He walked past her, and she followed him. He picked up the wooden door built within the floor of the pantry, then proceeded to go down the steps to the cellar.

Gwen went back to opening sacks while Isabelle waited patiently by the door. There was one pushed far into the corner and Gwen pulled it out. She screamed happily when she saw what was inside.

Gavin came up, meat in hand. “Good God, lady. Your screams have probably awoken the entire holding.”

“Gwendolyn, what is it?” Isabelle asked.

“What is it you ask? It happens to be coffee, and I can’t live without it.” She danced around in a circle, smelling the beans she held in her hands. She had coffee!

“It came on our last shipment,” Gavin explained, “but we’d no idea of its use. Though it smelled wonderful, all of Cook’s attempts left us…let’s say, very unsatisfied.”

Gavin seemed to be easing into a better mood much to Gwen’s relief. “Gavin, you’re in for a real treat.” She smiled, and then frowned when she looked at his hands. “Where are the eggs?” she asked. Didn’t he remember they were making an omelet?

“I forgot.” He sighed, giving her the small slab of meat.

“Thanks,” she called behind him before adding, “We need cheese, too, that soft orange one we had yesterday would be great.” Gwen smiled at Isabelle. “Come on, let’s get started.”

They placed the items on the large island in the center of the kitchen. An enormous wood-burning stove ran along the back wall. It had two separate surfaces on top, one that looked like a large griddle while the other had various-size burners. There was a large fireplace, as well, with iron handles and rings set within the sides that she supposed were for roasting.

Figuring she had a couple minutes, Gwen took Isabelle by the shoulders. “What happened, Isabelle? Everything seemed fine when I went in the library, but when I came out, everything had obviously changed.”

“Gwen, h-he…” A tear slipped from the corner of her eye, and Gwen wiped it away.

“Tell me, Isabelle, I won’t break your confidence, I just want to help.”

Isabelle tried again, this time whispering her words. “He held me, Gwendolyn. He pulled me against him, and we rested along the wall. My back was pressed to his chest and his arms held my waist. I could feel his head, Gwendolyn, it leaned on mine. We remained that way the entire time you were in the library.”

Gwen’s heart went out to her. “Oh, Isabelle, I’m sorry. Gavin probably feels guilty. He’ll come around, just give it some time.” Their conversation came to a quick stop when they heard Gavin close the cellar door. They busied themselves cleaning vegetables.