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Late that night Elle crept down the hallway that led to the kitchens The castle was quiet, not just because the servants couldn’t talk, but because everyone was asleep It was the dog watch of the night, and Elle had spent hours tossing and twisting in her bed She was so restless Jock had abandoned her after the first hour

"If I can’t rest Ithe corridor

When she entered the kitchens, Elle was shocked to find Bernadine, alert and working The doughy wo pots and inspecting fresh produce, and she was not alone Heloise sat on a stool at the table Bernadine bustled around, nursing a cup of stea the women to her presence

Bernadine smiled and beckoned Elle in When Elle stalled, somewhat eown, the cook waddled forward and grasped her hand, pulling her into the warmth of the kitchen

The air smelled like freshly baked bread, and two fireplaces blazed with cheerful flames Jock slept on his back, his belly exposed to the world, cuddled next to a kitchen cat that was kept to keep the chateau clear ofonto a stool next to Heloise

Bernadine sht place, before she grabbed a fresh loaf of bread with a towel and started sawing at it with a for knife

Heloise retrieved another cup and saucer She poured out a serving of tea and presented Elle with the cup

"Thank you," Elle said, sipping the tea It was chahtly sweetened with honey It warmed Elle from the inside out, and took the stiffness out of her shoulders

Bernadine slathered butter on a stea slice of honey oat bread before she placed it on a plate and slid it in front of Elle

Elle bit into the rich bread, sighing with satisfaction

Nohat has you upset? Bernadine asked

"I’m not upset, it isher tea

That’s the worst lie you’ve ever told Heloise wrote

You clearly have so on your ed

You’ve raised Bernadine’s curiosity now There will be no silencing her until you tell, Heloise wrote when Elle delayed replying by eating ," Elle said

Heloise crossed herself, and Bernadine puffed up like Jock when he barked at Severin Neither Bernadine nor E particularly hen Severin and Elle returned from their ride Elle half expected the ladies

Bernadine tugged on her hness was able to protect you