Recipe for Love

CHAPTER Five





‘THERE’S NO YOGHURT, no berries and no bread,’ said Cher, staring into the fridge the next morning.

‘Oh,’ said Zoe, not knowing what other comment she could make. ‘I could go and get some bread, I suppose.’

‘Considering you were so long getting the milk last night you could have knocked up a loaf.’

Zoe sighed. Cher had a point. None of her excuses for being so long with the milk had seemed to wash with her, which was hardly surprising, really.

‘So as you know the way,’ said Cher, ‘you’d better trot along and pick some up.’

Once again stifling an angry retort, Zoe left the cowshed abruptly. Honestly, she was appalling! The cottage felt cramped with Cher’s personality all over it and Zoe was glad to leave it – and she felt drawn to Somerby, for all sorts of reasons. She crossed the courtyard and let herself into the kitchen by the back door.

Fenella was already there. She had her own questions. ‘You tidied the kitchen last night, didn’t you?’

‘Sorry, I just—’

‘Oh, for goodness sake!’ Fenella came over and put her arms round Zoe. ‘I wasn’t telling you off! I just couldn’t face it and nor could Rupes. He said he’d do it this morning but I came down early.’ She rubbed the side of her stomach. ‘I’m not sleeping that well, and it was like the elves had been in the night! It was all gleaming.’

‘Well, I felt so sorry for you. You’ve got so much on as well as being pregnant.’

‘You’re a sweetheart. I really hope you win.’ Fenella opened a large bread bin and took out a loaf. ‘Is this what you came for? The others get their bread and milk delivered by the cleaners but as you’re so near the house, I’m supposed to do it,’ Fenella explained apologetically. ‘But since I’ve got so huge I don’t seem to get round to it.’

‘I don’t mind collecting it and it looks lovely.’

‘We have a super bakery. Our guests just love their bread.’

Zoe thought of another guest they might have and nearly warned Fenella so she could have an excuse ready if she needed to. Then she realised she mustn’t say anything or Fenella would wonder how on earth she knew about Gideon wanting to move out of his hotel.

They chatted for a few moments about this and that when Fenella said, ‘I was just wondering about one thing though. Did you have hot chocolate before you went back with the milk?’

Zoe thought quickly. ‘Yes – yes I did. I hope that’s all right?’

‘Of course it’s all right! Whatever you like! Goodness, if the elves come in the night, you don’t grudge them a bit of drinking chocolate.’

‘That’s OK then. I’d better take this bread before Cher starts eating her own arm. Not that there’s a lot there to eat.’

Fenella chuckled. ‘She’ll never balloon up to a size ten, will she?’

Zoe shook her head. ‘Nope.’ She picked up the loaf. ‘Bye!’

‘Bye then!’ called Fenella. ‘And you don’t need to tell me why there were two mugs on the drainer.’

Quite obviously Fenella wanted her to tell her very much but Zoe just shrugged. ‘Elves! You know what they’re like!’ And she whisked away before Fenella could ask any more questions.

But she liked the fact that Gideon had washed the mugs. Maybe he’d stick to his promise to be no trouble to Fenella.



‘OK! Guys!’ Mike called everyone to order.

They were in the marquee and a cold May wind was making the sides billow slightly. The weather had gone back to being changeable.

‘Today’s task!’ He had to raise his voice to make himself heard and to get everyone’s attention. ‘It’s going to be done over two days and is about using really local produce.’

Cher turned round to look for the cameras and found there weren’t any, or rather the cameras were all switched off at this point. The others focused on Mike. They were more united now they’d got the initial task out of the way.

‘The first bit is sourcing your produce,’ Mike explained, referring to a sheet of paper. ‘You’ll have a list of local suppliers, some money, and you’ll be put in groups to be driven to them. This is to make sure you really do stay in the very local area. If you have a car, can you hand in your car keys? To make sure there’s no cheating.’

‘And then what?’ asked Bill. ‘What are we to do with our local ingredients?’

‘Working on your own, you’re to produce a really good three-course meal. The budget is generous so you don’t need to watch the cost but you are a bit limited by it needing to be local.’

‘What about things like olive oil?’ asked Shadrach, the fanatical cook, sounding panicked. Daniel nodded in agreement. ‘Salt and pepper?’

‘I was coming to that,’ said Mike. ‘There is a list of exceptions to the local rule. Oil and salt and pepper are on it. I’m going to hand out a list of suppliers now and the rules about what counts as local that you can refer to. You’ve got an hour to think about what you want to cook, then the cars will come to drive you to where you want to go. It would be a good idea if you could get into carloads – about four people – so we can co-ordinate where we’re going. You’ll be filmed at the various suppliers. Oh, and you’ll be given your packs before you get in the cars.’

Zoe felt excited. The challenge was right up her street really. ‘I think that sounds fun,’ she said to Cher, who happened to be nearby.

‘What? Local food? Exciting? I don’t think so. What round here is going to be half decent? A few carrots and a bit of old cow.’

Zoe looked around anxiously in case anyone remotely local had heard this insult and was offended. She walked slowly back to the room, reading the list of suppliers as she went. Her problem would be choosing what ingredients to go for, there was so much available. She was slightly surprised that Cher didn’t follow her but not unhappy.

An hour later, armed with her requisite notebook and bag, Zoe walked back up to the front of the house. A fleet of taxis was drawn up and Fenella was on the steps with her phone in her hand looking flustered.

‘What’s up?’ asked Zoe.

