Martha is probably near the kitchen (>10% RELATION)

The gardens behind Kingsmere Hall were far quieter than the busy corridors inside.

Most of the household had moved on to the final preparations for the ball, leaving only a few servants finishing the last small tasks before the evening began.

You found Martha near the edge of the gardens, carefully gathering a handful of fresh herbs from the beds beside the kitchen garden.

She glanced up as she noticed you approaching.

"Well, well."

A smile spread across her face.

"I was beginning to think all the important guests had forgotten where the real work was being done."

"I wouldn't dare."

She laughed sharply before returning the herbs to the basket beside her.

For once, she seemed in no hurry.

"Taking a break soon?", you said.

"A very rare luxury."

She sat down on a nearby wooden bench and gestured for you to join her.

"Five minutes without someone asking where the silver is, whether the wine has arrived, or why someone has misplaced something that was sitting exactly where they left it."

"Sounds exhausting."

"It is."

"But I suppose someone has to keep this place running."

She looked towards the house.

"The guests will see the candles, the music and the dancing. They’re never supposed to see the hours it took to make everything appear effortless."

"And do you mind that?"

Martha considered the question.

"Sometimes. Other times..."

She looked back at you with a small smile.

"I rather enjoy knowing that I can excel at some things."

There was a confidence in her voice that was very different from the other people you had spoken with.

Martha knew exactly who she was.

"You seem rather pleased with yourself tonight."

"Shouldn't I be?"

She tilted her head.

"I have worked all day, solved half the household's problems, and somehow still managed to look presentable."

You glanced at her with a lifted eyebrow.

She smiled.

"And besides, it would be a shame to waste a perfectly good evening by being too modest."

You laughed.

"I didn't realise modesty was something you struggled with."

"You’re probably right… it’s not."

She leaned back slightly, clearly enjoying the conversation.

"You know, most people here spend so much time trying to appear important."

"They forget to actually enjoy themselves."

"And you?"

"I intend to enjoy myself."

Her eyes met yours.

"Especially tonight."

The way she said it made you dizzy and blood flooded to your cheeks, making you look down sheepishly.

"You seem very confident about tonight."

"Why shouldn't I be?"

Martha smiled.

"There will be music. There will be dancing. There will be plenty of foolish and good looking footmen trying to impress me."

"And you?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"What about me?"

"What are your intentions in that regard?"

A knowing smile crossed her face.

"Perhaps..."

She picked up the basket of herbs again.

"You’ll find out if you get in line with the rest."

The invitation made you smile.

"Are you saying I’m a foolish footman?"

She laughed, clearly enjoying the reaction.

The sound of music drifting from inside the house reminded you that the evening was approaching.

Martha stood, brushing a little soil from her hands.

"I suppose I should finish this before someone decides the entire dinner depends on me."

"Doesn't it?"

"Careful."

She smiled. Leaned in towards you so you could clearly smell her. A little bit of sweat ran down between her breasts - down her cleavage and you accidentally followed it with your eyes, staring directly down between her large breasts. Were you imagining things or was she pushing them up for you between her arms? She seemed to notice your looking and smirked.

"Compliments will get you further than you think."

Then she picked up the basket and started back towards the house, then glanced over her shoulder.

"And if you find yourself tired of all the polite conversations tonight..."

A small grin appeared.

"You know where to find someone a little less proper."

With that, she disappeared back towards the kitchens, leaving you with the distinct feeling that Martha had enjoyed the conversation just as much as you had.