Maya adjusted the mobcap that Bess handed her. She made sure all her hair was hidden from view under the scrutinizing eyes of the cook. When she tied the apron, Agnes finally had a look that wasn't disgust and paid attention to her cooking.
She wiped her sweaty hands on her apron, feeling the maids' stares. They leaned into one another to whisper, and without hearing their words, she knew it was about her.
Bess stood in the corner smiling and gestured for her to go on. She walked toward the maid who was almost done plucking the feathers off the chicken.
Maya felt her stomach twist as she walked forward. The maids chuckled amongst themselves, but they were careful not to draw Agnes's attention. Agnes was busy at the counter, heating the pot as she prepared to put the ingredients over the hearth.
Maya was a little nervous. She had not done much cooking before, and she knew Alaina was counting on her failure. She couldn't begin to guess what this would accomplish.
