We would have gone off to slumber around now, but we were detained by Renee, who came in to wash dishes. That worked rather perfectly for me, actually. She also made for quite the conversationalist, as I had learnt earlier in the day.
"You come to wash the dishes so very late." Theodosia said. "Why not come in earlier?"
"It's quieter around now. Less people - of course, you lot are here, but I can deal with you lot. It's the others I don't like." Renee replied.
"Yes; and, now, will you tell me of your opinions on the other servingmaids?"
"Well, I won't go much into detail on the whole Sabine situation. I don't think I should much go into that any further-"
"On the contrary," Alexandra had a notable, inquisitive tone in her voice now, "I rather think you should."
"Oh, well, there's not much to say. I've gone over pretty much everything."
"Your families have been feuding for a long time, no?"
"Well, er, yes. How did you know about that?"
"Sophia mentioned it to my friend. Is that really a valid reason to hate someone - because of an age old quarrel?"
"Well, I think it is well enough. Of course, she's rather nasty to me as well. Just me, though. And when nobody's around."
"Right." Theodosia didn't seem convinced. "Has she been to America?"
"No. She's French through and through. Where did you get that idea from?"
"And Sophia; what is your opinion on her?"
"Well, ah..." Renee seemed aptly confused.
"She's always like that." Chiron chimed in.
"Right." Renee blinked her eyes once or twice before continuing. "Sophia is too feminine for me. Doesn't know at all how to defend herself, or stand up for herself, or anything of the sort. And she gets scared easily. Not the type of woman I find respectable."
"Of course - but is such behavior not common in France?" Theodosia asked.
"Well, that shouldn't need much of an answer for you." She chuckled.
"Elaborate."
"Well, you've only got positive traits, haven't you? Intelligent and beautiful. Everything think a woman ought to be. Sophia is a sad excuse for one."
"Of course."
"You know, I once met this woman named Felicity Grant. She barely had a human weakness, that one. Wasn't quite the looker."
"I am sure I have heard the name?"
"Perhaps you have." She shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, what a cheery conversation we've had." Chiron was ever so sarcastic. "Anyone up for a late night game of Speed? I never go anywhere without my deck of cards."
"What is the point if you know my hand is too quick?" Theodosia beamed.
"I'll get you one day." Chiron winked and smiled.
"Well," I had spoken for the first time in what seemed like hours, "it's pretty late. I think I'll head off to the chambers - anyone care to join me?" Theodosia and Chiron both consented, and we bid Renee goodnight. My only wish is that we had been a little more apprehensive that night.