Page 29 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Chapter Nine

Rachel dressed quietly,not wanting to disturb Leah, and crept from the room. She went straight to the kitchen in order to find Mrs. Dunnavant. The cook sat at a table, having a cup of tea, as she called orders out to a few scullery maids who made preparations for the morning’s breakfast buffet.

When she saw Rachel, her jaw dropped and she leaped to her feet.

“Please, have a seat, Mrs. Dunnavant. May I join you?”

The cook looked baffled at the presence of nobility in her kitchen. “Of course, my lady.” She snapped her fingers at a passing girl. “Tea for Lady Rachel.”

“Yes, Mrs. Dunnavant.”

Rachel took a seat. “I have a favor to ask. Would it be possible for Lord Merrick and me to have tea and toast in the kitchen this morning before the breakfast buffet begins? We have plans to go to Edgemere and begin interviewing workers today to staff his home.”

“I’ll make you whatever you’d like, my lady. How about a poached egg on your toast and some fruit?”

“That would be lovely.”

“I heard you were hiring people from the village today. Everyone’s quite excited.”

A servant placed a cup of tea in front of Rachel and she thanked the woman. “Yes, we are. What I’m most worried about is finding a good cook. Lord Merrick is so fond of your cooking, I’m afraid no one will quite live up to your standards.”

Mrs. Dunnavant slowly smiled. “What if it was someone who learned to cook right beside me? Now, mind you, every cook puts her own mark on what she makes, but my sister would be an ideal choice as Edgemere’s cook.”

“Would that be possible? Oh, Merrick would be so happy.”

“She’s engaged now as a cook at Townsend Hall, Viscount Thatcher’s seat. It’s two miles west of North Stony.”

“Oh, the village between Fairfield and Edgemere. That’s where Mr. Finfrock was to put out the word that we would be interviewing for positions today.” She paused. “If your sister is already gainfully employed, I’m afraid that wouldn’t work out.”

Mrs. Dunnavant held up her chubby hand. “Elsie is most unhappy. Anyone who works for Lady Thatcher is, forgive me for saying so.”

Rachel immediately understood. “You’re saying we could possibly lure Elsie away?”

“I’m sure of it.”

She picked up her saucer. “I’m going to write a brief note to your sister, Mrs. Dunnavant. When Lord Merrick and I leave this morning, I’ll have one of the grooms deliver it to her. What is her surname?”

“Bridges. Mrs. Elsie Bridges. She wed Mr. Bridges at seventeen but has been a widow for many years.”

“I’ll ask if she has an immediate reply to let the messenger know. If not, she can think on it but not for too long.”

“There’ll be no thinking, my lady. Elsie will come. I’ve spoken fondly of Lord Merrick for over fifteen years. She knows who he is and that he’s a particular favorite of mine.” The older woman hesitated.

“What is it, Mrs. Dunnavant?”

“There have been several cooks before my sister at Townsend Hall. I’m afraid once she gives her notice that Lady Thatcher will give her the boot. Would it be possible to send the groom with a cart? In case Elsie is asked to leave? That way, she could gather her few possessions and depart immediately.”

“Lady Thatcher would throw her out before finding another cook?” Rachel asked in amazement.

Mrs. Dunnavant snorted. “You’d be surprised what that woman is capable of. Sorry for being indiscreet, my lady.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Dunnavant. I’ll go write Mrs. Bridges the note and return for breakfast. Lord Merrick should be downstairs by then. Would you like to add anything to the letter?”

The cook shook her head sadly. “I cannot write, my lady. I’m sure your note will suffice. Be sure to mention Lord Merrick’s name in it.”

“I will,” Rachel promised.

She went to Alford’s study, knowing he wouldn’t be up yet, and dashed off a quick letter inquiring if Mrs. Bridges would care to become Lord Merrick’s cook at Edgemere. If she was available immediately, the messenger would bring her and her things to the estate. If not, she only had to send word to Lord Merrick at Fairfield and he would arrange transportation for her. She thanked the woman for considering the offer and included that her sister, Mrs. Dunnavant, thought she would be the ideal person for the position.

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