Chapter 24 #2
“I suppose I can.” Bertha perks up and starts buttering her roll. “She was a sniveling idiot anyway.”
“Sniveling idiot?” Now I understand why Marianne’s always so snippy to Bertha. She’s despicable. “How dare you say that about Marie?”
“Be careful, Ella,” Stepmother warns. “Perhaps you wish to take Marie’s place as Bertha’s maid?”
I open my mouth to let loose another remark when I note Stepmother’s cutting gaze narrowed on me.
She’s serious. I swallow my remark and instead say, “We could share maids. You know, split our time. You have Jesse one day, and I, the next. We could work it out to wear the dresses that don’t require extra help on the days we don’t have her. ”
“I suppose.” Bertha stares forlornly into her pile of food. “Mother, you said things would get better once we moved here, but they haven’t.”
“Don’t be so quick to judge, because I’ve wonderful news,” Stepmother says. “Last night I sent an invitation to Dr. Wissen to come for dinner tonight. We just received his acceptance this morning.”
My blood chills colder than ice. “Did you know he tried to steal our manor and take everything we have while Father was gone?” I sputter. “He’s not the hero you believe him to be.”
“He’s to be your husband.” Stepmother wags a finger at me. “Are you sure you want people to think that about him? Make sure you wear something nice to dinner tonight and be on time.”
I grip my silverware, determined not to let my temper get the best of me. Mother’s last words to promise to be good are becoming harder than I think she ever imagined.
“The tutor should be arriving within the hour,” Stepmother continues. “Marianne and Bertha, be sure to put on your dancing shoes because I’ve asked her to start off reviewing the dances. You must know them to perfection.”
“I’d love to join,” I say. As much as I enjoy running the estate, I’ve missed doing fun things like dancing. “It’s been a while since I practiced.”
“If all goes well tonight,” Stepmother’s lips twist, “you won’t have to bother learning a dance.”
“The invitation says all unmarried women are requested to attend the ball,” I say. “Maybe the prince will choose to marry me.”
“How ungrateful! I’m trying to secure a safe and successful future for you, so you don’t live your days cleaning the house or becoming a spinster.
Today, you’ll help Cook in the kitchen. She has much work to do to prepare for tonight’s dinner, and since it’s in your honor, it’s only right that you help her. ”
My eyebrows rise. “You want me to help in the kitchen?” I can hardly believe it. It’s not that I can’t do it—Mother and I used to cook up dishes and cakes for fun—but even I know a kitchen isn’t a place for a lady.
“Yes, I do,” Stepmother says firmly. “Now run along.”
Somehow, I rise from my chair, trying to ignore Bertha, who’s pressing a napkin to her lips to cover uncontrollable giggles. As I make my way to the kitchen, Marianne catches up to me.
“I’m sorry you have to work in the kitchen,” Marianne says. “Later, come to my room and I’ll review the dance steps with you. In case you wish to dance at your wedding.”
“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“Are you sure?” Marianne clutches me harder, furrowing her brow. “Because I have an idea that would surely make him not want to marry you.”
“Really?” Now she’s got me interested. “What is it?”
“Ruin the night. Make it a complete disaster. What man wants to marry a disaster for a wife?”
An ache pinches between my eyes, but I push the pain aside. “What are you saying?”
“Be sure you look your very worst. That’ll do the trick. I’m sure of it.”
“That’s a perfect idea.” I hug Marianne. “Thank you.”
When I step into the warm room, Cook is in a furious mood.
“She expects me to cook a grand meal,” Cook complains, waving her hands about and showering the air with flour. “All by myself, mind you. What does she think I have, a magic wand?”
“She’s expecting I’ll be your assistant,” I say.
“What?” Cook stops kneading the dough to stare at me. “You’re the lady of the house. You’ll do no such thing.”
I grab an apron, and as I tie it on, I realize I’ve got leaves stuck to my dress. I toss them aside. “This is supposed to be a meal to impress my future husband.”
“Is it now?”
“Which means we must be diligent and make the worst meal in history.”
“That makes no sense, Ella. Unless—”
“Unless I want him to never come back here again. That it’s such a terrible visit, just the thought of seeing me again would make him sick to his stomach.”
Cook sighs and wipes her hands on her apron before coming to me and drawing me into a big hug.
“Your mother would never force you to marry a man you despised,” she whispers, and then holds me out at arm’s length, studying my face. “How about this? We make a meal that fits the character of the man we’re serving. Then you’ll go to the ball and meet the prince. He won’t be able to resist you.”
“I’m sure the prince can resist even my charms.” I roll up my sleeves. “In the meantime, we have a dinner to make.”
We get right to work. Cook shows me how to roll the dough for bread and let it rise above the stove, where it’s dark and warm.
But like wicked little cooks, we don’t let the bread rise, but bake it immediately.
It comes out flat and—since we unfortunately let it sit in the oven a few minutes too long—blackened.
Next, we work on the stew. Cook teaches me how to chop the vegetables into perfect slices, nice and thick and hearty.
We toss them into the pot while I hum one of my mother’s favorite songs.
Next, she shows me the array of spices for the perfect flavor, but of course, we don’t add any of those.
Instead, we toss in chili powder, lemon rind, and pine bark for a guaranteed hot-sour taste.
By midday, my dress is soiled and sooty. My feet ache from being on them all day, but I’m in a great mood. Even Stepmother doesn’t bother me when she stops by to check on our progress, frowning when she finds us laughing.
“This meal better be perfect,” Stepmother warns, brushing off non-existent lint from her dress.
“Trust me,” I reply gleefully, stirring the bubbling stew. “It will.”
“I hope you’re making the right decision, Ella,” Cook murmurs once Stepmother leaves. “That woman is as vicious as a snake.”