Lucianna by Bertrice Small

drapes.”
    “You have been busy,” Balia approved, “but so have I. You will find your bedchamber just as it should be.”
    “Where is Cleva?”
    “In the kitchens with Alvina,” Balia said. “Would you like me to fetch them for you?”
    “Nay, let’s go down to Alvina’s domain. It still seems to be the warmest room in the house,” Lucianna remarked.
    They descended into the kitchens, where they found Alvina stirring a pot over the fireplace, and Cleva seated at the table. The younger girl jumped up, seeing her new mistress, and curtsied.
    “I hear you have been busy this morning,” Lucianna began. “Mistress Kira has now returned to her home and will send us a few more staff by evening. Alvina, I have asked for a helper for you, and a helper for you as well, Cleva. Sam will have a boy to aid him too, and we will gain two litter bearers. I think we will be able to manage with those few, but if not, you will tell me.”
    “Thank you, mistress,” Alvina said, speaking for herself and Cleva. “Cleva will prepare the sleeping places for the new women and men. The boy can sleep in the stables with Sam.”
    “Excellent,” Lucianna replied. “Have Balia bring them to me when they come.” Then she turned and went back upstairs with Balia.
    David Kira sent a message saying he would come on the morrow to take her to the shop they had rented for the Florentine silk merchants. Lucianna sent an answer back with his messenger saying that she would expect him at nine o’clock in the morning. The additions to her household staff arrived shortly thereafter. She spoke with each of them.
    Bessie would help Alvina in her kitchens. She was an excellent baker, she told her new mistress. Alvina was very pleased to learn that.
    Welsa would serve as Cleva’s underhousemaid. Dunn and Gerd, two boys no older than eleven, would work in the stables for Sam. Finally, there were the two sturdy brothers, Flynt and Ford, who would serve as Lucianna’s litter bearers. All were clean and polite. Once again, Yedda Kira had served her well.
    The autumn afternoon slipped into evening. Lucianna ate a small meal and retired with Balia, who had spent some time in the kitchens so she might inspect these new servants. “The boys are boys,” she said. “The others, respectful and polite. They are all glad for work in a respectable household, my lady.”
    “Good, then the household will run smoothly. When I was out this morning, I ordered liveries for the litter bearers. They are simple but will add a modicum of importance to my stature.” She climbed into her bed, made up with her own fresh linens, and snuggled down.
    “Do you think we will see your earl now that we are in London?” Balia wondered aloud.
    Lucianna laughed. “He isn’t
my
earl, Balia. I honestly hope we will see him, but perhaps he has taken a wife since his return. If he comes, I will welcome him, of course. Tomorrow I will go the the shop and see what must be done.”
    “Will you bring the silks you brought with you?” Balia asked.
    “Nay, not until I have determined what is necessary to display them properly. Whatever I do, it must be as perfect as I can make it to attract customers for the guild. If they decide I am not doing well, they could send someone else, and I would have to return to Florence.”
    “You do not want to go home?” Balia was surprised.
    “We have been here only briefly but, despite the rain, I like it. London is different from Florence. Its look is unfamiliar, its smells are not the same, but I want to know more of this England.”
    Balia smiled. “You like it because you are more your own mistress here. You do not have your mother fussing at you to take another husband, or your father burdening you with the work that rightfully belongs to your brother Marco, or Marco whining about his adored Clarinda. Here, you are truly your own mistress.”
    Lucianna sat up a moment on her elbow. “I am, aren’t I?” she said, smiling. “It is a