by MJ Haag
I let out a long slow breath, then stood.
“I’ll take this tray back to the kitchen. Do you need help with anything today?” I asked, looking at my father.
“No, Bini. We’ll be fine here.”
I left, carrying the tray to the kitchen, and once again not speaking to my father as I’d planned.
Chapter 7
Mr. Crow stood at the open door, polishing the knocker.
“Would you like me to return the tray for you?” he asked, stepping forward.
“No need. I haven’t eaten yet,” I said.
He nodded and let me continue with the tray.
When I entered the kitchen, Kara kneaded bread at the block. Her nervous glance at me, then at the stairs to the cellar, only left me puzzled for a moment.
“Where is the milk?” Mrs. Wimbly shouted from the cellar.
“Sorry, Miss,” Kara whispered as Mrs. Wimbly thundered up the steps.
I set the tray on the table and braced myself for a confrontation. However, when she saw me, she stopped in her tracks. Her face turned red, and the disapproving set of her mouth tightened. With a glare, she turned on her heel and left the kitchen.
“She’ll go to Mr. Crow to complain,” Kara said.
That Mrs. Wimbly went to Mr. Crow didn’t bother me. She would likely find an unsympathetic ear there. However, it did concern me that she was spending time on worrying about milk.
“How are the preparations coming along?” I asked as I browsed the pots for any leftovers. I’d missed breakfast because of Alec in the bath and Rose’s nail marks, and now I’d missed lunch because of his temper. I wasn’t about to go hungry until dinner.
“By the fire, you’ll still find some fish stew,” Kara said quietly. “There are biscuits in the oven, too. We’ve stored a good portion of stag, boar, and fish for the winter. The menu for the feast still needs to be settled.”
“Have we smoked any fish yet?” I skipped the stew, though it did look tasty, and helped myself to a biscuit.
“Not yet. Mrs. Wimbly plans to start that closer to the feast.”
“Will that interfere with all the meat pies she needs to make?” I took a quick bite.
“I believe she hopes one of the girls from the schoolroom will help us in the days just before the feast.”
“Perhaps in the evenings, but I’ll stay true to my word. They will remain in the classroom during the day.”
Kara nodded but I saw the doubt there. I needed to find Mrs. Wimbly and set her straight regarding the children and their roles. Still nibbling my biscuit, I left the kitchen.
Neither she nor Mr. Crow were by the closed front door. Wandering further, I heard faint voices from the library.
“...will not tolerate any more interference,” I heard Mrs. Wimbly say from the study as I entered the library. “You hired me as the head cook, a position that requires me to complete preparation and planning each week.”
I glanced at my father who sat at his desk. He met my gaze briefly then focused on his book once more, his expression set. Whatever the discussion in Lord Ruhall’s study, Father did not approve.
Mrs. Wimbly continued in her agitated tone.
“My preparation and plans fall apart when others take it upon themselves to remove supplies without approval.”
The woman had admitted to me that she threw much of the milk to waste. Why was she so upset? And why bring such a petty grievance before Alec? I continued toward the study and caught sight of Mr. Crow beside Alec.
“Mrs. Wimbly, who is taking it upon themselves to remove supplies and what supplies were removed?” Alec asked. Though his tone was calm, the tension from Rose’s last letter remained in his hard expression.
I caught Mr. Crow’s attention as I neared the study door, and his troubled gaze found mine. Nodding to Mr. Crow, I stepped into the study before Mrs. Wimbly could answer.
“I beg your pardon, but I believe I’ve upset Mrs. Wimbly by taking milk from the cold storage.”
“You believe? Yes, you’ve upset me. You have no regard for—”
“Mrs. Wimbly,” Alec said, “I would like a private word with Miss Hovtel. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”
“Very good,” she said. She shot me a satisfied look and strode from the room. Mr. Crow moved to follow her.
“A moment, Phillip,” Alec said.
Mr. Crow paused his departure and turned to look at Alec.
