Waiting On You- Episode Two

Once the hyperventilating ceased, Housekeeper #1 said she had a plan. She alerted the Estate Manager that we were going to the market. While we were in the market she explained how things worked at "Jardin" (this is the name of the estate). Here is a breakdown of the rules:



1-Do not speak, unless you are spoken to but always attempt eye contact. Do not ever avoid acknowledging the X's.

2-Mr. X comes second to Mrs. X. She rules the roost.

3-Mrs. X hears and sees everything.

4-Do not say, "You're welcome." Say, "It is my pleasure."

5-Do not speak to guests, even if you know them or have met/seen them before. You are there to quietly serve.

6-Everything must be triple stocked. You NEVER want to run out of something.

7-Be ready for everything. Things change at the speed of light.



An hour later we were back at Jardin and I was preparing dinner. I devised a menu of Mint crusted Lamb chops served with Pearl onions and Garden peas in a Champagne Butter sauce. For dessert I planned to serve Creme Brulee. I was still unsure of the exact time the guests would be arriving. I couldn't ask since I wasn't previously addressed and the Estate Manager left after another emergency had arisen. Housekeeper #1 didn't know either. She was busy herself re-washing 3 sets of linens for company.

My plan was to have everything prepped and ready to serve within 20 minutes time. I made the sauce, blanched the vegetables and par-cooked the lamb chops. The creme brulee was done and just needed to chill. I pulled the individual servings out of the oven to bring them to the "morgue" (walk-in freezer/refrigerator located across the service entrance way). Mid-turn I heard, "Hello, Mayhrie." I stumbled, hit the edge of the table with my foot, tripped and lost the tray. Tears rushed to the corners of my eyes and I quickly bent down to pick up the broken porcelain ramekins and wipe up what remained of the last course. As I scanned my brain for the appropriate response Mrs. X said, "What on Earth are those for? Captain (her pet name for Mr. X) and I are going to the theatre tonight. We are leaving in 15 minutes."

At this point I had to fight the urge to collapse and play dead. With a quivering lip I said, "Oh, I didn't realize. Will you be eating dinner at home tonight?" She snapped back, "A quarter of an hour is not sufficient time for a proper dinner. Even if we intended to have dinner at Jardin, on what would we dine? You seemed to have flipped our dessert." She turned and walked out.

Fifteen minutes later I heard the car start and pull out of the long, pebbled driveway. I sat there and cried.