Retrace bxbxb

Illogical

Cleaning was indeed a huge stress reliever for Harper. Thankfully, all of the supplies for the three rooms had been stored in one of the washrooms' closets, allowing him to steer clear of Matilda. He dusted everything first, not wanting to spread the pesky dirt about as he put things in their rightful places. He took care of his room first, being sure to make the bed appropriately, fluff the pillows and fold and put anyway any loose linens of clothing. 

Next, he took care of the sitting room. The bookshelves Rule had pressed against the far wall took a good while to dust, but Harper was glad to have something to keep his focus. When the bookshelves were finally clean to his liking, he swept the floor and took care of a few other simple things in the room. 

With two rooms done, Harper now stood before Rule's. He hadn't specifically gotten permission to enter it, but at the same time, Rule had said that he would serve as his maid, and only his. Yet I am to be his friend during this event, and valet, too. 

Deciding that he had reason enough to enter, Harper took a deep breath and stepped inside of the dark room. He wasn't sure what he'd expected, but a crisp, clean space was not it. Rule seemed far more the disorganized out of the odd duo that he and Arthur made up. Yet, his room was nearly spotless. 

With a shrug, Harper grabbed the broom and swept up the bedroom and washroom, then wiped down the small amount of dust that had settled about. Deciding that the room could use a bit of air, too, he walked over to the large bay window and pushed it open. A faint chill sent a shiver down his spine as cool air rushed inside. 

Fall will be here soon. He noted as he took in a deep breath, then blew it out with a content smile. He'd needed this time alone to calm his nerves. 

"Who are you and what are you doing in his master's chambers!" 

The yelled words made Harper jump as he spun around. He knew who'd be there, as her voice was quite hard to forget, as well as her unkind actions. He wondered, however, what Matilda was doing in such a place. 

"I am to help lord Rule during the event tomorrow evening." He stated, doing his best to stay standing tall with his chin up. He'd be lying if he said she didn't intimidate him, but he knew that Rule would favor his word due to her previous actions against him. 

The woman's eyes narrowed as she took in what he was wearing. "And why is it that you are wearing that attire when the event is tomorrow?" 

Harper bit back a scowl. She had no right to question him. Being directly beneath Rule in the household technically made him of higher rank, but he couldn't find the courage in him to tell her that. She would likely not accept his words, anyways, for that matter. 

"He requested that I try on the outfit, then sent me up here to clean things up. I simply forgot to change back out of it." He stated, then added. "And what, may I ask, are you doing in his chambers?" 

The woman straightened her shoulders and turned her nose up at him. "As a matter of fact, you may not ask. It seems that you are finished with your current task, so come along. I have need of you in the cellar." 

That sounds delightful. 

Knowing that if he followed her, he'd likely end up dirtying his current outfit far worse than simply cleaning a few rooms, of which he'd been told that he was to maintain until the end of the event, Harper slowly shook his head. "I do apologize, but I must decline. Lord Rule gave me strict orders to clean up his chambers, and I do not believe that I am quite finished. If I do complete my tasks before he returns, I will seek him out for my next duty." 

And him alone. He added in his mind for reassurance. 

"Why you insolent little git! I am the head maid in this house, and you will do as I say!"