<em>Mrs Rogers - the Cook<br/>In the Kitchen<br/>Alice</em><br/><br/>The kitchen was a hive of frantic activity.  There were young scullery maids darting around, carrying out the barked orders of a large, portly woman who stood at a large wooden table brandishing a rolling pin.<br/><br/>"Do not let that roast burn" she was warning the young lad who was turning a spite over a bed of glowing embers.  "It isvery close to being perfect" she told them, her voice full of authority but with a hint of anxiety.<br/><br/>"And where is Alice? She needs to be ready to greet the guests.  Is she here?" she asked, looking around, wondering what on earth could be holding the girl up.<br/><br/>Ethel was dealing with Chloe, the footmen were busy making sure the table was laid for dinner.  Mr Stuert was preparing himself for the weekend and as usual it fell to Cook to make sure everything came together.<br/><br/>"As ifI havent enough to do" she muttered, moving to check on the bread that was warming near the oven.  Heavenly smells wafted around the kitchen.  It all certainly smelt good.  She just hoped it tasted as good.<br/>