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Cook and Derufin
‘Sour milk, is it?’ Cook opened the pantry and took out a crockery pitcher she’d set out earlier in the day, covered with a tea towel. ‘Miz Zimzi making some sour milk raisin cake for you,’ she asked, casting a glance up at Derufin. ‘I just got in some plump raisins from the Bree merchant. I can give you a cup of those, too, if you need them.’
Derufin grinned and shook his head. ‘She’s doing curtains, Cook. Bleaching them.’ He bent down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek along with his most charming look. ‘However, if you wanted to try your hand at that cake you mentioned, I would be more than happy to see it didn’t dry out or mold from neglect.’ Cook raised her brows at him, though truth be told, her cheeks were quite rosy from the kiss and the banter. She poured him a small pitcher of soured milk and shooed him from the pantry. Before Derufin reached the kitchen door, Cook called him back.
‘I doubt Miz Zimzi will be needing you to help with the curtains,’ she said, motioning him to come sit with her for a moment at the kitchen table. ‘I’ve a job for you. Keep you out of her hair for a good bit.’ Now it was Derufin’s turn to look questioningly at Cook. ‘Oh, it’s just a bit of wood chopping and such,’ she said. ‘And I’ve found a couple of helpers for you. Nice strong lads, if I say so myself.’ Cook went on to tell him a bit about Benat and Denegal and how they had volunteered to help clear the downed trees, and get them into the woodpile. ‘You take the milk over to Miz Zimzi and I’ll send the two fellows over.’ She glanced out the kitchen window. ‘Sun’s out. Good time to get started, I’d say.’
Cook stood up, as did Derufin. She walked him to the kitchen door and saw him off. ‘You and the Missus stop by after dinner,’ she called out after him. Just might there’ll be a piece of raisin cake for you to sink your fork into.’
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