AN: Thanks for your comments.
Chapter 3
Part 3
Demezla was in good spirits as she walked with Garrick at her heels to Nampara, Ross was still at the mine and would be she imagined until dusk. A rumpus caught her ears as she walked up the hill to the house. She broke into a run and entered the kitchen in full throttle, to find Prudie and Jud in the middle of a brawl which in its origins probably started over drink. Wasting no time she broke them apart with a look of distain at their antics almost motherly as she shook her head at them in despair. After examining the wounded party there was no doubt about it, although Prudie's arm was not broken it was badly sprained. Demelza had seen enough of such injuries when her brothers sparred about together or with other lads in Illugan.
Demelza sighed and muttered under her breath as Prudie enjoyed her dish of tea and Jud had scarpered off to do nothing elsewhere on the farm. Here she was saddled with making supper for the Master, goodness knows how. Up to now the main cooking was still done by Prudie.
"No time to waste," Prudie's voice cut through her musings.
Demelza resigned herself to making the pie under Prudie's watchful eye and instructions. Even she had to say to herself that the pie she eventually put in the oven looked better than Prudie's, at least. The proof would be in the tasting. She didn't want to admit it yet, in case the pie was revolting but she had found the cooking relaxing and even managed to zone out Prudie's idle chatter.
-0-
Ross came from from the mine as dusk was settling over the horizon and Demelza who had been listening out for him hurried to meet him in the yard. Jim took the horse to rub him down and feed him which left her alone with the Master.
"Sur…." She began with a frown across her face. He was looking happy she decided, no doubt a good day now the mine had opened. "Good day sur?"
"Yes." He stated with a smile. He turned to walk towards the house and she followed at his heels, at the doorway he faced her. "Why the frown, have you not had a good day?"
"Prudie…." Demelza's frown deepened. "Her and Jud brawling about the house when I got back from t'mine….. Sprained her wrist. Can't do no chores."
"Oh. So who will be doing them then?" He enquired with a quirky lilt to his right eyebrow.
"Me o'course, can't promise what vittles will taste like. And don't go laughing at me neither." She snapped self consciously.
Ross bit back a grin and managed only a slight twitch of a smile as he replied. "Oh, I wouldn't dare."
-0-
With shaking hands Demelza took the pie from the oven and placed it on the kitchen table. She stood staring at it for a few moments, feeling jittery inside. What if Mr Ross did not like it? What then?
With nervous trepidation she held her head high and back straight and walked into the parlour to serve the Master his supper. She could feel her hands getting clammy and bit her lip nervously as she watched him slice into the pie.
"So… Prudie's recovery may take some time?" He asked.
"Happen a month or two sur," she confessed almost giving herself a headache with the worry of whether the pie was appetising or not.
He chewed and swallowed his mouthful of pie thoughtfully. "Have her delay it as long as possible."
And from the inside out, Demelza smiled.