Chapter 18

Meanwhile, back at the house...

“I can’t believe you agreed to that punishment for me.” Alexia says to Lucia.

“Agreed to it?” Lucia says, and then grins. “It was my idea.”

“You are evil.” Alexia says.

“But you still love me.” Lucia says. “Besides, it made Robert feel bad for you. If the punishment had been lighter, we might have had to convince him to fully forgive you. Instead, he felt the need to comfort you.”

“True.” Alexia says grudgingly.

“And you did fuck up massively.” Lucia digs a bit, and then adds seriously. “You could have endangered both of our places here, or risked having us be separated.”

“I don’t think they would do that.” Alexia says.

“You didn’t think you’d get any punishment at all.” Lucia says. “I love you, but sometimes you don’t think at all.”

Alexia winces a bit, and stays silent for a moment. “I guess that’s fair. I’m sorry.”

“Just don’t do anything like that again, please.” Lucia says, hugging her cousin. “I never want to have to choose between you and them. It’s an awful position to be in.”

“I won’t. And next time I have a bright idea, I’ll come ask if you think it’s actually a stupid idea.” Alexia says, snorting as she tries to hold back a laugh.

Lucia laughs too. “We should get to work. I need to prep lunch for a ton of people, and you’ve got bed assembly and cleaning to do.”

Meanwhile back at the auction:

Robert and Jane move to the front, just as Trevor and Hannah come back inside from the front desk. Jane waves at them, and they come over, and Hannah sits next to Jane.

“Thank you!” Hannah says, hugging Jane. “If you hadn’t told him about the claim, I’d still be sitting over there.” She nods towards the back of the room.

“Very welcome.” Jane says. “When you get home, read everything carefully, including the BAA rules. It sounds like Trevor hasn’t been doing his homework.”

“Yeah, homework was never his strong suit.” Hannah says. “That’s not why I’m with him.”

Jane elbows her lightly, and says. “Good for you.” with a big smile.

Hannah grins, and asks. “So what’s this about the orange auction? They didn’t tell us anything, and Trevor is clueless.”

“Do you know Trevor’s allotment?” Jane asks.

Hannah shrugs, and asks Trevor. He shuffles through his paperwork, and Hannah just takes it from him, and shows it to Jane. Jane flips through it quickly, until she thankfully sees Rosie’s writing at the top of a page.

“Looks like he is a 2-3 household.” Jane says. “That means he can have a minimum of 2, and a maximum of 3 concubines. That means you need to pick one or two Orange cards.”

“How do we pick?” Hannah says.

“Did you happen to make friends with any of them?” Jane asks. “Or do you know any of them from before all of this happened?”

“No, I didn’t see any of these women until we got here today, and the rest of us red cards were kept to one end.” Hannah says.

Jane sighs, and says. “I only vetted the three we plan to bid on. I do have a list of people that Lucia thought might be nice, but she’s not really basing it on anything. You are welcome to use the list, but I can’t guarantee it’ll actually be helpful.”

“It’s better than nothing.” Hannah says.

“How much money did Trevor bring?” Jane asks her a bit more quietly.

Hannah elbows him, and whispers the question in his ear. He takes out his wallet and hands it to her. Flipping through it, she finds two twenties and a few dollar bills, along with his debit card.

“Umm ... Is there money on that card?” Jane asks.

Trevor looks like a deer caught in the headlights, before Hannah takes his phone, and opens his banking app. Pointing it at his face, to unlock it, she shows it to Jane.

“$212?” Jane asks incredulously. Looking at Trevor, she asks. “How did you plan to buy Hannah? 212 dollars wouldn’t have done it.”

“It’s all I have.” Trevor says. “My mom wouldn’t lend me money for this.”

“Your mom wouldn’t lend you money to save your girlfriend?” Jane asks with a dangerous tone.

“For the auction.” Trevor attempts to clarify.

“And did she know I was in the auction?” Hannah asks.

“I’m not sure.” Trevor attempts to deflect the question.

“You mean, no.” Hannah says. “What the fuck, Trevor? How would you have felt if one of these guys dragged me out of here while you stood there with your thumb in your ass?”

“Bad.” Trevor says. “It’s really all the money I have, and my mom told me to stop asking for money. I guess I didn’t think about losing you.”

