Before Lithe could pounce on Zen Starke the telephone rang.
Lady Maria was inviting Lithe and Lord Starke to join the family for lunch in another few minutes at the main house.
"Good day Lady Maria, I was just about to make a small bite to eat," Lithe lied sweetly.
A small bite out of Zen, Lithe groaned inwardly.
It was not everyday he felt bold enough to try some of the flirting techniques Estella was always advising him to use after today he was bound to give up.
Poor Zen was clueless as to Lithe's current train of thought which was probably for the best.
"I guess… I can save it for another day," Lithe answered Lady Maria reluctantly.
Lady Maria was in her element that day and not taking no for an answer.
Lithe said hurriedly, "Oh! Well no…Lord Starke is here with me. That's a wonderful idea, yes, yes of course, I will bring him with me if he has no other plans to dine elsewhere for dinner…yes. I won't take no for an answer. See you and the others soon."