“Mrs. Wimbly is to leave my employ immediately. See her packed and delivered to wherever it is she came from.”
“What? But why?” I asked as Mr. Crow moved to leave. “Wait, Mr. Crow.” I held up a hand to forestall him and turned to Alec. “We need her. The feast is just weeks away. We can’t possibly manage with just one cook.”
Mr. Crow glanced at Alec who waved him from the room. An edge of panic grabbed me as I realized my plea had fallen on deaf ears.
“Alec, please be reasonable. She’s done nothing to deserve dismissal.”
He stood and moved around the desk. His carefully blank expression unnerved me.
“She has done nothing?” He stopped before me and lifted a hand to brush a strand of hair from my cheek. “Phillip said she’s rude to you and refuses to treat you with the courtesy you deserve.”
Very few had lately. The thought brought the hurt of my sisters’ rejections dangerously close to the surface, and I quickly turned away.
Alec caught my arm and brought me back around.
“What’s this, now?” he said, studying my face. A second later, he pulled me into a firm hug. “Surely, Mrs. Wimbly’s dismissal isn’t that upsetting. Even your father finds her disagreeable,” he said against my hair.
Secure in his arms, the hurt from Blye’s latest rejection eased. His hold felt so right. I leaned into the protection of his arms, allowing myself a moment of shelter from all life had been throwing at me lately. I wrapped my arms around his waist and breathed deeply of his familiar scent.
“You can speak to me, Benella,” he said softly. “I’m here to listen. Always.”
I sighed as I realized how much I needed just that.
“It’s not your dismissal of Mrs. Wimbly. It’s my life. I can’t—”
His arms tightened around me so much that I looked up. His closed eyes, red face, and clenched jaw surprised me; and I knew I’d upset him. Removing my hold from his waist, I cupped his face.
“Alec, you’re no longer listening.”
He exhaled slowly, and his turbulent gaze found me.
“I am. You still want to leave. Don’t.” He closed his eyes once more and set his forehead to mine, a tormented man seeking sanctuary. What a poor pair we were, both seeking the same thing.
“I’ve made up my mind to stay and help with the feast. I won’t abandon you.”
“Say ever. Say, ‘I won’t abandon you ever, Alec.’”
I soothed my fingers over his jaw. His breath tickled my neck. When I said nothing, he opened his eyes. From the study, my father loudly cleared his throat, and I surmised we’d been quiet for too long.
“About Mrs. Wimbly?” I said, trying to step back. Alec’s arms tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might not release me. Then, they fell to his sides. He studied me intensely, and I wondered what he searched so hard for in my expression.
Finally, he shook his head.
“Phillip will search for an immediate replacement. I would like you to help interview whomever he finds.”
“Of course.”
* * * *
That night, I didn’t sleep until Alec came to my bed and wrapped his arms around me. I waited until his breathing deepened then turned in his arms. Lightly, I ran my fingers over the marks. The hard, puckered skin rose from the sculpted curve of his shoulder. Rose had marked him deeply.
As I lay there, I again struggled with how he’d stood there and calmly ordered the baker off of me. Were these marks enough to absolve him of his inaction? No. But they were enough for me to start questio
ning what happened after Tennen took me from the manor. Questions that I would never speak because I trusted no one to tell me the truth.
The most important in my mind was, why hadn’t Alec come for me like Swiftly had said he would?
* * * *
In the morning, Egrit woke me with a letter and a coddled egg.
“A letter is never good news in this place,” I said, sitting up.
Egrit grinned at me. “You’re very perceptive.” She left the room before I could say more. Sighing heavily, I unfolded the note.
Benella,
Bryn and I have heard Lord Ruhall is in need of another cook. I know Bryn deserves less after her treatment of you, but would you perhaps mention her for consideration? Business remains slow enough that I manage the store and the stove well without assistance.
Yours,
Edmund
Ungraciously, I did not want to endure my sister’s presence on a daily basis. Yet, I knew her skill in the kitchen and knew we could do worse. However, it wasn’t a decision I wanted to make without Father’s input.
