Chapter 23

In the little, shabby kitchen, a younger version of butler Raymond cracked open the homemade clay oven to survey his honey-sweet bread rolls. Sniffing, he let the yeasty-rich air fill his lungs as he heard Eve. He smiled to himself and thought that, at last, their sire was back.

“Oh, Raymond, dear, lord Andrew is back, isn't that good news?” Eve inquired with a bright smile on her face as she entered the dirty kitchen.

“I heard you the first time, Eve. Stop bothering me. This is almost done,” Raymond pointed at the clay oven with the same enthusiasm as the old woman.

"Why do you always have to check those lovely rolls fifteen times a minute? There is no need for that," asked Eve, glancing at the flavorful rolls as Raymond nestled a large bowl in the crook of his arm and slung the contents around with a wooden spoon. Eve glimpsed the flames of her paraffin lamps, relaxing and bestowing her positive vitality, while the stray end of her scarf flew over her shoulder, strainin