The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1549

Serena stared at the array of dishes before her, so bland they defied description. The pang of hunger ultimately drove her to eat, though with great reluctance.

"For breakfast tomorrow, I want cereal with milk, foie gras on toast, and eggs Benedict with caviar," Serena's demands trailed off as Betty interjected with an apologetic tone.

"There'll be no more special orders from now on."

"What did you say?"

"In other words, the chef isn't going to whip up whatever you fancy anymore."

Serena hadn't expected her parents' punishment to be so severe. Was she now to be denied even the simplest of culinary pleasures? Was she to be relegated to eating plain fare, just like the servants? Were her parents treating her like one of the help? Wasn't this punishment a bit too harsh?

Even if she had spoken ill of Arabella at Mr. Albright's birthday party, it wasn't enough to warrant such a severe penalty, was it? And on top of that, she was still nursing her injuries.

"Once you're done eating, I should get going." Betty glanced at the time and began to clear the table, "Mrs. Collins only gave me an hour to deliver your meal."

"You're leaving too? Am I going to be alone in this house tonight?" Serena felt a twinge of fear. The house was too vast, and come nightfall, it felt rather eerie.

"For the time being, yes. You'll be on your own here, except during meal times," Betty confirmed.

"Then who will clean for me? Who will water my plants? Who will do my laundry and hang it up to dry?"

It must be Edith! With this thought, Serena clenched her fists in anger.

Edith must have taken advantage of her absence, filling her parents' ears with slander about her. They were close to forgiving her, but after hearing Edith's words, they had become too upset to eat. Perhaps Edith had even tarnished Martha's reputation.

With these thoughts, Serena seethed with rage. As soon as she left this confinement, she vowed to make Edith pay.

"Betty, could you possibly ask the chef to prepare a few tastier dishes for me tomorrow? I really can't stomach such bland food." Serena cajoled, shaking Betty's hand, "I can transfer some money to you and the chef. Just name your price."

"Serena, I can't do that." Betty hurriedly explained, "After the chef finishes cooking, Edith has to approve it, making sure the ingredients are simple and unadorned, before I can bring it to you. Mrs. Collins has said that from now on, whatever the chef prepares, that's what you'll eat. No more lavish meals."