Page 63 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
Then, she pointed again and asked, "This is?"
"This is a herring pie. It is quite savory and filled with herring, potatoes, onions, and a very fine sauce all melded together in a flaky, buttery crust," Anne answered becoming more animated as she spoke.
The meal continued this way with little room for other conversations. Though Diana did not compliment any part of the meal with words, she did sample everything that came to the table and hardly left a morsel on her dish.
When dinner was to be served, she commented, "You know each item so well, Miss Drowton. Each ingredient, every seasoning. Listening to you describe it, one might think you had spent the afternoon in the kitchen with the cook."
When Noah first arrived, Anne had not thought it appropriate for the Duke to know the Baron's family not only worked with the staff of the house, but there was only one member of staff at all. She looked at her family. Charles, oblivious, continued eating and admiring the Duke's sister's manners. However, Jeremy looked at his granddaughter proudly and gave her a nod. Noahsmiled at her as well and tipped his head with an understanding shrug.
"One could say that as I am the cook," Anne said. "I prepare each menu and do the cooking with Peggy's assistance."
"I was curious about that as well. She is the maid who has served us, correct?" Diana asked to which Anne nodded. "She also saw me in and helped me dress for the evening. Have you no other maids or house staff?"
"We have no other staff of any sort as we do most things ourselves here in Reedley Manor," Anne replied proudly with a smile. Then, she noted, "Mm, this profiterole is delicious. You must have some. The other items for dessert are the Bakewell tart, the Victoria Sponge is usually very good, and, after seeing that you enjoy chocolate this afternoon — chocolate nonpareils and conserve of chocolate."
As Anne smiled at Diana, the Duke's sister forced herself to be enthused and smile back. Then, she smirked when she believed no one was looking.
After a tasting some of the desserts, she said, "Well, I admit that I am of little use beyond providing our cook a menu for each evening however that is only because I have been too busy refining the skills expected of a lady of stature."
"Do you play piano?" Charles asked.
"I do," Diana said, pleased to tell of the things she did well. "I also speak Italian, French, draw exceptionally well, and I took classes with one of the finest dance masters in London."
Noah looked at his sister, and she smiled at him proudly.
"Anne and I have conversed in French a time or two, and she carries conversation in the language, but I most enjoy her cooking. I also like her eye for things like floral arrangements and her embroidery work. I look forward to dancing with her at the banquet."
"It is not a contest, Your Grace," Lady Diana said to her brother tartly.
"So, let's not make it one," suggested Jeremy, entering the conversation. "Otherwise, we would be here all night to count the ways that the women in our lives make our lives worth living."
"Well said, Reedley," agreed Noah, looking at his sister. "Everything was delicious, but, sister, now is the time we all normally adjourn to the parlor."
"Yes, Grandon," said Jeremy. "Let's have a bit of brandy while I enjoy my pipe. Ladies, we entreat you to join us."
At the Baron's words, everyone made their way to the parlor, but Lady Diana still looked perturbed. The Baron resumed his usual seat on one end of the sofa with his pipe, and the Duke seatedhimself at the opposite end. Though he no longer needed to prop his feet on the ottoman, he had come to find it comfortable. Before Anne had the opportunity, Lady Diana seated herself between the two men, so Anne sat in the chair across from the Duke with her needlepoint.
Charles seated himself at the card table and asked, "Does anyone feel up for a game of Spillikins?"
When no one immediately said yes, he entreated Diana directly asking, "Do you have steady hands? Sometimes people avoid games they have never played before because they think they might be complicated. This one isn't at all. All you need is to purchase the packet of sticks and have a steady hand. The goal is to pick them up, one at a time, without moving the others."
"It sounds childish and simple," Diana replied, sounding bored.
"I could play with you, Charles," offered Anne.
"I'll play a round or two as well," said Noah.
Peggy brought a cart with the brandy in a decanter, several glasses, and a small assortment of cheeses and meats, and excused herself. By the time everyone had a drink in hand and repositioned themselves in the room, Diana had changed her mind.
"I believe I would prefer to turn in for the night. It has been a very long day," she said, emphasizing each of the last few words.
CHAPTER 18
"Sorry to be late," Lady Diana said when she finally joined the morning meal. "I did not realize people in the country rose so early."
"You are perfectly fine," replied the Baron. "A lady of leisure needs her sleep."
"And you look radiant and well rested," added Charles. "Peggy only just announced the meal was ready. So, you really aren't late at all."
