Chereads / The Accidental Maid: Manor of Montgomery (Cornelius edition) / Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 : A Culinary Prelude

Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 : A Culinary Prelude

The morning sun cascaded its warm rays over the Manor's grand kitchen, illuminating the pristine surfaces and casting a golden glow. Rosalinda, a seasoned culinary expert, was already in full swing, preparing a rich and sumptuous breakfast that would entice even the most discerning of palates. Her movements were fluid and graceful as if she had been performing this task for years, each gesture perfectly synchronized with the orchestra of sizzling ingredients and clinking utensils.

Strictly at 7:00 AM, the kitchen was alive with Rosalinda's morning symphony sounds. Dressed in a crisp maid's uniform, she moved in perfect harmony with her tasks, meticulously selecting a range of ingredients that would blend seamlessly. The freshly brewed coffee and just-baked pastries wafted through the air, creating a delightful sensory experience.

At precisely 8:30 AM, Rosalinda approached Cornelius's office with a tray of delectable delights. She gently knocked on the door, her confidence palpable, a prelude to the day's unfolding events. "Come in," came Cornelius's muffled response from the other side of the door, his voice obscured by the phone conversation he was engaged in.

As Rosalinda entered the room, her eyes briefly lingered on the broad-shouldered figure engrossed in dialogue. A fleeting sense of familiarity tugged at her subconscious, but she dismissed it as just a coincidence. She placed the tray on the table and retreated with a courteous nod, leaving Cornelius to his work.

Back in the kitchen, Rosalinda couldn't shake off the feeling that the man she had just served was oddly familiar. The contours of his posture and the way he gestured while talking on the phone seemed strangely familiar. But she opted not to delve deeper into speculation, focusing instead on her duties.

At precisely 9:15 AM, Cornelius turned his attention to the breakfast left for him. He was expecting his usual indulgence but was met with something slightly different. The coffee was creamier than he was used to, and a delightful cake had replaced the bread. Although the flavors were exquisite, they weren't aligned with his accustomed preferences. A crease formed on his forehead as he took a sip and a bite, his mood veering off-course.

Meanwhile, Rosalinda continued her chores in the kitchen, oblivious to the culinary dissonance she had inadvertently orchestrated. The rhythmic clinking of dishes became a counterpoint to Cornelius's quiet discontent.

As the morning wore on, Cornelius found himself pondering the culinary misalignment. His thoughts, veiled in contemplation, became the precursor to an unexpected convergence—where professional history lay dormant, and the tapestry of fate awaited its next stroke.