A fall from grace.

"Is something wrong Mister Nigel?", Ally asked with concern, " not at all Miss just didn't expect a Lady like yourself to need a position to begin with", Nigel answered with reserved, Ally always hated having to explain her current need for income having initially come from a wealthy family, "my father was many things Mister Nigel but a good investor he was not as well as being too proud to ask for help I was informed upon his death that all our home and assets were being seized to pay back his debts", Ally said a bit to sternly "I have no position anymore except as the new aid to his Lordship", she finished crossly "I beg your pardon Miss, I was unknowing of your hardships please forgive this silly old man", Nigel said aggrieved for the poor girl.

"Of course I forgive you, how were you to know, it has been a tiring journey and my temper has gotten away from me please accept my apology dear Mister Nigel", Allegra replied shamed to have growled at the old groom. Nigel noddedd in acknowledgment before collecting her meager belongings and directing her towards the hall, at the door they were met by the butler, Mister Addler a sour looking twigg of a man who always looked like a stiff breeze could blow him away, looking down his bespectacled nose at her he intoned, " Miss Gray... you were expected this morning", "yes Mister Addler yes see what happ.." Ally began, " for future reference you are now apart of the staff and as such expected to be prompt and be required to use the servants entry at all time when not accompanied by his Lordship, is that clear?", Addler snapped, " yes Mister Addler" Ally said calmly, "very good, now as you are aid to his Lordship your room will be the one adjoining his as to be at his complete disposal", Addler started as he turned on his heal and began striding towards the staircase expecting to be followed, " you will be given this afternoon to unpack and refresh yourself before beginning your duties at dinner, we are light on staff these days so if you are in need of anything you may come to me or Mrs Goodrich in the kitchen, any questions?", he abruptly stopped in front of one of the many doors they had past and opened it, " your room Miss Gray dinner is at 5 o'clock sharp", with that he strode back in the direction they had come from.

Having given herself a thorough cleaning in the basin in her room Allegra sorted through her sparse collection of dresses picking out the best she had for dinner, it was by no means fancy but would do she supposed, getting dressed and feeling the need to reacquaint herself with the house she decided on a quick walk. Taking in the run down state of the once glorious mansion had her wondering just what had gone on here for the past decade, ' has the Earl been going through some trials of his own?', she mused as she was turning a corner she suddenly met with a large solid mass, stumbling back she was caught by a pair of strong arms who easily righted her, "oh my apologies I didn't see you....", her gaze traveled up at meet a familiar Grey eyes, "Xavier..", she breathed.