Chapter Nineteen
Cat put Corey down and carried the intercom with her to hear him. One of the nannies King had hired was with him when she couldn’t be, and so far, she liked the two they had. They were both young, energetic, and incredibly sweet.
She walked into the kitchen, saw everyone bustling around, and turned to leave.
“Miss Jones, did you need anything, dear?”
Cat turned back to Mrs. Pinkerson. “I just don’t want to disturb you, and I wish you’d call me Cat or Catrina.”
“I’ll try.”
Cat almost rolled her eyes because she’d asked the woman to do that several times, and she always said she’d try. She liked the woman in charge of the huge house’s kitchen, and she ran it like a drill sergeant. She’d always been nice to her, and Cat appreciated it.
“I have a huge favor.”
“I’ll try to help with anything I can.”
“His parents are coming tonight, which you already know, but can you teach me table etiquette, so I don’t embarrass King?”
“That would never happen, but of course. Nothing you would do would embarrass him. But we have the table set, so we can work with that.”
Cat followed her into the large formal dining room. She hadn’t eaten in the room too many times because she and King were more comfortable in the casual dining room.
Everything sparkled, but only four places were set. “Is it just going to be his parents and us?”
“Yes, Mr. King didn’t want to overwhelm you. His parents can be a little much if you’ll beg my pardon for saying so.”
“I’m scared.”
Mrs. Pinkerson patted her arm. “Do you want some advice?”
“Oh, God yes,” Cat said.
“When you come into the room, pretend you’re the Queen of England.”
Cat laughed. “What?”
“I want you to know and feel like you’re just as good as them because you are. Just because a person has money does not make them a better person.”
“The Queen?”
“Absolutely. Why not go for the top, right? I can have Trisha come up and help you with your hair and makeup. She’s really good, and she’ll have you looking like a queen.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“Good. Let’s go over the table settings.”
Mrs. Pinkerson went over everything and then had her practice until she made it look second nature. “Just remember to act confident and move slow. I find a person will be less likely to spill something. If you stumble, look to Mr. Richardson and see what he does.”
Cat hugged the woman. “I can’t thank you enough.” She smiled at the blush on the older woman’s face.
“Well, I’m always here for you.”
“It makes me feel better knowing you’re on my side.”
“I can honestly tell you everyone here is on your side. Even the stodgy Drummond loves you.”
Cat laughed. It had taken a bit to get the gardener to even talk to her, but now he let her help him and teach her all his secrets.