‘I don’t think they’ve sent enough taxis,’ said Fenella. ‘I do wish the production company had asked us which firms to use.’

‘Well, it’s not your problem, is it?’ said Zoe. There seemed to be plenty of cars to her. People were climbing into them, their packs tucked into their clothing.

Mike came up to her. ‘Ah, Zoe! I thought there was someone missing!’

‘I got up here on time,’ she said, aggrieved.

Mike looked at his watch. ‘Yes, I suppose you did, but they didn’t send quite enough cars—’

‘Told you!’ said Fenella, perversely pleased.

‘—which meant everyone had to squash up – three in the back. I don’t think the taxi firm took in about the camera people going too.’

Fenella shook her head, more in sorrow than in anger.

‘The problem is there’s not enough room for you, Zoe,’ said Mike, looking cross.

‘What?’ Zoe suddenly felt like the last girl picked for the team. ‘I bet Cher didn’t have to squash in the back. I bet she was fine.’

Mike looked sheepish. ‘She did dash off with just a cameraman in the car with her.’

‘You shouldn’t have let her!’ Fenella said indignantly. ‘It’s not fair!’

‘I know,’ Mike agreed, ‘but frankly I thought there’d be plenty of room for everyone and I’m not fit enough to run down the drive and throw myself in front of a moving car. Look, it’ll be fine. Zoe can go, all on her own, when the first cab comes back. I’m sure you won’t have to wait long.’

‘It’s outrageous!’ said Fenella, taking Zoe’s arm and leading her down to the kitchen. ‘And it needn’t have happened if only they’d let me tell them which local people are reliable.’

Gideon was in the kitchen, chatting to Rupert, and seeing him, Zoe tried to reverse back out of it. She couldn’t seem to avoid him. There was an overnight bag in the corner of the kitchen and she presumed he’d been given the seal of approval and allowed to stay at Somerby. She found she liked the idea.

‘No need to run away just because I’m here,’ he said. ‘I don’t bite. Or at least, only about once a month when the moon is full.’

Rupert laughed.

‘Poor Zoe got bumped off the taxis because they didn’t send enough,’ explained Fenella.

‘You thought that might happen, didn’t you, love?’ said Rupert. ‘Zoe, have a cup of coffee to compensate. I’ve just made some. And we owe you at least that, with all the help you’ve given us.’

Fenella sent Zoe a shocked glance, intercepted by Rupert. ‘Oh, don’t worry, girls,’ Rupert said cheerfully. ‘I’m sure it isn’t against the rules for Zoe to help with the washing up.’

‘Oh no, of course not,’ said Fenella. ‘Sit down. I’ll find some biscuits.’

‘Doesn’t that put you at a disadvantage?’ said Rupert, handing her a mug of coffee that smelt like heaven.

‘I suppose.’

‘It’ll mean they’ll get to the suppliers first,’ said Gideon. ‘And will have longer to think up their menu.’

‘Well, yes, I had worked that out but there’s nothing I can do about it.’ She sipped her coffee gratefully and decided to let the calming atmosphere of the kitchen at Somerby soothe her annoyance.

‘Let’s have a look at your list of local suppliers,’ said Rupert, holding out his hand. Zoe produced it from the back pocket of her jeans. ‘Hm,’ Rupert went on, looking at the list. ‘They’ve missed off a couple of good places. Why didn’t they ask us who our suppliers are? They’ve been very dense about this. They should have consulted us far more.’

‘Who have they missed off?’ said Fenella, sipping peppermint tea.

‘Well, the Roses, for a start, and although cider is their main thing, they do produce some wonderful pork,’ said Rupert. ‘And Susan and Rob aren’t on here. They’re a dairy, tiny but perfectly formed —’

‘As they say every time we go,’ said Fenella. ‘How did they miss them?’

‘Some researcher in London didn’t find them in any directory,’ said Gideon. ‘But there’s no reason why we shouldn’t go there.’ He looked at Zoe, who found herself blushing.

‘We? I’m not allowed to go except in the official cars – we had to hand in our car keys to make sure we didn’t break the “only local” rules.’

‘These places are practically within walking distance,’ said Rupert. ‘Much more local than some of these suppliers.’ He was still looking at the list disparagingly.

‘I’ll take you,’ said Gideon. ‘I’d like to check them out myself.’

‘But isn’t it against the rules?’ said Zoe, finding herself very much wanting to explore these places with Gideon. ‘It would be fraternisation or something.’

‘I’m a judge, not the enemy,’ said Gideon, looking intently at her.

‘Same thing,’ said Zoe quietly. ‘Isn’t it?’

‘Well, we won’t tell anyone,’ said Fenella, ‘and it’s their fault for not sending enough cars. You’d be disadvantaged if you didn’t go with Gideon.’

Gideon looked at her. ‘Anyone would think you’re keen to get me out of your hair.’

‘How did you guess!’ said Fenella, laughing. ‘I’ve got a team of decorators about to hit your bedroom any minute. We have to have that bridal suite ready double quick!’

He frowned. ‘Oh. I hope my staying doesn’t hold you up.’

‘Not at all,’ said Fenella. ‘They can work round you. If you don’t mind of course.’

‘Fine by me.’ Gideon smiled. Fenella and Rupert were doing him a favour after all.

Fenella turned to Zoe. ‘Now finish your coffee and then go. And bring me back a leg of pork. I’ll phone and tell them what we want. Oh, and some bacon …’