I dressed and carried my egg and the letter to the library.
“Good morning, Bini,” Father said from his seat at his desk.
“Good morning, Father. I received a letter this morning.”
“Letters bode ill here.”
“My sentiments as well. I cannot ignore this one. Yet, I do not know how to respond.”
I handed him the letter then sat on the chair near his desk. While he read, I ate the egg, enjoying the deliciously soft yolk.
“Hmm,” Father said, sitting back. “What were your first thoughts after reading this?”
“That Edmund was correct. Bryn doesn’t deserve my consideration. Then, I immediately felt guilty for having such uncharitable thoughts. Even if Bryn doesn’t deserve the opportunity, Edmund does. For him to reach out...I think he truly needs help.”
“So you’ll speak to Lord Ruhall.”
“Speak to me about what?” Alec asked, walking into the library. His gaze went to the empty eggshell and spoon that I held. “How was it?”
“Did you make the egg?”
“I thought with Mrs. Wimbly gone Kara might need some assistance in the kitchen.”
A laugh escaped me. It couldn’t be helped. The image of him wandering into the kitchen and offering aid...
“And her reaction?” I asked.
“As you might imagine. But after the initial shock, she gave me direction on how to soft boil the eggs for everyone’s breakfast.”
“Well done. You might not need to return to the kitchen tomorrow, though,” I said, holding up the note.
He took it from me, scanned the contents, and frowned, studying first me then Father.
“You are both considering this, aren’t you?”
I sighed and nodded. Alec looked at Father.
“With respect, your eldest daughter has shown her true nature again and again at the expense of both of you. For you, I will allow this, but if she causes trouble, she will leave as quickly as Mrs. Wimbly, family or not.”
“I completely agree,” Father said.
“Then, I should go speak with Edmund and Bryn,” I said, standing.
“Take Swiftly with you,” Alec said.
I agreed and left. Before seeking out Swiftly, I found Kara and Mr. Crow at the table in the kitchen. If they had been conversing, they stopped when I arrived.
“Good morning,” I said. “Do you both have a moment?”
“Of course,” Mr. Crow said.
I sat beside him.
“It seems word has spread of our need for a cook. I received a letter this morning with a possible replacement but wanted to speak with both of you first. Mrs. Wimbly wasn’t agreeable, but she cooked well. I’d like to see an agreeable and competent person fill the position.” The sister I knew now was not that person. I wondered at my reasoning, then, for considering her. Because we needed help. Any help. Yet, I would not subject Kara to another version of Mrs. Wimbly. If Bryn would only reserve her bad temperament for me alone, things would be fine in the kitchen.
“Miss Hovtel?” Mr. Crow said.
“My sister’s husband has asked that we consider her for the position. However, I do not think she would be suited for head cook. I would prefer to see that position go to Kara.”
“Me?” Kara said, her shock plain.
“Yes. You understand the workings of the kitchen and the staff. You work well with others. My sister has never had to direct anyone else.” Not true. She had directed me plenty. But I wouldn’t allow her to use Kara like that.
“My greatest concern as we approach the feast is keeping the expenses low. I propose that all kitchen purchases go through Mr. Crow, who can report weekly spending to Lord Ruhall.” My bigger fear was that Bryn would find a way to filch coin from the estate, and I faulted that concern on my tarnished esteem of her character.
“Bryn does know how to cook and, with the knowledgeable direction you can provide, will be a fit addition.”
“I look forward to meeting her,” Kara said.
“As do I,” Mr. Crow said, standing. “May I walk with you for a moment?” He offered me a hand up and indicated the outer kitchen door.
He didn’t speak until we were on the path outside.
“Miss Hovtel, your presence here is an honor and a delight.”
I smiled at his kind words, until I noted his very concerned expression.
“With respect, I watched your family for several days before you came to live here the first time, and I saw your hesitation just now as you spoke in the kitchen. Surely I am not alone in my concern regarding your sister’s employ.”
