Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"You take care of it."

Mabel was momentarily caught off guard.

The daily meals at the house were always prepared by Mrs. Carter herself; all the chefs had been let go long ago.

Whenever there were guests, Mrs. Carter would handle the menu herself before heading out, leaving everything in perfect order.

But Mr. Carter's guests were people of considerable stature, and Mrs. Carter's homey, comforting dishes hardly seemed grand enough for such occasions.

"Ma'am, I'm not sure I can manage this..." Mabel said anxiously.

Jessica understood her worry, so she scribbled a note: "Don't worry. You can order something from the hotel. I'll cover the expense."

Timothy had given her a credit card-every month on the first, funds would be transferred in right on time.

It was meant for all household expenses at The Gilded Whisper Estates, including the staff's salaries.

Timothy had impeccable taste and spared no expense when it came to the home. The allowance he provided was always more than enough.

He certainly wasn't short on money, but Jessica never spent a penny more than she had to. Every transaction was meticulously recorded in her ledger.

She worked hard to fulfill her responsibilities, hoping he'd notice that she'd never been after his money, his status, or his name.

But what did it matter?

how much she gave, he never seemed to see

fixed on her laptop, indifferent to the news of incoming guests. Not daring

Carter had always handled such things

of a gracious, capable

much, Mabel's own workload was lighter. Now that Mrs. Carter no longer wanted to be involved, it simply

she couldn't help worrying about the distance growing between Mr. and Mrs. Carter. This

Jessica quietly pulled up the divorce agreement on her screen

return. Tonight, they needed

***

Night fell.

up the long

Tonight, he'd invited Ines.

back from a

remembered how often Jessica used to help Henry

and little projects at

time, she'd surprised him by mentioning

work was, in large part,

would be pleased to hear

gave him the perfect chance to discuss taking Sheila on

gazed at the sprawling manor with