Making Some Christmas Magic (OPEN)

[anastasia]

If there was a person who liked Christmas more than her, Ana had not met them yet! Halloween was fun with all the dressing up. Fourth of July she was quite patriotic. Thanksgiving, Valentines day, Easter,... all holidays were nice but Christmas was her absolute favorite! No Holiday had the sort of festive feeling than the Holidays.

Returning from the store where she obtained more ingrediants to make the little bits of heaven she was so used to at this time of year. Always a smile on her face reminiscing in the cookies her Grandma made and the fudge her other Grandma.
She meandered towards the kitchen with the bags full of stuff swinging through the door with a such a sprightly behavior as she was humming. Glancing over to see the little radio/CD player she had brought down the other day and smiled. Setting the bags down upon the counter as she moved to the CD player and popped in the first CD - which a stack of CDs were next to it - which was a mix of Christmas favorites on a burned CD with Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Adny Williams, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Burl Ives, Brenda Lee, Mannheim Steamroller and many, many others!
Removing the items from the bags as Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" played, singing along with when she wanted to, with a little dancing,too.

The first of the goodies she started to mix up was fudge! Christmas just was not Christmas without the fudge, in her opinion really.
Whisking the liquid sugar mixture as it boiled, having made sure everything was ready to melt the chocolate and the marshmellows all while enjoying the Christmas songs.

It was strange that she was so happy right now. Or appeared to be. The Holidays had a way of cheering her up no matter what was tossed at her.

[Adina Gillespie]

Adina was sitting in her room working on preparing her Christmas gift for the 'Secret Santa'. Not only prepping for the gift exchange, she was also hard at work preparing a pair of Victorian spats- the pattern for which she had found in a book from the manor library- for Lenoir. Just then, the smell of delicious desserts being baked roused her from her intense concentration. She moved her chair back and got up to open her door. The sweet scent of chocolate and other delicacies overwhelmed her senses. She had to find out who was baking!

She descended the staircase and followed the smell of sweets before finding herself in the kitchen. She heard strange music and titled her head; it did not sound too good to her. In fact, the woman singing the song almost grated upon her ears. She shuddered but moved further into the kitchen. She saw a woman. She looked rather familiar... Was she in the room where Lenoir had been? The one he had screamed at? She cautiously moved further into the kitchen and then smiled at the woman.

Bonsoir, madame," She curtsied politely and looked around the room. "I do not mean to intrude, but I could not help but be drawn in by the delightful smell of food. May I be of service to you? Oh! Do forgive my vulgar manners. Adina Gillespie, at your service." She curtsied again and smiled. It seemed as though the woman had begun preparation for baking. Adina loved to cook! She had to because her father very well could not given how often he drank.

[Christine Lucinda Dallas]

Lu woke up early one morning and laying in bed, realized it would be Christmas soon. She wished Gunner were here. She had decided to get him a gift and if he weren't around at Christmastime, she would save it, in case he showed up. But what could she give him? She had no money to speak of. A few cents that she had saved. All of the money and gold that she and Gunner had stolen was left at their house when she had ridden off that night. Well, she didn't feel too bad if Gunner had it.

She stretched and got out of bed. She washed quickly and combed her wet hair out after toweling it first. It was thick and took a long time to dry. She put on her usual trousers, a clean white shirt with billowy sleeves and her fringed leather vest along with her boots. She would probably surprise everyone and dress in one of her fancy Victorian dresses. She had bought those with her own money when she realized what a good disguise it was in which to rob a bank. No one suspected a woman dressed to beautifully to do such a thing! In any case, the dresses were in her wardrobe when she came to the mansion. She wished her money were here too.

She left her suite and began walking toward the dining room and kitchen. Her stomach told her it was definitely time for breakfast. She wanted a cup of coffee and whatever else they had. The coffee here, well that coffee thing that ran with electricity, it made coffee that paled before the coffee that she and Cookie had made on the trail. Nothing was as good and strong as trail coffee! But what they made here was certainly drinkable and it helped her wake up. She put her hand over her mouth to stifle a yawn as she opened the door to the dining room.

Suddenly her nose was assaulted by the most lovely of smells, baking! She smelt chocolate and other lovely scents. Someone had been up early and had started baking! Just then the long case clock chimed ten o'clock. Dang! She hadn't realized she had slept so long.

