Chapter 14
Aurora entered the study and settled into her father's chair behind the desk.
For a moment, her confidence faded. Her thoughts drifted to her father.
In only a few days, Duke Owen Ambrose would return from the war—badly injured and unconscious.
She remembered the panic. The fear. The helplessness. This time, however, she would be ready.
Aurora rubbed her temples. Not only did she need to prepare for her father's arrival, but the Duchy still lacked a proper cook. The more she thought about it, the more problems seemed to appear.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
The door opened and Sir Turner and Sir Alistair entered, "My Lady.", Both knights bowed.
"Proceed," Aurora said. "What have you discovered?"
Before either knight could answer, another knock interrupted them.
Aurora sighed, "Enter"
This time Philip stepped inside. The two knights exchanged glances. Apparently, everyone had chosen the same moment to report to the Young Duchess.
Aurora leaned back in her chair and folded her arms, "What do you think, Philip?"
Philip immediately knew what she was referring to. The lunch. Unfortunately, he also carried bad news regarding the search for a replacement cook.
He cleared his throat, "To be honest, My Lady..."
Aurora raised an eyebrow.
"It was delicious."
A triumphant smile spread across her face.
Philip continued reluctantly, "I was quite surprised."
"Surprised?"
"That you knew how to cook."
The corner of Sir Turner's mouth twitched.
Philip pressed on, "And seeing as we cannot find a new cook, perhaps you should simply take the position yourself."
Aurora's eyes narrowed mischievously, "Excellent idea."
Philip instantly regretted speaking.
"In that case, Philip, you can become my assistant cook."
Sir Turner immediately looked away. Sir Alistair coughed suspiciously into his fist.
Philip looked horrified, "My Lady, I have served the Ambrose family faithfully for over thirty years."
"And?"
"I did not imagine it would end with me peeling potatoes."
Aurora burst out laughing. The tension in the room eased immediately. Even the knights found themselves smiling. It was strange.
The Young Duchess who once spent every waking moment chasing after the Crown Prince, shopping had now seemed completely different. More mature. More confident.
And somehow far more approachable.
Aurora finally waved her hand, "Very well, Philip. Your kitchen apprenticeship can wait."
Philip visibly relaxed, "Thank you, My Lady."
"Now, Sir Turner, continue."
Turner's expression became serious, "The assistant cook, Brandon Bradford, was not involved in the theft."
Aurora nodded, "Good."
Sir Alistair handed over several sheets of paper, "These are the written statements."
Aurora scanned them, "What else?"
The knight exchanged a glance with Turner, "It appears the Head Cook deliberately tried to make Brandon's work difficult."
Aurora looked up, "How so?"
"He blamed mistakes on him, assigned him impossible tasks, and repeatedly complained about his performance."
Aurora frowned, "Trying to force him out?"
"That is our conclusion."
"And do we know why?"
Both knights shook their heads, "No, My Lady."
Sir Turner stepped forward, "However, we discovered that the Head Cook and the former Head Maid met regularly at a local tavern"
Aurora's eyes sharpened, "Together?"
"Once every week."
"And?"
"They were often joined by an unidentified gentleman."
The room fell silent. Aurora tapped her fingers against the desk. Someone was pulling strings behind the scenes. And she intended to find out who.
"Continue investigating."
"Yes, My Lady."
Aurora stood, "Bring Brandon and the remaining kitchen staff to me immediately."
The knights bowed and left. About twenty minutes later, the staff entered the study.
Aurora observed them carefully.
Brandon Bradford entered first. He appeared to be in his late twenties. Tall. Thin. Dark brown hair.
Aurora blinked. That was not what she expected. Where was the round stomach?
The rosy cheeks? The intimidating cook's belly?
Perhaps that only existed in her mind, even modern-day chefs used to gym to stay healthy or perhaps Brandon simply ate less than the people he cooked for.
Behind him stood three others, A boy of fourteen. A young woman around nineteen.
And a middle-aged woman in her thirties. All four looked terrified.
Aurora almost felt sorry for them... Almost, "Relax," she said.
None of them relaxed. If anything, they looked even more nervous. Aurora sighed. Apparently ordering half the kitchen staff into the dungeons had left an impression.
"After a thorough investigation," she began, "the four of you have been cleared of any wrongdoing."
