When we finished breakfast, I noticed that only one staff member came to clear the table. Usually, there were two others who assisted Maria in the kitchen.
"Where's the other lady?" I asked, realizing I still couldn't remember most of their names.
The maid looked up with a faint smile.
"She didn't come in today, ma'am."
"She doesn't live here?" I asked, remembering that most of the staff stayed in the quarters within the villa.
"She does, ma'am. But she left last night, saying she had something to take care of and would be back today."
"I see."
I nodded before pushing my chair back.
"Then I'll help you clear the table."
She looked up almost immediately, panic flashing across her face.
"No, ma'am, please don't. The others can help me."
But I had already begun gathering the dishes.
"Don't worry," I said with a smile. "I'm not doing anything at the moment anyway."
Even as we walked toward the kitchen, she tried several more times to stop me.
