thedispatch | (no subject)

[ Ah, that's right. It will be rather suspicious to see them doing all too much out in public. Folding her arms about her middle, she hums to acknowledge her understanding. ]

Your favourite seedy pub, then! For which, perhaps you are right, then; a more casual coat may be in order.

[ With a nod, he's putting his coat away and choosing a different from the closet. ]

If you're ready, then, we can head out.

[ As he does so, Grell pulls on her own coat, once more. By then, she's ready, and simply nods, heading for the entrance and extending her hand, inviting William to join her.

The outing is an enjoyable one. While at the pub, the redhead admitted that she is accustomed to eating most of her meals out at places like it, so the setting doesn't bother her. Doubly so, since she has the other accompanying her, now.

Once they've reached the market, William recalls that she had pieced together their breakfast sufficiently, at the least, to which she must clarify that she can arrange food, but surely not cook it.

Back at the house, now, Grell has opened the pantry and various cupboards to assist in putting away the groceries. Placing like items together seemed obvious to her, but whatever she can't place, she leaves on the counters. Arranging someone else's kitchen seems presumptuous and makes her very nervous, she's discovered... ]

Ah... um. Would it be alright if-- I leave these for you...

[ Setting his shopping baskets back atop the ice chest, William turns to see what she's referring to. ]

We'll be using the meat now, so that is fine. If you could get the bagged rice, and some carrots, please, we'll need those as well.

[ Then he's pulling down some pots from their hangers, setting them atop the stove. Then a moment later, he's left the room, heading outside to collect some wood to light it. ]

[ Settling a hand over her chest, she exhales an eased sigh. Really, it's a good thing that worked out!

With a nod, she sets to it, then. Once William has returned, she's gathered all that he's asked for, and has even managed to find the cutting boards. The redhead is in the process of cutting off the carrot's stems. ]

[ Pleased that she's already started with the prep without any instructions given, William takes up his own job of cleaning and cutting the veal into small cubes. ]

If you could leave the carrots in fairly large slices, they won't over cook as quickly. Though we'll add them in closer to the end.

[ A large pot is places on the stove and William fills it with some water he pumped up while he was outside. ]

[ Smiling, she straightens up just a bit with a pleased little nod! She's quite glad to be assisting in some competent manner. ]

What are we making? Stew?

[ He gives a nod in reply. ]

It's a fairly simple dish to learn, and easy enough to alter to your own tastes.

[ Once the water's come to a boil, William tosses the meat in to cook. ]

For example, there's a good array of spices you could add now to flavour it how you like.

[ He indicates the shelf above and asks her to pick some out. ]

[ Grell sets aside the knife, warily glancing between William and the spice shelf. ]

That's quite a bit to choose from... How do I know which is the right fit?

Marjoram or parsley go rather well with veal. I would also suggest lemon, but I don't believe we bought any.

[ Unsure if she knows what either of those herbs look like, he points them out. ]

[ And so, Grell grabs both. Opening their containers, she curiously looks at the herbs, giving them a tentative sniff. Starting with the parsley, she carefully tips the container, but it doesn't seem to be coming out well.

William had better be on guard, or else it's about to all come out at once! ]

[ Foreseeing the inevitable, William reaches out to grasp Grell's hand before it all dumps into the soup pot. Then he gently turns her hand, shaking the proper amount in. ]

You have to be light handed with herbs. Simply remember that you can always add more, but you can't remove it once it's been added.

[ Slightly started by him grabbing her in such a way, she jumps-- so it's quite good that he's holding her hand steady!

Forcibly easing herself, she watches the way he moves their hands, giving a slight nod. ]

I see. That makes sense.

[ He's so gentle with her hands, though... ]

[ Finally, he lets go, instructing her to do the next one herself. ]

That one is a bit milder, so you can add a touch more.

[ As he'd shown her before, she gently dashes the spice over the pot, and repeats the action once more. ]

Did your mother teach you this?

And Grandmother. I believe they were fearful I wouldn't marry, and wanted me to be able to feed myself if need be.

[ Though he never realised this was the case until he was older. ]

[ Lips parted just so, her brows raise! ]

What? Why would they ever think that?

I assume because I was quiet and didn't interact much with other children. Nor did I show much interest in courtship.

[ He doesn't sound too terribly bothered by it. ]

Ah. Hm.

[ Blinking, she takes up the spoon to mix in her seasoning. Though unprompted, she takes up the salt next, to dash over the pot. ]

I assume it was your father that pushed for the arranged marriage, then?

[ Since he makes to effort to stop her from adding salt, she can assume she made a good decision. ]

That and his partner. It was their way of keeping the business between our families.

[ It's now that his voice sounds a bit saddened, as he makes his way back to the counter for the sack of rice. A smaller pot is prepared before the water and rice are accurately measured and put on the cook. ]

Edited 2019-12-13 07:08 (UTC)

[ Immediately, Grell looks to him with regret etched into her features. ]

I'm sorry, Will. I shouldn't have brought it up.

[ A shake of his head. ]

We want to learn more about one another, so there's no reason to apologise.

[ Looking down, she nods, though she seems uncertain. ]

Would it be easier if you were to tell me on your own terms?

Perhaps, yes. I hope you will confide in me when you need to, as well.

[ He makes eye contact to emphasise that he wants them to make that connection over time. ]

[ Raising her eyes to meet his, it's then that she can nod with confidence, smiling just a hint. ]

I will.