|
"Well that's quite exciting. And will you be as good a brother as you are a helper to me?"
Lendir nodded seriously.
"I think, then, that this is deserving of a special treat to celebrate." Having finished putting her breads in order, she leaned heavily against the table, making quite a show of thinking deeply. "I could have you... no, that would not work. Oh! I could always allow you to... ah, but that would never do."
She bit back a smile as Lendir fidgeted, too well trained to interrupt, but obviously dying of anticipation.
"Ah," she said, "I've thought of just the thing. It is a very important job. Far more important than doorwarden."
The boy's eyes grew huge.
"There are twenty pans," she said, "of hot cross buns, just come out of the ovens. They've cooled enough now for their frosting, which is already inside a pastry bag."
She thought his jaw might well detach and fall off, it hung so low.
"People will arrive any time now, Lendir, and my buns need to be crossed just right with their frosting. I cannot do it, because I have to watch my wares. Can I trust you, boy, to cross every bun just right, and when you finish, bring them out here?"
|