Sally turned back around long enough to give Joanna a hasty bob of her head, and then she scurried back to the kitchen as fast as her little feet could carry her.

Over the past three weeks, Joanna had come to know all the members of the staff, and while Sally was by far the shyest, she had never once rebuffed Joanna. Looking over at Evelyn, Joanna opened her mouth to speak, but was quickly silenced when Evelyn placed a finger to her lips, her eyes darting toward Addison and then back at Joanna. With an infinitesimal nod, Evelyn stepped into the foyer and slid the doors closed.

It took a moment for Joanna to understand and when she did, she almost burst out laughing. In an instant, she decided that if Addison believed silence was golden, then Joanna would stick to silver.

“This smells delicious,” she announced, picking up her fork. “Don’t you think so?”

Not surprised by Addison’s lack of response, Joanna consumed her appetizer with glee, more than once adding a rather loud pleasure-filled purr of delight at the sweet, rich flavor of the scallops and herbs.

A short time later, Fiona and Sally appeared again, followed by Noah. While he filled the wine glasses with a South African Chenin Blanc, the women cleared the plates, and then returned with the main course of pork chops, roasted potatoes, and plum chutney.

Joanna decided not to bring the staff into the battle she had chosen to start, so smiling graciously at each, she said not a word. Waiting until they had returned to the kitchen, Joanna picked up her wine, took a sip and then professed loudly, “Blimey, this is good!”

Truthfully, the wine was indeed delicious. Its aroma reminded Joanna of spring flowers, and it left a pleasing hint of apple and pear on her palate, but her overzealous proclamation had nothing to do with her enjoying the flavor of the drink. Joanna was enjoying poking a stick. The only problem was Addison didn’t seem to want to poke back.

Listening intently for even the smallest grunt of disapproval, when not a sound came from the opposite end of the table, Joanna resigned herself to having no more fun at Addison’s expense.

While it was true, Joanna and her father had eaten several meals downstairs, both still refused to accept the formality that came with Joanna having the name Kane, so every attempt to have them sup in the dining room had been rebuffed. Instead, at a small table tucked into the corner of the kitchen, on plates of china and with silverware plated in gold, they had eaten their meals...until now.