Page 64 of Ordered Home for the Holidays
Chapter Nine
Cass
Cass watched her cheeks flush at the compliment. It made him want to crow his success from the rooftops.
“I’m certain there’s no comparison between the simple fare I’ve prepared and the dishes chosen by your family’s gourmet chef, Mr. Trenton.”
“I assure you, madam, that is not the case. The dishes Jean Pierre sets in front of you are beautifully embellished but lacking in substance. Why does he think a plate with a pile of Swiss chard, a dollop of strawberry preserves and a spot of cream is enough for a grown man’s lunch serving?”
Her eyes lit with merriment. “Perhaps he’s used to feeding people with a more delicate constitution who appreciate his artistic efforts.”
“Give me a hearty stew any day over something that won’t fill my belly,” Mr. Edmonds intoned as he rubbed said protruding belly.
“Hear, hear,” agreed Cass, and held up his mug of ale.
Their landlady shook her head at their antics. “While I’m flattered by your compliments, I must leave you to finish while I take care of the apple butter I’ve left outside to cool.”
Cass pushed his chair back and stood. “I’ll help you.”
Jamie leapt to his feet as well. “I’ll help too, Mam.”
She gave her son a stern look. “You will not.You will do your homework because there’s a very great chance your schoolmaster’s forecast will amount to nothing.”
“What dire prediction has the schoolmaster made, James?” Cass asked.
The boy turned to him with shining eyes. “He said the clouds meant we’re gonna get heaps of snow.”
Cass had been stuck in a freak snowstorm in a mountain pass for three days. If he hadn’t had buckskins and a buffalo robe, and found a cave near a stand of trees he could use for kindling, he likely wouldn’t be here.
“I should help you make ready, Mrs. O’Shaugnessy.”
“You can carry the kettle inside. I’ll be scooping the apples into the stoneware tonight.”
“I’ll help you do that, as well.”
“You’re making us look like laggards, Mr. Trenton,” Mr. Edmonds jovially called.
“It’s not the responsibility of my guests to take on such tasks, Mr. Edmonds. Please enjoy the peach pie I’ve set out for your dessert.”
“You’re only letting me help because you’re afraid I’ll eat all the pie,” Cass teased.
“I truly could use the help. I’ve been on my feet all day stocking up the larder from the stores in the cellar and shaking out all the linens and quilts I took down from the attic,” she quietly told him.
Cass wanted to sooth away the lines of weariness that creased her brow.
“Perhaps the schoolmaster is wrong. Why was he so certain we’re in for a blizzard?”
“Jamie said something about the way the clouds looked.”
“Do you have plenty of coal and firewood?”
She nodded. “And kerosene. I have some tallow candles for back up as well. I’ve even set aside some corn to pop later.”
“Lead the way.”
“It’s in the backyard, over the firepit Liam set up for me the week I moved in. He built the outdoor hearth as well.”
It seemed that Deirdre’s brothers, especially Liam, were stepping in however they could. Probably as much as she would allow them to.
