Page 35 of Eden's Comfort Kitchen
‘It won’t take so long to cook – we can probably get to that last, after everything else is in.’
Eden nodded as she rinsed the meat. ‘Timings…right. I must remember that.’
With Ralph’s advice in mind, they would be serving uncomplicated, virtually one-pot meals. It might have been the briefest of menus but, based on Julia’s recommendations, they’d opted for a hearty beef stew, a chicken and pasta bake, and a vegan chilli. While the guests were enjoying that, a rice pudding would be blipping away in the oven, ready for the second course.And now there was also a choice of ice cream from Julia’s own parlour for those who preferred it.
As they got stuck in, their volunteers began to arrive, starting with Debs, who’d come to the Darling Dolphin for a food parcel during Eden’s first shift. Livia and Julia greeted her warmly, and her appearance drew excited smiles and welcomes from the twins. Eden realised that the family knew her well, and she was glad to see that because it meant they already had an understanding that would help in the running of things. As Julia told Debs what needed doing, two more arrived: young Liam, who had also come to the Dolphin that first night for a parcel, and a much older man he introduced as his great-grandfather, Bilbo.
Eden stared at the old man, realising almost as soon as she found herself doing so that it was quite rude.
‘Sorry, what’s your name again?’
‘Bilbo,’ the old man said. ‘Bilbo Jones. Reporting for duty.’
‘Oh…Right…that’s brilliant, thank you. Julia, do you know where you want Liam and Bilbo?’
As Julia went to instruct them, Eden leaned in and lowered her voice to Livia. ‘Is that his actual name?’
‘Yes.’ Livia grinned. ‘And don’t make a fuss about it because he gets really precious if you do.’
‘Who calls their kid Bilbo?’
‘Mr and Mrs Jones, apparently. I suppose they’d just read the book or something – I don’t like to ask. Anyway, it might be that I’m used to it, but I think it sort of suits him. Can’t imagine him with a normal name. And you have to admit, he’s a bit hobbity.’
Eden tried to keep a straight face as she glanced across at Liam’s great-grandfather. He’d have been a very old hobbit, but he was small and slight, and he had a surprisingly thick shock of grey hair, and she could see exactly what Livia meant. But despite the fact that he must have been in his eighties,he was quick and sharp, and as he started to work to Julia’s instructions, Eden could already see he knew his way around a paring knife. She was also grateful for any help, no matter how it came.
She decided they’d got off on the wrong foot and went over. ‘Don’t let me disturb you. I just wanted to come and say thank you for your help.’
‘Glad to,’ he replied cheerfully. ‘Gets me out of the house and it’s for a good cause.’
‘You’ll be eating with us when it’s done, won’t you?’
‘Oh yes, looking forward to it. I don’t often cook at home – doesn’t seem much point for one, to be honest.’
‘What do you do instead?’
‘I get invited here and there, or I put a ready dinner in. I eat well enough, but there’s nothing like a good home-cooked meal. I used to enjoy doing a bit in the kitchen when my Kathleen was alive. She loved my roast chicken, said it was better than any restaurant.’ He tapped the side of his nose. ‘The secret’s in the basting, you know.’
‘I do love a bit of roast chicken myself – my mum’s was amazing.’
‘You lost her,’ he said. ‘Julia told me. Must be hard, a young ’un like you with no mammy.’
‘I miss her a lot.’
‘Well, my love, she’d be proud to see you doing all this.’
Eden’s eyes misted. Annoyed, she sniffed hard and swallowed her tears. This wasn’t the time for them.
‘I hope so,’ she said. ‘I never did much to make her proud when she was alive.’
‘Oh…I can’t believe that for a minute.’ He swept a knotted hand around the room. ‘You don’t suddenly become this person. Goodness like this has always been in you – must have been. Don’t be so hard on yourself.’
Eden tried to smile.
‘I’ll let you get on,’ she said. ‘I think Julia might need me. And by the way, I’m sorry if I offended…I think your name is very cool. Did it come from the books?’
He looked up in some confusion. ‘Books?’
‘Yes, you know, the hobbit books?’
