her expression for some reason. "I ate on the plane, thanks. But a tour would be lovely, I've been getting updates on how things are progressing but I'm excited to get a closer look at the rest of the chateaux. I only got a brief glance a few months ago." What kind of tour can someone have in a couple of hours, after all.
     "Mr. Leif." She says as she turns to the chef with a smile, offering out her hand again and dropping into his more comfortable French briefly, "Lovely to see you again. I trust you've been well?" He, conversely, doesn't seem terribly surprised at her age for whatever reason. Though it could be due to his own youth perhaps, excuses for his age having been waved off as genetics in the past.
     "Oui, mademoiselle." He answers before leaning in to give her a proper continental greeting, "Your flight was good? Your bags arrived safely to the train? To be picked up by the larger utility vehicle by some of the boys from the village and brought along had been the plan."
     "Oui." She smiles, returning the light kisses before stepping back and releasing his hand, "The changes to your kitchen come along as you like, I hope? Things being put into order?" He, at least, was consulted on the renovations to his part of the house. And, from his pleasure at the final plans, his recommendations were accepted.
     "Indeed. I will make you something tomorrow for dinner. You will like it." Leif says with a broad grin, waggling his eyebrows as though the food itself is a secret treat. Though with the menu planning that he has been doing lately, that is likely the case. Arranging for rabbits to be brought in and kept to raise in the stables where horses formerly resided in history before her purchase of the castle.
     "Excellent, I can't wait." Her greetings to Bergren apparently having been seen to in the car. With that, she turns again to Landry expectantly, "If you'd like to show me through, I'd appreciate it. I'm sure you're the most aware of all the important aspects."

     Joshua raises his eyebrows as they others speak in secrets and such with the newly arrived Lady of the House. It would appear they already know each other, and more so, the relationship is informal. His mouth is a thin line as he considers that, after all, he was trained that it was extremely bad form for servants to be on anything more than barely friendly terms with the Masters of the house. After all, when you spend all day gossiping and laughing at jokes with a man, how can you easily then order him to clean up a mess in the kitchen. Such things simply make life more difficult for the Head Butler.
     And, he quickly realizes, his own preconceptions do a pretty good job of that as well. Once again clearing his mind of disapproval his warm grin returns, "Headman Bergren has been in charge of the renovations of course, though I have certainly kept myself abreast of them." Still holding his arm out to her for escort he continues, "I would be honored to give you a tour, and of course all renovations are being watched to the letter of your instructions."
     To the letter indeed, when he reads in the library he feels practically like he may as well be outside. And a stable full of rabbits.. he has no comment on that in the least. He takes a deep breath, and his smile never falters as he waits for her to take his arm.

     Victoria easily slips her arm through the offered one, leaving whatever baggage she may have required to be brought with her in the car to be seen to without a second glance. At least she isn't going to try and carry it in herself or anything that horrid.
     "I appreciate that, in my absence you've all been a diligent staff, which is fortunate." She looks up at the wood planking and walk above your heads before allowing herself to be directed through the doors themselves. "It makes adjustments such as these go more smoothly, don't you think?"
     The entry hall itself was left, for the most part, unchanged, thankfully. The wide main stair still sweeps up either side before going onto the second floor, which has also been left largely untouched. Most likely due to the fact that she didn't have occasion to see it directly.
     Thinking of something she adds with raised eyebrows of some surprise, "Oh, I forgot to mention, Michael is coming with the baggage, there's something or other he felt he had to keep an eye on personally." She doesn't seem terribly concerned about it, "He'll likely want to retire immediately, so there's no need to have the kitchen prepared or anything complicated. He can pick whichever of the rooms he likes, though he mentioned a preference for a view of the lake on the way over." Over the Atlantic of course.

     "Of course milady." Joshua says with a graceful incline to his head and nothing but the slightest hint of pleasure to serve in his voice. Just as his training demands. "I will see to his room personally, the guest wing has several such rooms, and he shall be welcome in the best the Chateau has to offer."
     By this time they have reached the large front doors, and he gracefully releases her arm and opens the large front doors with a practiced flourish. "Welcome to Chateau Rolle my lady..." The pride of the man is obvious, and though his expression is practiced to be just on the pleasant side of neutral, something about it is obviously expectant to her first reaction of seeing her new home. And imperceptibly, as she walks past into the Entry Hall, he click down the doorstop, to allow those carrying the bags to enter more easily, his eyes never leaving Victoria's person.

