"The bread is baked fresh every morning," William said with the pride of someone who took genuine pleasure in his work. "Cook has a particular talent for it. And the preserves are made from fruit grown in our own gardens."
Our own gardens. The possessive phrasing caught my attention, suggesting these servants saw themselves as part of the estate rather than simply employed by it. That kind of loyalty was either earned through exceptional treatment or enforced through means I preferred not to contemplate.
"Everything is delicious," I said, and meant it despite my circumstances. "Please give my compliments to the cook."
And perhaps, later, I'll find an opportunity to speak with this cook myself. Servants often know more about their employers' secrets than the employers realize.
Louis pou
