I take a tray containing a hearty vegetable soup and mutton chops to Desmond’s quarters as I do every night. I hope tonight is a good night for him, as I have plans for later and do not wish to have them held up by a madman.

I knock, then push the cart containing his meal into Desmond’s room without awaiting an answer. Not many other servants here would be so bold. Our permanent “guest” has been known to throw knifes and chamberpots at those who enter without waiting for his command to enter. But he and I (& lets be honest, his valet John Spindler) have an agreement. Desmond doesn’t accost me, and I make sure they both have their needs met: John gets to use my girls to release his most wanton desires and Desmond gets fed and otherwise taken care of on a regular schedule.

On this evening, my hopes are realized, and the crazed Godwinson son is all smiles and cheers. “Miss Erzsebet, how good of you to bring me my meal. You’ll stay for a glass of sherry while I dine, won’t you? Spindler, you may go. Erzsebet will keep me company.”

“Of course I’ll stay, Master Desmond. But I can’t stay long. We have a couple of new maids that need to be trained this evening. Mr. Spinder, I will be able to stay for 30 minutes. Will that give you sufficient time to see to your errands?”

The valet nods and hurries from the room. It isn’t often he is given such a reprieve from tending Desmond.

“You seem to be in good spirits Master Desmond.”

He replies jovially, “Yes, yes! I have had a talk with sister today, and I also found a bat in the attic. It was such a pretty black bat, but for some reason it couldn’t fly!”

“Oh, you had a talk with Mistress Eleanor? How nice. Is she well?” I have never encountered Eleanor in all my years here at Drakesheath, and frankly don’t believe she exists.

“She is not happy with you Miss Erzsebet. Not happy with you at all. She said you need to find better hiding spots. But my bat likes you very well. Very well indeed. He doesn’t like John Spindler though. John tried to expel him from the house. Can you imagine? A mere valet expelling a guest?” He gestures to a dead and dusty bat sitting on the arm of his chair.

I let him direct talk for the rest of my visit and he rambles about his bat and a cat and rat for the remainder of the 30 minutes. As I stand to leave upon John’s return, Desmond asks, “Oh, did Butler Edmund see to the dining room this evening? Eleanor specifically told me earlier that the 13 places would need to be set on the table tonight.”

“He was making sure it was done when I started up with your meal, Master Desmond. I am sure it was done as you instructed. Now if you’ll be so kind to excuse me...”

He nods his crazed head, and I make my way to the door after making a small curtsy to him. I pass John and notice his shirtfront buttons are askew. I motion to them as I continue on, and he simply smiles. Apparently, a new maid has already began her training. I smile back. "I will send someone up to collect your plates later Master Desmond," I say as I open the chamber's door, and exit the room.