Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 39: Order in the Chaos - Part 2

Once the last trolley is gone, the cooks practically collapse onto the stools, wiping their sweat-drenched foreheads with cloths. While they rest, Aiden leans back against one of the counters, letting out a heavy exhale as if he has been holding his breath the entire time. It's only a few moments before Aiden removes his messy apron and slips out of the room through the corridor that the servants used, while Marlina stays behind with the cooks. One of the cooks looks at her, who looks completely fine without breaking a sweat, and they are astonished that she isn't as tired as they are.

"Damn new girl, you work like a motor." One of the men comments.

A twinge of nervousness washes over Marlina as she realizes that her lack of exhaustion is drawing attention to her. "J-just used to hard work is all," she answers with modesty as she holds up her hands in front of her.

"Whatever you run on, it saved our asses today. We'd have dropped dead to the floor by now," a female cook chimes in.

"We've been dreading this day for weeks, but we at least got the energy now to get drinks to celebrate! You should come join us, Marina, it's on us," another cook offers.

"I'm flattered, and I do appreciate the offer, but you all deserve the praise. Those meals looked amazing, and I cannot celebrate quite yet until I know for sure if I will be accepted as part of the staff. I will take that offer then; is that fair?"

Another cook waves his hand dismissively. "Ah, spoilsport. Suit yourself, more for us then."

Marlina is pleasantly surprised by Aiden and his staff, having been initially nervous about how agitated he was earlier in Roland's office. However, as they worked together, everyone focused on their tasks and helped each other at every opportunity, thanks to effective communication. Aiden's careful planning was impressive as well, providing Marlina with insight into the high standards upheld here. 

Roland is clearly a difficult man to please, but if she ends up under Aiden or Ms. Muriel, Marlina feels reassured that she will have a chance to stay long enough to help Elek. If Ms. Muriel is in charge of cleaning rooms, it gives her a better opportunity to search for Elek.

While the cooks rest and chat, Marlina sits with them, providing the vaguest answers if they try to pry into her life, and she positions herself slightly away from them in case any of them decides to pat her on the back like they do with each other. One thing that concerns her is their physical expressiveness, realizing that being on this staff could lead to her body being discovered quickly if she stays here. Perhaps she could talk to Aiden and mention that she has issues with being touched; she doesn't doubt he would respect her request if she asked.

It is some time before Aiden returns, with a pouch in hand, which he tosses to one of the cooks. "Dinner is a raging success out there. Clean up, and have the rest of the night to yourselves. Just remember, it's going to be a busy week with all of these folks here. His Lordship says we're at their command for whatever food they want at any time, so we're working in shifts, so don't get too keen on being at home much. I got this first night so that you can have fun, but don't get knocked out wasted."

The cooks give their confirmation and do as they were told, cleaning the kitchen spotless before leaving, while Marlina takes care of the serving trolleys and dirty dishes as they start to come back. Marlina sits on the floor, polishing the trolleys down to the wheels until they are pristine. Aiden stands by one of the stoves, making a quick meal. Soon after, he comes over to her and squats, holding out a dish of what looks to be sausage and mashed potatoes drizzled with gravy. 

"If you're not going to celebrate, then at least enjoy some good food for your efforts. No fuss about it this time."

Marlina is unable to object, so she hesitantly takes the plate. It really does look delicious, which makes it a shame that she can't enjoy it properly. Aiden pulls out a small folding table, then brings over a couple of stools and sits down, his feet aching and no longer wanting to stand. His foot taps on the stool across from him to insist that Marlina come and sit as well; she obliges and takes a seat.