Madam Lou returned a few minutes later with two iron keys resting neatly on her palm.
"Second floor," she said, placing them into Marron's hand. "Last door on the left and the smaller room beside it. Dinner service begins at sunset. If you intend to begin assisting tonight, Ciel is already preparing stock."
"I'll start tonight," Marron said without hesitation.
Madam Lou studied her expression for a heartbeat, then nodded once. "Good."
The larger guest room was simple but clean.
Two beds with thick quilts. A wide window overlooking the apple tree. A washbasin set on a small wooden stand. The air smelled faintly of dried herbs tucked somewhere unseen.
Mokko stepped inside first, scanning instinctively. Satisfied, he lowered their supplies near the wall.
Lucy's jar was placed carefully on the table by the window, where late afternoon light filtered through the leaves outside.
Marron ran her fingers along the quilt of one bed.
It had been mended in places. Carefully. Patiently.
