Snippet #1491708

Somewhere on the other side of Magnolia Manor the beautiful clairvoyant found herself entering the kitchen in search for the main butler, Jared. She managed to scare both the cook and her helpers, almost startling them to an early grave.

At the time they were engaged in a philosophical conversation concerning that night’s celebration. The cook was convinced that the special guests were summoned here for the feast as main courses for the Demon Lord himself and she based her arguments on the fact that Lord Byron – famous for his sloth- had been unusually active before and after the celebration began. She also heard from one of the maids which heard from the coachman that one of the stable boys had seen the strange carriage in which one of the guests supposedly lived. The cook happened to know that guest was a devil worshiper and a magician and she could swear on the memory of her sainted mother that Lord Byron brought him over for the devilish ritual. Her words were followed by a dozen of „God forgive” and „God have mercy” from the others.
One of the helpers agreed with her theory because she knew for certain that Lady Mayfair had been convinced into this by her husband against her will:
„I heard they hypno-siezed her and the poor mistress doesn’t recall a thing. Her ladyship is convinced that the whole celebration was her idea and I’m afraid there isn’t any way to put a stop to this.”

That was when Emma entered the kitchen in her unusual outfit and the lot of them started screaming and begging for forgiveness. They finally settled down when they recognised Emma’s face, but held to their cautios manner. Their opinion on the mistress’ friend was never a good one and this particular episode emphasized its unfavorable nature.

„Be kind and tell me where I can find Jared.” Emma asked half crazed with panick.

A thick finger showed her the way to the servant’s room just through the other door and without waiting for a reply in words, Emma ran towards the exit, leaving them with the strong belief that the Manor was indeed in the hands of the devil.

In the servant’s lobby she found Lenard and Jared chatting like old friends, taking a break until they would be summoned again for new dispositions. They were of course surprised to see her there alone, dressed so informally and in that late hour of the night.
„Is anything the matter, My Lady?” the butler asked as they both turned their eyes away from her as etiquette demanded.

„Jared, turn around and come with me, there is something I have to tell you.” The man fiddled but did not move an inch.

„I am sorry I ca…”

„Listen to me you pantywaist or I shall have you out of this house and in to the gutters of poverty street by tomorrow.” She snapped and because she left him no other choice, Jared followed her through the kitchen under the servant’s bewildered faces and out in to another hallway which seemed empty at the time.

Jared waited for her to speak first with his head bowed, not daring to look at the woman.

„Jared, you know me well, don’t you?”

The man answered without haste.
„I do, my lady.”

„And you know that I am always telling the truth.”

„I do, my lady.”

„Then please pack your things and from this night onwards you are going to serve in my house.”

Only then the man lifted his head and looked at her in surprise. After seeing her stern face which convinced him that this was not a joke he looked down again.

„Have you discussed this with the mistress?” he asked politely, not a trace of surprise in his voice.

Emma was taken aback by his question, she didn’t have the time to think things through.

„Yes." she answered quickly that being the first and probably the last time she ever told a lie. " You are to leave right now with my carriage and settle at my house.” She gave him her ring. „Show this to Laurel and tell him that you serve under his command. He’s accustomed to my …hasty manner of doing things.” She quickly explained so that Jared would not ask her anything else.

„Very well, my lady.” The butler took the ring and for a moment it seemed to Emma that disappointment had taken over his beautiful features.

Before going out of the hallway to reach his room Jared asked her one last question.

„Has the mistress..said anything about my service? Did I do something..wrong?” the words seemed to get stuck in his throat and were spoken in a feeble voice that was almost trembling.

„No, Jared. On the contrary. She is extremely grateful to you and she will be coming over soon to tell you this herself. Now go and get your things, the carriage will be waiting for you in front of the manor.”

The man left and Emma turned back to the kitchen giving the servants another thrill before asking Lenard to get her carriage and the coachman ready for a short trip. She didn’t mention for who it was and everyone thought that something happened at the celebration to disturb her in such a way as to make her leave immediately. Unfortunately for their weak hearts, Emma was there to stay for many more nights to come.