The third wheel

"You've spent all these years serving in the kitchen, but Penny is new at the table. I have full confidence in her, but the more support she has, the better. Can you do that for me, my child?"

For a while, Old Mrs. Pierson and Mildred didn't speak, only staring at each other. Mildred kept her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes swirling with mixed emotions.

"Old Madam, you're stepping down?" asked Mildred, focusing on that, as it carried the utmost importance for her. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Old Mrs. Pierson chuckled. "I am old, Mildred. At my age, I was expecting no one to be surprised when I announced this."

"But even if you're old, you're still as sharp as I remember," Mildred frowned, worry shining in her eyes. "Old Madam, is that really the only reason you're stepping down?"

"Yes." Old Mrs. Pierson unhesitatingly lied, nodding at Mildred to keep her from worrying further.