The cooks

Anna was tired. The night had been hectic and her body was relaxed. She wanted to take a bath and go to bed, but she also wanted to get to know the house that Allister had left for her and she went out, stepping lightly so as not to attract the attention of anyone she might meet while exploring the house for herself.

She went down the spiral staircase and into the living room at the entrance to the house. The house was silent. She looked at every detail, marveling at the luxury and richness of detail in every room downstairs. She also found the library and thought that this would be her favorite place. She reached the kitchen door and heard chatter and laughter inside. She opened the door and there were two cooks chatting animatedly, who didn't notice her coming in. Anna noticed that the cook who was working on the stove was older, and must have been about sixty years old, and the other, younger, was about thirty years old.

“Can I get a glass of water?” Anna asked, giving away