     Her eyes travel over the stairs first with their intricate railings, as they should since it's the first thing to be seen on entering the hall. She takes a deep breath, almost as though she's inhaling the scent of the castle itself. And it seems to relax her, looking to the sofa and the heavy dark sideboard with their gothic overtones.
     "It's lovely." Victoria's eyes move to the coat of arms from the builders of the castle, stepping that way gently though she isn't tugging. Almost as though she's accustomed to being escorted places by people, instead coming across as more of a turn to adjust a conversation, "Those are the later Savoy arms, aren't they?" She glances to her left with the question, "I had the thought of hanging tapestries with the arms of the different branches of the family that owned the castle earlier along the guest hall to go with the rooms. Do you think that would be appropriate? I wouldn't want to seem disrespectful, but I love how much history is involved in the chateaux."

     A slight smile and a graceful incline to his head, "I believe it would be most appropriate my lady. A home with as much history as the Chateau Rolle deserves nothing less than a celebration of its past." And while he may appear pleased, his smile is no larger than it has been, and his words are as carefully masked. Perhaps she is not as bad as I had feared... he thinks to himself as he watches her look about the hall. But still, she is American.
     After a proper amount of time explaining the different points of interest about the Entry Hall, such as the nearby bookcase with a few tomes of local interest, or the collection of stemware used for serving, and having been part of this Castle since practically the day it was built, to the furniture and wall treatments he finally gestures to the Great Hall doorway, "Shall we continue with the tour milady? Or do you have any questions I might be able to answer?"

     "Good, I'll have a lady I met begin making them, then. I already put together a selection of earlier portrayals when I was doing research for the renovations. If you'd take a look at them for me and make sure that they're the best choices, I'd appreciate it." You know how heraldry can be.
     "I'm sure I'll come up with something later, but I think I'd just like to have you show me the rooms and come up with them as I go. Get a better look without trying to plan too much." Victoria says with a smile, even more pleased than she was when she first got out of the car to arrive, "But feel free to point out anything of note that you think I should take account of. My first look through the castle was so brief that I didn't get nearly the amount of information that I'm sure I need."
     This, she seems to think, you will be able to provide her. Maybe not all at once, but at least a better understanding of the countryside and the building itself.

     And that is not a poor assumption in the least. Joshua has been most diligent in learning about his countryside and new surroundings in the five years since he's arrived here. And in fact, he would be most surprised if she asked him a question he could not answer. He gives her basic overviews and answers any questions quite authoritatively.
     In fact, he is rarely more pleased than when he can be a teacher to an interested student, and he performs his duties flawlessly. Local historical points of note? Check. Roles the Chateau Rolle has played in the national stage of history? Check. Famous recent (and not so recent) visitors to the Chateau? Check. All this and more he has available, though he makes sure not to overwhelm her with information, Lord knows the Americans have such short attention spans. And after several minutes of explaining the Home's history as they walk about the Entry Hall he finally asks, "What else can I provide my lady?"

     Victoria enjoys the lecture as they walk through the room, looking at each piece of furniture in detail, each arch and carving, asking about anything that seems to strike her as unusual and taking in the answers with obvious interest. Her questions are intelligent, reflecting an understanding of the general history of the region and its origins. The conflicts with the succession from France to become part of the Swiss Confederacy after Napoleon. The Savoy's influence over international trade and politics well throughout their ownership of the castle. The role that the chateaux played in being a stronghold on the trade routes from France to Italy during its inception. But, at the same time, she appreciates the detailed explanations given to her questions and doesn't seem to try and show off her own level of savvy. Deferring on the matters of the castle itself to its longer occupant.
     "I was hoping we could check in on the library renovations? I know they're extensive, but they've fallen a little further behind schedule than I'd like." She says as the paces continue towards the great hall beyond, "Do you think that there's something that could be done to encourage the work to progress at a quicker pace? Some kind of bonus or penalty for the construction team?"
     She continues in explanation, "I'm going to be attending Carnival in Venice in a few days, and I expect that several of my friends will be interested in seeing the progress. Mr. Dunross specifically." The earlier owner of the castle itself no less, "And I'm hoping to have an unveiling after the chandelier is installed next month sometime. With all that I'd like to have the chateaux at its best, of course." She seems to assume that you'll understand, that. The building being like a lady in that it should put its best foot forward on being seen for the first time. "Do you think that's even feasible?"

