After a brief hour of sleep, the door to Marinda's study was knocked.
Thud, thud thud!
"My lady?"
Outside, the cook Mary inquired.
Marinda quickly rubbed her face, dispelling the tiredness, and then picked up her pipe again.
Tobacco helped Marinda swiftly regain her spirit.
"Come in, I'm awake,"
Marinda said.
Cook Mary came in with the food.
Large boiled beef, fresh cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, cucumbers, radishes, and a cup of extra strong coffee.
That was the menu Marinda had requested.
The coffee was for stimulation.
Lots of fruit were beneficial for her after consecutive nights without proper rest.
And the beef?
Essential for bodily energy.
Without knife or fork, and forgoing all manners, Marinda grabbed the food with her hands and stuffed it into her mouth, while her gaze fell upon the letter Mary had brought in.
Seeing Arthur's signature, Marinda was somewhat surprised.
But upon reading the content of the letter, the lady couldn't help but laugh.