Lu pushed open the door to the kitchen. "Hullo, y'all," she said in greeting. It was her friend Ana and Adina, the girl whose locket she had stolen. She stood in the doorway, hoping Adina wouldn't still be angry with her. She smiled at both of them. "What are y'all doing?"

[anastasia]

Four batches of fudge was already made and now they were in the frig cooling as she was finishing up with the fifth batch, mixing the chocolate and marshmellows together with the hot candid mixture.
Looking up to see Adina which she couldn't really recall from that night and kinda blew it off that she had seen her before so she smiled while stirring and mixing carefully the last batch of fudge. "Hi, Adina. I'm Anastasia, but please call me Ana." Smirking as she held one hand out while mixing with the other.
"Sure! By all means, feel free to help out. Have you ever made a fruit cake before?" She had not and was bound and determined to make one this year. Making one might go a bit more smoothly if someone knew what they were doing with how to make a holiday fruit cake.

Looking down at the fudge as it was mixed well, she then poured it quickly and carefully into the little pan. Setting the large saucepan down in the sink and turned on some water to at least loosen up the caked on fudge, as she thought about licking the spatula, then offered it to Adina, "Want to 'lick the spoon', so to speak?" and smiled then sucked off the little bits of fudge from her finger after she had fingered a little from the pan before she stuck it into the sink.

While putting the fudge into the frig with the other fudge, she heard a familiar voice as Lu entered. Smiling as she straightened up while closing the refrigerator door, "Lu! Hi. Or... morning I should say." And slightly snickered.
Inhaling deeply and cleared her throat." Well, I just made some fudge," picking up a towel and wiped off her hands. "And thinking about making a variety of Christmas cookies... hopefully a fruit cake... and... well, anything else that's... Christmas-y". Smiling. "Want to help? Adina said she'd like to help. The more the merrier I always say."

[Christine Lucinda Dallas]

Lu was encouraged to come into the kitchen a bit further. Ana was very sweet and invited her to help. Adina didn't look angry, she thought. But just in case, in lieu of her new resolution not to steal anymore, she said, "Sorry about what happened the other night. I didn't mean to do no harm and I ain't gonna lay my hands on nothin' what don't belong to me no more." Her voice became softer. "I'm glad you got yer locket back." Then she smiled. "How's yer friend, the one with the dagger?"

Then she turned back to Ana. "Yeah, I'd like to help? What you want me to do? I know how to bake, from helpin' cook whilest we was on the trail. Ain't done nothin' fancy though...Mamma taught me how to make sugar cookies in little shapes."

She had seen Ana wash her hands and decided that was the proper thing to do before baking. She knew her manners were a bit rough and was determined to watch these ladies to see what all they did and maybe she could learn to spruce up her manners a bit. After washing her hands, she peeled off her fringed vest and rolled up her voluminous sleeves. "You gotta extra apron, Ana?" Then she realized her hair was still partly wet and she must look a fright. Well, she was always a bit unkempt, but maybe there was something to tie back her hair. She pulled open a drawer and found a ball of string and a scissors. She cut a length of string and tied back her hair.

[Adina Gillespie]

The smell of the chocolate and other sweets drew Adina into the kitchen. Everything smelled, well, like the way Christmas was supposed to smell! She had never had a real Christmas, not even when she worked in the manor. She mostly kept to herself with her books as her only companions. But now she was willing to let more people into her life, such as Lenoir, Meg, and Christine. She was glad now to meet Ana as well.

It was strange, this woman did not seem to be a troublemaker or a mean person. Why was it that Erik had so violently shouted at her? Did Erik do something that he had not told Adina? She shook her head; no, that was just preposterous thinking! Ana asked if she knew how to make fruitcake. She had seen fruitcake at small vendor carts when she would sneak out of her home to go outside. But she never bought one nor did she know how they were made. Adina shook her head sadly. "Non, I know not how to make a cake like that."

She tilted her head when Ana asked if she'd like to 'lick the spoon'. "I do not understand. Why would someone lick food from a spoon? It seems rather rude, is it not?" But Adina did not wish to seem rude, so she took the spoon and looked at the chocolate upon it. It looked and smelled delicious and the maid could not help but lightly touch her finger to the creamy dessert. She lifted her finger to her lips and tasted... Her eyes became wide as dinnerplates! "My gracious... This confection is delicious!" She covered her mouth, shocked at how loudly she had exclaimed. She then sucked on her finger and licked her lips quickly.

