by Robin Roseau
“I imagine it’s not foreign service if you’re based here.”
“Exactly. I’ve applied twice but been turned down both times. If I’d been the one reviewing candidates, I would have turned me down, too. I’m young. I’m too young for this, too, but no one else was offering. Do you blame me for being opportunistic?”
“No. Actually, I’m rather relieved.”
She smiled broadly.
“Do you have more to say on this topic, Ms. Halite?”
“No, Lady Ambassador,” she replied. “You’re not going to change your mind, are you?”
“And throw you back to your great-uncle? I don’t know that I really have much choice. But I’m not promising the extent of your duties.”
She smiled again. “You’re going to find me indispensable.”
I didn’t respond. Instead, I withdrew the queen’s envelope, broke the seal, and then smiled. “Ms. Halite, do you have gowns suitable for this posting?”
“Two.”
“And dresses?”
“More than two.”
“Traveling clothes?”
“Yes.”
“Ever been outside Barrish?”
“Yes, but I’m not remotely as traveled as you are. Will we take coach or ride?”
“Everyone seems to assume I will take a coach.” I smiled. “What do you recommend, Ms. Halite?”
“It is a long trip. Are the roads good?”
“Quite good,” I confirmed.
“Then I believe you should leave these arrangements to me.”
“We’re not leaving Barrish with a single male. Anyone traveling into Ressaline will either be undergoing their customs or be escorted out. If she ever returns, she will not be given a choice the second time.”
“I’m aware.”
I tossed the queen’s envelope onto the desk between us. “Do you have any commitments before we leave?”
“I am your shadow.”
“Read that.” She picked up the invitation. “I won’t make this an order.”
“Did you just invite me?”
“I did.”
Again, she grinned. “I’d love to meet the queen.”
“Good. How are you going to find staff?”
“I know people.”
“Ms. Halite, I do not care to ask questions twice.”
She inclined her head. “I’m sorry.”
“Why would you answer in such a glib fashion?”
“I was trying to tell you not to worry about how. I’m sorry.”
“I know almost nothing about you, Ms. Halite. We have limited time before we’re leaving, and if I must also devote myself to this task, I need to know. Furthermore, I want to know what you’re going to tell them.”
She looked up. “All right,” she said slowly. “You make it sound like you feel there are things I shouldn’t tell them.”
“How widely are Ressaline customs known?”
“I have no idea,” she said.
“The king couldn’t find anyone more suitable than me,” I said. “And you are the only member of the foreign service who has volunteered to go with me.”
“The king could have found a dozen people,” she replied. “I know at least four people who wanted the position.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t know what efforts he made to find someone better, but whatever he did, he wasn’t exhaustive.”
“And how do you know that?”
“Because there was no open posting. He may have quietly approached specific women, and it was well-known there would be a posting, but he didn’t open it for applicants. I know of at least four women who would have applied.”
“And they know the implications?”
“Yes.”
“And they are all more qualified than I am?”
“I wouldn’t put it that way. They are more experienced in the foreign service than you are. They may not be more qualified to serve as a diplomat to Ressaline, even if they would be better in another post.”
“Explain.”
“May I ask a question?”
“You may always ask questions,” I said.
“How would you categorize your relationship with Lady Olivia?”
“She’s a friend.”
“How close a friend?”
“When she was here, she treated me as if she desired close friendship.”
“The number of Flarvorian women who can say the same is very small,” Ms. Halite said. “That doesn’t necessarily make you singularly the most qualified woman to send, but it places you on the list. Furthermore, you are the only woman working for His Majesty’s government who could say that, qualified to go or not.”
“Ambassadors aren’t always government employees.”
“You’re right. He could have approached Tessarla Feldspar or Yearly Chrome.”
“You are very well-informed,” I replied. “Why didn’t he?”
“He very well may have. I don’t know. Either he felt you are a better choice, or they declined.”
I nodded. “Why haven’t these other women volunteered, if they wanted to go.” She looked away, and I could tell immediately she didn’t want to answer. “If you lie to me, you’re fired.”
“I don’t know for sure, but I can guess.”
“All right. Guess.”
“Either the reason they were willing to go was for the top position, and they’re not interested in a lesser position.”
“Or…”
“The price isn’t worth the risk you will fail, and they will be associated with your failure.”
“Thank you for being honest,” I told her gently.
She looked back at me. “I won’t lie to you.”
“Good. Tell me how you’re going to find staff.”
“None of them will be from the foreign service,” she replied. “If I can’t fill the entire team, is it possible to find local staff in Charth?”
“I don’t know,” I replied. “Ressaline citizens aren’t maids.”
“I suppose they aren’t. I’m not going to focus on consular staff. You and I will have to make do. Perhaps, once we have paved the way, others will become willing to join us.”
“So who are you finding for me?”
“Household staff,” she said. “A cook, a housekeeper. Two, if I can find them. A personal maid. And I’m going to try to find a secretary for you.”
