Confusion read plainly on Tina’s face as Mr. Hook laughed. Why is he laughing? Surely, hopefully, that wasn’t the laughter of a man who was about to scold Miss Bell six ways from Sunday. It wouldn’t have been any surprise, if he did. Sometimes cruel men found humour in knowing they were about to do something upsetting. Tina’s eyes did not stray from the soup. Her only wish was that Mr. Hook was happy enough with it that he would dismiss her quickly, and not give her any more opportunities to speak her mind.
She was being rather meticulous with the setting of the desk just in case. Perhaps she was taking too long with it, because she heard the shallow click of Mr. Hook’s shoes coming up behind her, and was not quick enough to move out of his way. There was nary a space between them as he reached around, taking the spoon.
Tina felt the grazing of his hand against her waist through her pinafore. Her eyes flickered from the soup, to the spoon, watching as it went, slowly, to his lips. There was nowhere for her to go. Miss Bell was frozen to the spot. This must be the cruel joke. He was going to stand there and eat the entire bowl of soup over her shoulder and make her watch, just as a punishment for bad manners.
She breathed slowly. There was a distinct smell -not soup- that Tina knew very well. Like pine and fresh air. Like how she and Peter often smelled when they escaped to the forest for peace and quiet.
Tina, now with a hammering heart, had to get out of here before the cruel joke went any further. The only thing free to move without sending the spoon flying was her lips. “Is it… acceptable? You may dismiss me if there isn’t anything else you need, My Lord?”
Yes, he should dismiss her, shouldn't he? But he felt a need for company, and he wished for anyone well, it did not matter. He should not burden her with his pathetic sight; she probably would find him a burden as well.
"That is all - ah, no wait. Do you by chance know something that can lighten the bruising?" He didn't want to stay occupied in his room, and he surely wouldn't be allowed to greet any guests with a black eye.
He dropped the spoon to make way for Miss Bell and sat by the bedside.
" If not, I would not wish to take up any more of your time." He did not want to be a burden.
"Oh, and Miss Bell. I will be having my breakfast and dinner in my room, so please deliver the meals when you can."