The tea would be surprisingly excellent coming from someone who was not a servant. In fact, Pearl Blacke nee. Carrington prided herself on a good cup of tea. She did not expect any compliments, however, from her unlikely in-laws, as they didn't seem keen on her in general. Pearl was not alarmed by this, nor was she surprised. Her eyes lifted to gaze at Lottie, worry in her brow and apprehension in her gaze.

After a long moment of silence on her part, she said, "I... am sorry for using your kitchen without asking first but I'm a firm believer that problem solving is best done over a cup of tea." She sighed softly and set her tea down for the moment while she smoothed her hands down her thighs. It was true, she had taken to the mantra as soon as she moved into her own house.

"I know what people will say..." she swallowed heavily and then went on, "I'm not ignorant as to the rumor mill. Servants talk... people talk... But nobody ever knows the truth unless they are there." She paused and closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, it was to gaze directly to her mother in law, "My own mother hates me, most of my siblings are just like her... I'm unwanted. I was until Joe came along. Please don't take him away from me, he's the only ray of light in my life."