Checkmate

17

On Saturday Tory, Val and Nathan all went to Carl's to cook with the children. They all had different jobs through out the day. Tory and Carl took the first shift they would be doing the baking Val and Nathan were to do the main dish for tonight's feast. When it was their turn to cook Nathan seemed so lost, but he kept on trying to do each task assigned to him. It was when one of the children asked a question they both seemed to stumble for words.

"Lady Valentine what is you best memory of being in the kitchen?"

Both Nathan and Valerie blushed, he was wondering what she was going to answer because he knew what he was thinking, and it was not something she would tell a child or anyone else. It was their little secret. Valerie recovered before she began speaking.

"Let me see there are a few but one of my favorites was when my brother Vance and I got into trouble. We were fighting all day and my father had enough, so he made us both go into the kitchen and prepare dinner for everyone. There are eight of us without guest. Since all of us know how to cook it was expected that we prepare a full course meal. That meant Vance and I had to work together, or we would not eat that night. In the beginning we were still fighting and not getting much done but as the day worn on we started to talk. You would think when you live in a house with someone you would know them, but that day I learned a lot about my brother. For instance, I had no idea he liked to draw and after our time in the kitchen he showed me some of his sketches and they were good. Any way to the point that was one of my very favorite times because I got to learn something wonderful about my brother."

Cora looked up at Nathan,

"How about you Nathan?"

Nathan had answer prepared not to give away the real answer.

"I have only been in the kitchen a few times, but I can say one of my favorite times was my very first time when we made apples. I will tell you all a little secret. I was supposed to share them with my mother and brother, but I kept them all for myself and ate them all."

They all laughed, he was glad he could share something with them. He stopped to take in the sight of Valerie cooking. The woman was beautiful he hoped when they started a family they could teach them together how to cook and cooperated like her father had done. It seemed such a simple and effective way of parenting. He hoped they could live up to the examples he set. He was so young when his father had died he really did not remember what kind of father he was. His mother was the one who raised them, and she was kind and very indulgent of boys. It was nice to know they both came from a family filled with love.

That night at dinner they all sat at the table waiting to be served. Carl's servants were there to serve his guests. The children were so excited to be guest at the Earls table. When the first course came in the children who made the soup were excited for everyone taste their creation. That is the way the whole meal went. Carl was happy he thought of this and planned on doing this once a month. After dinner Carl led them all into the ballroom he had planned a special night indeed he had a ball planned for them to attend. As soon as they entered the orchestra started to play, and the eight adults taught them all how to dance.

Tory took Valerie home that night since she had brought her carriage. Nathan was on his own, and decided to head to whites, it had been awhile since he had a man's night out. He found he would not be alone two of his brother in-laws were there along with his own brother. He joined the threesome. Victor raised his glass.

"How did the whole cooking experience go? I know Tory never stopped talking about all their plans for the day. She was so excited."

Vance seconded that and mentioned how excited Valerie was too. He said she was talking with Lina about how they hoped to do this on a regular basis if it all worked out. She had worked for the last two years with the kids and was glad something good was able to come from it.