There was frost on the window.
Exhaling, reaching out to draw in the resulting cloud with her finger, Angie sighed, resting her chin in her opposite palm. Was it worth it to spend more energy to draw a heart like she wanted to than just aimlessly make patterns?
A heart that could possibly hold an A and P, too...
Jerking, snapping back as the heels of sharp, well-dressed shoes echoed across bright, waxed floors, Angie pushed herself into a relaxed position against the counter in front of the sink, making sure to look as if she was casually flipping through a cookbook instead of doing anything else. "Mr. Fancy," she greeted, glancing quickly at the man before turning back to the rain-streaked window, "I didn't think you were coming today."
"I'm only here to check on the food stores, Miss Martinelli, excuse me," Mr. Jarvis responded, striding past her. Stiffly throwing open the pantry and flicking on the light leading down to the wine cellar, he asked over his shoulder, "Is there anything you particularly wish for?"
No, she didn't think so. Straightening, Angie walked over to place herself behind the man, unable to stop herself from curiously peering over his shoulder - what had she and Peggy succeeded in emptying? she wondered. "I... Have you asked Peggy?" There was no use in calling her English here, she thought ruefully.
Jarvis turned, giving her a searching look. "Miss Carter," he responded, closing the cellar door behind him, "Wished to remind me you would appreciate more flour and sugar, as well as fresh fruit."
"Really?" Angie's eyebrows rose, "That's... Yes. Thank you. If you could..."
"Yes?"
Angie shrugged. "Savory beef, maybe. Whatever you Englishmen and women..." she affected her voice, "Prefer for your treats."
Jarvis studied her. Opening his mouth, he frowned, apparently thought better of it, and nodded, beginning to stride away. However, as soon as he reached the threshold of the kitchen leading out to the hallway, he halted. "Ah... If I may..."
Tilting her head, Angie nodded, motioning for him to continue.
Nodding himself, opening his mouth and pausing before almost nervously pulling his overcoat down, Jarvis met her eyes. "Miss Carter..."
"Mmm?"
Jarvis looked away. "Enjoys scones."
Scones? Angie paused, halting in front of the window she'd been at before. "Yeah?" she muttered. Did the cookbook...?
About to exit the kitchen, Jarvis cleared his throat. "I believe... Page 84 might be useful."
Angie spun on her heel. "84 - ?"
The sound of retreating footsteps met her ears.
Mustering a soft laugh even as her heart throbbed for a beat in her chest, Angie shook her head, turned back to the window, and, on impulse, leaned forward to finish the heart she'd thought about before.
A + P.
Page 84.
Why not.