Hearing that the village was close by Vivian decided to ask the housekeeper, "Can you take me there, Jan?" her question was enough to fill the housekeeper with dread, his face slightly turning pale, "You did say the Duke said I could ask you for anything for the day," her smile was so infectious that the housekeeper for the first time found it hard to answer back to her but he was well aware with the game of manipulation.
"I'm sorry, milady but I cannot fulfil your request on it. I would suggest you go with Master himself once he returns back home."
People keep asking who the characters are therefore I have asked you to read the previous two books to make things sense. You would get a depth of Alexander and Nicholas' story.
PS: Katie and Heidi aren't born yet. Nor is Malphus.