"The moving company took much longer than expected." Nathan had met Mansfield in the foyer of the hall, which featured the moving personnel shifting furniture and other belongings up the stairs. 
"I can see that." He spotted Alyssa carrying a box and balked, pointing at one of the men who was presumably returning from her quarters and ordering:
"Are you honestly expecting me to pay you people while my newest employee has to haul her own furniture, let alone allow a lady to do your work? Do your bloody job or I'll find someone who can!" The man glared at Mansfield before moving to Alyssa, taking the box from her possession and moving back towards the guest quarters. Mansfield walked to the stairs and placed a gentle hand on Alyssa's left arm.
"My sincerest apologies. Sometimes it's rather difficult to find the proper help when needed. Did you find everything alright?" A warm smile creased his features as he let go, moving down a couple of stairs before adding:
"And do join me for dinner, won't you? I believe it would be rude of me to not at least host a dinner where the two of us can interact on a much more personable level than simple 'employer-employee' conversations. After all, you will be living in my home and ingratiating yourself into the fabric of operations here. Once the moving company is out of our collective hair, I'd love to have you as company." He quickly checked his watch.
"Six oh five now, so say dinner at seven thirty? I look forward to it." A polite smile and nod later, Mansfield whisked away once more, this time up past Alyssa and into his office. A few moments later, Nathan entered, shutting the door behind him before asking:
"Are you sure about this girl, Mansfield?" The psychiatrist chuckled, plopping into the high backed leather chair behind his mahogany finished desk before replying:
"My dear Nathan, of course I am. Never been so sure of anything in my life." Nathan furrowed his brow, prompting another laugh.
"Nathan, why do you worry? I can make perfectly good hiring decisions on my own. I managed to keep you on for a whole year now, haven't I?" 
"Yes, but most aren't willing to bear your...eccentricities like I can." 
"Bear? What, have I become some sort of burden?"
"No, that's not-"
"Am I to be foisted about like the pack on a Sherpa's back, Nathan? Is that what I am?" Nathan sighed.
"Listen to me, Mansfield." The man in question lowered his jaw, but then raised it, motioning for Nathan to speak.
"All I ask is that you be careful about what you're getting yourself into with hiring this woman. When I went to her home...well, it reeked of alcohol. There were patchwork stains everywhere that smelled faintly of blood and certainly other...excretions." 
"So she's poor?"
"That's not it. The home itself wasn't a shack, but the interior looked neglected. Furniture was worn, carpet sagging. Alyssa doesn't seem like the type to allow that to happen, so I believe something else might be playing into this." 
"Professionally she may be great, but personally her life might be in shambles, I understand that dynamic. It happens to all of us at one point or another."
"Just be careful. That's all I'll say." 
"Your warning has been heard." Mansfield retorted with a teasing smirk. Nathan only nodded and removed himself from the office, directing the last mover to Alyssa's quarters. 

______________

Seven twenty five featured Mansfield seated at the head of the long, gleaming oak table that already had a plate of scones and clotted cream as ways to "whet the appetite". A smaller plate sat in front of Mansfield as he nibbled on a scone, turning his head every so often to the right to see if his dinner guest was coming down the stairs. He was anxious for their dinner, anticipating a rousing evening so that the duo would have some working rapport.

Hopefully.