Chapter 4 - The Shadow Behind the Swinging DoorOver the next three days, Henry began finding excuses to walk into the kitchen every morning at dawn.
He brought Anna fresh firewood for the heavy stoves. He helped her carry heavy sacks of flour from the pantry. They talked softly in the quiet morning lightâabout the mountain winters, about hard work, and about the quiet peace of the valley.
For the first time since Thomas died, Anna felt a warm, fluttering light return to her heart. And for the first time in years, Henry felt truly understood by a woman.
However, their quiet connection did not go unnoticed.
On the morning of the wedding, Vivian walked down the service corridor to inspect the food. She found Henry standing beside Anna at the bakerâs table, laughing softly as Anna showed him how she crafted the delicate sugar petals for the cake.
Vivianâs eyes narrowed into cold, venomous slits.
She stepped into the kitchen, her silk skirts rustling loudly. âHenry! What are you doing in the servant quarters on our wedding morning?!â
Henry turned around, his smile fading. âI was just thanking Anna for her extraordinary work, Vivian.â
Vivian glared at Anna, taking in the young widowâs soft, natural beauty and the quiet warmth between her and Henry. A sharp pang of bitter, possessive jealousy flared inside Vivianâs chest.
âShe is a paid cook, Henry,â Vivian snapped, grabbing his arm. âShe doesn't need your thanks. She needs to do her job and stay out of sight.â
Vivian turned to Anna with a cold, mocking smile. âMake sure the platters are brought out through the pantry door, widow. And do not dare step into the main hall.â
May you like
Anna bowed her head quietly. âYes, Miss Ashford.â
Henry looked back at Anna, a deep, troubled frown creasing his brow as Vivian dragged him away.
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