My Lady Chef { La Vita Series } - Volume 1

Chapter 67: Assignations and Excuses

Ely's POV:

Thanks to Linda's talent at gathering people to her side. A few attempts by Mrs. Yates to investigate my family tree was contained due to the maids who were hand picked by her to block her letters of inquiry to other places and when there were attempts to add mild poison or even a drug to give me a sick stomach

To combat that subtly, my sprites Ignis and Undine would warn me if my tea or coffee was drugged and Linda would collect the evidence for later.

I may not be able to touch Mrs. Yates because it was not my right to dismiss her but through Linda and her spy network.

I am able to carry on as if everything was normal.

And judging from Linda's reports, the head maid was getting more impatient.

Then there was an attempt to kidnap me yesterday when a two men managed to get us alone while I was shopping at the market one day but Linda surprised me when she used talismans and charms to protect me and then a few shadows took care of them cleanly and swiftly.

When I asked Linda who they were, she divulged to me that she recently found out that these "shadows" have been following us under Milford's orders from my husband a few days back.

When I confronted the head butler at home, he confessed that his last conversation with Linda had him worried so he asked the duke about it.

His immediate answer was to utilise his shadow guards to protect me from physical harm.

"So my husband knows of this and he has done nothing to the head maid?" I did not keep my anger out of my voice. "I could have been abducted, Milford."

The older servant grimaced at my words and bowed his head in apology.

"...The men who tried to harm you confessed that he was paid by a female matching the head maid's description. His Grace is now aware of the former head maid's more obvious activities to harm you and has promised to punish me for endangering you. He has given the order to imprison Mrs. Yates until he comes back to met out her punishment. "

That surprised me. I had not expected Ezran to take action immediately. Does that mean he was not protecting the head maid because she used to be his mother's companion.

I will have to ask my husband to ease up the punishment for Milford. Better take note.

"Where will she be imprisoned?"

Milford shook his head and told me that even he does not know where the duke keeps his enemies locked up. Only the duke and the shadows have access to the unknown place where the duke's enemies are kept.

"The duke has ordered me to keep you safe. Even if it is from the ones who used to be loyal to the Aisenburgs." He smiled at my expression. "I know what you are thinking but Katherine Yates was not always like this....her story was a sad one but only the duke has the right to tell you about it. For now, this is the only thing I can do for you, milady."

"....It seems like I married a very secretive man. Alright then. You did well, Milford."

After that, I left him.

I sat in deep thought as I finished dinner in my room that night and Linda was brushing my damp hair in gentle strokes.

This house seems to have more secrets than the royal palace.