Page 51 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
Juliana couldn’t recall jumping from a height, but the words had literally jumped out of her mouth, and she didn’t sense any deceit in her words.
“Are you well enough to be jumping about?” she heard the duke ask as she landed on her feet outside the carriage.
The movement slightly jarred her body and gave her some pain, but nothing she could not handle. Juliana didn’t bother to pause and answer the duke but instead hurried into the house, where she climbed the stairs into the attic and hid her purchases under her pillow.
She didn’t want the other servants finding them and possibly stealing them. The Stratford servants were honest people, but temptation could encourage them to do something they would not normally do.
Juliana went to Mrs Black first, finding the woman in her workroom. The woman looked up, her eyebrows rising.
“I did not expect you to return so soon, Isabella. Were you unsuccessful? I did warn about those two men.”
Juliana drew the refunded money out of her pocket and gave details about her interaction with the candlestick maker and vegetable vendor. Mrs Black laughed loudly when Juliana had finished her tale.
“If only I had been there to see their faces! Those are the stingiest men alive, which I say from experience. My late husband was a penny pincher and never allowed me to buy anything on a whim.
Still, it all worked out in the end because I had something to live off when he died. That is the sort of man every woman needs, although I will admit that a generous husband is also desirable.”
Juliana was amazed the housekeeper had revealed something so personal about herself.
“Well, the household will be saving some money from now on, and it serves them right,” said Juliana. “Cheating honest people is not a worthy pursuit.”
“No, it isn’t. Why don’t you have a little tea in the kitchen? I asked Cook to reserve a biscuit or two from my own lot.”
Juliana couldn’t contain her grin. “Thank you, Mrs Black.”
“No, thank you, my dear. It seems I was wrong about you as you have proven yourself to be a good woman. Go along now. Your chores for the day will keep for another half hour or so.”
Juliana didn’t need to be told twice. She thanked the housekeeper again and hurried to the kitchen, glad when she saw Kitty helping Molly cut up onions. Greeting everyone, Juliana made her way to the maid and took Molly’s place.
It was neither Kitty nor Juliana’s job, but Kitty had taught her that helping the other servants went a long way in forging lasting friendships and alliances in the house. That had been proven just now when Mrs Black had given Juliana her stamp of approval.
“How was your day?” Kitty asked. “I have barely spoken to you.”
“It was somewhat good. Did you manage to talk to Thomas?”
The woman immediately blushed. “I wish you would not speak of it.”
Kitty had developed feelings for the footman, and judging by his own behaviour around her, Thomas likely felt the same way. Of course, if anything should become of it, Kitty would no longer work at Stratford Manor, and Juliana would lose a friend, but the woman’s happiness was more important.
“A simple hello every now and then should suffice,” Juliana told her. “That will give him the courage he needs to speak a little more instead of avoiding your presence.”
“Oh, hush,” Kitty pleaded, looking at the servants behind her. “This lot will never let me be if they find out about this.”
“You should have more faith in me,” Juliana complained, throwing her onions into a pot. “I cannot stay talking for too long. Mrs Black has allowed me a quick moment for tea and a biscuit before I continue my chores, but I did want to tell you that I have bought you a gift. You can open it just before bedtime.”
“Indeed?” Kitty asked, her eyes lighting up.
“I wouldn’t lie about such a thing. Let me get my tea, or I will lose my chance.”
Juliana turned the corner to the part of the kitchen where most of the cooking was done. The large room was divided into sections and was every cook’s ideal working space as it was airy and had several windows available in those moments when it simply got too hot.
“Good day, Cook,” Juliana said, approaching her. “What lovely dishes are you preparing for the duke and his sister this evening?”
“The usual,” Cook replied. “I rarely have the opportunity to try new dishes.”
“Perhaps you can speak to Mrs Black, and she will discuss it with Lady Stratford. It might help to also give them a taste of what you wish to prepare for them.”
“That is a good idea,” the woman said. “Why did I not think of that?”
