(no subject)

[man_of_all_work]

It's far too cold to be outside.

Which is why Perry is not. Instead, he's sitting at a table, whittling at something, and whistling cheerfully.

With tea.

Of course.

Comments

[man-of-all-work.livejournal.com]

"But they often have very good food," he points out.

"Although apparently it makes rather a lot of extra work for the kitchens."

[kitchen_maid]

"Ever so much extra work, really. Though it also makes it much easier to find leftover nuts to take to Mr. Pemberthy, so there's some good that comes from them."

[man-of-all-work.livejournal.com]

"I am sorry about that," he says, and it's sincere. "I don't plan the things, you know, it's the Council that does that, but I feel rather responsible all the same. Is there some way I can make it up to you?"

[kitchen_maid]

She shrugs. "It's my job to work in the kitchen. It's hardly your fault."

A pause, and then there's an edge of mischief in her eyes.

Oh, all right. More than an edge.

"I don't suppose you could put the Council in charge of washing the dishes for the next one."

[man-of-all-work.livejournal.com]

"I could try," he says, after thinking it over.

"Although I may have to promise to marry someone in return."

[kitchen_maid]

"Good heavens, Perry, it's not worth that."

[man-of-all-work.livejournal.com]

"It's the only bargaining tool I have," he says, dismally, and twirls her.

[kitchen_maid]

"Then we must think of some others for you," says Amy, "or you're going to be in dreadful trouble once you are married."

She thinks.

"My father tends to fine his councillors, when he gets annoyed. I don't think he's paid Lord Reginald in five or six years."