~~Martha~~

"Mmm.... This smells delectable, Emma, dear!"

"I am glad it is to your liking, Mistress. I hope the young master enjoys it as well." 

"Oh! I'm sure that he will. He's always loved your cooking."

I smiled as a slight blush formed on her cheeks. 

"Hurry and set the table! He could be here any minute!" 

She nodded gently and began directing her assistants here and there.

I swiftly entered the foyer looking over the many busy heads for my husband. "Daniel?"

"Over here, Love."

I followed his voice and found him sitting comfortably in his large red armchair. "What are you doing, Dear?"

"Just enjoying the calm before the storm."

I gave a short laugh. "You never were a party man."

He shook his head. "Don't misunderstand, I like parties, it's just that, in my old age, they're becoming too detailed."

"What 'old age',Sir?"

We both glanced up and smiled as a young lady in a light blue dress and long braided hair stood before us. In her arms she held a large vase overflowing with beautiful white and red poinsettias. 

Daniel laughed. "Ah, Young Nina," he raised his arms in a warm greeting. "You always know the right words to say to cheer me up."

"You look lovely, Darling!"

Nina beamed brightly. "Mrs. Martha, where would you like me to place this vase?"

"I'd like that as the centerpiece on the dining table."

Nina smiled and bowed gently. She began to turn away towards our large dining room.

Daniel pulled himself higher in his chair. "Wait just a moment, Nina."

She turned around quickly, and glanced nervously at him. "Yes Sir?"

"Bring that vase to me."

She walked forward, licking her lips.

"Don't be so nervous child, I just want to have a look at the flowers."

She nodded briskly and held the vase out in front of her.

Daniel gave me a quick wink and leaned forward, placing his hand over his chin. 

"Ah! This one's just what I was looking for!" He picked a white poinsettia and waved Nina closer. 

He tucked the flower behind Nina's ear. The white popped brightly against her dark brown hair. She reached up and touched it gently.

"There! Perfect!"

She smiled and gave a quick curtsy before carrying the vase to the dining room.

"That was sweet, Daniel. Just be sure not to spoil her too much."

"I can't help it, Love. She reminds me so much of Victoria."

Victoria was Daniel's younger sister. She was a lovely woman and Daniel loved her dearly. Unfortunately she died young after a difficult birth. After her death, Daniel had become a shell. He became empty. Once our cook, Emma, gave birth to Nina, his light came back.

Suddenly Oscar, one of our male servants, came rushing in.

"Master! Mistress! He's here! Bradford just knocked thrice!"

Daniel and I jumped up.

"That's the signal! We've all got to get to the entrance hall!"

"Everyone! Follow us!"

At Daniel's call, all the servants around us finished their tasks as quickly as they could and followed the two of us to the entrance hall.

We all stood at the foot of the staircase and held our breath. Waiting for Oscar to open the door.

The seconds seemed like hours!

Finally, Oscar pulled the door fully open and we all chimed: "Welcome home, Master Derek!"