“Aim for two,” I said. “What will you tell them?”
“The truth.”
“And is it the truth that will lure them?” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. “And are you sure you know the truth?”
“You tell me.” And then she did a very good job convincing me that yes, she understood the truth. She grinned. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Are you?”
“No. It’s bravado. But I’m going, and I won’t embarrass you.”
“You know that the custom probably means they’re going to expect me to serve as a witness.”
She looked away and said in a small voice, “I hadn’t thought about that.”
“Second thoughts?”
“I had second thoughts days ago,” she said. “These would be about fifth. I’m going.”
“You’re sure.”
“I’m sure,” she said, and she looked into my eyes when she said it.
“Do you have questions for me?”
“Will you tell me what it was like?”
“I’d rather not,” I said. “But I will tell you this. My road crew has been based at Tebradine.”
“On the border.”
“Correct. We bivouac in the field, but I would bring us back to Tebradine for rest days.” She nodded understanding. “And that evening, holding hands, I would cross the bridge into Ressaline and engage in a challenge.”
“Really? Did you ever win?”
“Yes. Approximately five minutes before the Royal Courier arrived to haul me back here.”
She began laughing. “Oh, no. I’m
so sorry.”
“Yeah. I hope the woman in question has forgiven me.”
“Was it always the same woman?”
“No. It is customary to rotate.”
“So, you’d do it all again?”
“Absolutely.”
She smiled. “Am I going to be popular?”
I laughed. “Quite. Ms. Halite, I am not acting as anyone’s chaperone. What you do on your own time is your business.”
“Except you want to watch.”
“Do you understand what I am saying?”
“You’re telling me to find staff with at least a half a lick of common sense.”
“Correct.”
“I will.”
“You seem quite confident.”
“I’ll find someone,” she said. “That’s better than anyone else has done for you.”
“I suppose it is, and better than I have.”
“Not true. You found me.”
I laughed. “You found you. I bet you’re anxious to prove my faith in you.”
“Yes, Lady Ambassador. Where will I find you?”
“Send notes here and to my home. Do you have that information?”
“Yes, Lady Ambassador. Perhaps we could meet at noon tomorrow in your home.”
“It’s small. I’m not here much.”
“I find it unlikely I’ll be bringing a large troop, but I may invite your future cook to prove her abilities.”
“I leave this in your hands, Ms. Halite. Go.”
She stood and headed for the door, then stopped. “What happens if I fail?”
“Then you’ll only need to make arrangements for two of us. Do your best, but I have no intention of letting you go, Ms. Halite.”
“Thank you, Lady Ambassador. I’ll do my best.”
“I know you will.”
* * * *
I sat down in Minister Rutile’s office. He looked at me. “What have you gotten yourself into now?”
“I presume someone has already told you.”
“The king himself,” he said. “Should I congratulate you?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “I could return in disgrace.”
“Do you believe that?”
“I have been given a very specific initial assignment, and I have little leverage if Lady Olivia or Queen Lisdee refuses to cooperate.”
“You can threaten to close the border.”
“As I said, I could return in disgrace. I have been cultivating my crew leaders. They are young. Do you know what you’re going to do?”
“No,” he said. “Allium, I don’t know if I can keep your team intact.”
“I have one favor,” I said. “Please.”
“I’ll try.”
I slipped a single piece of paper. “Give these five people proper opportunity.”
He collected the list. “What are you asking me?”
“Some of my peers are more likely to offer opportunity than others.”
“Ah. Yes. I’ll do my best.”
We talked for a few more minutes. Then, as we were about to wrap up, he said, “If you come back in disgrace, you’ll need to rebuild your team again, and you won’t have the same clout you did the last time.”
“If I come back in disgrace, are you sure you’re still going to feel that way?”
“Unless the king forbids it,” he replied. “It’s not like anyone pays attention to us, as long as the roads get repaired.”
“Right,” I said in understanding.
He nodded, and then we both stood up. “Thank you, Allium. I wouldn’t be in this office if not for you.”
“You were the right choice, Minister,” I said.
“No, you were.”
“Except for politics,” I replied. “And I’m young.”
He shrugged. “How about a hug?”
“A hug would be nice.” I kissed his cheek, too, and said, “That’s for your wife.”
He laughed. “She’ll be honored to know she is receiving a second-hand kiss from the new Lady Ambassador.”
I headed for the door. “Minister, I’ll clean my office before I go, but could I continue to use it a few more days?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
* * * *
Late morning the next day, I was home, and there was a knock at my door. I opened to admit Ms. Halite. With her was another woman, certainly no older than Ms. Halite was. Between them they carried three canvas bags slung over their shoulders. “Come in,” I said, holding the door widely.
