The earl nodded and rose as well. Lyra did a second later out of respect.
"Of course," Trevisan said. "That sounds like a good idea." He moved to walk them to the door. Lyra though, sat back down, picking at her cake again.

Nickoladze managed to shake the Earls hand. "It was a pleasure dining with you this evening." He said brightly. "May we meet again soon."
He readjusted his son in his arms. The boy was getting heavy....

The earl shook his hand, opening the door for him. "I will make sure the right people are sent to your estate to aid you tomorrow," he said quietly.

Nickoladze smiled and nodded, moving out the door. "Take care, My grace." He said, heading back home. It was another hour before he cleaned up enough to put his kid into bed, and slip into his own.

Lyra helped Lain clear the table, and then wash the dishes and put everything away. The earl went to bed on his own, without another word to his daughter.
Lyra was the one that mentioned to Lain asking her brother to ask around for workers for the Duke as they finished their cleaning. Then she walked up to her room at the end of the far hallway, slipping into her bed and curling up quickly.

The next morning Nickoladze was up early, cleaning the study. He got that finished, and all his books placed and dusted where they belonged. He made sure his weath was safelt locked away in secret compartments before starting to clean the kitchen. He wasn't sure if he should make his son help. Honestly, he'd rather have his boy out and about, and out of the way, making friends.

A couple hours after dawn, several people showed up at the estate for the work that they had heard was available.

Lyra was up early, helping make breakfast. She nibbled a little at what she wanted, but didn't eat with her father. He liked to keep to himself for the most part.
After she was finished, she went out again, back to the market. She had wanted to buy fabric for a new dress the day before, but the duke's arrival had staled that. Now she returned to the market, looking through the fabrics once again.

Nickoladze was busy helping the others clean the house, and Antony was still fast asleep. The wine had affected him more then Nickoladze wanted to admit. Poor little guy had a hangover. In the early morning, he decided that he needed new tapestries and carpets. Many were moth eaten and carried other bugs. He ordered all the rugs and tapestries, and curtains removed, and he moved out, a coin pouch in his pocket to the makets, hoping to find some replacements.

Lyra finally gave up at the lesser fabric stands and went to the merchant that she usually bought from. He greeted her happily, dropping his attention for the other customers and helping her right away. Lyra sighed a bit, wishing she had the money he expected her to have.

Nickoladze wandered toward the stands, and he saw Lyra. He smiled a little, watching her a moment before approaching. "Good morning, milady." He said lightly.

Lyra blinked a bit and glanced behind her. "Good morning, your grace," she said, smiling slightly. "How are you today?"

"Busy!" He chukled slightly. "I'm actually looking for new tapestries, curtains and rugs for the estate. The old ones just wont do." He smiled a little, studying her. "What brings you here this fine day?"

Lyra smiled and lifted the light weight blue fabric she had been looking at. "Dress making," she said simply. "But Mikal here will love to have you ask him for curtain fabric."

Nickoladze smiled a little and studied the fabric she had, brushing his hands against it. "Ah, lovely." He said lightly. He smiled. "Is this what you want? Please allow me to purchase what you need. It is a thank you for your wonderful hospitality last night, and well, you're spectacular cooking."

Lyra blinked and her cheeks faded pink slightly. "Oh um... you're welcome," she said quietly. "But really... you're too kind. You don't... have to..." She hesitated, realizing it would be rude to decline his offer... as uneasy as accepting it made her feel.