Chapter 3

The Baron spoke first as he took the girl's hand in his.

"Ah, Adrienne, a lovely name for a very lovely girl."

Her eyes rose to his.

At that moment, her eyes gazed directly into two orbs of fire which held her spellbound, immobile, speechless. Try as she might, she could not look away from those blazing irises and she felt her will to look away beginning to ebb. The slight smile on the Baron's lips deepened as he beheld the now trembling girl before him.

And as suddenly as it began, the Baron looked away and the spell was broken. It had lasted only a second or two, yet for Adrienne it had seemed a lifetime. She was quick to avert her eyes, silently determining not to meet that gaze again.

The boy stepped forward eagerly extending his hand.

"I am Steffan and I'm very happy to meet you, Adrienne!"

"How do you do Master Steffan," Adrienne replied, brightening to the boy's enthusiasm.

"You and I are going to be good friends. I can always tell about these things," he stated quite emphatically.

"I am sure of it," she said smiling as her spirits began to ascend.

"I'm very precocious you know," said the boy with mock seriousness followed by a smile.

"I would certainly believe that, Master Steffan."

"I am working on some experiments. Perhaps you could help me."

"I should be very pleased to assist you, professor," she said smiling, matching the jovial mood of the boy.

A hand gently touched her shoulder and, without thinking, Adrienne turned to look into the eyes of the Baroness. Again she was held, but this time not with power but with... Adrienne was not sure. She was sure, however, that those eyes beheld so much... what? She felt their mystery and excitement drawing her.

Again, as the first time, it was the Baroness who released her by averting her glance.

"Adrienne dear, we are all extremely happy you have decided to consider our offer. Since Mary told us about you, we have been anxious to meet you."

Looking across to the old crone, she added, "Mary, you have outdone yourself. She is truly as lovely and delightful as you described."

The old woman breathed a toothless sigh and grinned.

"Then she meets with your approval?"

"Absolutely," injected the Baron turning to the girl. "Adrienne, the job is yours if you but accept."

She was careful to avoid his eyes, but responded to the warm tone of his voice and the sentiment she felt from them all.

"Thank you sir and Madam. It will be a pleasure to serve you and your charming son."

The boy beamed.

"I shall do everything I can to serve you well."

"Of that I am sure," replied the Baron.

"And now my dear, you must be tired after your long journey," said the Baroness, motioning to the disfigured servant. "Lars, show Adrienne to her room."

Turning to the girl, she added, "I hope you will join us after dinner my dear. We would all like very much to get to know you better. Tomorrow will be plenty soon enough for you to begin your duties."

"Yes Ma'am... Thank you Ma'am."

Adrienne was a bit apprehensive as she followed Lars up the stairs. The entrancing power of the Baron and Baroness, although of different natures, were still quite unsettling. Of course, they had been extremely nice and, of course, Steffan was a delightful boy. Perhaps she was just being childish. Anyway, she had accepted the position and now it was going to be up to her to make the most of it...

In the drawing room the Baron turned to Mary who was rubbing her hands together and smiling in anticipation. He withdrew a pouch of gold coins from his jacket and held them just beyond the old woman's eager clutches.

"Well, my Lord, is she not just as I described her?" asked the old woman.

"She is indeed young and beautiful with no family ties to complicate matters," stated the Baron dropping the pouch into Mary's hands.