- It's not nice to lie to your family. - she remarked with amusement. - I would rather be honest, should they ask. I hope that will not be a problem. - a brief pause followed. - If anything, I can always just duck behind you.
''Oh but I haven't lied...well not really. I just haven't told them who you are. Ok so it was a lie of omission, but still, they don't know. If you want to tell them then that's fine.'' As they approached the doors, he stepped forward and opened it for her waiting for her to pass through before he did.
''I am perfectly at ease with whatever you decide to say. They will not be bothered in any case.'' He said, ushering her inside. Back in the House, he made his way back to the main hall where they were promptly stopped by Alfred.
''And you were going to tell me we were having guests when?'' the elder man said with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. Alfred adjusted his spectacles and looked over his brother's companion ''I am Alfred Steiner, I'm not sure if we have met yet, How do you do?''
He gave her a small smile ''John did not mention he was bringing a guest, will you being staying for supper? I assume you will be, following Victor's example are we John-boy?'' Alfred asked John with no small amount of joy.
- I will be staying for supper. - Caroline answered, no less amused than Alfred. - I believe it's worth saying it might be more than one supper. If it will not a problem, given that my visit was apparently unannounced. - she looked at John, still smiling.
Alfred raised an eyebrow at her mention that she may stay for more than one supper ''That is not problem at all my dear'' he said, struggling to hold back a smile directed toward John, who simply rolled his eyes in response. ''This house is open to you, stay as long as you wish. Dinner will be at eight, or..'' he paused now looking at John with a wide grin ''Are you two going to be dining in private?''
''Mein Gott Alfred! Habe etwas Anstand'' John said with no small amount of shock.
Alfred laughed and wandered off into the main hall, whistling a marching tune as he went, no doubt off to tend to his garden. Meanwhile John, who had gone quite white began to shakily walk up the stairs back to Carol's room. ''You can..ah..wash up before supper, if you wish'' he said, attempting to throw the images out of his mind. ''It won't be for a while yet so there isn't much hurry...and don't listen to Alfred he's just...being filthy.''
![[Image: K21Vaai.png]](https://i.imgur.com/K21Vaai.png)