Bigger Fish To Fry

Austyn returned to find the living room empty. Kira wasn’t waiting for him on the front steps, but her sneakers were on the shoe rack, covered in dirt and bits of grass. What was she up to? Austyn changed into house slippers and walked in. ‘Young Master, welcome back!’ Elsie rushed out to greet him. Austyn nodded at the housekeeper. ‘Where is she?’ ‘She’s upstairs, taking a shower.’ Elsie was beaming. ‘Young Madam worked like a Trojan this afternoon. There’s a veritable feast on the dining table.’ Austyn looked to the table, where half a dozen dishes were covered by cloches. ‘She did all this by herself?’ ‘Yes.’ Elsie nodded enthusiastically. ‘I offered to help, but she declined. She said she wanted to present a homestyle meal prepared entirely by her hands.’ Austyn inhaled the aromas of roasted chicken, caramelised sugar, canola oil and more. He was suddenly hungry. ‘Come,’ Elsie beckoned. She pulled out the chair at the head of the dining table before removing the cloches. The aromas