Then came the familiar-yet rather odd- accent of that other Christine. Lu she had called herself. Lenoir was right, her voice was a bit jarring to Adina's ears. But she just kindly smiled at her and curtsied. "Bonjour, miss Dallas." No matter how displeased she was with Lu that she had stolen her locket, she only stayed polite and respectful.

Adina turned her attention to Lu and shook her head with a smile. "Non, madam. It is alright. I'm sure you did not mean to take my locket. It was a mistake; I should not have left it unattended on the countertop the way I did... Oh! You mean monsieur Lenoir?" She paused, reflecting upon how he had threatened her and menaced her with his dagger. "And I am very sorry for how Erik responded to you. I'm sure he did not really mean it." Though perhaps he did and Adina was too sweet to realize it.

[anastasia]

Laughing as a result from Adina's exclamation over the fudge. A fun sight that was. The young red-head seemed rather childish about it, well slightly. More shy that she had state such a thing and of course Ana found it utterly amusing! "Oh, wait until you have a piece or several of them later," smiling and went over to the sacks and got the items out of the bags.
"Well, I guess the both of us will be learning how to make fruit cake!" and pulls out two bottles of good rum and smirks. "With... some rum. Maybe a rum cake later, too." With a slight snicker. "No drinking the rum you two!" Grinning as she pointed at them both with a playful threat.

Floating about the kitchen to get the ingredients together on one counter for the cookies. Then pulled out a couple of cookbooks and flipped through them again to find the recipes for the fruit cake and other treats. Putting one cookbook with the ingredients on the counter then putting the other cookbook on another counter as she gathered some more ingredients together. The whole time she listened to Adina and Lu, trying not to eavesdrop but they were right there and it was impossible not to hear what they were saying. Slightly raising a brow at the hint that Lu had taken something and her resolve to not steal. Not her place to say a thing not think about what wrong that Lu did. She might not like it or agree with it, but she had no place to judge the Western American woman.
Her attention was captured when there was mention of Lenoir, looking over at them both as she silently contemplated the connection of Lenoir with a knife.

Turning around to face them both. "Well, I guess you both will learn a little more with me of making fruit cake." And smiled. "So... Shall we?"
At this time she pulling out the cookie cutters from the sack of items she purchased and put them in the sink to soak a wee bit before using them. At this time, one more entered the room, turning her head to see it was another woman, one she saw briefly that night that Lenoir was not in the best of shape any everyone was gathered, the night she put away the carriage and spoke with Carriere.

[ladybarbossa]

She had been outside for a brief moment to look over the garden to make sure the vegetation was fairing well since it had been neglected for so long, this was it's first winter to survive in many, many years! So far, some plants seemed to be fairing well. A couple of them did not look so good. At this time she visited the Green House that Lavalais had repaired of which she was quite glad he had done this. It was obvious he was attending to the plants in this particular building. He was indeed an interesting man. Hoping that someday soon she'd have an opportunity to talk to him again, perhaps over tea.

Going back inside and removing her outerwear to place upon a coat rack and smelled something odd if not sweet. With that, she moved to the kitchen and found it occupied with three women already. "Oh," she softly exclaimed slightly intrigued, "I did not expect to see anyone in here," no matter what hour, usually people floated into the kitchen and out, sometimes when she was not there. But this looked like some cooking party.
Smiling over at Adina as she remembered her, "Hello, Adina," But she'd not met the other two women at all however they both looked familiar and was trying to place them where she'd seen them before.

Looking around at the well organized mess that was displayed, "May I ask what is being made?" Curious and wondering if she should join in or not. It would be nice to create something with these ladies. It's been far too long since she'd interacted with other women in the kitchen.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik was meandering about the mansion looking at some of the decorations that had been put everywhere. Another year, another time, this would have bothered him greatly and he would have hidden out in his lair, his mood getting blacker with every minute, until the festivities were over. But for some reason, and it likely had to do with the fact that he had made some friends and acquaintances at the mansion, he was not feeling in a black mood this Christmas. His step actually had a bit of spring to it as he walked. Why he almost felt like dancing! What the hell was wrong with him? He was never this happy about a celebration...most celebrations left him out.

