"Not a bother at all, Ms.DePiew...or should I say Alyssa? A pox on formality at this rate. In this context, we're just two people having dinner. Please, call me Mansfield." He motioned for a seat to the right of the head of the table, which would allow the duo to make eye contact. 
"But where are my manners? Forgive me, it's been a trying day." He pulled out the chair for her, allowing her to sit before gently scooting it in and returning to his seat. From the opposite end of the room a blonde haired man with a rather pronounced chin and slanted nose emerged from the kitchen balancing two platters in both hands. 
"Alyssa, this is Robert, my head server. He mainly appears during dinner and house parties, but the man is under contract with several others and cannot, unfortunately, be retained." Robert politely smiled, bowing his head in greeting before sliding the platters in front of the diners and removing the silver lids. 
"The kitchen staff was insistent that they make something special for, as they put it, the 'beautiful new hire'." 
"High praise from both." 
"Indeed, sir." Robert motioned to the meals. 
"Lamb steak seared with peppercorn and butter, garlic and lemon infused spinach with truffle shavings and, as per your request, fingerling potatoes." 
"Very good, thank you Robert." With a dismissive motion, Mansfield shooed the server away before unrolling the napkin next to his plate, the silverware gently siding onto the table. 
"I must say that I'm rather happy with making your acquaintance, especially at this juncture. Things were getting rather frenetic at my place of employ and while I may have been able to purchase such a wonderful estate, I don't have the finances to retain as many staff members I wish...staff members of quality, might I add. There are a number of different 'agencies' and organizations that specialize in this kind of thing, but they don't provide the kind of service I'm used to." He snorted a laugh.
"My apologies. I don't mean to sound so bloody condescending, but when you grow up the son of an ambassador, old habits...well, I would say die hard, but mine haven't managed to keel over just yet." He placed the napkin in his lap before he asked:
"Well, Alyssa, why don't you tell me about how you wound up in this charming part of the country?" He picked up his fork, but then resumed eye contact, focusing in on the potential response. Mansfield couldn't help but notice the way the dim lighting accentuated the natural curves of her face, her cheekbones, the soft yellow hues that were in her hair. For the first time since meeting her, he had slowed down to actually SEE her. 

She was a beautiful woman. She seemed to carry something behind those wide eyes of hers, though, something dark, stormy. He wanted to satiate his curiosity and probe deeper, but she wasn't a patient. He would have to remember that in the coming days. He silently hoped he could.