     Lips purse slightly as he considers that, "Ah yes, well, I had hoped to bring this up at a more appropriate time. But since you have asked, the construction team has been less than cooperative." He inclines his head, averting his eyes, "If you wish it I will relate to them for every day they are behind schedule, the price shall be deducted by five percent." He gestures in the direction of the Library, offering to take her that direction as the discuss it.
     "The contract with the company states as much of course, though the price they are making for these renovations, they seem less than impressed with the timeframe. He pauses slightly and glances to her, "But with your permission of course, I could offer to increase their pay for every day ahead of schedule they complete the project." It takes into a account an award as well as the penalty discussed.
     And to the fact that there will be visitors, including the former owner, he brightens considerably, "I believe that should I be allowed to hire the staff to its full capacity and handle the discussions with the construction company, we should be able to have the Chateau in tip top shape milady." He inclines his head again, "By your leave of course."

     "That's perfectly all right with me." Victoria says easily as she moves through the great hall, large fireplace lit and welcoming amidst the other furniture, "It's important to me that our guests aren't disturbed by the construction work. So, if you think that moderate incentives to move the project along would encourage that I would appreciate it if you would manage that aspect of the project."
     "As to household staff, most of the guests will be bringing their own personal staff along with them. Some more than others. In individual cases they will most likely stay with them in the suites, but in others they might need to take up some of the spare rooms on the second floor of the guest wing. If you don't think that would be a problem? I know those rooms have been largely left vacant."

     A momentary pause as he considers her suggestion. Then a slight smile before saying, "No milady, the rooms should be perfectly inhabitable by the time your guests arrive." He inclines his head, "And I will be happy to take responsibility for the renovations milady."
     "So I have your leave to increase the staff milady?" It is a simple question, and one he is obviously quite sure will be answered in the affirmative. But he has been well-trained by experience to attempt to illicit specific instructions from his employer before taking on a task.

     Victoria considers the question, actually, looking at the space over the dining area for a brief moment with its older lighting before turning to her butler again, "Staff to help get the chateaux ready for guests would be fine if that will help you since I'm sure it will entail a great deal more work than the daily activities. However, most of the visitors we're going to have are... very private people. An abundance of staff would probably make them uneasy. It's likely to be a rather quiet visit, following on Carnival they won't be expecting galas or extravagant dinner parties."
     She considers again as the door into the library is reached and adds, "I'll ask Bergren how Mr. Dunross handled such arrangements when he was staying in the chateaux."

     Joshua remains silent of course, as he is supposed to do. But it would be obvious to anyone observant enough (and perhaps especially obvious to Victoria) that he is quite at a loss. With guests, much less several guests as she is suggesting. It would be impossible for the Chateau to remain in livable (though livable to him is exquisitely decadent to most people) condition.
     "Of course milady..." he says quietly. And then she goes and mentions Bergren. He doesn't sigh except inwardly. Bergren, of course, the gardener of all people would know exactly how to deal with this. He ponders for a moment longer, and decides perhaps as an American, she is unfamiliar with the necessities that come with Castle life.
     "Of course your orders will be followed milady. But perhaps a simple housecleaning staff at least?" He purses his lips again, a common expression when he is carefully considering his words, "After all, with guests, I fear there will not be enough hours in the day for me to tend to their needs, as well as keep the Chateau in its normal pristine state." He continues quickly, "Of course any servants would be all but invisible in the background, only the best would be hired."

     There's a hint of a frown as she listens to the continued explanation. Despite the unfamiliarity with her moods, for some reason it is obvious that she isn't angry at her butler, but that there's a level of frustration from the situation in general. More so, perhaps, than it would normally seem to warrant. It is, after all, only a question of a few more servants.
     "You're right, it would be burdensome for the three of you to have to manage. The hours of the activities are going to be rather unusual. Most of them will be working in their rooms during the day on various things and the socializing will take place throughout the night. I'll have to consider the staff for their personal rooms more closely, but I think for the common areas and such more staff wouldn't be a problem." She smiles a bit, "It's something I hadn't particularly considered, I'll have to give it more thought."

     There is only the slightest of pauses as he memorizes her instructions. And should he find the habits of her guests strange, he is not one to comment on such things. However, any bond between the two of them would show a mounting frustration with his new employer. His words convey none of this however, "Of course milady, the staff shall be the minimal necessary. And I shall bring potential servants for the guest quarters to you for your personal approval."
     He has a stack of applications and recommendations on his desk in his room already. And he will most certainly be pleased to remove those from sight as soon as possible. There is simply no way to keep a stack of papers tidy. He smiles thinly to this American Lady of the Chateau and bows slightly at the waist, "Will there be anything else milady?"

