Chapter 20: Gossip from Mere Servants
Meredith’s POV.
The moment the doctor left, Madame Beatrice turned her sharp gaze on me. "It’s time for breakfast," she announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.
I rose from my seat and followed the servants to the small dining area in my room. As I settled into the chair one of them pulled out for me, another carefully draped a napkin over my lap. Their movements were precise, practiced, as if they had done this a thousand times before.
The table had already been set, the empty dinner plates from last night replaced with a fresh spread. Various dishes sat before me—golden pancakes, crisp toast, fresh fruit, and a steaming pot of tea.
I shut my eyes for a moment, muttering a silent prayer before reaching for a slice of toasted bread. Just as one of the servants stepped forward to serve me, I lifted a hand to stop her.
"I can serve myself," I said.
The servant hesitated but obeyed, taking several steps back.
As I spread a light layer of strawberry jam onto my toast, I was grateful for one thing—I didn’t have to eat with Draven.
I couldn’t stand his arrogant face, and the mere thought of enduring a meal in his presence soured my appetite. All his handsomeness was wasted on his insufferable pride and stupid attitude.
Taking a bite, I chewed slowly, aware of the silent gazes on me—Madame Beatrice, Azul, and the four maidservants. I ignored them, finishing my slice of toast before pouring myself a glass of water and drinking it down. Once done, I wiped the corner of my lips with the napkin.
Madame Beatrice suddenly stepped forward, pushing a plate of pancakes in front of me. "Try these," she said. "You’re too thin. You need to eat more."