But this one seemed to be different. Everyone in the mansion seemed to be treated equally, whether they were a beautiful dancer or singer, an upper class nobleman, an opera diva, a ghost, or even an ugly deformed man...all seemed to be invited to join in the celebrating this year. Having Adina for a friend, making up with Emilie and Ana made him feel happier than he had in a long time. The only thing that could make it perfect would be if Teressa would forgive him. He hadn't even seen her since that terrible night. But he didn't want to think about it. Perhaps he would forget about Teressa. With every day that he didn't see Teressa, the hurt became just a speck less. But of course if he saw her again, it would all come rushing back. He noticed the candles all had tiny holly wreaths around the bottoms of them and there were garlands of evergreen hanging everywhere, festooned with bright balls of colour and fruits and nuts galore, giving the mansion an piney and spicy aroma.

Then he came nearer to the dining room and kitchen and the most lovely aroma wafted from the rooms and drew him in. He wondered who was baking. Thinking it was perhaps Emilie, he opened the door to the dining room and no one was there. She must be in the kitchen. He pushed open the swinging door to find a bevy of women. He smiled, delightedly. "Well ladies, what do we have here? A baking party, is it? I hope you don't mind my coming in to watch, do you? "

Ana was there, as was Adina, and Emilie. And the strange cowgirl with the sticky fingers. "Bonjour, Adina,, Bonjour, Madame de Chagny, Good Day, Ana and what do I say to you, Miss Dallas? Perhaps just hello, it's good to see you." He looked at what they were doing. "I smell chocolate," he said...and what is this you are making?" He saw the quantities of candied fruits on the table and knew it was a fruit cake. "I don't see the bottle of brandy you are going to put in it...who's in charge of this little soirée? And by the way, I shall make you all some spiced apple cider. I saw the jug of it in the pantry the other day."

Erik disappeared into the pantry for a moment looking for the cider.

[Raoul Edouard de Chagny]

Edouard had been looking for Emilie today. He wondered where she was. He had also been drinking a bit early in the day. He was in a good mood, which was unusual when he had been drinking. He would be happy to see Emilie if he could find her. He noticed the garlands that had been hung quite high on the walls. He looked up and got a bit dizzy, almost spilling the drink in his hand.

He was a little unsteady on his feet, but he didn't lose his balance. He kept walking and thought perhaps Emilie was in the kitchen, for he smelled a lovely aroma coming from that area. He pulled open the large wooden door to the dining room. The bright chandelier was already lit and he could hear voices coming from the kitchen area.

He meandered in the direction of the kitchen, bumping into a couple chairs. He patted them and softly whispered, "Sorry." He reached the kitchen and pushed the door open. He saw four women baking or making a mess, he wasn't sure. He smiled and said, "What're you doing?" His words were slightly slurred. He saw his wife, and two of the women he didn't know. Then there was the western girl whom he had talked to when he and Lenoir had come home from the pub.

"Christine, darling! Give me a kiss. Um, no better not. you have food on your hands." He laughed and sat down at the table. Just then Lenoir came out of the pantry and stopped in his tracks. Edouard saw him frown. "Hello, Monsieur Erik Lenoir," he said. "So good to see you." He raised his glass as if toasting Lenoir and drank the rest of his drink.

[anastasia]

Washing the cookie cutters and then setting them out to dry then dried off her hands as the Vicomtesse de Chagny entered and inquired. Picking up a towel and dried her hands, "Well, I-
She didn't get far when Lenoir strode through the door, forcing her eyes to shift from Emilie to Lenoir and brighten up a bit. "Not at all. I was just about to tell this lady her-," motioning to Emilie, "what the plans were." Pausing as she rose her brows while watching Lenoir then a wicked smirk cracked over her mouth. "Watch? Not at all! Actually, you will be our Official Taste Tester!" Watching him disappear into the pantry with a smirk. Lord, he'll be so sick when this is over she thought to herself with a soft snicker.

About to once again go down the list of what she was thinking about making when another entered. "My God! It's Grand Central Station!" Crossing her arms as she leaned back upon the counter's edge and watching Edouard with a raised brow and tongue in cheek, cocked mouth.
Looking between the two men, inhaled deeply then exhaled, "Right then! Well, now we have two Testers. Plus I'm going to put you both to work!" And grinned at them both with that wicked twinkle in her eyes.