Hannah is clearly angry, and Jane decides to intervene to prevent a scene, given that the auction was literally starting at that moment. “I think it’s clear you need to take charge when you get home. Sometimes we ladies need to put our foot down and take control of the situation away from these men.” Jane says. “If you get along with his mom, get her on board with it. He has my number, text or call me if you need help.”

“Thank you.” Hannah says, trying to calm herself. Turning back to Trevor, she says. “I should make you buy the oldest, ugliest woman up here.”

“That may be all you can afford.” Jane says, not joking. “With that little money, you should jump on the first woman you see that has no bids, and that you think might work.”

Turning to Robert, she hugs him, and whispers in his ear. “Thank you for not being a chucklefuck.”

“You are very welcome.” He whispers back, kissing her. “Now let’s watch the auction.”

“First up we have this lovely 28 year old woman. It says here she can cook and clean, and worked at a local diner.” The auctioneer says, talking just fast enough that Robert had trouble following him. “Who will give me $500?”

No one says anything to the auctioneer, though there is a low hum of conversation as bidders can’t manage to shut up. “Come on now, folks. We are trying to have an auction here. You can talk about the sports scores after the auction. Who will give me $300?”

The auctioneer finally gets a bid at $200, but doesn’t manage to get another after that. The next was even worse, a 34 year old mother of 3 who was more than a bit overweight. After initially trying to start the auction at $250, he keeps lowering the price, before declaring the auction to be failed, and calling for the next woman.

“She could work for Trevor.” Jane whispers to Hannah, who snorts.

“That would serve him right.” Hannah whispers back. “But I do want him to actually be happy, and I don’t think she’s quite his type.”

As the third woman is led up, Robert says quietly to Jane. “These prices are really low.”

“They also haven’t put up any of the young, attractive girls yet.” Jane says. “I’m hoping a few of these guys blow their cash on them, before we get to our girls.”

The next few women solicit a similar response, with one not getting any bids. Finally on the sixth woman, the crowd starts paying attention.

“Next up we have a college beauty.” The auctioneer says. “She’s a business major with a 3.8 GPA, is good with kids, and apparently can cook.”

“We don’t care if she can cook.” A heckler in the crowd yells. Another one says. “With tits like that, she’ll be too busy to cook in my house.”

“Quiet down there.” The auctioneer says. “Let’s start the bidding at $500.”

The bidding quickly rises, topping out at $800 for a moment, before Frank ups the bid to $1000. He glances around as he does, meeting the other bidders gaze with a bored expression. The man waves at the auctioneer, and Frank wins the girl.

“Was that the one we let him have?” Robert asks.

“Don’t worry about it, honey.” Jane says. “We don’t have enough time to worry about every cute girl here.”

The rest of the auction goes similarly, with low bids for most of the women, with bids getting near $1000 for the beautiful girls. Lindsey is the first of their girls up on the stage. She’s crying again, and the crowd seems generally disinterested. Robert tries to bid when it opens at $400, but Jane squeezes his leg to stop him. “Wait, let other people bid, and then only bid when you think it’s done.”

Robert waits impatiently as the bid drops to $300, and then $250, he looks over at Jane, who still shakes her head. Eventually someone bids at $150, and Jane whispers. “Wait.” After a moment asking for $175, there appear to be no more bids. “Go for $200.” Jane says.

Robert does, and the other guy drops out. “1 down, and 5 to go.” Jane whispers.

A few women later one comes up that was on Lucia’s list. The bidding starts at $400, but quickly drops to $100. Jane leans over to Hannah as the initial price fails. “This is one of the ones that Lucia liked.” Pulling up her notes, she reads off the basic info, which is that she is 22, works at a daycare, and likes kids.

Hannah nods, and nudges Trevor. “Do you like her?”

“I like you.” Trevor says.

“We don’t have time for that.” Hannah says. “If you like her, bid $100 now.”

Trevor freezes a second, and the bid drops to $75. Hannah growls in frustration, reaching over and raising his hand for him. He looks at her, and she says. “Don’t do that. I can tell you like her, so bid on her. Don’t go over $125, we need money to live.”

The bid is raised once to $100, and Trevor manages to bid for himself at $125, securing the sale.

“Good job.” Jane tells Hannah. “You are learning.”

Next up is Taylor. She thankfully avoids most of the catcalls from the crowd, but the bidding is a bit more brisk. Robert is getting antsy at $750, and when Frank catches Jane’s eye as if to ask if they are bidding, Jane tells Robert to do $900. Frank gets the hint and backs off, and they manage to get her at $1100.

