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Velma hurried over to her, holding a garment. “An apron for you, milady. “‘Tis been freshly washed. ‘Tis the newest we have,” she said almost apologetically.
Nora was delighted. She donned the apron and tied it behind her. “Thank you, Velma. It is perfect.“
Velma smiled, much to Nora's delight.
Theyworked until late in the afternoon. After the kitchens had been thoroughly cleaned, Nora requested a list of all the available ingredients. Then she decided on beef broth and bread for supper.
Sheobserved the bread being baked with no sugar or salt, andpersuaded Velma to change the recipe with only a gentle suggestion, and soon, the sweet smell of fresh bread invaded the room.
“‘Tis nae done yet and yet it smells like Heaven!”
“What seasonings and ingredients do you have?” referring to the broth.
“Salt, Milady.”
“That will not do. If you have no fancier vegetables for your broth, you must have at least onions, potatoes, or carrots in it.”
Nora appreciated the fact that she had something to do. She didn't have time to think about her new life when her hands were busy. The kitchen sparkled, and she was relieved to know that she would be busy for the next few days, making enough soaps and candles for the entire keep. Nora decided she deserved a rest on one of the kitchen stools while the broth simmered.
It was uncomfortable, and her feet hurt.
“Do ye need anythin’, Milady?” Rayak’s voice startled her.
“Oh, no, no. Thank you.”
“Perhaps I can fetch ye a cushioned stool.”
She did not want him running errands for her. “No, do not bother.”
“Please, allow me.”
Nora paused, and with a nod she gave in. “A cushioned stool would be splendid.”
Rayak exited the kitchen just as Velma returned. “‘Tis cookin’ nicely, milady.”
“I can tell the bread is almost done. Would you check it?”
Loud steps marching into the kitchen robbed Nora of an answer.
“What smells so appealin’?” It was Callan’s voice and had a hungry look in his eyes.
“Tis milady’s cookin’,” Velma beamed. “She made broth and bread, but it smells like food for the angels!”
Nora blushed. “Oh, Velma, you did the work. I merely helped. There isn’t a problem, is there?” Nora asked Callan. Her eyes held a worried look. She wiped her damp hands on a napkin.
“Milaird has been searchin’ for ye, milady.”
Jonan stormed into the kitchen just as Callan finished speaking. Her skin prickled with goosebumps and an aversion to speak to him.
“Ye are here!” Jonan said. “Did ye tell nae one of yer whereabouts? For hours I have searched!”
“I have been in the kitchen with Velma.” Callan and the cook awkwardly excused themselves.
Jonan looked around. “I see. Why are ye unguarded?”
“I am not. I requested a chair from Rayak.”
“I see. Do you need me to have a carpenter make ye yer own?”
