Page 41 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
She grabbed a small platter and placed hors d'oeuvre sized portions of things for them to share. Then, she brought them each a small glass of port.
"I would love your thoughts on this one first," she said, pointing to an item on the plate when she set it down.
"What is it?" the Duke asked as she took the seat across from him.
He picked up one of the small, golden-brown pastries and was pleasantly surprised to taste salmon, capers, and a variety of herbs.
"It is a salmon puff pastry with capers, dill, coriander, fennel, and a combination of soft cheeses," Anne explained. "I cream that bit and layer it in the pastry, but I would dare to say that a well-made puff pastry is what makes this a success or failure. If not prepared just right, when it bakes, the whole things feels heavy and takes a bit of a gooey texture."
Noah chewed and nodded understandingly, imagining the alternative to the delicate delight in his hand. It made him think of what would have been served to him in Grandon.
Anne had only barely finished hers before the Duke pointed at the next thing he wanted to try.
"Tell me about this," he said.
They both reached for a piece of the second item, and their fingertips grazed against each other. They paused and let them stay for a moment before they each pulled back.
Noah stared at Anne as she began explaining the sample to him. Her voice lilted with a nervous laughter that was as intriguing as the food.
"This is sliced roast saddle of mutton," Anne said. "It is a simpler meat that can be quite hard to chew, but I believe a lot of that has to do with cutting with or against the filaments and soaking the meat in something acidic and tenderizing before roasting."
The Duke ate a slice and chewed it thoughtfully. It was not the only thing he thought about. He watched Anne pick up a bite delicately and carefully bite it.
"I think this is the best mutton I have had in years. It is so tender; I never would have thought it was from the haunches," he declared.
"Thank you," Anne said.
They each sipped a bit of their port. Anne ate a piece of cheese, and the Duke sampled more, all the while observing her. Likewise, Anne found herself watching him. From time to time, they would look at each other at the same time, and the conversation would become a silent gaze between them.
He continued asking for details about each item. With every explanation and tasting, he praised the food and the woman who had prepared it.
"Your mother passed when you were young, correct? How did you become so talented in culinary art? Before Peggy, was there some wise cook when you arrived at Reedley?" Noah asked.
"No," Anne said with a small shake of her head. "What I know, I either learned from helping my mother in the kitchen or in practice after she passed."
"That is impressive," admired the Duke.
"Is it?" Anne asked. "I don't have anyone to compare my experience to, but my mother loved to cook. I would hear her walk past my door before light, making her way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. I would tiptoe down in my nightgown to help."
"That sounds like a sweet memory to hold on to," said Noah.
He listened intently as Anne continued. She opened up to him, and he held on to every word she spoke.
"Those are my dearest memories. She cooked with such love, pouring her heart, all of herself into each meal," Anne observed. "She loved baking treats to share with friends and family or preparing large meals for loved ones."
"Is that why your meals have so much of you in them now?" the Duke asked.
"I don't know that I would say that," Anne blushed. "You could have much of what I cook anywhere in England."
"But it would not be the same as when you make it. The flavors, texture, aroma — everything would be different and inferior," declared the Duke, pouring himself more port and topping off Anne's glass as well.
He looked at her as he did to see if she would decline, but she only smiled. He realized his cheeks were becoming a little sore as he smiled at her as well, and he realized he had been smiling since he joined her in the kitchen.
He lifted her small glass to hand it back to her, and their fingers touched once more, this time somewhat intentionally.
"I think we all have our ways of showing people we care for them and want to take care of them. The best way I have found to do that has always been through food," Anne said thoughtfully. "I love to cook, and I love seeing the people I care about enjoy what I make and being full and nourished. I wish I could have cooked for my mother and father."
"You are such a peculiar and fascinating woman," the Duke said. "But in a way that is uniquely perfect and endearing."
