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Chapter 11
The following morning, Laura was awakened by Diana’s words.
“Come on, Laura. We must go!”
Laura shot up with a start. It was earlier than she was used to rising. At Sage Brook, the mornings were more leisurely, considering Norman Pembroke dined late and ate simply. In retrospect, Laura knew why he dined so late. She assumed previously that he was just slow, but now it was apparent that Norman was suffering from the night before. At Edward’s estate, things would prove much different.
“You’re moving so fast,” Laura said, watching as Diana dressed herself with haste.
“There are important dignitaries invited to breakfast. The spread will be lavish.”
“Will it really?”
“Oh, yes.” Diana tied the bow of her apron behind her back. “I hear there are at least twenty.”
“My word.” Laura picked up the pace to match Diana. She quickly inspected her hair in the mirror and fixed her bun tightly. She wanted to look perfect, to fit in with the rest of the staff so that Edward would see that bringing her on was a smart choice.
“I’ll meet you upstairs.” Diana rushed out the door, and Laura quickly did the same. There was no time to wash her face with cold water. Laura would note the difference in time and take pains to wake up earlier the following morning.
Coming into the kitchen, Laura tried to navigate through the hustle and bustle. Everyone had a spirited pace, and Laura assumed that this was not a one-time event, but perhaps how things would be every morning. The head maid, Ermengarde, handed Laura a basket.
“Place these rolls on the table.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Laura took the basked from Ermengarde’s withered hands and took a deep breath. The rolls were fresh, hot, and yeasty, and Laura felt her stomach growl. She assumed that the staff would be fed after breakfast, just as they had been fed lunch the day before.
Walking down the hall, Laura entered the grand dining room and noted that the dignitaries were already arriving and seating themselves. Should Laura place one roll on each bread plate? Should she merely set the basket on the table? No one had given her further instructions, and Laura felt sweat trickle down her brow. Finally, Laura looked down and noted that there were tongs inside the basket, signifying what she must do.
The only one missing at the table was Edward. Was she to wait to serve him first? Instead of stalling, Laura chose action and began placing a roll at the seat just to the left of where Edward would sit. She went around the table, each guest ignoring her as she did so, and filled each bread plate. Once she was done, Laura found herself back at the head of the table, and Edward was standing there, looking down at her.
Laura’s cheeks flushed crimson. There was a very good chance that he was disappointed because she did not wait for him, and now he was the last one to have a roll. Feeling penitence, Laura curtsied and placed Edward’s roll down on the plate.
“I apologize, Your Grace.”
“Don’t be silly.” Edward pushed back his tails and seated himself. Laura took his napkin, unfolded it, and placed it on his lap.
She flushed yet again. Was she not supposed to do that? Edward looked up at her, grinning to himself.
“Should I not?”
“It’s fine, Laura. No need to worry.”
Laura rushed out of the dining hall in mortification, still carrying the breadbasket. It was quite possible that she’d question her every step for the next few days as she learned the ins and outs of estate life.
Coming back into the kitchen, Laura was handed a silver platter with an assortment of cut fruit. She wasn’t going to take any chances.
“Is there a serving spoon?”
Ermengarde looked at her in wonder. “The fruit is passed.”
“But not the bread?”
“The bread is passed, as well.”
“I just served the table.”
“You mustn’t do that. Only for supper.”