Frank snaps up the next woman, only paying $350 this time. After a few more women, it was Emily’s turn. Her large glasses and shy manner seem to help keep the crowd less interested than in most auctions, and Robert manages to get her for $500.

After another dozen women, Dee comes up. “Here we have a very spirited 28 year old. I understand she is good at cleaning, and you would never be bored.”

Dee screams, and tries to thrash as two guards carry her chair onto the stage, Dee still attached to it.

“Fuck you.” She screams at the crowd, and a few of the men get into it, yelling back.

The auctioneer senses some interest, and decides to start the bidding low, hoping to secure any sale. At $50 he gets a bit of action, and the numbers actually go up to $100 quickly. Unfortunately she spots Jane and Robert at this point, and starts screaming. “Bid on me, bitch!”

Robert puts his arm around her, and whispers. “Why don’t you step out for a few minutes?”

Jane just stares back at Dee, not moving. “I need to stay.” She tells Robert. “She doesn’t care about me at all, she just wants to use me again.”

“Bingo.” He says. “She’s been using us since day one.”

The bidding eventually stops at $150, and she appears to have been won by a rough looking middle aged redneck.

She gives one last “Fuck you!” As the guards pick up her chair and carry her out of the room. As she leaves, Robert hugs Jane closely and asks. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah.” Jane says. “I think I am.”

There are only a few orange cards left, and while they all sell, the bids are very low. After the last goes up, the auctioneer goes to confer with a few officials at the side of the room. When he comes back, he says. “We still have nearly two dozen women who did not sell. Anyone who purchased two orange cards, you are now free to go. If you plan to participate in our small red card auction, feel free to remain in the front waiting area, and you will be called back shortly. If you don’t plan to participate in that auction, please visit the front desk as soon as you exit to get your concubines registered, and to pay. Your slaves will be brought out after payment is received.”

“Those of you who did not purchase two concubines, please remain behind.” The man says.

Hannah looks at Jane, and asks. “What do we do?”

“They may want you to take one more. If they do, try to get out of it.” Jane suggests. “Tell them that he lives with his mother, and can’t support 3 women. If that doesn’t work, try to get the best woman you can. He has my number if you need to call or text me.”

Robert and Jane head back to the waiting room, and sit in the far corner, away from the crowd that is piled up around the front desk.

“It may just be us for the red card auction.” Frank says as he sits down next to them. “I almost bid on your vet, I’m glad you bid when you did, or I’d have raised the price quite a bit.”

“We are bidding on these three for the next auction.” Jane says, and gives him the profile numbers. “This one I care less about, if you really want her.”

“Nope, not interested in that one.” Frank says. “I don’t want to fill my house in one night anyhow, and I’m already taking home 7 today.”

“Why not that one?” Robert asks. “If you know something we don’t, feel free to share it.”

“Just a feeling.” Frank says. “She’s not my type anyhow.”

“What is your type?” Jane asks curiously.

“Pretty and docile.” Frank says. “I plan for my retirement to be boring and happy. That girl seems like trouble to me.”

Jane sighs. “Me too, honestly. We requested her to be put in the auction though, so we have to bid at least once if no one else does.”

Frank looks around. “We may all be getting very good deals. I see one guy over there, and maybe one of the poors who didn’t bother to bid in the first round will stick around, but this auction certainly seems like it’ll be small.”

Jane’s phone buzzes. “It’s Hannah.” she says.

“Is that the black girl that was sitting next to you?” Frank asked. “With the chest.”

“Yeah...” Jane says, taken aback by the man’s crudity. “You know all women have those, right?”

“Not like she does.” Frank says. “I am jealous of that boy, I thought about bringing her home when I spotted her.”

“If it makes you feel any better, that’s her boyfriend.” Jane says. “And we would have bid against you.”

“Oh well.” Frank says. “Plenty more of these auctions, and the girls I’ve gotten so far should be very sweet.”

“What did Hannah say?” Robert asks.

“They are asking everyone for their ID cards to scan, and now the auction guys are talking.” Jane says. “She thinks they are deciding who has to take the women that are leftover.”

A moment later Hannah and Trevor come through the waiting room doors. Hannah comes over to Jane, and hugs her. “We got out without taking anyone else.” Hannah explains. “It sounds like they are going to do a second auction of the orange card women. They were telling each card holder how many of them he had to take, and apparently if they don’t bid on that amount, they are getting assigned them.”

