Always in My Dreams by Jo Goodman Page B

waver. "I think I can speak for everyone here when I say we're pleased you've taken the position. Your predecessor was... well, there's nothing to be gained by speaking ill of her." Her bow mouth relaxed, removing the imprinted smile from her face. "My duties are exclusively those having to do with this kitchen. I don't believe you'll find me lacking in that regard."
    Skye was very aware that Mrs. Reading was defining her territory and her responsibilities. In her place she'd have done the same and could even admire the woman for asserting herself. But Skye also sensed a challenge and knew she could not let it pass. "That's very good, Mrs. Reading," she said coolly. "Of course I'll respect you by telling you directly if I'm displeased with your work." She saw the cook's eyes narrow fractionally. "Now," Skye went on, "has the staff had their breakfast already? I know I haven't had mine."
    Rose Farrow spoke up. "Daisy and me—"
    "Daisy and I," Skye interjected. "You must learn to be particular about your speech, Rose."
    "We have breakfast before we come out to the house," she finished.
    Skye asked Jenny, "Do you do the same?" The older woman nodded. "And Hank, what about you? You live here."
    "Miz Reading... excuse me, ma'am... Missus Reading lets me get somethin' for myself in her kitchen."
    Smiling, Skye turned to Corina. "How very kind of you, Mrs. Reading. However, I think we'll try something different from now on. Breakfast for staff will be served at six-thirty. Everyone will eat here. I think it will prompt a better start for the day and we have a great deal of work ahead of us. Annie will help you with the preparations, since she's also living here." Before there could be any protest, she asked, "What time do you serve breakfast for Mr. Parnell?"
    Corina Reading's complexion did not flush when she was annoyed. It went pale as salt. Her speech had a tendency to take on a staccato sharpness, which she narrowly managed to hold in check. "Mr. Parnell takes his breakfast when he sees fit."
    "Then you're very flexible. How admirable." Skye's smile didn't waver. "And Mr. Caide? I don't see him here this morning. Does that mean he's considered apart from the rest of us?"
    Jenny Adams looked up from her mending. "Mr. Caide will be in directly. He's an early riser."
    Skye checked the timepiece in her shirtwaist pocket. "It's gone eight already," she said. "That hardly qualifies as early rising."
    Annie Staplehurst made a face, wrinkling her nose and pursing her lips together. Her head shook in a quick, reflexive negation. Rose Farrow poked her sister in the ribs and Daisy's hand came to her mouth to hide her silent laughter. Hank revealed a gap-toothed smile. Jenny softly clucked her tongue. Corina Reading's face was as satisfied as the cat who'd got the cream.
    Skye didn't have to turn around to know who was standing in the doorway behind her. "Won't you come in, Mr. Caide?" she asked, unruffled. "I was just learning something about your morning routine."
    "So I heard," he said drily. Walker pushed away from the door jamb and entered the kitchen. He was wearing black trousers and a crisp white shirt. His vest was black with gray pinstripes, and when he pulled a chair out and straddled it the vest rose slightly, revealing red suspenders. Walker rested his forearms on the top rail of the chair and made a show of looking around the kitchen. "I came for breakfast. Mrs. Reading usually has it prepared by now."
    "Don't I just," Corina said sweetly.
    "In the future, Mr. Caide," Skye said, "breakfast will be served for the staff at six-thirty. We hope you'll join us."
    "Miss Dennehy," he said patiently, "at the risk of having you think better of me, I have to tell you that at six-thirty this morning I was already riding into Baileyboro on some business for Mr. Parnell."
    Skye dealt Daisy a stern sideways look when the young girl giggled again. "Then you probably would have appreciated something to eat before you left," she