“I’m sorry, my lady; I assumed Sir Richard told you. I was informed that my services were no longer needed now that Cinderella has a stepmother.”

Lady Tremaine narrowed her eyes, her hand reaching for her brooch for comfort. She thought it was odd, as she was certainly no replacement for a proper governess, but she thought it prudent not to argue, and quite frankly she was much too tired.

“I see, but what will you do, Mrs. Butterpants? Do you have another means of employment lined up?”

The woman smiled. “You’re so kind to ask. My brother has a bakery in a neighboring kingdom. I’m sure you passed through it on your way, the one with the very tall tower. I’m going to help him.”

Lady Tremaine laughed at the idea of a family of bakers called Butterpants. “Well, good luck then, Mrs. Butterpants. Before you go, may I ask where the other servants are? I was surprised they weren’t here to greet me when I arrived.”

Mrs. Butterpants turned a deeper shade of scarlet than before. “There are no other servants, Lady Tremaine. I was the last.”

Again Lady Tremaine didn’t understand, but she chose not to share her displeasure with the old woman.

“I see. Well, Mrs. Butterpants, I’d better not keep you from your journey. I assume Sir Richard has arranged your transportation?”

Mrs. Butterpants scoffed under her breath. “No, my lady, but not to worry, my brother has sent a horse and cart to collect me. I think it might be waiting for me outside.”

Lady Tremaine shook her head. She was not impressed by the way Sir Richard ran his home. She would have her hands full getting this place into order.

“Well, then, Mrs. Butterpants, have a safe journey,” she said, feeling completely bewildered.

“Goodbye, Lady Tremaine. Good luck to you,” she said as she made her way out the front door. And something about her tone sounded as if she thought Lady Tremaine would need it.

Lady Tremaine just stood there for a moment taking in the size of the place, wondering how it could possibly be managed without a staff. Just then Nanny Pinch came down the stairs looking frantic.

“Lady Tremaine, do you realize there is no staff here whatsoever?”

Lady Tremaine did her best to remain calm, again reaching for her brooch for comfort. She was happy she had worn it for the journey, because she was feeling she needed an extra layer of protection in this strange new place.

“Yes, Nanny Pinch. I know I only have you for a fortnight before you must go back to London, but could I prevail upon you to stay a bit longer, just while Rebecca and I arrange for a new staff?”