“I’m glad you got out of it.” Jane tells Hannah. “Two of you will be plenty while you are still living with Trevor’s mom.”

“Speaking of which...” Hannah looks at Trevor. “Are we just showing up at your house, or do you want to call her?”

“Shit.” Trevor says. “Showing up. It’s harder for her to kick us out if we are already inside.”

“Remember to tell her you are legally required to take the woman you purchased.” Jane says. “And you rescued Hannah, even if you almost fucked that up. Maybe don’t tell her that part.”

“I’m definitely telling her that part.” Hannah says.

“Please don’t.” Trevor says. “Please.”

“We can talk about it on the ride home.” Hannah tells him. “Now go get in line to pay, so we can get out of here.”

Jane and Hannah chit chat while they wait, while Frank eyes up Hannah’s sizable chest out of the corner of his eye while pretending to be doing something on his phone.

Robert just sighs, and texts Lucia to give her an update, and to let her know to plan for 6 extra women for dinner. He also warns her about Reyna, and she just sends back an eggplant emoji, and a thumbs up. “Damn kids.” Robert grumbles, and Jane looks over and laughs.

A few minutes later a large group of disgruntled men comes out of the hall door, marking the end of the second orange card auction. A moment later one of the men with the auctioneer comes in, and tells bidders for the red card auction to come in. “Go stand with Trevor.” Jane tells Hannah. “Trust me, you don’t want to be out without your owner or a handler.”

Jane walks her over to Trevor, who is nearly at the front of the line, and then walks back into the back room with Robert.

“Frank was definitely right.” Jane says. There are 4 other people sitting in the seats, one of whom had apparently stayed back during the last auction. Robert and Jane take a seat towards the middle, and Frank joins them a minute later.

“Well, it’s not just us, but I still think we are fine.” Frank says.

The auctioneer takes the stage, and says. “Hello all. This auction is a little different. Each of these girls was requested by someone in this room in particular. Keep in mind if you did request the girl, you must bid at least once. If you didn’t, you might piss someone off by bidding on their sweetheart. Fist fights can happen afterwards in the parking lot though. If everyone’s ready, let’s get this moving, I’m ready for lunch.”

As they call up the first girl, Robert says. “We requested the Indian nurse, and creative chick. I’ll bid the open on them, and then they are all yours.”

“Fine by me, but just the one bid.” Frank says. “I requested your Asian girl as well, so I’ll do the same thing.”

The first two girls that are called up aren’t any of theirs, and the third is one of Frank’s, who he snags for the opening bid. The opening bids on these are higher, all starting at at least $500, because they have a buyer who is required to bid.

The fourth is Reyna. Robert starts the bidding at $750 as he is required to, and it quickly becomes apparent that a few of the other men are also interested in her. The bidding quickly reaches $1500, and Robert tries to stop the momentum by bidding $2000. One of the seemingly poor men must be using his life savings for this, because he bumps it to $2500. Robert looks at Jane, and she nods and says. “Keep going. We barely spent anything in the first auction.” Robert bids $3000, and then man counters at $3500.

“5000” Jane says, raising Robert’s hand, and glaring at the other bidder. He looks upset, but doesn’t bid any more.

“Sold” Says the auctioneer, and Reyna is lead off to the side.

“Your lady means business.” Frank says. “Reminds me of my wife, God rest her soul.”

Frank snags the Indian nurse a few women later, but has to pay $2000 for her, and as he does, he tells Robert. “I’m noticing a pattern here. The more exotic, the higher the price.”

“Yeah, I noticed that too.” Robert says. “I get the feeling Mei is going to cost me an arm and a leg.”

“Probably.” Frank says. “My budget for her was going to be 10k, but we made a deal, so I’ll stay out of it.”

The artisan goes soon after for $1500 to Frank, and he says. “That’s about it for me, unless one of these others are cheap.”

Megan is up next, and Robert opens the bidding at $500. Despite, or perhaps because of, being a well built blonde girl, she attracted relatively little attention. Robert manages to get her for just $800.

The next few girls do go cheap, but not cheap enough for Frank. He bids once, but doesn’t win. Robert looks at him questioningly, and he says. “That asshole bid up my Indian nurse. I just wanted to repay the favor.”

