Consider Me Gone by Jane Thornley

Author:Jane Thornley [Thornley, Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: River View Press
Published: 2020-06-11T16:00:00+00:00

18

Romy came alert inside Claire and tried again to stage her return. She envisioned Louisa’s house, her garden. She imagined Adrian and Jo. She tried hauling herself up from this profound non-waking state the way a sleeping person tries to rouse from a dream.

But Claire’s memory gripped her tight. She felt herself falling backwards, sending her back in a dizzying tilt deep into Claire’s mind.

“Señorita,” Señora Viscayca called out, her black lace shawl drooping about her shoulders like a shredded bat, “come here at once! Not a week on the job and already you dawdle.”

Claire, already halfway across the courtyard, turned and nodded a greeting but continued on her way, pretending not to understand the woman’s Spanish. No matter what her assignment, she would not let that creature speak to her that way. She suffered enough of her abuse.

“Come back, I say! I have not given you permission to visit the kitchens. You are to remain in the house until I say otherwise!” The cane could be heard thumping on the tiles as if intent on smashing them with her temper.

But Claire only picked up her skirts and scurried across the courtyard, scattering the chickens as she ran towards the large square building from which wafted the scent of baking bread.

Bursting through the doorway, she paused, her eyes adjusting to the light. Suffocating heat filled the room. Ahead, two slave girls busied themselves, one chopping vegetables on the long wooden table that dominated the space while the other stirred something in a cauldron on the fire. Both girls glistened in perspiration, the air heavy with cooking aromas and sweat.

Except for a brief flicker in their eyes, neither slowed their work or gave any indication of her presence. A man, a Spaniard, by the looks of things, stood by, assessing their efforts and it was he who addressed her first.

“Good afternoon, Señorita! You must be the new housekeeper, yes? We wondered when you would visit. Has Señora finally opened your cage? Welcome to the kitchens of Governor Ulloa. I am Ricardo El Cardez, chief cook, a man whose dishes the governor favors so much, he brings me with him to add flavor to the new world, si?” Ricardo bowed deeply, his face a-brim with a merry smile.

Claire smiled back, relieved to find a friendly face in this dour household. Behind her, she could hear the tap-tapping of the cane making its slow way across the courtyard.

Stepping forward, she spoke in French. “I am sorry that I cannot speak your tongue well. I know but a few words. I am Claire Comeau, Mademoiselle Comeau. I have been instructed by the Governor to help bring the flavor of New France to his dishes and intend to start today. Together, we could try some new combinations, something that will tempt the governor’s palate, yes?”

Not commanding enough, she remanded herself and what did it matter if the man could but understand a few words? As housekeeper, she must govern these people, once the old crow got out of the way, that is.

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