Page 27 of Married to a Highland Brute

She had never run a kitchen before, but she knew how one should not be run, and the kitchen in front of her was a prime example. She observed the staffat work, pondering how to catch their attention. Nora knew she wasn't supposed to say anything, but if she had to go another night with the soggy meals the cooks had prepared, she'd go mad.

Rayuk cleared his throat loudly beside her, announcing their presence. All work came to a halt. The cook was the first to react.

“Milady,” she curtsied. “‘Tis most wonderful to be visited by ye. We are only just beginning the meal for luncheon. Perhaps, ye can visit later.”

Her tone didn’t agree with Nora, but she ignored it.

“You run the kitchen?”

The woman looked around, understanding that it was in a mess. “Aye, Milady,” she replied, hesitantly.

The cook disliked her. That much Nora could tell, so she gave her a relaxed smile. She would eventually make a friend of her.

“Your job is not an easy one…” Nora began, searching for a name. She looked around the kitchen, allowing a look of approval to sit on her face.

“Velma, milady” she said. Velma was a large woman with brown eyes and big ginger curls. Her hair was covered by a cap, but the unruly curls did everything they could to escape. She was dressed in an old but clean apron of faded red color.

“Velma, your job is not an easy one,” she repeated, “although I see that you are most qualified.”

Her eyes seemed to widen at the compliment. “Thank you, milady.”

Velma slowly began to relax.

“It does, seem, however, that you are in need of some help.”

“One might say that,” she admitted.

“I shall offer you help then, Velma. We must begin by wiping these tables down.”

“Milady, there is no such time for this. Milaird eats his luncheon soon.”

“Then he will wait a bit, perhaps. We shall make it worth his while.” She walked past Velma. “You,” she pointed to one of the scullery maids. “I want every pot and pan scrubbed until they shine. Now, could someone hand me a broom?”

Nora watched gleefully as her instructions were carried out, then she directed her attention to Velma. “I noticed that you have no candles in your keep,” Nora said, putting it as nicely as she could.

“Candles? Milady, only the merchants sell those, and they cost a fortune.”

“They are cheap if you make them yourself.”

“They are?”

“Yes. If you hand me a piece of parchment, I will write a list of supplies for you. If you make sure that I have them, we shall all have candles. They make the hallways smell nicer and are a joy to have around.”

Velma looked at Nora in shock. “Would ye teach me?”

“Of course. It is your kitchen, is it not?”

“What else can we make, Milady?”

“Well, I noticed some calendula and lavender flowers. From those, we can make soap.”

“Lavender and calendula soap?” Her eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, Velma.”

“I will see to it that ye have a paper now.”

Nora smiled to herself. There was much to teach them and they would become friends. And it felt good to be able to form friendships without her father's interference.

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