CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE – THE WALLS HAVE EARS

"What fresh debauchery is this?" Lady Griffith's shrill tones cut through the hush like a whipcrack, sending the cowering kitchen staff scattering in all directions. Charlotte flinched as the formidable woman rounded on her, eyes blazing with fury beneath her severely arched brows. The trembling kitchen staff seemed to hold their collective breath, no doubt awaiting her imminent dismissal – or worse. "You, Miss Emerson," Lady Griffith snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. "I expect you to have this wretched mess cleared up by week's end. Is that understood?" A wave of relief nearly buckled Charlotte's knees. So she wasn't to be summarily fired, or thrown into the stocks. Just... tasked with cleaning up the unmitigated disaster currently coating every square inch of the once-pristine kitchens. She bobbed a hasty curtsy, the gesture sending a fresh rivulet of custard oozing down the back of her neck. "At once, my lady," she replied, struggling to keep her tone respectful despite