[Arry]

Ferdy delivers Aranel’s meal

‘Cheese, meat, soup and bread . . . cheese, meat, soup and bread . . .’

Ferdy was mumbling the litany of items to himself as he entered the kitchen; trying not to forget what the woman had wanted to eat. He stopped short once he was a fair way into the room realizing that though he’d been in here often, he didn’t know where the utensils, bowls, trays, and other such things needed to put her food on were located. He sighed and started at the nearest cupboard, opening the doors methodically, one after the other, looking for what he needed. He’d found the bowls and plates and was on a quest for the spoons, knives, and a tray to put it all on when he heard a gasp behind him.

‘Cook will have your hide!’ said Ginger, looking at all the cupboard doors that stood open in Ferdy’s wake. She closed them as she drew nearer, asking what he thought he was doing.

It was Ruby, he’d told her, who’d sent him in to fetch a meal for one of the customers. Ruby’d been busy with another who wanted a room. ‘I really didn’t think it would be that difficult,’ Ferdy admitted.

Ginger soon found him a tray and filled the bowl with a generous helping of savory vegetable soup. She set him to slicing some ham and cheese while she got out a loaf of bread and sliced some thick pieces for the little basket she’d got out. Everything was arranged neatly on the tray, along with a small crock of butter, one of mustard, and one of blackberry jam.

She showed him how to hold the tray so it wouldn’t spill. Then reaching up to the left side of his face, she slicked back a stray curl, anchoring it behind his ear. He smiled and reddened a little as she did so. Ginger held open the door for him and he passed through into the common room, trying not to stumble.

Soon, he had negotiated his way to the woman’s table. And setting down the tray, placed the food and utensils before her. ‘Enjoy your meal, Miss,’ he said. ‘Will there be anything else you’ll be needing?’