Finally Mei comes around, the very last woman up for bid. “We’ve saved the best for last her folks.” The auctioneer says, waving Mei onto the stage. “This young lady was requested by three of you. She’s half Chinese, and I understand she used to be a cook at her grandparent’s restaurant. Who could turn down a beautiful, exotic girl who can cook? Let’s start the bidding at $2000.”

Frank immediately met the minimum bid, and then folds his hands in his lap. The same man that was bidding on Reyna raises the bid to $3000 immediately.

“$5000.” Jane says, “and if he raises it again, $10000. We need to show him we aren’t fucking around.”

Robert bids $5000, and the man looks back and glares at them. Turning to the auctioneer, he raises it to $7500.

“$10000.” Robert raises the bid again. Mei visibly recoils with every bid, as if it’s physically hurting her to see them have to spend so much for her. Jane manages to make eye contact with her, and gives her a reassuring smile.

“11000” The other bidder says, much to Robert and Jane’s surprise.

“Shit, he really wants her.” Frank says. “If you guys are dropping out, let me know.”

“12500.” Robert says, and then to Frank. “We promised her grandmother, we aren’t dropping out until we run out of money.”

“I can respect that.” Frank says. The other bidder looks absolutely pissed, but he waves off the auctioneer, getting up and stomping out of the room. “I guess that poor bastard only really came here for those two.”

“If that’s the case, he’s probably going to be bidding against you tomorrow.” Robert says.

“If so, I’ll just order a girl from California.” Frank says. “Or take a trip to bid in one of their auction houses.”

Robert shakes his head, but then the auctioneer officially calls out. “Sold.” and then declares the auction to be at an end. The guard comes to escort Mei from the stage, but she bolts towards Robert and Jane, throwing her arms around them. “Thank you!!!” She says, loudly and joyously. “I’m so sorry I cost so much though.”

“You are worth every penny.” Robert says, giving her a small kiss on the forehead.

“I’ll show you exactly what I’m worth when we get home.” Mei says. “A girl has to earn her keep, after all.” She adds with a wink.

“You’ll have to fight Reyna for the privilege if you really mean as soon as we get home.” Jane says, laughing. “Let’s get to the front desk and pay so we can get out of here.”

The guard comes up to take Mei, and she waves at them as she goes with him.

“Well,” Robert says, as they walk through the doors back to the lobby. “That started cheap, at least.”

“We still came out under budget.” Jane says. “If Megan didn’t bleach her hair, we might have been screwed though.”

“Bleach?” Robert asks.

“She’s a bottle blonde.” Jane says, and groans. “I forget men don’t pay attention. Look at her facial features and hair roots when we get her. She’s at least half Native American, her natural hair color is black.”

“I didn’t realize.” Robert said. “I mean, I noticed her features, but I didn’t look at the roots.”

“We can check her card when we get home, or just ask her, but I’d bet anything I’m right.” Jane says.

As they approach the desk, the line is just three people, one of whom is Frank. He pays his bill, and a minute later his six girls come out, wearing temporary collars. “See you guys around.” Frank says to them as he shepherds his girls out the door.

As they finally get to the front of the line, Rosie is waiting to scan Robert’s card. “Big spenders, I see.” Rosie says. “I think you won the auction.”

Jane laughs. “I don’t think spending the most means you won.”

“Definitely not.” Robert says. “But I wasn’t leaving Mei or Reyna behind.”

“You should have plenty of opportunities to snag some cheaper girls to fill out your allotment soon.” Rosie says. “Remember we are having auctions tomorrow, and every night this week, and probably more after that.”

“I think 8 is plenty for now.” Robert says.

“Couldn’t hurt to attend a few, just in case someone slips through the cracks cheaply.” Rosie says. “You actually don’t even have to come, as long as Jane is delegated as your bidder proxy.”

“I already am.” Jane says, and quickly changes the subject. “Where do I swipe the card?”

After paying, Rosie steps into the back for a moment, before emerging with a cardboard box. “Each of your girls has a bag inside with their personal possessions that weren’t returned to them. Mainly things like keys and cell phones, but also purses for any of them that had one on them when they were detained. You’ve got two weeks from their auction date before someone cleans out their places. I’d suggest doing it asap, if there is something you want to allow them to take with them.”

A few minutes later their new ladies emerge from the backroom, changed back into their street clothes, and wearing temporary plastic collars. “Hello Ladies.” Robert greets them. “Is everyone ready to leave this place, and hopefully never come back?”

