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the stables. I could make out twin gables rising above the main barn. It was immense. I leaned forward in the carriage.
    “My Lady, how many men and women work the Estate beyond those who support the Manor house? I see so many people scurrying around up ahead.”
    She snapped the reigns and the little hose picked up speed. She raised her voice a bit. “There are about fifty. The foreman will brief you on each. Always have your managers do such briefings at your convenience. Instruct them in writing to be prepared, and to give you a full formal briefing in your office. Set your expectations and then critique all of your managers on their performance and the quality of the service they provide to the Manor. It will serve you well.”
    I was feeling pretty full of myself. Who would have believed that I would be managing upwards of a hundred people and such a large enterprise as Brighten Manor?
    My Lady pulled up the horse. “One last thing. Before we meet any of your new staff. Take this last bit of advice as motivation for you as my manager. I will expect the same briefings from you Sibyl, and I will be very demanding of you in those briefings, and at times seeming perhaps quite a bit harsh. So, warning issued - be very vigilant managing the assets of my precious Brighten Manor.”
    She shot me a wicked grin. I smiled and lowered my eyes and whispered. “Yes My Lady, your expectations are a sweet demand for me. May I always please you?”
    Lady Julia tied the reigns to the carriage, and immediately we were surrounded by a crowd of willing staff. She held up a finger, and as one they became still. She touched her lips indicating silence.
    She whispered to me. “They are happy to see us.” She turned to face me. She cupped her hand over my ear and giggled. “I don’t come to the stables as often as I once did. This will be an occasion for them. They also know about you, and that makes them nervous. I like to heighten there excitement. Sit a minute. Watch the tension mount. I’m afraid there is a wicked side to me Sibyl. I like to watch them squirm.”
    And make them squirm she did. My Lady sat upright in the surrey. She identified a handsome young man at the front of the crowd.
    “That one is Carlton. I got him from a neighbors Estate, a Lady Bradstreet, you’ll meet her. She comes to the Manor often for tea. Carlton is quite good looking. Don’t you think?”
    She was gossiping. Playing an edgy game of keep away - filling time to make them wait. I fell in behind her lead. The tension was intoxicating and the power over them electrifying.
    “Well only if you like your men tall, and delicious.” I whispered in return.
    “Oh, that’s only half the story dear.” She rubbed the top of my leg. “I won him on a bet with from Lady Bradstreet. I don’t even remember the bet, but Lady Bradstreet lost, and now he’s mine. I have him on a contract and she secretly pays his fee.”
    “Oh my God. My Lady you are wicked. What does Carlton do?”
    “I'm told he has quite an impressive background; I must look into it sometime, but for now - not much. I just like to look at him.” She whispered a laugh. “My neighbor was heartbroken to lose him, she told me he’s endowed like a stallion.”
    We both laughed at our secret mischief making.
    “Maybe you and I should have Carlton come to your office for a short briefing Sibyl, followed by a long drawn-out inspection.”
    We slowly regained our composure. My Lady signaled with her gloved index finger and to the relief of all they were released to gather around the little surrey.
    The handsome Carlton stepped forward, bowed, removed his cap, and opened the door of the carriage. He was carrying a tiny stool for us to step upon. I stepped out first, silently turning to take My Lady’s hand so that her entrance to the paddock would be as special and as graceful as was her appearance. She smiled and took my hand.
    My Lady paced slowly along the edge of the assembled staff. I