bloodsong1 | A prequel, as it were

"As you can see, this cottage is nicely equipped," Jane Fischer said as she opened the front door. Her client, one of those quiet artist types, nodded. Jane swept grandly through the cottage, pointing out the flagstone kitchen, the cozy bedroom, the antique claw foot tub, and the spacious sitting room with a wood stove, heels clacking. Her client spent more time inspecting the veiws through the windows, boots quiet on the stone & wood.

"I like it," She announced, standing in the kitchen and slowly pivoting. "Who do you recommend for furniture?"

"There are several lovely stores in Oxford," Jane started and trailed off when the artist shook her head, counterpoint to her turning.

"I only support local businesses. It's very important to me."

"That is a fine sentiment, especially from an American!" Jane said. Her client stopped rotating, fixing her with a blank face. Jane barely repressed a fidget.

"A prejudice against Americans?" The artist asked softly.

"No, no, nothing like that. It's just...unusual to see a young person so committed to their local areas," Jane explained swiftly. The black face cocked slightly.

"Young person."

"I mean no offence, my dear, but I am old enough to be your mother and it is my job to take care of you."

"No." Her client shook her head again, once, firmly. "Your job was to find me a place to live that met my requirements. You have done that. Your next job is to point me to the proper suppliers to equip this cottage, as local as I can get. I do not mind going to Oxford as long as it's not an international company."

"Of course, I'll draw up a list for you. Since it seems you are satisfied with this cottage, shall we retire to my office and finish the paperwork?" Jane asked cheerfully, hiding her irritation behind a toothy smile. If her client was going to be stereotypical, she could be too.

"Do you have any appointments after me?"

"Actually, no. I was expecting this to take a bit longer."

"In that case," her client smiled slightly, which turned the blank face into something very pretty. Jane blinked a few times. "I would very much like to take you out to tea after the signing. I heard there's a place in Oxford that gives the best cream teas in the area."

"That...would be lovely."