After Malinda had slept for a brief hour, a knock came at the study door.
Knock, knock-knock!
"Ma'am?"
Outside the door, Mary the cook called to her.
Malinda quickly rubbed her face to wipe away the fatigue, then picked up her pipe again.
The tobacco quickly perked her up.
"Come in. I'm awake."
Malinda spoke.
Mary came in carrying food.
A large serving of boiled beef, fresh cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, cucumbers, radishes, and a cup of extra-strong coffee.
This was the menu Malinda had requested.
The coffee was to keep her alert.
Plenty of fruit helped her through the consecutive sleepless nights.
And the beef?
That was essential fuel for her body.
Without a knife or fork, or any regard for etiquette, Malinda grabbed the food with her hands and stuffed it into her mouth, her eyes on the letter Mary had brought along.
Seeing Arthur's signature, Malinda was a little surprised.
But after reading the contents, the lady laughed.
The letter read-
Dear Malinda,
Could you prepare some reading essentials for me?
I believe I've earned them.
What do you think?
Arthur, ever hopeful.
There was no exact date, but the ink was fresh and carried a faint scent of cocoa, along with a hint of sweetness.
Malinda could already picture Arthur writing to her while sipping hot cocoa.
"When did this arrive?"
Malinda asked.
"Fifteen minutes after breakfast today. A newsboy from Kirk Street delivered it."
The cook answered with great precision.
"Heh, a clever little penny-pincher."
"Go to the storeroom and fetch a potion for Arthur from the sixth drawer in the third row of cabinet two."
"Have Edwin deliver it personally."
Though Malinda voiced her displeasure, she was not stingy.
"Yes, ma'am."
The cook hurried away.
Malinda gave no further instructions.
To Malinda, Mary