     "Actually, yes." She proceeds through the great hall to the library, still on the arm of the butler as she looks up at the arch when they pass through into the den of construction. Stopped for the arrival of the lady of the house, it is still wildly in disarray, plastic hanging over the doors to keep the stone dust from the construction out of the rest of the building and relatively contained. Or at least as much as possible.
      The atrium style is an addition that she has made. Despite it not being period, it is quite suited to the room. One can only guess at the beauty of the room once it is complete, but for the moment, wooden supports hold up the floors above, the progressively smaller openings roughly cut out for the moment before they are smoothed over.
     "I understand that you've been rather distressed by the changes to the library, and I wanted to apologize for that. I know that this has been your home longer than it's been mine," despite the fact that she's owned it, she hasn't really lived here, "And it must be quite a displacement to have everything changing. But I wanted to try and make at least some amends for that."

     Joshua raises his eyebrows curiously, "Ah, well changes were to be expected milady, when a House as great as Chateau Rolle changes hands. It is the duty of the staff to adapt to such changes and ease the entry of the new master or mistress into their new home." He seems rather distressed that his distress has become that apparent.
     "Of course anything you desire shall be accommodated milady. My own discomfort will be quickly passed, I assure you." He glances about the room, obviously trying to find something nice to say, "Indeed, it shall be most spacious when it is complete." And the next bit said in a small whisper, almost as if it was indecent, "And please milady, no amends is necessary in the least."

     "No, really, it's important to me." That everyone here be content seems an odd response after just limiting the amount of help available. And if she notices the whisper at the end she doesn't seem bothered by it at all.
     "I haven't any plans for the fourth floor. It's not terribly large, but the roofing slope actually gives it quite a lot of character, I think. And I'd like you to decide what you want done with it." The cook got to design his kitchens, the gardener his gardens, and you it seems are to be given a floor of the library to yourself, "If you'd like it to be private that's perfectly alright, or if you want to incorporate it with the rest of the space that's your decision as well. Just include it in the plans that you give to the workers when you discuss the new timetable with them, the foreman's already expecting it, I told him that would be the last of the changes to the design that were going to be made."

     Her words are met with a blank stare. And it stretches on so long she starts to wonder if he's heard her. But presently he finds his tongue and simply bows, "That is unnecessary milady." But having been well-trained on how to accept gifts from his employer, he graciously accepts, "But I wish to thank you deeply. I shall draw up plans and present them to the foreman myself."
     He seems genuinely surprised she has allowed him such a large part of the project. "I shall endeavor to make it fit with the rest of the House."

     "I'm sure it will, you've got a very good eye for such things from what I've seen so far." So she was paying attention through the tour. Maybe it was a bit of a test, in itself. She looks up at the current ruin that is the northeast tower, soon to be library, as though she's seeing what it will be rather than what it is. "I'd like to set aside a portion of the library as a collection about the history of the chateaux and the region. I've gathered several things since I've been working on it and I'm sure that there are numerous other things here already, if you'd like it to be part of your preview I would appreciate that as well. A place such as this needs a historian. Eventually, I'm planning on putting together some books on the different families that I'm arranging rooms after in the guest wing. We could have copies of that put in each of the rooms as appropriate as a special interest object in the sitting rooms perhaps." She at least seems to think it would be something she'd enjoy were she staying at a castle.

     Well, at least the American knows what she doesn't know. That is more than he can say for most Americans he has met. "I would be honored by your trust milady. I will do my best to make sure your trust is not misplaced." And with that bit he bows once more, "If there is nothing more milady, I will see to your room being appointed properly and see to your belongings making it to their places."

     "Thank you, I appreciate it Mr. Landry. There are several crates and boxes that will be arriving from the train, if you'd just have them taken up to the second floor of my suite I would appreciate it. I haven't quite decided what to do with all of them yet and there they won't be in the way." Since her furniture only fills a small portion of the room there at the moment, that's an understatement. "I should probably grab a bite to eat and then I'll retire. It's been a rather long journey all told. Michael will probably choose the Beaufort suite, so you might as well plan on having that readied. He said something about wanting a view of the lake and he wouldn't last very long in the Savoy rooms."
     And with that, she smiles, giving a little nod to the butler, "I'll wait here in the great hall, I'm sure Mr. Leif will be along shortly with something in any case. Thank you for the tour of the main rooms."

     Joshua bows once again at the waist, "Of course milady. Please ring if you need me." And he gestures to the call button near the door, leading to the intercom system. "By your leave..." And with her dismissal, he turns to see to things.

Posted by rowan at February 19, 2004 01:19 AM