James' heart almost skipped a beat as he saw who was accompanying Elspeth into the kitchen. It was Nicola!
He felt at once relief and concern. She was no longer a statue, and she didn't look as if she had been harmed or altered in anybway physically. But something seemed off about her. She was unusually quiet, downbeat and dressed in pretty but somewhat conservative and outdated clothing she wouldn't usually be seen dead in. James wanted to shout out to his friend to alert her to his presence. What a time time lose his voice!
Following closely behind Nicola was Jasper, the wizard James had seen in the shop earlier.
"Ah, Elspeth, I'd like to introduce you to my new maid, Nicola" Jasper announced almost boastfully.
"Hello" Nicola mumbled unenthusiastically.
Elspeth eyed the young woman strangely for a moment, as if sizing up a rival.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Nicola" she smiled after quickly composing herself.
"Where's James?" Nicola asked in a slightly accusatory tone.
"Watch your tone!" Jasper warned.
"Sorry Master" the young woman instantly responded.
"No, it's fine Jasper!" Meredith waved an arm dismissively at her friend "I sent James home, it wasn't working out with him living here I'm afraid."
James couldn't remain silent at this outrageous mistruth, but his croaking protests drew nothing from anyone, save a moment of attention from Nicola who seemed to wince slightly at Elspeth's unglamorous choice of pet.
"Well then I'm hoping you'll have room for one more" Jasper answered swiftly "I have some unexpected business I need to attend to for a week or so. I'd rather not leave Nicola unnacompanied. If you could see your way to giving her bed and board she's proving to be an excellent housekeeper. And you can do whatever else you wish to her, just so long as it's nothing irreversable"
"It would be my pleasure" Elspeth grinned. She really seemed to mean it as well.
Once she had shown the grateful wizard out, Elspeth walked back into the room and stood face to face with the attractive young South Asian girl, who folded her arms nonchelantly.
"Well then, what to do with you?" Elspeth wondered aloud.
James could do nothing but watch.