As he is speaking, Mei throws herself into him, giving him a hug. “Yes, sir! Let’s get home.”

“What’s up with her?” Megan asks.

“I’ve known them since I was like 12.” Mei says. “And they just spent a ton of money to rescue me from a pig.”

“Me too.” Reyna jumps in. “Thank you both, I’m sorry I ended up costing so much.”

“Well worth it.” Robert says. “Let’s get to the van, I’m sure the girls at home are making lunch, and they’ll be excited to meet you.”

They all walk out to the van, and Taylor says. “This thing is huge. 12 or 15 passenger?”

“We went for 15.” Robert says. “Our maximum allotment is 12, and we have another girl at home who isn’t a concubine, so it seems like that was a wise choice.”

Robert gets the girls loaded, and Jane cranks the van to leave. “Robert, honey, please text the girls to let them know we are leaving.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” He says, buckling up and sending the text as they exit the parking lot. The girls talk amongst themselves on the way back, and Robert glances back a few times to check on them. He notices that Megan is the only one not talking, even Emily is engaged with Lindsey about a book she read before being detained. As he looks back the second time, he notices Reyna watching him. She sticks her tongue out when she knows he is watching, enjoying the look on his face as she flicks it once before pulling it back into her mouth. Robert just smiles at her, before turning back around and wondering what exactly he has gotten himself into.

As they pull into the house, the garage door is already open, and the girls are all waiting. When Robert gets out they flock to the van, opening the doors eagerly. “Give them some space, ladies.” Robert says. “Some of these poor girls have been detained for nearly two weeks.”

As he is speaking, Lucia comes up next to him. “Mistress texted me, I put snacks and drinks in the master bedroom. Good luck!” She gives him a kiss on the cheek before waving at some of the new girls.

Robert is too flustered to respond to her, not expecting Lucia to be happy about him being drug off to the bedroom immediately like this. As the girls pile out of the van, Robert feels someone grab his hand. Looking down, he feels Reyna already pulling him towards the house.

“Not fair.” Mei says, trying to catch up with them. “Why do you get to go first?”

“Sorry.” Reyna says. “I promise I’ll explain it afterward, but I really, really need his dick, right now.”

“Damn, girl.” Mei says, stopping, and then calling out after her. “Leave some for the rest of us at least.”

As they enter the house, Reyna asks. “Which way is the bedroom?”

Robert stops her pulling him for a moment, and pulls her back towards him. He leans down to kiss her, and she moans into his mouth, practically shoving her tongue down his throat, before pulling back. “Please don’t make me beg.”

“Maybe next time.” Robert teases, and leads the way up the stairs, still holding her hand. She practically pushes him up the stairs, and just as they reach the top, Robert can hear the garage door closing as the others make it inside.

“What was all that about?” Alexia asks Jane when Robert and Reyna run into the house.

“I think she might be a nymphomaniac.” Jane says. “Or maybe she’s just a very horny girl. Either way, she has a need, and we agreed to address it as soon as we got home.”

“Mistress, you don’t suppose they would need a shower girl, do you?” Alexia asks, pretending to be selfless.

“I don’t.” Jane says. “And I didn’t negotiate for us to watch this time either, in case you were about to ask. Let’s just give them a bit to work it out of her system. If they aren’t down in an hour, I will go check on them. In the meantime, everybody inside. We don’t need the whole neighborhood coming over to get into our business.”

As the ladies all move inside, Jane directs them to pick seats at either the breakfast table, or the bar. Taylor, Emily, Mei pick the table, while Lindsey and Megan end up at the bar. Jane turns to Lucia, Amber, and Alexia. “Have you three already eaten?”

“Yes, Mistress.” Lucia answers. “I thought it best that we eat first, since we don’t really have enough chairs yet.”

Moving around to the kitchen, she says. “Plates are here, food is on the stove. Feel free to help yourselves, just ask if you need something you don’t see.”

Megan gets up immediately to be first in line, earning a look from Mei.

“So while you serve yourselves, I’ll introduce everyone. The lovely young lady who cooked for us is Lucia. She is in charge of all things related to the kitchen. Mei, you are going to be working with, and at least at first, for her, so please get with her after lunch to begin learning your duties. She’s also Robert’s little darling, so sucking up to her isn’t a bad idea if you want to make a good impression with him.” Jane says with a smile.