Farryn managed to find a man who was doing deliveries up to Trison Estate. "I'm going for an interview," she said pointedly, trying to smooth her dress. He eyed her up and down, but sighed and moved over so she could join him on the seat. Luli insisted on sitting between them, and Farryn could see the man wince every time her sharp little elbow jabbed into his side.

"When we get there, try to be as quiet as possible, okay?" Luli nodded, though she was obviously distracted. She seemed to be fascinated by the road, even though there was little more than grass and trees. Farryn thought of the stories she had read of factories. Ones that employed children. There had been a huge fire in one, just last year. They'd found dozens of children, none older than ten, curled up to protect themselves from the flames, still chained to their workstations. It had made Farryn a little grateful she was sitting in Serval's kitchen. 

The ride was uneventful, and when the Trison Estate came into view, Farryn bit back the wave of nausea that flowed through her. What if she didn't get hired? What would she do then? How would she find her?

She held her breath as they approached the gates, clutching Luli's hand and warning her to settle down, not draw attention. But the men at the gate paid them no mind, and the pair entered right with the cart. 

"I need to drive this round to the kitchens." the man said as he brought his mule to a stop. "Thank you kindly, sir. Could you point me to the servants' entrance?" He pointed her to the side of the manor. "Go straight down that way, then enter the wooden fence. You'll find a latticed brown door." he turned away before Farryn could thank him again, and she nodded and headed in the direction he'd indicated, hurrying Luli along with her.

Sure enough, there was a door right where the man had indicated. It was thrown open, and Farryn could smell stews and meat, cooking away. She took in a deep breath, savouring it, and then stepped in.

"Hasar! I swear on all the saints that be, if you don't turn down that flame I will-" the person yelling was coming down the hall at top speed, and Farryn jumped out of the way before she got barrelled over. "What are you doing, wandering about?" she snapped at her.

"My apologies. My name is Felicia." Farryn said, smiling and putting out a hand. "I'm here to ask about a job." "What workhouse?" "Oh no, I'm not from one. I'm a nursemaid."

The woman sighed, wiping her hands on her dirty apron. "Girl, does it look like I'm in charge of the nursery?" "My apologies. I spotted the nanny in town earlier and wanted to speak to her. Could you direct me her way?"

The woman muttered to herself before pointing down the hall. "Take off your shoes, go down into the house. The west wing, on the bottom floor. Don't go wandering around, now. Everyone's on high alert. You might be killed before you have a chance to explain yourself."

"Thank you," Farryn said. She was stunned by that last statement. High alert. Why was that?

She went down the hallway and heaved the heavy door open, sliding off her shoes and telling Luli to do so too. The linoleum was cold under their feet, and so they walked quickly.

Thankfully, no one bothered the two as they made their way to the west wing. When they arrived, Farryn warned Luli once more to stay quiet. "I know," she whined, gnawing on her thumb. "Alright. Thank you."

The west wing was quiet, simple. A window was open, and Farryn took in a deep breath of fresh air, just as a cry cut through the silence.

She headed towards the noise. There was a door open, and Farryn stepped in front of it, peeking in.

It was a nursery, with a rocking chair and crib directly opposite the door. A woman in a grey and green dress was crouched on the carpet, sitting with a baby that was screaming its head off. Well, not a baby. The little girl had to be at least eighteen months old.

Farryn knocked gently at the door, and the woman jumped. She looked up, frazzled, a bit panicked. "Who are you?" "My name is Felicia. I'm sorry if this is a bad time." "I-" another cry interrupted her, joining the girl on the carpet. "Oh..." the woman muttered, picking her up and hurrying towards the side of the room. She opened another door, and the crying grew louder.

Farryn followed. "It seems you are quite busy, Ma'am." the woman didn't even answer her, holding the first baby out to her. Farryn took her, and the girl tried to bite her, but she held her at arm's length. The woman pulled the second baby out of its crib, patting it on the back. "Will you open the window?" the woman asked, and Farryn smiled to herself. The job was hers.

— —

All three of the triplets had gotten themselves riled up, and it took an hour for the two of them to get all of them settled down again. Luli stood silently in the corner watching, and when they had all three children playing quietly on the carpet, the woman turned to Farryn.

"You want to be a nursemaid?" "Yes. It seems you have your hands very full. I would love to help. I've been looking for a job for quite some time now, and-"

"It's not up to me. It's up to Lady Trison, and she hasn't hired anyone new in six months." "Perhaps she has not needed new employees."Farryn offered. The woman laughed. "You're not from town, are you?"

"No," Farryn admitted. She lowered her head. "I just came into town. I lost my job and home a while ago. My sister was orphaned recently, so I need something to support myself." "You aren't married?" "No ma'am."

"Well," she said, settling down onto the rocking chair. "Less than six months ago, one of the servants killed the heir." Farryn didn't have to feign surprise. She was surprised. 

"Killed? By a servant?" "A girl. His secret lover." she sniffed. "She's disappeared, and my Lady trusts no one now. She definitely won't trust a strange little orphan girl."

The words stung, but Farryn just smiled. "Will you let me prove my worth? I have no murderous intentions, and no intentions to pursue romance." "That's what they all say." the woman laughed. But Farryn was serious. She had no interest. How could she waste her time like that?

The woman sighed. "It is difficult managing these three myself." "They are beautiful children," Farryn said. Despite her grumpy disposition, the woman smiled like they were her own children. "A blessing. Her Ladyship lost one son and got two to replace him."

Farryn didn't mention that technically they were born before the heir was killed. Instead, she nodded, and they both fell silent. "And the girl?" the woman said suddenly, gesturing to Luli. "I'll ask if she can work in the kitchens. She's helpful. A little shy but-" "Send her down. I will speak to my Lady this evening, at dinner."

"Thank you, Ma'am." "My name is Iris," she said, before stopping, considering. "No. Keep calling me ma'am."