turps

I got what you meant, and hee, the running theme of Mikey being a woman or not is cracking me up.

"Sirs, Ma'am," Ray says smoothly as he pulls out a chair for Governess Way. "If you'd sit I'll serve."

"Oh, right." Mr Way walks backwards, attention still mostly on Robert. "And you said her neck was almost severed right through? Excellent." There's a silence then and Mr Way appears contrite, his eyes widening as he looks at them all. "Not that I celebrate in the death of a young lady."

Brian isn't so sure. Mr Way has an unsettling gleam in his eyes and Brian intends to ensure the knives and rifles are safely locked away.

Seemingly uncaring of her escorts babbling, Governess Way sits, her hands set primly on her lap, then inclines her head when Raymond says, "Ma'am. Would you like me to take your bonnet?"

"Please," she says, and removes the bonnet, revealing hair that's slicked back and curled against her neck, and as Frank said, sideburns that grow almost to her chin.

Brian can't help staring, Frank and more overtly, Robert too. Only Raymond seems unruffled as he takes the bonnet and hangs it on the oak coat hook that's positioned in the hall.

"Governess Way..." Brian begins, and then falters, because as sure as he is that he's looking at a man, what's he supposed to say?

"Yes?" Governess Way raises an eyebrow, lip curled slightly and looking amused.