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Laura was mortified. Her heart was pounding in her chest. How was she supposed to know that if no one told her?
Taking the silver tray, Laura entered the dining room once more and instantly stopped. Where was she supposed to take the fruit? Who was to pass it first? Had she enjoyed a good, hot cup of tea first, maybe the morning would be going along more smoothly.
Instead of returning to the kitchen to enquire, Laura decided that this time she would take the fruit to Edward. He was engaged in relaxed conversation with the gentleman to his right, who appeared to have Royal Navy insignia on his lapel.
Placing the tray of fruit in front of him, Edward looked up at her once more.
“Fruit, Your Grace.” Laura had to wonder if she owned the dimmest wit in all of Britain.
Edward once again smiled casually. “Laura, if you’d be so kind as to take that to the opposite side of the table.”
Laura quickly retrieved it. “Yes, Your Grace.”
So, were all passable dishes to begin at the opposite side of Edward? She placed the tray down where she was instructed before promptly exiting the dining room, bypassing the kitchen, and walking to the nearest exit door. Outside, Laura willed herself to breathe, looking up at the warm sunshine. Moments later, Diana appeared.
“Laura, what’s wrong?”
“My head is spinning.”
“Are you all right?”
Laura placed a hand on her forehead. “Indeed, I hope so.”
“You’re doing just fine. There’s no reason to fear.”
“What if I muck it all up? And what if the master sees?”
“He is a very kind, understanding man. You’re not going to muck anything up.”
Laura looked at Diana and sighed. “Your words are reassuring.”
“Let’s go back in. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
As Laura followed Diana, she muttered to herself, “Ask questions. Such a novel idea.”
For the rest of the breakfast service, Laura did just that. She asked as many questions as she needed to and found that she was getting the hang of things. Once it was done, Laura felt a sense of accomplishment. Even a thrill. She was disheartened to discover that the staff could merely have a cup of tea after service was done and one scone. Laura ate it heartily and looked forward to her next assignment.
“Laura, I’m putting you on tea service.” Ermengarde was in a huff, handing out trays. Laura took one of them. “This is going to the Duke of Sheffield. Second floor, third door on the right.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Laura desperately hoped that she would find the appropriate room on the second floor, third door to the right. She counted the doors as she passed and gave a gentle knock.
“Tea service.”
“I didn’t order tea.”
“My apologies.”
Did she count wrong? Was she on the right floor? Did she turn the wrong way? In a huff, Laura walked down the other side of the hall and knocked on the third door.
“Tea service?”
“Do come in.”
Laura was relieved that she found the Duke of Sheffield’s room. She placed the tea on a table and quickly departed.
Ironically, tea service continued throughout the estate until tea was officially served in the afternoon, not in the dining room, but the parlour. Some of the dignitaries were out hunting and skipped the afternoon repast. Laura was pleased to see that Edward was still present at the estate.