Alright as she turned back to Emilie, "Anyways, as I was saying. What I was thinking about making were Christmas cookies of various sorts like the frosted decorated kind, candy cane like confection cookies, a yule log, fruit cake - hence the rum bottles -, maybe rum balls ,... um.. " and rubbed the back of her neck, " Oh, yes, Spritz cookies." Putting her arm back across the other. "Can you think of anything else you might want to make? I made some fudge a moment ago," and snickered at the memory of Adina's exclamation while looking over at her.

"Oh, sorry, Lu!" Turning to look at the other American woman," Ummm..." Then looks between Emilie, Adina and Lenoir, "Do you know where some aprons are at?"

[Christine Lucinda Dallas]

Lu saw the kitchen welcome more people, one by one. First a pretty woman with long dark curly hair came in. She introduced herself. "Lu Dallas, Ma'am. Please to meet you. Then the masked fellow Adina had had with her the other day, the one who had caught her stealing. She shrank back just a bit, but he seemed friendly today and he greeted her. She smiled and nodded.

The masked man, Lenoir, disappeared into the pantry and another man entered. It was the fellow with the fancy name and fancy clothes to match. Lu had met him at the after-saloon party and had lifted his watch and Lenoir's dagger. He appeared to be drunk again. Or maybe still. At first, she thought he might say something about the watch, but he didn't. He didn't seem to even notice her. He sat down and she sighed with relief. She was about to ask what she could do to help when Lenoir came back out of the pantry with a jug of cider and stopped in his tracks seeing de Chagny. She wondered if there would be a fight. It actually might be fun...

[Adina Gillespie]

The maid smiled at Ana but her joyful expression turned to one of a nervous laugh. Ana had jokingly teased the two women about not drinking the rum… Poor woman had no idea what that really meant for the maid. She paused a moment as she shook her head to shake away the memories.

She looked over and saw the polite woman who had helped Lenoir when he had been in a terrible drunken state. She lifted her skirts a little and curtsied. "Bonjour, madam," Adina said politely. "It is lovely to see you again. Did madam sleep well? And monsieur de Chagney?" She needed to be polite if she wanted to get on peoples' good sides here. Besides, it was the holidays, how could she not feel the infectious joy all around her? The smells, the sights of the holly and garland all around; she felt so happy to be helping and enjoying such a wonderful time.

"I will go get some aprons for the three of us." But just as she was about to turn to leave, she had a familiar voice… It was Lenoir! She felt her heart lift a bit; he was the only man who had been so gracious towards her and polite. Even if he had been drunk and a bit volatile earlier, she was able to look past it and see Erik for the kind soul he really was. Even if he didn't believe it… "G-Good evening, Erik." She stammered slightly, curtsying before smiling up at him. She watched him go to the pantry and she could not help but let out a small shaky sigh… Gods! What was wrong with her?? Why was she acting so foolish?

She was about to ask Lenoir how he was feeling, but was cut off when she saw Raoul… Her smile faded when she saw him. He had been terribly rude to Erik and Adina did not like him because of that. But she could not express her disdain for him here. She merely gave a small curtsy and nodded. "Bonjour, monsieur," Her voice was monotonous and almost cold with her nose turned upwards slightly. She could not abide a man like him. Unlike Lenoir, this man seemed to have very few manners and had a tendency to be drunk. She shuddered when she smelled the alcohol on his breath. How was she going to get through this without snapping at him?

Luckily, Ana asked if anyone knew where there were aprons. This made Adina brighten a bit; she could get away from Raoul, even for a little while! "Oui, Ana! There are some aprons downstairs in the washroom. I shall go fetch them for us." Eager to be away from that drunken man, Adina glided to the back of the kitchen and made her way down the stairs. She pushed open the door, found the aprons, and draped them over her arm… For a moment, she had forgotten all about what had taken place in that very room; then everything came flooding back. She dropped the aprons and fell to her knees, her eyes wide and her hands clutched tightly to her bosom. She was gasping for breath even though the corset around her waist was not too tight as to restrict her lungs. No, it was that same pain of drowning she thought she had long put behind her! She gasped and struggled to crawl to the stairs but she was trembling so violently. Her hands began to beat upon the door in hopes that someone, anyone would hear!

