A Christmas Code (The Code Breakers Series Book 2) by Jacki Delecki

Author:Jacki Delecki [Delecki, Jacki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency romance, Mystery, Espionage, Historical Romance
Publisher: Doe Bay Publishing
Published: 2014-11-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Gwyneth had planned her sleuthing well. She’d meet Cook early in the morning. At Rathbourne house, she met with Cook regularly to plans meals, but it would be unprecedented for a lady guest to have contact with the cook at another home.

She hadn’t been able to share her plans with Ash last night. She had hoped to find a way to meet him for a review of their plans, but mainly so they could continue their kisses and the rest of the lovemaking that she was unacquainted with, but Ash was very experienced in. She was a very willing pupil.

Her plan had a few gaps, but she saw no way around the difficulties. She needed to meet the new cook and decide for herself if there was anything suspicious about her sudden appearance.

Gwyneth had already spoken with Lady Edworth who brushed aside the whole episode of new staff as inconvenient. The transition had gone smoothly—the French woman had proven to be an excellent cook and Brunton a good butler. Prinny would probably bring his own staff with him since fine cuisine was so important to him. Lady Edworth was also reassured that Mrs. Hudson was well satisfied with Cook’s and Brunton’s performance.

The trickiest part of the plan was to circumvent Brunton. Something about the man set all her intuition soaring and she trusted her instincts. Brunton and the staff would be occupied in the breakfast room at this time of morning. Mrs. Hudson would be occupied upstairs, directing the maids, so she should have time to sneak into the kitchen without alerting the other servants.

She planned to arrive unannounced. There was nothing anyone could say to a lady, but to allow her in the kitchen.

She followed the narrow hallway down the steps used only by the servants. She was well accustomed to the back stairs from Rathbourne house.

A startled footman stood at the bottom of the stairs, his muscular arms straining from the heavy tray of kippers. He averted his eyes once the shock of her appearance subsided.

Not sure what to do, he waited dumbfounded, the weighty tray in his arms.

“Good Morning…?” Gwyneth waited for the young man in his late teens to respond with his name.

“Thomas, ma’am.”

“Your tray looks heavy, Thomas. I won’t stop you.”

“My Lady, may I help you?” His eyes narrowed and Gwyneth felt a sudden twinge of danger skirt along her spine.

“No, Thomas. I’m sure I can find my way to the kitchen. And I’m sure Brunton will not be happy if you don’t deliver the kippers to the morning room.”

“Yes, ma’am.” His stare bordered on insolent and unsettling.

“Thank you, Thomas. That will be all.” Gwyneth used her best hauteur. Growing up with Cord, she witnessed his methods of dealing with anyone who overstepped his place. She had never needed to use her lady-of-the-manor voice before today.

Thomas bowed his head and proceeded up the stairs.

Gwyneth followed the smells and the clatter of dishes to the kitchen down another long, narrow hallway.

As she entered the kitchen, the hectic noise stopped and all eyes turned toward her.

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