Stolen Vows
Page 30
..ooOOoo..
“There’s to be no fraternization with the footmen, stable boys, and especially his Lordship’s acquaintances or you will be dismissed. Insubordination or cheeky attitude, unkempt hair and uniform, sloppy work, or clumsiness will not be accepted, fail to meet these qualifications and you will–”
“Be dismissed, yes Mrs. Fields I understand you perfectly.”
“Good, now what did you say your name was?”
“Li– I mean Millie James ma’am.”
“Now come along Millie. You must pass muster under Mr. Fields, my husband,” Mrs. Fields said proudly, “before I can show you the kitchen duties.”
“Yes Mrs. Fields.” Lilly hurried after the portly woman through a maze of doors and short corridors in the underbelly of the house lit only by wall sconces. They stepped through a door into what looked like a butler’s pantry where an older slightly fatherly looking man seemed to be checking and rechecking lists behind a small desk.
Mrs. Fields stepped politely in front of the desk and cleared her throat.
“Mr. Fields, I would like to introduce you to the young lady applying for the position of cook's assistant.”
Mr. Fields spared her a single glance before looking back to his papers. “She’s too pretty,” was all he said.
Mrs. Fields waved Lilly forward and she curtsied and introduced herself.
“Please Sir, my name is Millie James and I am very honored to be interviewed by such a prestigious household.” Lilly paused when she noticed the so important Mr. Fields staring at her with a confused expression.
“Where did you learn to speak like that girl?” He took his glasses off and stared at her dubiously.
“I ah....”
“Well?” He barked.
“Sir,” Mrs. Fields stepped in, she felt obligated to help this poor girl, “Miss James comes from the Duke of Cranbury's house.” She paused, “before the incident of course.”
Lilly braced herself for the worst.
“Did you stay with the Duchess Miss James or follow the new Duke’s household?”
Lilly took a deep breath and steadied her nerves before she answered. “Neither Sir, after his Grace passed away I was called to my ailing Aunt’s residence. I don’t believe the new Duke has returned from his travels and I did not witness the duchess’ remarriage.”
“I see…” Mr. Fields put on his glasses and resumed looking over the papers.
“Last I heard he was still gallivanting about Europe. How long were you working in the kitchens before you left Miss James?”
“Eleven years sir, I grew up in those kitchens.” Lilly said confidently, out of the corner of her eye she could begin to see a smile form about Mrs. Field’s lips.
“Why don’t you show her the kitchen Mrs. Fields?”
“Excellent Mr. Fields, right away. Come along Millie.”
Lilly nearly collapsed with relief, this was the first step in her new life as a servant and she could only imagine the hours of labor her future would entail. Nevertheless, even that was better than ending up in New Gate for treason. Entering the dim corridor again, Lilly followed Mrs. Fields down a short hallway.
“Was it confusing to have a surname so similar to your employers Miss James? Did you ever get to meet the Miss St. James? I had heard she was a beautiful child,” the housekeeper chattered on pleasantly.
“No ma’am, I would imagine the daughter of the Duke would not be allowed to grace the kitchens.”
“So true Miss James, some houses are very strict in their formality.”
“And you are not?” Lilly asked.
“Oh not to worry my dear, the master is rarely at home and why would he ever enter the kitchens? The sight of him alone sends Bertha into fits. He is a devil that one.”
“One can hope to never meet him.” Lilly said to herself aloud.
Mrs. Fields paused in her stride and turned to face Lilly. “Now you don’t have to worry about that Miss James. This is a very respectable household for a young woman such as your self, despite what you may have heard about the Earl and his reputation.” She patted Lilly on the shoulder in a motherly fashion and resumed her pace. “Besides, the odds of you two crossing paths are as likely as a fish in the Prince Regent's tea.”
Lilly smiled to herself behind the housekeeper’s back. She liked those odds.
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