Patrick's Memoirs 1


 * For a time, it appeared as if Master Spencer would recover
 * his former health, but fate was not so kind, and now he
 * confines himself to his study for days on end. It has been
 * ages since I have seen him take his meal's in the dining
 * hall. I have endeavored to prepare meals to his liking,
 * and I bring them every day to the study. Unfortunately,
 * he lacks the strength to et anything but soup and
 * other liquids.


 * I cannot recall a time in the history of this household
 * when the situation was as dire as now. In generations
 * past, the Spencer Estate was the nexus for only the most
 * well-to-do European socialites. Now only a skeleton staff
 * remains to look after a man who keeps himself in virtual
 * seclusion at one of his many residences.


 * My family has been in the Spencer household's service
 * since the time of his great grandfather. This rapid state
 * of decline would have been unimaginable even just one
 * generation prior.


 * I remember fondly the fays of my youth; but that seems
 * like a lifetime ago now. It was almost 50 years ago, back
 * when my father was the head butler of the household.
 * At that time I was learning his duties in preparation to
 * succeed him, and there was always some chore or
 * errand that would keep me running around the house.


 * I remember how Lord Ashford, another aristocrat from a
 * storied family, and one of Master Spencer's schoolmates,
 * Doctor Marcus, would find refuge from the summer heat at
 * this villa. My father and I would accompany them and do
 * our utmost to see that they wanted for nothing.


 * Perhaps because I was the youngest person there, they
 * would take to teasing me. Though, more often than not
 * they would treat me as one of them. I remember the
 * time Lord Ashford gave me my first taste of brandy.
 * It was on the second floor of the dining hall, beside
 * the stone statues lining the room. I will never forget
 * the mellifluous scent when he opened the bottle. But
 * those cherished times are only memories now.


 * Lord Ashford, Doctor Marcus, and of course, my father
 * have all already passed on. Only Master Spencer remains,
 * and I am afraid his days may be few.


 * When Master Spencer dies, it will mark the end of his
 * illustrious family, as well as my family's service to his.
 * For now, I can only wait for the inevitable.