thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

William dropped down from his horse. It had been a long ride - from London straight down to the southern coast of England. But he'd barely stopped, only doing so when his horse refused to go further without rest and water. But each time, William did little more than tap his foot anxiously, trying to focus on anything but his thoughts of what happened the day before.

But now that he'd arrived, there was nothing else to distract him. The horse was forgotten as he walked towards where the English Channel extended out to what seemed like eternity. With the thick fog of the early morning, there was no telling just what was out there. William's breath was shaky as his gaze then drifted down. Beachy Head, a beautiful site for some, with the tall cliff towering over the shore line below. But for him, this day, it was his enemy - or perhaps his closes friend. Whichever the case, he was terrified.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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.

[ He nods in return before placing a lid on both pots. ]

They will both take some time. Would you care to nap until then? You had seemed rather tired earlier. I can clean up while you do.

[ For a moment, she's confused, because she can't recall being overly tired-- but her eyes twinge wider, once she realises that he's referring to the mishap in which she bumped her bottom into his crotch. All over again, she's reddening! Hopefully, he can't see it in the dimming light. ]

Ah-- w-why don't I help, and we can rest together after?

[ Though he can't quite tell that she's blushing, her stammering brings some concern. Still, naps are quite appealing. ]

Fine, you tend to the kitchen. I will take care of the rice once it's finished.

[ Nodding quickly, she gathers the used wares and utensils to take to the sink - but before she begins making a mess there, she wipes down the counters! Easy enough. ]

It smells good enough already... I'm impressed.

[ Staring down the dishes, she rolls up her sleeves. Here it goes! ]

I told you it was simple.

[ The rice takes a bit longer, but soon enough he's emptying that pot into the soup one, stirring it so it can evenly disperse. With that done, he brings the now empty pot to the counter, checking on how Grell is doing. ]

[ Grell's probably working more than she needs to at scrubbing off the wares, and with how clumsy she is, her shirt is far more wet than it ought to be - but altogether, she seems to be holding it together.

Until William is suddenly over her shoulder, and she's startled enough to drop the cutting board into the sink water! ]