I'm not the OP, and I'm not sure if this is the last part, but what a great way to end this beautiful piece! You write beautifully and the pace was a joy to read, I got really swallowed up in this fill.

This is now my headcanon for what happens to Stephen immediately after The Gentleman's death. The house is such a sweet companion for him, and it's good to know he has something to look after, a responsibility of his own. You really made the house come alive with the descriptions of the bells, the doors opening for him, the house desperately trying to help him find homes for the Gentleman's stolen loot. The gardens too, something I've never thought about. I especially liked the part about Stephen sleeping naked, it really brought it home that he no longer felt any shame, and that he was completely happy in the company of the house.

I'm glad he tried to free the dancers, and I have every faith in him that he will. I also liked that he told them they'd have to earn their keep. He is a master now, and he knows how to talk to servants/guests in a way that is both respectful and commanding.

Wonderful writing - thank you for sharing with us!