Page 45 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"No, that is correct. Pudding cooks and simmers," Anne confirmed.
"And as I understand it, a watched pot never boils," he continued. "At this point, I am torn between leaving the pot to boil on its own and keeping an eye to see how the ingredients interact."
"An extended metaphor," noted the Duke. "Are you leading us into one of your riddles, Reedley? I've come to enjoy them."
"No, no riddles tonight," said the Baron.
His smile faded to a more serious look.
"No, but Charles and I may need some lessons around the kitchen. Perhaps Peggy can instruct us tomorrow morning, if you believe Charles could forgo a day of his studies with you?"
"That is all right with me," replied the Duke. "He's come a long way in a short amount of time. I think a day off could serve him well."
"What learning do you need in the kitchen? I would be more than happy to help you though I admit it sounds strange that you are taking such an interest in cooking," said Anne.
"No, all three of us should not be occupied while the Duke is here. See to him tomorrow, and I shall ask my questions of Peggy," Anne's grandfather insisted.
Anne would have persisted, but the change in her grandfather's tone made her feel it was best that she not.
CHAPTER 12
"Has Grandfather spoken to you?" Anne asked Peggy the next morning as they prepared breakfast.
"Not today," the maid replied as she kneaded the dough Anne set before her.
"He was being quite cryptic last night, speaking of cooking pudding and boiling pots," Anne observed. "Then, he said he would ask you some questions today about the kitchen and cooking."
"That is odd," replied the maid, pausing. "I wonder what that could be about."
"Exactly," said Anne. "Do you think he and Charles met a woman in their outings? Someone Grandfather might be fond of?"
"What would that have to do with cooking?" Peggy asked.
"I thought maybe he would want to prepare something small to send to her, but I feel if that were the case, he would just ask me. Then, I thought, ‘If he doesn't want to tell me, he might seek Peggy's help in a similarly vague manner to how he was at dinner last night.'"
"That is possible," agreed Peggy, following Anne's logic.
"There is no sense asking Charles. I doubt he would have noticed anything between Grandfather and a woman in town," Anne observed.
"You don't think?" asked Peggy. "Your brother may be in his own thoughts most of the time, but occasionally, he slips in an unexpected observation that surprises me."
"That is true. I might see if I can question him privately. Perhaps an older, widowed shop owner has caught Grandfather's eye, or someone has a visiting grandmother or older aunt," Anne considered thoughtfully. "It would be nice if he had a companion besides Charles and me."
"Yes, he's such a dear old gentleman. I would like to see him happy, too," Peggy agreed.
Anne smiled as she continued her cooking.
"It would be nice if he found someone,"she thought.
Then, she thought of her own predicament with the Duke.
What if we both found someone?she thought.Poor Charles. Although, if grandfather or I made a match, that could open the door for Charles to meet a young woman as well.
"I'm getting ahead of myself," she said aloud.
"With what," asked Peggy.
Rather than share her thoughts, Anne simply replied, "I missed a step in this brioche, so I'm not sure that it will rise correctly."
