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“Fucking fantastic,” Mario cursed under his breath. “I need to get started for dinner and clean the dining room at the same time and if I don’t finish all two on time James will be up my ass. An increase in wages would be enough to motivate me.”

“What about more workers? We’ve spread the word that we are hiring.”

“Baroness,” Mario’s heart dropped when he heard her voice. She rarely came to the kitchen unless guests were present and she wanted to check if everything was going according to plan.

“You should be careful how you talk in someone’s home. I hear everything. What was your name again?” Katrina innocently smiled as she entered the kitchen. “You know, my husband used to enjoy your cooking, that is why he had no issue lending you money and letting you work it off. The guests also compliment your food which is why we’ve also thought we should keep you here forever.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” Mario replied but he was cautious of Katrina. She was never one to engage in conversations like this with her servants. The only one she spoke with from time to time was the butler. “I apologize for my words a moment ago. There is a lot to be done but it’s good you are hiring more servants.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure a lot of the servants here have something to say behind my back. My,” Katrina placed her hand over her mouth feigning shock. “I’ve never noticed how handsome you are.”

‘Is this a nightmare? Did I not get out of bed?’ Mario could not help but wonder. There was no way on this earth Katrina was complimenting him. ‘What on earth does she want from me?’

“You are one handsome young man. I see why Alessandra hid you away from everyone else.”

.....

Mario frowned as he realized where this conversation was about to turn. “She never hid me from anyone. I have always been in the kitchen or wherever the butler assigned me.”

Katrina picked up a red apple from a tray and sank her teeth into it before placing it back on the tray. “Enlighten me, why did you entertain a friendship with the Baron’s daughter when you were a mere cook? I’m certain you were aware of the reason everyone avoids her. What made you gravitate toward her?”

“I was not aware I could not have a friendship with Alessandra. All of the servants are meant to have a good relationship with your family-”

“As a woman, I have never been with a man such as yourself. After asking around, I learned that you and Alessandra have been spotted alone with each other. What could a Baron’s daughter and a cook have in common to talk about?” Katrina asked.

“Food. Everyone has to eat it,” Mario bluntly replied. He wanted her to get to the point instead of dancing around why she was here with him. He knew she was pushing to make the claim he had been in some sort of relationship with Alessandra.

“There is no need for you to give such a rude reply. I merely want to know what kind of relationship you have with her. I was told the Duke didn’t seem too pleased with you when he was collecting Alessandra’s things. Perhaps he noticed something as well. Tell me about that,” Katrina said and for a moment her eyes went to three maids standing around in the kitchen pretending as if they weren’t listening to the conversation.

This was what she wanted. For maids to listen carefully to her words and start to speculate about Alessandra and the cook.

“You’ve met him more than I have, Baroness. That man does not seem to like anyone. Alessandra and I were purely friends. There is nothing for you to worry about. I did nothing with her. I never thought about betraying the Baron’s trust by secretly being with his daughter. She only has eyes for the Duke.”

“I see but I heard something else that is interesting. Some people seem to claim she might be pregnant but that cannot be when she has not been married to the Duke for long. You are the only man she has been seen with and I’d hate to think you’re joining her in fooling an innocent man,” said Katrina.

“I have never been involved with Alessandra. You might hate her but you know she was not that type of person. Must you be this way?” Mario lost his composure. Alessandra was gone so why did they have to continue messing with her?

“Can you honestly say that you have never held feelings for her? Even now when she is married, does your heart not long for her?” Katrina playfully tapped her fingers against the counter while she awaited his answer.

“What I felt has nothing to do with Alessandra.”

‘Big mistake admitting that,’ Katrina grinned. She only needed simple words from his mouth to spin a narrative to the town. How oblivious could the cook be?

“Get out,” Katrina ordered the maids lingering around in the kitchen. They heard more than enough and would add to the fire she planned to spread.

“Yes Baroness,” the maids hurried out of the kitchen.

“Why are you doing this? Are you not satisfied with everything that you have? Leave Alessandra alone. She has suffered enough,” Mario pleaded with Katrina.

“In my eyes, she has not and you will help me make her suffer more. When rumors of your relationship start to spread, I want you to admit to being intimate with her-”

“No!” Mario exclaimed. He could not do such a thing when he called himself her friend. Alessandra did not need one of her only friends betraying her. “I will not get involved in your plans.”

“Oh yes you will because,” Katrina paused and approached Mario so he could hear what she had to say. “I know what you are hiding from the town. You...” she whispered the information she learned in his ear.

Mario gritted his teeth out of frustration and panic.

“Everyone in this town has their own dirty little secrets and yet they love to judge me. I love men with a past like your own who try to do good years later. So easy for me to use,” Katrina caressed his cheek. She truly found him to be handsome. “Do not disappoint me. I expect to hear good things about you soon. Goodbye,” she flicked his bottom lip and left the kitchen.

When she exited the kitchen, Katrina stumbled upon the butler waiting for her. “Thanks for the tip, James. I’m beginning to like you even more.”