‘I did a course in chocolate making once. It’s quite tricky but if you’re interested I could maybe—’
‘Quick!’ yelled Effie. ‘They’re coming!’
Liv darted off to the tower room and put the radio out of the way as it wasn’t the prettiest object, but the lilting classical music was just right to finish the scene. She stood back when Aaron and Kacey arrived at the top of the winding staircase, looking a little bewildered.
‘Aww this is adorable,’ said Kacey taking in the space.
‘Wow, look at that view,’ said Aaron.
‘Take a seat,’ said Liv. ‘Tea will be served shortly.’
Fraser and Effie arrived with the cake stand and teapot and the three of them had to do an uncoordinated manoeuvre to let Liv out and get themselves in without overcrowding the couple. ‘Enjoy,’ said Effie and they all left.
‘It’s a nice thing to do but I’m not sure I see the point,’ muttered Fraser. But he was interrupted by giggles from above them.
‘Aww,’ said Effie. ‘Now they’re having a lovely honeymoon.’
Liv smiled at him. ‘See, happy customers.’
‘I guess I’ll have to concede that one.’ He continued downstairs and Liv felt like she’d received the best praise ever. Was Fraser Douglas starting to mellow?
Robbie met them at the bottom of the stairs. ‘What’s happening?’
‘We’ve created a magic moment for the honeymoon couple,’ said Effie. ‘They’re having afternoon tea like a princess in the tower.’
‘Aren’t princesses usually imprisoned in towers?’ asked Robbie.
‘Not this one,’ said Liv.
‘Ooh,’ said Robbie. ‘Shall I serenade them with my bagpipes?’
‘No,’ the others all chorused.
Effie and Robbie went off and Liv cornered Fraser at the bottom of the spiral staircase. ‘Could we make some fudge to put on pillows instead of a chocolate,’ she asked. It seemed a good opportunity if she was finally in favour.
‘Fudge? No way,’ he snapped. ‘In Scotland we make Scottish tablet.’ The words making his accent seem even stronger.
‘Tablet – that sounds so much nicer.’ She tilted her head at him.
‘Well itisnicer. I guess the name could be better but that’s not my doing.’
‘So can we make Scotch tablet then?’ asked Liv.
‘Scottish,’ corrected Fraser. ‘I suppose so. I’ll need to check—’ He stopped talking because they were both distracted by the sounds coming from above. Aaron and Kacey were kissing. Fraser pulled a face. Liv shrugged her shoulders and grinned. She was pleased that Aaron and Kacey were doing what they should be on honeymoon. She and Fraser smiled at each other as they listened. Then the noises changed. Fraser frowned. Liv listened. The sound of groans of pleasure had Fraser and Liv almost barging each other out of the way in their haste to get away. They shot through the doorway and Liv quietly shut the door to both their relief. Fraser started to laugh. ‘I think they’re enjoying that too much.’
‘No such thing,’ said Liv as they went off to the kitchen.
Fraser jumped up to sit on the worktop. ‘I thought we weren’t allowed to do that,’ said Liv putting her hands on her hips.
‘You’re not allowed. It’s my kitchen so I can do what I like.’
‘Not fair.’
‘Did you want to learn how to make Scottish tablet or not?’
‘Learn? I was hoping you’d be making it. You’re the chef.’
‘But I know how to make it. And I’ll need to get on with dinner. Your call.’
