Page 24 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"I think I should be fine by then, thank you," Noah replied before continuing through the house, up the stairs, and to his room.
None of that implies that he wished to be away from me,she thought.Then again, none of it did not imply that he wished to be away from me either.
"I need to push these thoughts from my mind," she decided. "I have too much to do to worry about something that is of no consequence."
So, Anne set about tasks to complete around the house. She and Peggy carried rugs to the back yard, so they could beat the dust and dirt from them. Then, they swept before placing the rugs back again.
"We should polish all the wood if we will be hosting a banquet soon," she told Peggy. "I'll prepare the beeswax with a few drops of turpentine. Please gather some old cloth we can use, Peggy."
"Yes, Miss," replied the maid.
When they each had their component settled, the two women polished all the wood in the home from every table to the banister.
"Now, let's inventory the kitchen and pantry," Anne suggested when they finished the polishing. "I need to begin thinking of a menu and quantities of things to order. Now that Charles is doing so well budgeting, I don't want to slip him any surprises. If I am prepared, he can prepare his budget."
"Yes, Miss," Peggy replied.
"Then, we should probably look over tablecloths and napkins to place in the larger dining area. We will need to devote another afternoon to ironing, polishing silverware, and lookingover the China and glasses for a proper banquet setting," Anne considered.
"Miss, are we getting ahead of ourselves?" Peggy asked. "When is the banquet, and aren't Miss Esther and Miss Judith wanting to help with some of the planning?"
"Oh, yes," Anne agreed, feeling a little silly.
I've channeled all my frustration into overworking sweet Peggy,she thought.Bless her patience with me.
"You are right," Anne declared. "Let's be done with all of this for today. It is nearly time to prepare supper. Tomorrow, I will write a letter inviting Esther and Judith to tea and see if Grandfather and Charles wish to join us in planning the event for budgeting purposes."
Peggy smiled. "That sounds good, Miss."
Then, Anne remembered,I supposed I also need to sit down with Charles and Grandfather to send correspondence to Sarah Turner, Viscountess of Weston. I'm sure she expected a response from us by now.
"Is there something else, Miss?" Peggy asked.
"No," replied Anne. "Let's clean ourselves up and start dinner. Thank you for your help today and all you do."
"It is no trouble, Miss Drowton," the maid replied. "I enjoy working here."
Anne smiled then the two women made their way to the kitchen. Preparing the evening meal was still work, but it was much easier for Anne.
It didn't have to be something to distract her from her thoughts because it focused her attention naturally.
"I think I will make a special dinner for Charles today to celebrate the progress he has made," she decided.
"That sounds nice," said Peggy as she pulled out cookware and ingredients that were staples for evening meals.
"Yes, he had been working very hard under His Grace's instruction and has come a long way. He's becoming more confident in managing things, too. I hope he keeps this confidence, even when the Duke leaves," considered Anne thoughtfully.
"I believe His Grace has made a lasting impression on Mr. Charles," Peggy said. "You have nothing to worry about."
I didn't say I was worried,Anne thought.
"No, he will be fine," she said aloud. "He's nearly ready to assume the role of Baron."
Peggy only smiled and continued to prepare items for Anne's dinner menu.
Before her thoughts strayed too far, Anne began to dictate the menu and ingredients they would need for the meal she envisioned for the evening.
"Let's prepare roasted beef and lamb cutlets," she started. "Parsley, sorrel, and strong herbs for the meat. We can prepare carrots and cauliflower in a white wine reduction. Then, Plover's eggs in aspic jelly with ham. For dessert, we can offer cherry water or pineapple cream with tarts of apples, pears, raisins, and walnuts."
