Mister Findlay was clearly a character, Harley could see that very plainly. His face seemed far too young, given his writing and his gait. His hair was tousled and clothes more wrinkled than an old woman's face. Had he been sleeping in his clothes recently? They looked as though they had never been touched by an iron or board, did he even know what a hanger was? Or did he just not have an iron here, in this large manor. She sorely hoped that wasn't the case, as she hadn't thought to bring her own along. Silly her, imagining that basic necessities of life were available to the upper class.
She hurried inside gratefully when he stepped aside to let her in, closing her umbrella and shaking the water out over the threshold before leaning it against the doorway. She took off her cloak and hung it up on the cost rack, looking over her shoulder when Findlay made his remark over her gender. She frowned, not certain whether to be offended or complimented.
"Ah, well, that may be an error on my part. My full name is Harlene Morgiana Williams, but I've gone by Harley all my life. It is a girl's name where I'm from, after all. Please take my word when I say I had no intention to lead you to believe I am anything but a woman." She replied, noticing him picking up-and struggling with- her suitcase. Were lords really that weak, or was she unusually strong? It wasn't like she had done a lot of heavy lifting in her life, although, carrying boxes of files, stacks of books, and carts of evidence were a part of the more unglamorous aspects of being a secretary. She did do all of her own cooking and laundry as well, maybe she was fairly strong, compared to those who had servants to do it.
Once inside, she was able to get a better look at her surroundings. Or as good a look as she could get. The lights were so dim! Could they not afford lanterns or candles in this place?! Or was this village permanently trapped in the dark ages?! She almost tripped over the stacks of books and odd memorabilia strewn about the floor, on tabletops, desks, chairs! A bachelor indeed! Now she knew why Mister Findlay's suit was so wrinkled, no maid or butler in all the world would dare work in such hazardous conditions! Dark, cluttered, strangely smelling of mold and liquor, this manor more resembled an alcoholic fox hole than a place of any human habitat!
She cringed internally and externally each and every time her precious suitcase was rammed into furniture or banged against the walls, or dragged on the floor with an unholy scraping sound. But she didn't want to insult Mister Findlay's pride by taking it right then and there, and so diligently followed him to the staircase, praying to God her microscopes and glasses would be unharmed. She glanced uncomfortably to the suspicious looking chair Findlay invited her to sit in, an unmarked bottle of liquor next to it. She did, however, take advantage of a different opportunity, picking up her suitcase when Mister Findlay set it down, grasping the handle tightly in case he were to try and take it from her.
"Um, I thank you for you hospitality, Mister Findlay, but I'm afraid I don't drink. And I would prefer not to be separated from my belongings, as my case contains many delicate instruments. Very delicate. And very expensive. So, please do not take it personally when I insist on being the one to, well, set them up." She explained, holding the bag in one hand as she started back towards the staircase, turning back to look at Findlay.
"Now, which way was it, to my room? I would like to have my tools put away properly so that we may conduct our business as soon as possible."