Grace by Contract by Rachel Rossano

Author:Rachel Rossano
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rachel Rossano
Published: 2020-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Grace

BY THE GRACE OF THE Kurios, Bronwick was nowhere to be seen in the kitchens. I was able to communicate Master Ori’s orders to the staff without an issue. The lad sent to fetch the snow seemed to know exactly what to do and asked for no further clarification. The organized chaos of meal preparations parted for Martin as he plowed through the center of it all with a tray of hot rolls.

“Grace! How are you? How is the duke? I heard someone mention his knee gave out again.”

I blinked at him a moment. “It did. I didn’t realize this wasn’t the first time. How many times has it happened?”

Martin lifted the tray over his head as three page boys rushed past carrying trenchers, cups, and utensils. “It acts up every few months or so. He isn’t going to be making it down for the midday meal if he had another incident.”

Before I could do more than nod my agreement, Martin was yelling back into the fray of hard-working cooks, assistants, and pages. “Make up a tray for three. The duke’s knee aches him, and he won’t be down for the meal.”

“Who else will dine with him?” asked one of the assistants.

“Mistress Eldon and Master Ori.”

The man nodded and turned back to his work, calling out orders to those around him.

Martin navigated his tray over to the place where empty baskets lined with linens awaited filling. He propped his burden on the edge of the table and began unloading the rolls into the waiting baskets.

I scanned the kitchen for my sister. “Where is Beauty?”

“She is assisting Melly on Bronwick’s orders. Apparently, Melly can’t keep up with the demand alone, especially with all of these guests.”

My stomach turned. “Beauty isn’t accustomed to that kind of work.”

Martin glanced at me without slowing his work. “She will learn.”

“But—”

“Tut now.” He frowned at me most grimly. “Beauty isn’t suited to kitchen work. She isn’t a good fit in the scullery. If we don’t let her try other things, we won’t find a task that she is suited for.”

I bit my cheek to keep from blurting out my old fear. In fact, it was the concern all of us Eldon girls worried over regarding Beauty. What if we never matched her with a task by which she could support herself?

“Give her time. Allow her space.” Martin tossed the last roll into the farthest basket with practiced precision. “Sometimes the hardest part of parenting is letting go.”

“I am not Beauty’s mother,” I protested.

Martin simply regarded me from beneath lifted brows, as though challenging my assessment.

“Very well, I do treat her as a child at times, but for a good reason.”

“True enough.” Martin lifted the empty tray, tucking it under his arm. He waved for the pages to take the filled baskets up to the main hall. “Give her a chance. She might surprise you.”

He had a valid point. She wasn’t my child. Giving her space to try and fail would eventually lead her to mastering something. If so, the trials of getting there would be worth it.

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