“Mr. Crow, you are far from alone. That is why I will not offer her the position of head cook and why I want purchasing to go through you. I trust her to cook, but little else. If you find her manner offensive or abrasive, Lord Ruhall and my father both insist she then be dismissed in the same fashion as Mrs. Wimbly.”
He exhaled in relief.
“Very good.”
“We need the help, Mr. Crow. If not, I would not choose her.”
“I understand.”
At the front of the house, I caught sight of Swiftly.
“If you will pardon me, I best catch Swiftly and visit my sister. The sooner she arrives, the sooner we will have the help we need.”
After parting ways with Mr. Crow, I caught up with Swiftly and told him of my need to visit Konrall immediately. He turned and walked with me toward the gate.
“And what so urgently calls us to Konrall?” Swiftly asked.
“I need to speak with Edmund. He would have Bryn work in the kitchen with Kara.”
“Do you think that wise? I mean no disrespect with the question...”
“It is only right that you question what concerns you. The enchantment taught you that, and I find no offense in it. It is wise to replace Mrs. Wimbly immediately. Time will tell if Bryn was the wisest choice.”
He nodded, and we walked the rest of the distance in silence. Konrall seemed quieter than I remembered. Possibly because the schoolhouse remained closed. I needed to speak with Alec about that. The bakery doors stood open, but we found the front store empty when we stepped in, just another element to the uninhabited feel of Konrall.
I rang the bell at the counter and waited.
Edmund appeared from the kitchen after a moment, and he smiled widely when he saw me.
“Benella. Welcome. Did you receive my letter?” His hopeful expression firmed my decision.
“I did. It’s the reason behind my visit. Lord Ruhall and Father were agreeable to hiring Bryn, not as head cook but as an assistant. Is she here?”
“Bryn,” he called in answer. She came down the steps a moment later. When she saw me, her face closed of all expression.
“Yes?”
“Lord Ruhall will hire you as an assistant cook,” he said. Where the news excited him, she revealed no emotion.
“When does he wan
t me to start?” she said, looking at Edmund when she reached the bottom step. Her middle was just a bit thicker.
“Immediately if you can,” I said.
“She can,” Edmund said firmly.
Bryn turned away from him, still without even a glance at me and marched out the door. There, she stopped.
“Where’s the wagon?”
Swiftly arched a brow at me. Edmund caught the look and flushed.
“Pardon us for a moment,” he said before he strode out the door, grabbing Bryn’s arm on the way. They moved off to the side to speak in hushed tones. Her shoulders stiffened to whatever he said, then she pulled her arm away and started down the road.
Edmund watched her for a moment before he came back in.
“Thank you for giving her a chance, Benella.”
“I didn’t do it for her,” I said with a slight smile. “Enjoy your day, Edmund.”
He smiled in return.
“I will.”
Bryn had managed a healthy distance by the time Swiftly and I stepped out, and I was glad to let her keep it. We trailed her, and I witnessed her first glimpse of the estate. Her steps faltered for only a moment then doubled their pace toward the front door. Mr. Crow opened it before she reached it. When he closed it behind him and pointed to the left, I knew he would see her settled in the kitchen.
“Thank you for accompanying me, Swiftly.”
“Whenever you have the need, Miss Hovtel,” he said with a wink.
I grinned and moved to the front steps as Mr. Crow and Bryn disappeared around the side. For the rest of the morning, I helped clean wherever Egrit pointed.
Midday, I eagerly joined the others in the kitchen where a kettle of stew and a stack of bowls waited on the table. The children and Mr. Roost were already there. Mrs. Palant spoke softly to her son and daughter while Egrit sat by Tam. The mood of the room was relaxed and pleasant. Mr. Crow stood near the butcher block, watching Bryn as she ladled portions into three bowls and set a loaf of bread on a tray. As soon as she finished, Mr. Crow picked it up.
“I can take it,” Bryn said quickly. Mr. Crow frowned at her, but she didn’t seem to notice.
