"We have, haven't we?" She perks up a little, more of that tension easing. "It wasn't easy but it's worthwhile- everyone is paid well, we live comfortably, we're safe from the war..."

It is something to be proud of. She's done right, is continuing to do right. "The Steward, she minds the household for the Comtesse and is in charge of the Housemaids. Valery worked for the estate under the Comte's family with her sister before he married the Comtesse. The Cook came down with her from the North."

Needlework set aside she sets her hands in her lap, fidgeting. "Ah- a little. Special guests mean more work all around- but it is the accusations that have people worried. The Comtesse she's- independent. Mysterious. Foreign. Trying to send people against her to take her property- well they'd call it a part of their Grand Game and ruin everything, wouldn't they?"