First Person Survey for:  Eliot, Loyal Servant to His Grace Leopold Bloom, Duke of Middlesex and Florist to Her Majesty Queen Eleanor, Long May She Reign

Name Given at Birth: Elizabeth Darnley

Nicknames: Master Bloom gave me the name of "Eliot" at our first meeting. It is what everyone calls me now, though of course my staff call me "Mistress Eliot."

Hometown or where you were born: London

Current Residence: Primarily with Master Bloom at Pinkhall, though we have been staying with Fraydrick Doublet at his home, Carisbrooke.

Age: 20

Class: My master is the Duke of Middlesex, and this allows me some status. My father is a wealthy landowner, and one of those knighted by the King.

What do you do, your main function in life/society: My main function is to attend Master Bloom, of course! While traveling, I make certain he is fed and watered and entertained. At home, I act as steward and manage the household and his finances.

Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Nay, I cannot swim! I prefer to manage water with pitcher or cup - 'twould make me nervous to be surrounded by it.

Do you make fun of people: Nay, 'tis unseemly. Raoul thinks it is great fun and does so often. She is quite successful at it, for she is mute and very few understand her language of hand gestures.

Favorite Color: Blue, of course! 'Tis the color of loyalty and service.

Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Nay! How unseemly. My father would disown me and Master Bloom would cast me out. I would be ruined!

Closest friends/How did you meet: Raoul! She was the first of the Fop Court that I met, as she came to accompany me on my journey from my father's house to Master Bloom's residence at Pinkhall. I was very nervous, for my father told me little of what to expect. I assumed I was to become governess to children or companion to a wife! Raoul set me straight almost immediately, that I was to be steward and manage the house, that there are no children and no wife, and that he lives surrounded by luxury and flowers and fun-loving people! Raoul kept me quite occupied on our journey with many a terrifying and horrible story of her own experiences in the service of Master Doublet, and I was quite relieved to find that none of her warnings were true, for Master Bloom, though far from the gentleman I expected, is the kindest and most forgiving of masters in the realm.

One Pillow or two: I have one small and insignificant pillow, covered in blue. It is definitely not grand enough to surrender to one's Master, and is too small to be worth the trouble of re-covering in pink and green. . .

Pets: Nay, I have little time for pets! I fear I would neglect them, for always I must tend to the needs of another.

Favorite Type of Music: While we were growing up, my four sisters and I were instructed by our parents to spend hours of the day singing together and playing the lute, in practice for the day when we would all become grand ladies and attend the Queen. This grew so tiresome that I would have to say my favorite type of music now is that of the male voice, deep preferably, with little accompaniment!!

Hobbies/Pastimes: I enjoy needlework, when I have the time. Raoul is forever teaching me new games at cards, though we seldom have the chance to play.

Personal Hygiene: I bathe often so as to not offend the sensitive nose of my lord, the Duke. His years as florist have trained him to tolerate naught but the sweetest of fragrances.

Favorite Food: Ah, sorbet! Master Bloom did allow me a taste of this lovely dessert at Ingatestone last year. I never knew that such things existed!

Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: Aye, my parents live and prosper. They have my respect and gratitude, as I know it was no easy task to provide for four daughters. I know they were quite happy to send me to Master Bloom's household, as the marriages of my sisters had all but relieved them of dowries and social connections! Now I am of little concern to them, as it is Master Bloom's responsibility to apprentice me, or marry me off, or send me to live with the nuns.

If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: They live!

Favorite place to relax: There is a small garden outside of the kitchens at Pinkhall. It is very simple and quiet. I often think that, should I ever relax, it should be there!

Favorite Holy Day / Why: Yule, most definitely! 'Tis warmth in the midst of winter.

Favorite Drink: Cool water on a hot day. 'Tis a thirsty woman's dearest friend.

What's your bedtime: Master Bloom is quite wealthy, and those of wealth sometimes have peculiar habits! When I first came to live at Pinkhall, he rose so late in the morning that he rarely saw his bed before moonrise! The household was in an uproar, as no servant can (or should, anyway!) sleep before his master has dismissed him! The staff were exhausted! We were spending a fortune on candles alone! My first mission of steward of the house was to find a way to correct this travesty. Since my first days of service here, I have roused His Grace a fraction of a minute earlier every day. He now goes to his bed almost an hour earlier than he did before I came. I have estimated that it will take another year and a half before the rest of the staff and I make it to bed at a decent hour. By the year 1599, we will have saved enough in "candle money" to purchase a small barony.

