Some cooks tried to restrain Margaret, but she pushed them aside; she even grabbed some of them to gain stability, and they tumbled together.
Guards entered to salvage the situation. They held her tightly and carried her out of the kitchen.
All the cooks broke into laughter, and began to pick up all the things that had fallen on the floor. They were glad to see Margaret humiliated.
Patricia was glad too, but she could not shake off the feeling that Mabel had seen her, and whether she was in trouble or not, she would find out soon.
***
"Oh, Aunty, you must give me justice! I have been so humiliated. My skin is burnt, can you see? I am sure someone did that on purpose. The kitchen is ever so organized; this can definitely not be a coincidence!" Margaret moaned.
"Well, the kitchen is well organized until you are in it. I wonder why you volunteered to oversee the kitchen during my father's birthday celebration, knowing your supposed tendencies," Perry said. Perry was one of the daughters of Minister Collins. She was blonde-haired and beautiful, with red, vibrant lips.
"Aunty, do you hear the harsh words Perry says to me?" Margaret complained.
"Oh, stop it, Perry!" Lady Beatrice rebuked. "Your cousin has been through such an accident, and you are not even taking her side."
"Please, mother, do not blame me. If I were a servant working in the kitchen, and she treats me the way she does treat them, I assure you, I will not just target her legs, but that fat belly of hers too." Perry giggled.
Lady Beatrice thought for a moment. She looked at a servant at the door and commanded, "Get me a cup of juice, right this moment." The servant left swiftly. Lady Beatrice then shut the door, and said, "Do our servants plan on rebelling against us? Do you believe that is possible, young ladies?"
Perry and Margaret considered. Perry spoke first, "I do doubt the possibility of such. After all, this is the first time this is ever happening."
Margaret cleared her throat and spoke, "I think it would be best if we err on the side of caution instead of giving room to such... possibilities. Do you not think so, Aunty Beatrice?"
Lady Beatrice smiled back at Margaret, "My point exactly. But not today. We will get rid of this horrible infestation after the party. I tell you something; no culprit will escape."
Perry shook her head and said, "I will see what can be done about the food." She rose to her feet.
"Mother, I do not think we should have this party under the open sky like my cousin Margaret suggested. Why don't we use the banquet hall?"
Her mother shot her a harsh look. "This would not have been your job if not for the misfortune that befell your cousin. You will do as you are told; the banquet will be held under the open sky, and that is final."
***
At midnight, Philip and Patricia sat on the rooftop, eating some snacks. "You are eating quite a lot," Philip said. "I guess I am too excited," Patricia replied.
Philip chuckled, "Are you excited or nervous?"
Patricia paused eating and sighed. "I just cannot believe we are so close to getting the gem."
"Maybe you should stop eating now. I fear you will throw up." He tried to take the piece of food away from her hand.
Patricia moved her hand away, "Do not stop me. I will eat as much as I want."
Philip laughed gently. "It is amazing how you eat so much and yet do not get fat. I really want to see the work of all the food you eat."
Patricia frowned, "Say what you like. Now, let us get down to serious business. The best distraction to search for the gem in the study will be tomorrow night, when the party is in full swing. I hope you have planned your line of work. We must not fail."
Philip swallowed and responded, "While we served with Master, remember I was ten times smarter than you. Patricia, you do not have to worry. This household would not know what hit them."
"You are so proud," Patricia said as she smiled. "But I trust you."
Patricia dipped her hand into the bag of food, and her hand touched something odd, something metallic. She brought it out slowly and gazed upon it. It was a beautiful golden necklace. By the looks of it, it was really expensive.
"Do you like it?" Philip asked. "I got it for you." He reached out and took the necklace from her. "Mind if I wear it for you?" he offered.
Patricia frowned, "Philip, put that item away at once."
Philip wondered what he had done wrong. "I do not understand. I bought this gift to show my goodwill."
"Where did you get the money from to buy this? It looks expensive," Patricia asked.
"Do not worry about that. Just take it," Philip said.
"I asked you a question. I would love an answer," her voice was cool but firm.
Philip shook his head and replied, "Fine. I saved for months to get it. Patricia, you understand my intentions, do you not? I just want to make you happy, despite the circumstances we are in."
"Philip, I will be happy when I have gotten my revenge. We have had this discussion before. I know your feelings for me. You are a great guy, believe me. But I do not think I can settle until I have had a feel of vengeance on the king of Lafenia. Your good intentions will have to wait. I am so sorry."
Philip chuckled sadly and said, " you may reject me now. But know this, I will never give up. I love you so much Patricia. And my heart will always be open for you. Only you, dear."
***
Dawn came swiftly, and the household of the Minister of Rites was in a festive mood. The tables were set, and beautiful lamps were stationed in strategic positions. The musicians were ready, and so were the chefs and servers.
Lady Beatrice came out with her servant Ruby on inspection. She said to the servant by her side, "My banquet will surely be the best. Bigger and better than whatever any minister's wife has ever done."
As she spoke, a servant hurried to her with a scroll in her hand. "My lady, a message from the palace. The Crown Prince Edward and his close friends will be attending this banquet." Beatrice's emotions swelled, with a mix of excitement and also a hint of fear. What if everything was not to the prince's liking? she thought.
"This is such marvelous news! Oh, why has the prince decided to grace us with his presence today?" Beatrice wondered aloud.
Her servant Ruby responded, "my lady, you have three beautiful young women living under your roof, and their fame has spread far and wide. Even the most noble men in the kingdom seek a glance of them. I am sure their news of their beauty must have spread to the palace."
Beatrice sighed, "You speak well. You will definitely be rewarded."
" Thank you my lady," the servant bowed.
"Follow me into the castle. We still have a lot to perfect before the crown prince arrives. Definitely, one of my daughters must catch his eye before he leaves. I can't wait to be connected closely with the royal family."
Lady Beatrice walked hurriedly into the castle to announce to the girls.
***
Margaret kept screaming and throwing pillows.
"My lady, you must stop. These pillows are quite expensive!" a servant begged.
"What do you know," Margaret yelled. "The prince is coming today. Not just any prince, the crown prince! How am I going to attend the party with my feet this way?"
Lady Beatrice entered Margaret's room. "I hear you are making a fuss. Throwing and breaking things. Your uncle and I spoil you, so why not? But you must know one thing; you will not attend this party. Your feet are not healed. I would not have any lady limping around with a wounded leg at my husband's birthday banquet. I do not want unnecessary questions. And this is final! You are confined to your chambers until you make remarkable progress in your healing."
"No, I will not obey you. I deserve to see the prince too!" Margaret responded.