Elspeth smiled and nodded, seemingly having come to a conclusion.
“I suppose I could transform you. Jasper does know that I find it quite fun..... but, no. How about..... would you mind cleaning up the living room, dear? I can make you some tea as a way of saying thank you.”
Nicola unfolded her arms, the look on her face brightening slightly. But not completely.
“Oh, er..... uh, sure. Yeah.”
“Splendid. Do you mind Earl Grey?”
“Ah, no. Two cubes of sugar, if that’s not too much to ask?”
“None whatsoever! Just dust underneath the furniture. The broom is next to the fireplace by the couch. No need to make the place sparkle and work yourself to death; you are my guest, after all. And please do be careful of the books and times and whatnot. They’re heirlooms.”
Nicola nodded, and headed into the living room. As Elspeth began to make the tea by hand, as she had a full kettle and tea bags at the ready, she noticed James staring at her. She sighed, and continued to make the tea as she spoke to him.
“I’m sorry, dear. I know you’re upset. But if you’re going to live with me I can’t having you questioning my authority. It’s a bit..... overzealous of me, yes, but it’s the way this home is run. As for..... the whole sending you home thing. It slipped out.”
James began to get the feeling that what Silas was saying had been true. Perhaps she wasn’t bad. A compulsive liar, it seemed. But not bad. Yet he still felt anger at her for taking away his ability to speak for asking why she wouldn’t turn him back. Something he still desperately wanted an answer to.
After a few minutes, Elspeth finished making the tea and called Nicola back in. Pouring some of it into yet another saucer and a cup for James and Silas, respectively, she set them out on the table along with one for Nicola and one for herself. Nicola sat down, clearly not used to sitting in the clothes Jasper had dressed her in, which Elspeth took notice of.
“So, dear. How’s Jasper treating you?”
“Fine, I guess. He gave me food and a room”, Nicola responded humorlessly.
“Well, I know him well. I’m sure he’s not done anything cruel?”
“..... he’s a bit of a dick. But please don’t tell him I said that.”
Elspeth chuckled, taking a sip of her tea. “No, no. It’s fine. I agree. Friend or not, I’m aware he can be tough around the edges. Comes from some insecurities about..... ah, well. Let’s just say he yearns for the old days.”
Nicola giggled, drinking her tea. James watched on, perplexed. He couldn’t get a good handle on Elspeth right now. She seemed kind and caring, but also bitter and vindictive. Silent and motherly, but also demanding and cunning.
“Has Jasper..... looked at you?”, Elspeth asked cautiously. Nicola blushed.
“Well..... he did look at me while naked for longer than I would have liked. But, he did give me these clothes. Is he-?”
“He won’t make you do anything serious, dear. Nothing dehumanizing. He’s an old git who likes younger girls but he’s not a monster.”
Nicola nodded, not wholly reassured by that answer. Suddenly, Nicola’s eyes widened. “You said you could transform me?”
Elspeth nodded. “Indeed. What about it?”