In the foyer is a maid replacing some flowers in a vase. "Oh! Good morning y/n, are you alright this morning?" They ask politely. "Quite alright. Why is there something wrong?" You ask. "You look possessed." Alistair laughs at you. "Oh nothing. Just looks like you could use a cuppa." They say. "Ugh, we should kill them, they annoy me." Alistair groans and it sparks an idea in you. You had also remembered you only had a few sips of your tea before storming out of the dining room. "I could actually go for a coffee and toast if you don't mind. Need something a little stronger to wake me up. I'll be in the garden." You say walking away. "Alright, I'll be there in a tick." The maid says heading for the kitchen. "That was odd… what are you scheming?" Alistair asks intrigued. You wait a moment until you're outside to answer.

"You'll just have to wait and see." You say under your breath. Alistair gasps "Are you really going to kill them?" He asks enthusiastically. "I don't know yet. William and Madame Leota think I'm insane, and why shouldn't I be. With all their seances night after night. Who wouldn't lose their head after a year of dealing with so many ghosts." You say in a hoarse whisper, shifting your eyes to see if anyone's watching and sit down at the table. "Ah, now things are getting interesting." Alistair says. You hear the double doors open and close and you sit up straight. "Your coffee." The maid says setting it down on the table. "Thank you. I'm sorry what was your name again." You ask with a sickly sweet, fake smile on your face. "Florence, Florence Huet." They say back to you with the most adorable smile. "Well, thank you Florence. Do you mind joining me for a moment." You ask. "I don't mind at all." They say and sit down across from you. “Say, Florence, do you prefer to travel by horse or carriage?” you say and take a sip of your coffee. They think about it for a moment, folding their hands in their lap. “Hmm, I’d have to say by horse is the best for short distances, but by carriage for longer distances.” they answer looking over to you for approval and you grant them the kindness of a smile, albeit a fake one. You take a bite of your toast and it gives you the worst idea. “I have to agree. Do you know the grist mill bakery on the river about a few hours' ride east from here?” You ask curiously. “Yes, that’s Mrs. Moonie’s bakery. Did Master Gracey need some of those pastries he likes?” They ask, going perfectly along with your half baked plan. “Yes, just the usual order if you could," you say, and remember the time. "And we need them by tomorrow morning.” You say picking up your coffee and shifting your eyes over to them. “Oh goodness. Was the inventory that low already? I suppose I forgot to check. I’ll have to start out now to get back in time tonight. You’ll have to excuse me.” they say and stand up. “Oh, of course darling. I just thought you knew already, I’m sorry. But please, go ahead.” You say dismissing them and they briskly rush back inside. “My, you are good at this!” Alistair says. You smile devilishly and hold your cup of coffee up to your mouth so no one sees you speaking to yourself. “They call me untrustworthy and insane. Then I’ll give them what they want.” You say into your cup. "My how I love this new side of you.” he says and you feel his finger drag up your spine and you jump and shiver almost spilling your coffee. He laughs infectiously at your reaction. “Not. Now. Alistair.” You grit your teeth trying not to smile. “Aww, let me have a bit of fun won’t you.” he pouts. “You’ll have fun later. Now I must get ready to follow that maid.” You say drinking down the rest of your coffee and finishing your toast. You walk back inside and find the maid reading down her list of pastries in the foyer. “Ah, Florence, just who I wanted to see.” You say walking up to them. They look from their list at you. “Oh hello again.” They respond. “I’ll be riding out with you. I’ve heard some terrible stories of highway robbery recently. Strength in numbers and all that. Since you’re riding out this late you’ll be riding back in the dark as well, making it even more dangerous.” You say. “Oh how kind of you to protect me.” They say oh so sweetly. “Of course.” You say and go to your room to get your things.