With the last sip of her Madeira, Vela nodded.  "That would be lovely, yes."  She set the empty glass on the table nearby and got up carrying her notebook and gloves in one hand. 

"How many kitchen staff do you have?  Do you generally hire extra staff for events such as this?"  She would need to know if she would have to include hiring extra hands in the cost for the job.  It was to be 10 courses and a large number of guests.  She was good at what she did, but not even she could do miracles.

"You have a lovely house, by the way, in case I forgot to say so earlier.  The grounds as well were a nice view coming up to the house."

She walked with him as he led her through the house.  "Has it been in the family?"  She asked glancing around looking at the decor.

She wondered where his wife was and if the doctor had seen her.  Surely, if it was serious, the doctor would have notified the Baron by now.  She reasoned this and tried not to think of the other woman.   She was a considerate person, blunt and straightforward, but had a good heart.