-18- New Dwellings for The Chef, Butler and Housekeeper

Just as soon as the baggage carriages and staff pulled up to the new house on Grosvenor Square, Alfred and Bentley assisted Mrs. Willoughby, Sarah and Mary to alight from the carriage step onto the wide sidewalk. Chef Armand was busy looking at the large rose- colored brick house, letting his gaze slide up, up, up to the tops of the chimneys. He nodded in approval, and with a satisfied grunt he climbed up the stairs to stand behind Bentley, who was at this very moment pushing a heavy key into the lock. The front door appeared very strong and heavy. Bentley gave a turn of the key and pushed the ornately carved wooden door inward.

One by one they entered the great vestibule and Bentley turned to order Alfred to carry in the baggage and to check with him as to which rooms they would need to be taken to. Turning to Mrs. Willoughby, he suggested she show Mary and Sarah to their rooms above-stairs, while he would escort Chef Armand to his kitchen. Chef Armand graciously bent his head in acquiescence and followed the elderly servant, all the while taking in the richness of his surroundings. The hallway was wide and the gleaming wooden floors were covered with thick, beautiful, hand carved rugs, which muffled their footsteps and his shoes almost sank into the surface. This was looking better and better he thought to himself. When the man in front of him stopped before a swinging door, he stepped aside, allowing chef to pass before him. Hearing the chef's quick intake of breath, he smiled, allowing a brief look of smug delight to shine momentarily upon his face. Bentley quickly schooled his expression before walking into the room.

Chef Armand was standing, mouth open, almost awestruck by the completely renovated and sparkling kitchen. In his experience, he had at the best of times a small, cramped place in which to work his magic and order about his staff of servants. Such quarters made for an uncomfortable place to work for hours at a time. Not so here.

Bentley explained that Lady Winter had purchased the house next door. Over the past five months, workman had combined their efforts into expanding the kitchen, pantry, sinks, workspaces and dining areas. And at the back of the house, she had instructed them to create chef a private bedroom chamber and sitting room. He sat down in the chair provided and Bentley suggested he himself would prepare some tea straight away. Chef Armand showed his gratitude by taking Bentley's hand in his giant ones and thanking him.

Bentley went into the kitchen and prepared enough tea for everyone. He, Chef and Mrs. Willoughby would be having a meeting within the hour, to be in readiness for Lady Winter’s arrival.

In the meantime, Mrs. Willoughby and the maids who were following her to the topmost floor, were also taking in the newly refurbished walls, doors, floors, ceilings and furnishings. Everything looked new and clean, bright and shining. They hurried to their floor and let out several ahs in appreciation. The fourth floor was larger, more open and there was even a private sitting room! Plus, each of their bedroom doors was off the main room. Never in their wildest dreams had they supposed they would be housed so lavishly.

Each of the women was counting her lucky stars as Mrs. Willoughby excused herself to freshen up. She told the women to unpack and rest for half an hour, before joining her downstairs in the kitchen. She left them to walk silently down the grand staircase. Everything was in perfect order, and her job was going to be so much easier that she felt as if she were dreaming. The hushed swish of her skirts was the only sound to be heard. There was no noise from the outside Square at all.

Within a few minutes, she had joined Chef Armand and Bentley at the kitchen table. She poured tea for them. They discussed the menus and looked into the pantry, larder, ovens (for there were two), and the other nooks and crannies. They were very excited and agreed on their newly found accord. A friendship of sorts, had been established betwixt them and as the rest of their staff arrived, they joined in, drank some tea and were given a list of all of their duties and the rules by which they must abide. Lady Winter's household would be perfectly run.