Threatened [W&W Book 2]

Chapter 12

Anya was still coming to terms with the fact Lady Theresa had decided to keep her in close proximity during the celebration.

Anya felt deeply uncomfortable with the idea and worse at the understanding that it would be to her advantage to be near.  She might even find her opportunity, which comforted her in the most terrible way.

She was brought out of her uneasy musings by Lady Theresa's voice.  "Anya, could you please fetch tea for myself and Lady Daphne?"

"Of course, my lady," Anya said and she rushed from the room, glad to have an excuse to get away.  She made her way down to the kitchen.

"I can't take it anymore!" she heard Ildri's cry before she even opened the door.

Anya tentatively pushed open the heavy wood, to discover utter chaos inside.  There were dishes strewn about, ingredients all over the counters and flour spilled from one end of the floor to the other.

Even the good natured chef looked like she was having difficulty maintaining her calm.  Matt, the kitchen boy, was beginning to sweep the corner while simultaneously attempting to sink into the shadows.

There were four of the temporary kitchen staff in the middle of everything, looking perplexed at Ildri's outburst and unsure what to do next.

"I really can't take this!  I'm going to go mad from all this!" she wailed.

Missus Allendale noticed Anya over the ensuing confusion.  "Can I help you, Anya?"

Anya shrugged apologetically.  "Could I get tea for Lady Theresa and Lady Daphne?"

"Of course.  Millicent, fetch some tea and goodies for the ladies.  Ralph and Mort, grab brooms from the closet and help Matt.  William, go back to what you were doing.  Ildri, calm down."

There was a chorus of yeses and everyone hurried to do what Missus Allendale had ordered.

Missus Allendale made her way over to where Anya was standing awkwardly.  "You'll have to forgive this mess.  Everyone here is feeling a little on edge now that the hour is nearly upon us."

"I think the whole castle feels that way."

Missus Allendale smiled grimly.  "We all look forward to the return of normalcy."

"I look forward to experiencing such normalcy," Anya agreed, although nothing would ever be truly normal for her, barring some miracle.

"It's ready, Missus Allendale," said the woman who had to be Millicent.

"Ildri!  Come and take this back with Anya."  The chef said in an undertone to Anya.  "Please try to calm her down if you can.  She's frustrated with the extra bodies in the way and Mort knocking over her baking rather finished her."

Anya nodded with a small smile.  Ildri came and took the serving tray.

"I can carry that," Anya said.

"It's better if I do," Ildri said, her voice still strained.  "If Missus White sees me out of the kitchen without it, she'll probably nail me to the servant's exit as an example for the next person who steps out of line."

"Has she been that bad?" Anya asked.

"She's been a true demon. You're lucky that you don't know about it personally.  She's on a rampage, and it doesn't help that we have so much to do now that the pressure is on."

"Only a few more days," Anya pointed out soothingly.

"True, and that's a good thing.  Don't worry, though.  This is usually a great place to work if you don't include the housekeeper.  She is very predictable though and you can usually avoid her more common routes once you learn her routines.  Unfortunately right now everything is out of whack, though."