A look of panic crossed Amy’s face. ‘Oh, my God. Pudding. We haven’t made anything.’
Tad shook his head. ‘Let you into a secret,’ he said. ‘There’s a chocolate semifreddo in the deep freeze, which has this evening written all over it. I always have a couple of tricks up my sleeve in case of last-minute panics. I’ll get it out when we’ve served the starters, give it a bit of time to soften slightly in the fridge.’
‘Is it a type of ice cream?’
‘Aye. But rather than being hard like traditional ice cream, it stays soft, so I’ll cut it into slices. This one’s got pistachio nuts and nougat in it. I think they’ll enjoy it.’
‘I’m sure they will. Do we get to try it, too?’
‘Of course, we do – what chef worth their salt doesn’t test their own food?’
Tad poured a couple of glasses of sparkling water, cool from the fridge. The evening was warm, and even with the door open to the gardens the kitchen was hot. Certainly, Amy’s cheeks were carrying the rosy glow of a warm working environment.
Amy took an appreciative sip of the water, then said, ‘Any excuse to try a dessert is a winner with me. I have to say I’m a total sucker for the sweet stuff. Especially ice cream. Although I’m going to have to draw the line soon. I’m sure I’ve already gained about five pounds since we arrived.’
‘No way. You look fantastic,’ he said, before his filters had time to spring into action. ‘Tell you what, though – if you get some time off, maybe we could do that hike I mentioned. If Billie isn’t interested, that’s no reason for you to miss out while you’re here, is there?’
‘Burn off some calories, you mean?’ She was grinning, though, and Tad was almost certain she was teasing him, that she hadn’t taken offence as she focused her gaze on him. ‘That’s kind. I’d like that. I’ll ask Billie.’
Movement behind Tad and a waft of perfumed air took their attention.
‘Ask me what?’ Billie said, crossing the space.
‘I was wondering about having a bit of time off,’ Amy said, the smile sliding from her face, replaced instead by something more guarded.
‘Time off? We’ve only been here five minutes.’ Billie turned to Tad; her eyebrows arched in mock surprise. ‘What is she like? And look, I brought you a drink, Amelia. I thought you might be parched, slaving away in here. Gianna popped a cork or two and the bubbly isn’t bad at all. Seems Tad’s looking after you well, though.’
As Amy took the glass proffered by Billie, looking awkward with a drink in each hand, Tad said, ‘I like to think I look after everybody.’
‘Promises, promises,’ Billie said, her expression twinkling as she moved in front of Amy and rested her hand on his sleeve. ‘If I’d known you wanted some help in here, I could have made myself available, better that than have you exhaust my assistant.’
‘I’m not exhausted,’ Amy said.
‘You’re thinking about needing some time off, so I beg to differ.’
‘But that wasn’t…’
‘Shouldn’t you go and dress for dinner, Amy? You’re not joining us looking likethat, are you?’ Billie tightened her grip on Tad’s arm. ‘I can help with anything left to do in here, Tad.’
Tad set down his tall glass, extricating himself from Billie’s touch. ‘Everything here is under control – perhaps we should join the others for a drink. Then, once Amy’s ready we can serve dinner.’
9
Amy wasn’t prepared for the way the round of applause would make her feel. All she did was stir the tomato sauce and help Tad grill some king prawns – he did everything else – and yet at the conclusion of the meal, Hugh had tinkled a teaspoon against an empty wine glass and had asked everyone to show their appreciation.
She frowned and felt her cheeks burn as she shook her head and tried to explain she’d done very little. She swallowed her embarrassment and waited for the room to settle, struggling to make eye contact with anyone.
When she did look up, it was Tad whom her gaze found first. Leaning against the doorway leading through to the kitchens, arms loosely crossed, a relaxed expression on his face, he nodded, then grinned.
Buoyed by his expression, Amy thanked everyone and stood, reaching to clear the dessert bowls.
‘Surely you’re off the books, now, aren’t you?’ Billie said. ‘This place does have its own staff, you know, and there’ll be cheese in a minute, won’t there?’
‘Aye. I’ll bring the cheese board in shortly,’ Tad said. ‘Amy, you don’t need to worry yourself; we can do this.’
Amy shook her head. ‘I’m happy to help.’
In the kitchen, Tad was piling bowls on the draining board beside the rinsing sink. She added hers to the stack.