They stepped in and set down the bags. I closed the door, and we turned to face each other. “Lady Ambassador Allium Cuprite,” intoned Ms. Halite. “This is Ms. Mendari Pyrope. Ms. Pyrope is a cook.”
I clasped hands with her and looked into her eyes. “You look terrified.”
“Ms. Pyrope has not committed to leaving with us,” said Ms. Halite. “She wanted to meet you, and she has her own questions.”
“Are there others coming, Ms. Halite?”
“Yes, but no other cooks. Lady Ambassador, she is very good.”
“She is very young,” I said. “What experience do you have?”
“I grew up in a restaurant,” she replied. “I began learning to cook when I was six.”
“What restaurant?”
“The Onyx.”
I stared for a minute then repeated, “The Onyx. You’re a cook at The Onyx.”
“Assistant chef,” she said. “Yes, Lady Ambassador.”
“Why in the world would you leave a post like that?”
“I am an assistant chef,” she said. “I will never rise to the position of chef.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“My last name is not Onyx.”
“If you’re good enough to serve as an assistant chef there, you could go elsewhere.”
“There are no restaurants operated by anyone whose last name is Pyrope,” she said.
“Open your own.”
“I am a chef, Lady Ambassador.”
“Yes, and chefs operate restaurants.”
“I am a chef and only a chef,” she said. “There is far more to operating a successful restaurant than running the kitchen.”
“All right,” I said. “But this posting is hardly a step up.”
“I would be the head chef for your embassy, Lady Ambassador,” she said. “Is that not so? That is quite a position for someone of my youth.”
“You will not be a head chef,” I said. “You will be a household cook.”
“No, Lady Ambassador,” said Ms. Halite. “Her title will be Embassy Head Chef. That may be a minor distinction. If you remain Ambassador for only a brief period, maybe her position will be little different from that of a household cook. But five years from now? Ten?”
“And I’ll have time to grow into the position,” said Ms. Pyrope.
“There are expectations, Lady Ambassador,” added Ms. Halite.
“I’m aware,” I replied. “Did you also recruit additional kitchen staff?”
“Everyone I recruited knows her duties will be varied,” she replied. “Including assisting as needed for any events you host, whether that be for a few close friends or for a significant ball.”
“Lady Ambassador,” said my potential head chef, “We wouldn’t be able to do the same sort of meals you might find at a major event here, and we wouldn’t be operating a restaurant. But I won’t embarrass you. If you attempt anything significant, we will discuss our ability to please you and your guests.”
I thought about it. “Well. Ms. Halite, I presume you have a plan.”
“We have several other women who should arrive in perhaps a half hour. Ms. Pyrope will make lunch for all of us. We’ll get to know each other. After lunch, we will see to cleanup, and then I thought you might be willing to answer questions.”
“My kitchen is small,” I said.
“I brought a simple meal,” said Ms. Pyrope.
“Is there preparation to do?”
“Yes.”
I nodded. “Well then, Head Chef, I am your first employee. I am an indifferent cook, but I am very good with tools. What do you say to that?”
She smiled. “Where’s the kitchen, Employee?”
I returned her smile. “Ms. Halite, there is little room for more than two. You will serve as hostess here.”
“Of course, Lady Ambassador Entry Level Cook.”
“Smart ass,” I muttered.
* * * *
Ms. Pyrope was good. Not only was she a good cook, but she was a good head of the kitchen. It took her seconds to evaluate the space we had, and only seconds longer to begin giving orders.
I washed the supplies. She set out cutting boards, knives, and the other things we needed. She’d brought her own knives and cutting boards, but otherwise she used my tools. Then she asked, “How indifferent a cook are you?”
“I tend to stick to things I know,” I said. “I’ve never gotten anyone sick, but I’m not very good at making bread.”
“Show me you know how to use a knife without cutting off your fingers.” She shoved some of the vegetables towards me.
“Do you know what I used to do?”
“Until a week ago, you were some sort of supervisor for the Ministry of Transportation,” she replied.
“I’m an engineer. I build roads and bridges.” I picked up a knife and went to work on one of the vegetables, opening it to remove the seeds.
“Save the seeds,” she told me.
“I didn’t know they were edible.”
“I can make a paste,” she said. “It takes a lot of seeds, and it’s very hot. A little goes a long way.”
I nodded. She watched me with the knife and then said, “You are very precise.”
“Yes, Head Chef,” I said. “And slow.”
“Slow is better than bloody,” she said. “If I said I wanted that diced, do you know what I mean?”
“I’d rather you showed me.”
She nodded. Once I was done with the seeds, she picked up another knife. “Do you know why I’m not using that knife?”
“This is just a paring knife,” I said. “I don’t know what that means, except it’s good for how I just used it.”
“I’m going to do this slowly,” she said. “Clearly, I’m normally far faster.” She then diced a portion of the vegetable. “This is diced. Chopped is larger. Minced is much smaller.”
“I know minced,” I said. “I don’t know how to mince this.”