‘What? Sorry, what did you say, Cook?’ Ellen was putting cakes on a plate. Mrs Hart had invited some ladies for afternoon tea and the best china was being used. Ellen often wondered how Cook knew which tea service to produce for which guests. ‘Master Christopher. Just as well he’s gone back to school. I should never have let it happen.’ She stopped speaking as Letty came into the kitchen and joined them at the table. ‘Mrs Whitton said I was to ask if there’s anything you want me to do, Cook,’ she said. ‘I want you to mek yourself scarce for five minutes while I get on wi’ ’job in hand,’ she snapped. ‘Go and fill ’coal bucket if you’ve nowt else to do.’ Letty scuttled off and Cook stood staring after her. ‘Daft young lass; she can never see when a job needs doing. Now then! What was I saying?’ ‘Don’t know, Cook.’ Ellen turned to take the steaming kettle off the flame, intending to fill the teapot and get out of the kitchen as fast as she could. ‘Wait!
