"Mrs. Medlock, isn't the Mistress a sweet thing? She come down here 'an fixed a bowl of something for 'er 'usband 'erself, she did. 'Tis a rare quality for a grand lady to think of coming down here. Poor thing's so worried 'bout him."
"Yes, it is rare indeed. But, I think she ought to follow protocol and tradition if she is to truly respect her title. That was unlike a proper lady of the house. It is unnecessary for her to come down to the scullery herself. She only need summon me, and pass her orders through me.
Betty, the scullery maid, smiled, "Aw, but it was my first time meeting her. She's so beautiful. I wouldn't have seen her otherwise. Quite like an angel, she is. Very pretty eyes that sparkle even in sadness."
"A beauty, yes. She has a certain air of serene grace about her, and yet she is too spirited regarding the Master."
"I don't think she's too spirited for the Master at all. She gives him life and joy. All the gloom of this house will be vanished away. I know it will be." Aisling spoke in on the conversation. "Besides, I don't think it's her fault-the Master's state. He's had these fits and spells of severe pain before. I don't understand why Dr. Craven is so keen to blame her."
"Enough , Aisling. We daren't speak any more on the topic. Dr. Craven just wants to see him well. That's all."
"Yes, of course, Mrs. Medlock."
Lilias sat at the piano in the music room. She began to play Chopin's Piano Concerto No.1 in E Minor, Op.11, the second movement-Romanze (Larghetto) on the piano. The music echoed beyond the tapestries dividing the rooms of Misselthwaite.
Archie smiled as he lay in his bed hearing the lovely sound of the instrument and knowing it was his wife's talent and interpretation that truly gave the music a soaring ethereal quality.
Medlock and the kitchen staff looked up from their recipe books.
"It's 'er. The Mistress plays wonderfully!" Betty exclaimed. Aisling nodded sweetly in agreement.
"How extraordinary." Medlock replied.