Alice entered the busy kitchen. "I know you are all swamped with work, but Lady Hastings needs to eat. It must be good enough to help with the flu, but we mustn't mention she has the flu. She seems to hate that word."
"I can prepare her food."
"Thank you," Alice replied to the cook. "You must place plenty of food on the tray. I will make sure she eats all of it. I fear she has not eaten properly since Lord Hastings departed from the castle. I have a feeling he is going to return and have my head."
"Do not laugh at my plight," Alice scolded the cooks. "This is my head I am speaking about. Lord Hastings will not be happy if he returns to a castle where his wife has fallen ill because we haven't forced her to bed. You must all do your part, considering she intends to pay you well."