The tension in the room immediately broke. The young boy nearly collapsed with relief.
The older woman covered her mouth.
Brandon simply lowered his head, "Thank you, My Lady."
Aurora continued, "You may all return to your duties."
Then she looked directly at Brandon, "And Brandon Bradford."
The young man straightened immediately, "Yes, My Lady?"
"You are hereby promoted to Head Cook."
Brandon's eyes widened, "What?"
Aurora smiled, "You heard me."
"My Lady, I...", He looked genuinely speechless.
"I don't know what to say."
"Try saying thank you."
The room erupted into nervous laughter.
"Thank you, My Lady."
Just then another knock sounded.
"Enter."
The door opened and Emily, Anne, and Gabrielle entered.
Aurora immediately looked at them expectantly, "And?"
The three women exchanged excited looks.
Gabrielle stepped forward first, "My Lady, that was the most delicious meal I have ever eaten."
Aurora grinned, "Good."
Emily folded her arms, "I must admit, I was surprised."
Aurora narrowed her eyes, "Surprised?"
Emily nodded, "When the Duchess survived lunch, I decided it was safe for the rest of us to eat."
The room exploded with laughter. Even Brandon nearly choked.
Aurora tried to look offended, "You used my mother as a food tester?"
Emily bowed dramatically, "For the safety of the household."
Anne wiped tears of laughter from her eyes, "My Lady, Emily was the first person back for seconds."
Emily's face immediately turned red.
"Anne!"
More laughter filled the study. The kitchen staff exchanged confused glances. Was this truly the same Lady Aurora who had terrified half the estate yesterday?
Philip stepped forward, "Now then, enough embarrassing yourselves."
The women quickly composed themselves. After bowing, Anne and Gabrielle departed. Their cheerful voices could be heard all the way down the corridor.
Aurora smiled. The estate felt lighter already.
She turned back to Brandon and the kitchen staff.
"Before you leave, I have one more instruction."
All four straightened.
"I want Brandon to teach each of you how to cook."
The staff looked stunned.
Aurora continued, "Knowledge is valuable. The more skills you possess, the more opportunities you will have."
The older woman blinked rapidly. No noble had ever concerned themselves with improving a servant's future. The young boy looked as though Christmas had arrived early.
"Does anyone object?"
No one spoke. Several looked emotional.
Finally, Brandon bowed deeply. "We won't disappoint you, My Lady."
Aurora smiled warmly, "I know."
The kitchen staff departed with renewed energy.
Once the room had emptied, Aurora turned toward the knights, "Now, the tax collectors."
Sir Alistair immediately became serious, "We have begun interviewing residents throughout the Duchy."
"And?"
"We are comparing their payments against the official records."
Aurora nodded, "Good."
Then she handed them a list.
The two knights read it. Their eyes widened.
Farm locations.
Tenant information.
Family sizes.
Children.
Occupations.
Livestock.
Crops.
Rental amounts.
Income estimates.
It was extensive.... Very extensive.
"My Lady..." Sir Alistair said carefully, "This is a great deal of information."
"I know."
"Is all of it necessary?"
Aurora smiled, "Every single piece."
The knights exchanged glances. Neither understood what she was planning. But Aurora did. Information was power. Without records, a Duchy could never grow.
Without knowing its people, a ruler could never truly help them. This was something she had learned from her modern life.
"Take additional knights if needed."
"Yes, My Lady."
Both men bowed and left.
As soon as the door closed, Philip looked at her curiously, "May I ask why all this information is important?"
Aurora smiled knowingly, "When everything is collected, you'll understand."
That answer only worried Philip further. Whenever Aurora smiled like that, it usually meant more work for everyone else.
Aurora turned toward him. "Philip, I need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and two large tables placed in the guest room beside mine."
Philip froze, "A sewing machine?"
"Yes."
"What are you planning now?"
Aurora stood and headed toward the door, "You'll see."
The smile she gave him was far too cheerful.
Philip suddenly felt nervous.... Very nervous.
As Aurora disappeared into the corridor, he muttered to himself, "The last time she said that half the estate ended up under investigation."
For the first time in years, the Grand Emberforge Duchy was changing.
And whether they realized it or not, everyone was about to be swept along with it.
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