“Good morning, everyone. I wanted to thank you all for your voluntary spirit and diligent efforts.”
A chorus of “Yes, Your Grace” and “Thank you, Your Grace” rang around the room. Apparently satisfied with what he had seen and heard, His Grace left the kitchen, presumably to return to his study.
Whilst adding in the carrots, Jenny giggled, “Oh, bless his heart. Did you see how His Grace seemed almost embarrassed to see us working so hard to fulfill our new roles?”
“Oh, quite! I daresay he almost offered to work alongside us himself,.” enjoined Philippa as she tasted the soup. “Miss Meyer, do you think we need to add more salt?”
Meredith sipped from the wooden spoon, “Oh, yes. Normally, I would say to add a pinch more. But given the size of our cauldron,” she paused, “try just three pinches more.”
Jenny proceeded to continue her earlier point, “I daresay His Grace is uncomfortable running this estate.”
This controversial statement drew gasps from the three other women. But still Jenny continued, “I don’t mean to say anything against his management. I am simply observing that he only resumed living here a few months ago and I believe he has not adjusted fully yet.”
“And that would be understandable on his part, Jenny. Mrs. Oakley says that His Grace was eight years old when he got sent to an academy, and according to her, he rarely came home to visit.”
Growing tired of and uncomfortable with such idle discussions, Meredith decided to change the subject, “I believe that this luncheon will taste extra delicious to us, girls, especially since we four know the hard work that we exerted into preparing it.”
“Most definitely, Miss Meyer! How did you learn how to cook? You seem quite at ease with a kitchen knife. Were you perhaps trained at all?”
“No, Ella. But I am quite flattered that you would think so. I often helped the matron of our orphanage in the kitchen. It can be quite a daunting task having to feed a multitude of mouths, especially when those mouths belong to growing boys.”
“A-ha! It looks like our first batch of shirred eggs are ready. Would you girls care for a taste?”
* * *
“I trust your singing lessons went quite well, Lady Cecilia?”
“Yes, Mrs. Oakley. They were boringly repetitive, as usual. But I am quite worn out. May I please have my luncheon brought to my room?” Whilst stretching her arms in a wide arc, Cecilia began to climb the hallway steps.
Mrs. Oakley cleared her throat, “Pardon me, Lady Cecilia. But His Grace has requested to have both of your luncheons brought to the dining room today.”
* * *
“I’m here, Brother.”
“Ah, yes. Have a seat, Cecilia.”
Naturally, Cecilia was uncomfortable. The last time the siblings had sat together at this table was several months ago, when mother was still alive. It was even more awkward then because that was the first day Anthony had moved back.
I see he was being serious about starting afresh.
But without Lord Farellshire or Lord Gillinghamshire present to provide topics of conversation, Cecilia did not know what to say to Anthony. So they both sat upright and in silence for a while. Then Cecilia had an idea.
“Brother, may we ask Miss Meyer to join us?”
“Yes, we are actually waiting for her to finish up in the kitchen. I thought we would eat together with her to show her our gratitude.”
Cecilia furrowed her brows, “Pardon me, Brother. The kitchen? Why would Miss Meyer be in the kitchen?”
With a dry laugh, he elaborated, “Most of the kitchen staff is still sick, so I asked Miss Meyer and some of the maids to fill in while we looked for a head chef stand-in. I told dear old Mrs. Mullens to take a long vacation into the countryside, but she may return to her post—that is, if she wishes to—at any time.”
“But surely this is an unfair assignment for Miss Meyer, is it not?”
“Hmm, yes. I had a similar thought, but she was most willing to do it. I only asked her because of her background at the orphanage. Apart from Mrs. Mullens or Miss Lillian, Miss Meyer might be the only person here who knows how to whip up food for an entire household.”
Cecilia considered this point. To her, it was astounding that Miss Meyer even accepted such a daunting task.
I shall imitate Miss Meyer’s fearlessness.
