" Very well." I said with a huff again and went straight to the door with Miss Hazel following me. The others were so going to have their dinner bit in their dining hall while, Miss Hazel was going to main dining hall with me because even though she was my aide, she was still a lady from a well respected family.
" Lady Charlotte and her aide, Miss Hazel are entering the hall." the butler announced to the people present in the dining hall as the doors opened.
" Mo-I mean, lady Charlotte." Jay Jay said as he rushed to greet me. He came to a stand still in front of me and politely bowed. His actions were clumsy but cute.
" Hello, Jay Jay. Am I not getting a hug today?" I asked because I was already used to him jumping to my embrace every time we met.
" W-Well... I-" He started but did not finish his sentence before he was interrupted.
" Jack come sit down and eat your food." His father said. This shocked me as I looked up and saw that indeed it was Ryan. Now, Jay Jay's abnormal behavior made sense, his father was here. But what was he doing here? Last I saw him was this afternoon at Miss Harley's party and I thought he was on duty.
" Let the boy hug Miss Charlotte if he wants to." Ryan's Father said dismissively.
" That's not appropriate" Ryan said frowning
" Ha! You now know what that word means?!" Master Evans scoffed
" Father." Ryan said in a warning tone, but Master Evans still chose to ignore it
" Little Jack, Do as you please, your dad won't stop you." He encouraged the little guy who was squirming like a frightened little rabbit.
" Come on." I also said encouraging him as I knelt to his level and opened my arms.
After a lot of hesitating and looking between me and his dad, he finally did.
I hugged him tightly, and said," Oh, Jay Jay, I have missed you so much. Do you want me to read you a bedtime story tonight?" I asked him.
" I missed mommy too." he whispered making me chuckle becuase he was trying to make sure that his father would not hear him call me mom then he said the next line loud enough for everyone else to hear.
"Mm, please do." he said with a beaming smile as he left my arms and went back to his seat.
I stood up and prepared to go to my seat when Miss Hazel said," Being a mother suits you milady."
" Why, thank you for the compliment Miss Hazel." I whispered back though I was still sour over the fact that she forced me to go through so many outfits.
" You're welcome milady. I don't compliment just about anyone." She replied
I looked at her incredulous, but before I could say anything, Master Evans said," Oh, I see you are getting along with Miss Woods."
" Ah, yes, father-in-law." I responded
" This way." Miss Hazel said as she directed me to the table. I was about to pass the seat open next to Ryan when she added," Milady there is an open chair. May I help you get seated ?" My face twitched at this, I truly wanted to commend her boldness! She saw that I was deliberately trying to avoid that seat, and she asked me to sit there.
" Yes, please." I forced my voice through.
Ryan stiffened but didn't comment, so I sat next to him. Meanwhile, Master Evans and Miss Hazel looked like they had won the lottery when I sat next to Ryan making me wonder if they were not in cahoots.
" M- I mean, lady Charlotte, the food today..." Jay Jay started, but he looked very nervous as he played with his little fingers.
" Yes, Jay Jay, I prepared it. Actually, we did." I said as I pointed at Miss Hazel.
" I hope you will enjoy it." I said with a smile.
" Mm, I will." he responded with a cute smile.
The kitchen staff served the meal. They brought out one dish after another and lastly, the head chef came to introduce the dishes. He hid his displeasure, but I knew that he was still sore from our little encounter earlier.
I looked at Miss Hazel, and she mouthed to me," Looks like someone's pride is still hurt." and I almost laughed but held it in.
When we started eating I was extremely nervous. I did not touch my food as I looked around the table waiting to hear their reactions.
" Mm, yummy." Jay Jay exclaimed
" I agree with young master Jack, this is quite good." Miss Hazel complimented, and I had the urge to roll my eyes.
" You are complimenting the food you made?" That's what I wanted to say, but then I knew that I couldn't, so I said," Thank you"
" They are right. The mushroom sauce, compliments the meat quite well, you out did yourselves young ladies." Master Evans exclaimed as he delightedly ate his food.
I then waited for the last person, Ryan. He did not say anything and focused on the food on his plate.
" Tsk, quickly say something." Master Evans urged him
Ryan did not look up from his plate when he said," It's okay."
" What's okay?You-Neverr mind, I actually wanted to address something else. Why did the two of you leave the party separately?" Master Evans said
I choked on my food and quickly looked for a drink. An outstretched hand gave me a glass of water, It was Ryan.
" Are you alright?" Miss Hazel asked as she and Jay Jay looked at me anxiously. I nodded my head as I was still recovering. How did Master Evans know about that? How did he know that the Duke was at the part?
" I had official business to attend." Ryan said nonchalantly.