Carrick nodded slightly as he watched Liam with the dog. "Leto likes you," he offered, the tiniest of smiles curving his mouth.
He glanced at Adelice. "They're not allowed in the bedrooms," he reassured her, "Which means you probably won't be seeing much of them."
In the sitting room, Carrick leaned back in his chair and looked again at Adelice's slender, delicate form. "I want my slaves healthy," he said, "Which means you eat. I don't want you fainting every time I feed on you - dealing with tight-laced corsetry back in the 1900s was bad enough. Though it certainly had its allure..." he seemed to drift off for a moment.
"Speaking of which, I want you looking your best whenever you're in my presence. I'll select your wardrobe, but I'll freely admit that feminine grooming remains a mystery to me, so I leave that in your hands. Speak to my steward about whatever you require; he takes care of the household accounts. Hair appointments, manicures, beauty products. Whatever you need."
Carrick turned his attention to Liam. "Regretfully I won't be able to show you around the gardens tonight; it's too dark to be of much help to you. Again, my steward will take care of that in the morning."
He glanced from one slave to the other, preparing to stand and lead them around the house. "I don't give many opportunities for questions, so if you have any, I suggest you ask them now."