[ladybarbossa]

Not long after she entered into the Kitchen, two familiar men seemed to follow suit and she began to wonder if they were following her. Poor woman was starting to feel like she was being stalked and confused between whether it was a good thing or bad thing.
Smiling and nodding to Lenoir as he greeted her, "Monsieur Lenoir," still smiling warmly at her Angel of Music.
As the modern woman named Ana - which she picked it up from what Lenoir stated with informal introductions and mere hints of who was who - was about to explain to Emilie what she was thinking about making, nodding, glancing over to see Lenoir disappear into the pantry just as Edouard entered the Kitchen. Turning to face her Husband, a bit apprehensive and curious as to why he was in the Kitchen. "Good morning, darling," as she strode towards Edouard and noticed yes he had been drinking but restrained her concern and disapproval. Drinking at such a time of day was not socially acceptable as she learned. However men often dismissed it and did it anyway!

Doing her best to keep her wits so to speak and graceful, she nodded to the others as they spoke to her and responded with an appropriate response.
Glancing between Edouard and Lenoir, and a glimpse of Adina and Lu, she turned her attention back to the modern woman and listened to what she had planned on making. My goodness, it was a lot! Already sounded interesting. Poor young Gustave will be so overwhelmed with so many sweets!
Nodding, "sounds wonderful. And," shaking her head as she held her hands at waist level," no, I cannot think of anything at this time. I'll be glad to assist. " And smiled. Doing her best actually. There was something about the modern woman that put Emilie off. She wasn't sure why as she was usually never disliked people, but there was something about this Ana that she could not put a finger upon and felt a slightly bit uncomfortable about her.

Glancing over at Adina as she left the kitchen and knew where the aprons were with a slight smile. "Thank you, Adina." then looked over at her Husband and Lenoir once more before looking at Ana then the ingredients laid out. She moved to the stuff to make the fruit cake then looked over at the stuff to make a yule log and cookies. Oh, where to start first!
The sound of banging caught her attention as she twisted around to see where it was coming from, obviously the direction where Adina had gone, then looked rather bewildered, frozen in her spot wondering if she should go assist. After a couple of seconds though, she did move towards that banging to see if Adina needed some help.
About to call out to her and started to make her way there but as soon as she saw the struggling red-head her eyes went wide, "Raoul! Erik!" she cried out and rushed towards Adina to assist. "What is wrong?" She was definitely not alright as those words nearly slipped from her mouth.

[Erik Lenoir]

Erik had come out of the pantry with a jug of apple cider and some spices, including cinnamon, intending to make hot mulled cider for all of them. He had found the jug of apple cider, and the spices he needed, nutmeg, cloves and of course cinnamon sticks. He had seen an nice pan to make it in on the stove. As he walked out to the kitchen again, Edouard de Chagny came in the door, and he was quite drunk from the looks of it. At this hour? Erik stopped in his tracks, wondering if the Vicomte would start anything. He frowned. He certainly didn't want to fight in front of the ladies. He wasn't fond of fighting in any case. Perhpas he could ignore the fellow. The Vicomte greeted Erik and raised his glass to him as if they were great friends. Perhaps they were after that little episode in town. Good lord, Erik thought. In town, they must think me a troublemaker, first a sojourn in gaol, then recently a drunken spree in the pub. Normally he would have called Edouard some disparaging name referring to his drunken state, but decided not to, considering that latter episode. He only nodded in icy greeting and went to the stove with his ingredients.

Adina had gone to fetch aprons for the ladies. Erik took off his tail coat and waistcoat and rolled up his sleeves, to work in just his shirt sleeves and braces. No sense getting his good clothing messy. Suddenly he heard some noise from the direction Adina had gone. It sounded as if she were pounding at the door. Had the door accidentally locked? Erik wiped his hands on a towel and ran down the stairs to the door at the bottom. It seemed that Adina indeed was pounding at the door. She seemed in utter fear from the sound of her crying and difficult breathing. Erik turned the know and pulled the door open. Adina was on the steps, aprons still over her arm and seemingly clawing at the door to get it open. Erik reached down and picked her up and brought her back to the kitchen. "Let me get her to a couch."

Erik went out to the dining room and put Adina down on the green settee, embroidered with gold. "Ladies, could one of you bring a hot compress?" he called to the others. "Just relax, Adina, everything will be all right."