After filling my monster of a stomach with no other than our favorite dish, I slumped on the chair with a contented sigh.
Now that's life.
After a while, I sat up and brought the plates to the sink.
"Oh ma'am, please let us do it for you" the same middle aged woman exclaimed as she tried to do the dishes for me.
"No it's fine, I'll do it myself" I told her gently but she shook her head in defiance.
"Ma'am, it is our work. We can take it from here" she gently said and I know she won't take no for an answer.
Pouting a little, I give in. "OK" I said as I dried my hand with the hand dryer near the sink.
When I was at the kitchen doorway, I turned back towards her.
"What's your name?" I asked her and she looked at me in disbelief.
"It-it's Janet, ma'am"
Smiling at her "please call me Lex. No need to go all formal here" I told her but again, she shook her head. Such a defiant one, I feel my other side's distaste at this defiant person. But of course, I couldn't dominate her for that. It's a petty reason.
"Ma'am, we are to call our masters here ma'am and sir. We'll be in trouble if we don't" she said.
"Even though your master requested you to call her in her nickname?" I asked and she nodded.
"The mansion has its rules and the Harrison family is strict with rules and regulations. Sorry, ma'am" she said and I nodded in understanding.
I started to walk again but again stopped and turned to her.
"Are you the one that put my things in?" I asked and she nodded uncertainly.
"I had a few help, ma'am" she said with her head bowed low, not looking at me in the eye.
"Do you know where my books are? I couldn't find them" I told her and she was about to speak when someone beat her to it.
"Janet, where are Dan and Sam? They haven't clean the front yard and Zach won't be thrilled to know that" an older woman came in and asked Janet. Her face is so motherly and kind, another version of Nanny.
"N-no Mrs. Poppins. I haven't seen them" Janet answered as she looked between me and Mrs. Poppins. So, this is the lady that Zach said in the note. The one that cooked the beefsteak. Oooh...a friend.
"Hmmm...where could they be? Anyway, is Ms. Riley done eating? Did she like the dish? Zach said to cook beefsteak for her because she likes it very much." She said fondly with a smile.
"I like it Mrs. Poppins. It's perfect. I really love it" I spoke up and only then did she notice me.
She squealed happily as she came and hugged me. "Ohhh...it's so nice to finally meet you. You look so beautiful. The most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Zach is so blessed to have you as his fiancé." Mrs. Poppins gushed and I couldn't help but be warmed up with her words.
"Thank you. It's good to meet you too." I smiled at her. She really is similar to Nanny. Motherly and friendly, very warm and I like her so much.
"Have you enjoyed the meal? Zach said you love it and requested me to cook a wealthy amount for you. Oh that boy seems to really love you" she gushed and I blushed.
"Well...it's delicious and well cooked. You really did an amazing job" I complimented her and she chuckled.
"That's what Zach say when he first tasted my cooking." She winked and I giggled.
"Mrs. Poppins, I saw Dan on the garage, washing Sir Zach's Ford Range" Janet spoke up and Mrs. Poppins directed her attention to her.
"Well at least we know he is doing something. How about Sam?" She asked.
"I haven't seen him yet" she murmured turning light pink. Does she like this Sam?
Mrs. Poppins nodded before saying "Janet, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Liz?" She asked and Janet just shook her head and left. I grew tense at her outward disrespect even though it's not directed at me.
"That girl needs to learn" I said with my eyes still directed at where she left.
"She's always like that. Defiant and not thinking of her actions. She had outwardly disrespected a lot of us in the past and a few times with Zach. Zach's been outraged that he nearly beat her to death one time." She said.
"Then why didn't he just fire her?" I asked and Mrs.
Poppins face contorted into a hard look.
"That's because he pitied her. She is the bread winner of her family. Her father Thomas was a great gardener here before who take good care of the front and back yards amazingly and is also a good friend of Zach and Mr. Harrison. He stopped working when we found out his lower body is immobilized in a genetic reason. The Harrisons offered him help but his wife and daughter - Janet, refused because they believe that money shouldn't be given, it should be earned. They didn't find a way so the only way to help them, is hiring Janet in the mansion and earn money." She said distastefully and I couldn't agree more to her.
That Janet girl is a little bit off and I already don't like her. Something's not right and I'm gonna find out what it is.