What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: Shoes of the sturdiest leather. This is very important, as I am on my feet all day, solving problems with the staff, taking care of Master Bloom, teaching Francis the finer points of servitude. . .

Are you married or single: I am single, as the Lord and His Grace will it. It occurs to me often that I am "married" to my work!! What a novel idea.

Do you have a family / who are they: Ay, my parents, Sir William and Lady Mary, and my three sisters: Agnes, Alisoun, and Eglentyne. They are married to various lesser noblemen and have broods of their own now. I am fond of the children and send them little toys when time and coin permit, though I hear from them less and less as they grow older.

Favorite Entertainment: I know it is wicked, but my favorite entertainment is watching Raoul teach Francis to serve at table! It is a little known fact that our masters encourage minor culinary theft from time to time, so as to free themselves from worry over our dietary needs. Even though it is encouraged, it is best not to be caught. Raoul is a champion at this "game," while Francis is still learning, and it is quite amusing to see him fumble and drop grapes down Master Doublet's ruff, or be snapped at by Master Bloom for being too slow at swiping the cheese!!

Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Embroidery! I enjoyed watching a blank panel become alive with color and scene.

Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Deportment! My sisters were forever pointing out every minor mistake.

Favorite Sport: Raoul and I play at Mirrors sometimes, though she usually makes silly faces at me and wins when I break and laugh.

Most Humiliating Moment: 'Twas horrible! Quite humiliating. Raoul and I attended Masters Doublet and Bloom at a Feast late last year, and as usual worked hard at feeding our masters. We were not quick enough with helping ourselves to the plates, and were caught by the Master of the Kitchens! He was so appalled at our picking at the plates (obviously he has never served in a fine house before, it's simply how it's DONE) that he has since alerted every cook in every kitchen across the realm. Raoul and I are simply no longer welcome at feasts or functions, unless we bribe the kitchen staff beforehand. My own kitchen staff at Pinkhall were so surly and unresponsive that it took weeks of threatening them with dismissal before they were pleasant again. Just imagine it. The IDEA.

Proudest Moment: I realize it is presumptuous of me to say so, and I truly hope that it is between friends and shall go no further, for the proudest moment of my life was when I realized that my work for Master Bloom had made a difference in his life! Did you know that, before I came, he had to WAIT for things to be done? SCREAM for his servants? Now it is unheard of. Come to Pinkhall and I will show you the finest staff in all the realm. All of the ladies and gentlemen that come to stay with us say so. Master Fraydrick Doublet is tied in knots with jealousy.

Craziest Person or silliest you know: Raoul is really the silliest person I know. She has a marvelous sense of humor. You should hear the jokes she tells!

What do you look for in the opposite sex: There is little time for looking, and really, it's not up to me at all.

In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" Master Bloom, of course.

Favorite Sport to watch: Hanky Toss, most definitely.

Do you remember your first kiss: I had no chance to kiss in my youth, what with a concerned father and three older and gossipy sisters about. Now, there is little opportunity for it, as I am constantly busy. Anyway, I discourage the rest of the staff from running about and kissing people, as it leads to naught but trouble. I suppose I must live by example.

Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Nay, as my closest friends were my sisters. I receive letters from them on occasion, but have little chance to respond.

Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: I find peace in the early hours of the morning, after waking and before the first meeting of the household staff. I reflect and relax, and take care of any small personal matters that need my attention.

Have you ever been overseas: Aye, Master Bloom and Master Doublet saw fit to travel to Rome this past year. 'Twas a charming city.

Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Master Bloom's floors are of the finest marble. Master Doublet's floors are of stone.

What is your bed made of: I sleep on a pallet of straw. Fine straw.

How many people sleep in your bed: Raoul and myself, while the households are combined.

1. I aim to be marvelous at what I do!

2. I am the youngest of four sisters. Financially and socially exhausted, my parents sent me to work for Master Leopold Bloom, a situation that has worked out well for everyone.

3. I am not quite certain that Master Doublet is worthy of my lord's attention, for sometimes it seems that he teases and picks at His Grace. Once, I heard Fraydrick Doublet call Master Bloom "a silly old Fop!" I can tell you I was stingy with the water THAT day!

4. I am an important member of the household of a wealthy and influential man.

5. I am fond of children, and I often wonder if they are like to the nieces and nephews I have never met.

6. I am proud of the progress young Francis has made.

7. I enjoy Raoul's company and am interested in her theories of servitude.

8. Master Bloom can do no wrong.

9. Master Doublet sometimes can!

10. I have grown accustomed to my place in life and am fond of the Fops, Raoul, and Francis.