#debukefarmhold

"Of course you can! In fact, if you are looking for work, we offer quite an attractive benefits package at the Club....."

"Why would I leave the farm to go to some big city? And I'm pretty sure I don't meet your club's idea of what women should look like, particularly right now in my shape" She says.

CC's eyes narrow just a bit at that.

"Kansas City isn't really a -big- city, but as you like. We have opportunities off stage as well, you know. My own nature means I do not have a classical physique."

"Thank you for the offer, but I can't imagien what I'd do there." She says

"Do you cook?" He has taken a handful of beans in his lap and is snapping.

"Of course, I told you I can provide for my children just fine"

"But are you a -good- cook?" Impishly.

"Sir, are you trying to rile me?" The redhead says

"Emerson has high standards for cooking," CC says in faux apology adding "Not everyone makes it, and ..that's okay"

A chuckle. "Maybe a little. But that is something we look for. Good cooks. You could do that."

"You don't think I can cook" She eyes CC

"I'm sure you do fine, and the kids will be okay with... basic fare, good midwestern simplicity has much to go for it" CC blinks as if clueless to anything she's saying wrong.

"I don't think our menu is beyond her, Dearest. You know how collaborative we are."

"Darn it's not beyond me," the woman says "You name something, I'll cook it, and you'll eat it, AND that high falutin tone"

CC says "now now, dear, no need to fuss. IT's just , well, you're not the Hearth and I would think..."

"I may not be as good as Sally Mae and no one is as good as Agnes...but I'm still darn good thank you very much at COOKING.. Hearhing is more than that. Now name the meal"

Emerson pulls a folded menu from his pocket. "I like to tinker with it...."

She takes it if she can "ANything particular?"

"Show me what you can do! In fact, if you wish to use our ingredients and kitchen...."

"I can make them here.. be back in four hours. You'll have a dinner that will knock your socks off." And she gets up, menu in hand an goes into her cabin.

He sits and snaps beans with a smile, twinkling at CC.

CC shakes her head, once the redhead is out of ear shot, she looks a BIT guilty and whispers "I might have poked the bear a little there"

"It workeed." A whisper.

Can one look both pleased with themselves AND guilty at the same time?

It would seem so.

"Little bit" amusement wins out, then she says "honestly, she took a shot at the club"

"Shhhh..... She speaks from ignorance." Gently. "We will educate her."

"Yes yes, we'll even be nice about it"

"Of course! Hm. Get her to the Club, show her what she is missing?"

"Well, she's serving us here. how do we get her to the club? her roots are stubborn"

"Whatever she makes, she must come taste my version, which, unspoken, is better."

"Agreed. oh my, this might be the right angle to work at indeed darling" A nod "Use her honor and pride "

"Often a shield for insecurities." He agrees.

"yes, make her choose between honor and defeat, and see if she abandons one to avoid the other?"

"Appeal to her sense of fairness. Surely she will given me an equal chance...."

"I think we can work it out. Now finish up the beans and let's go home. We'll be back in four hours"

And he does. And they do.

(end scene)

The meal is good, VERY Good. To his surprise, she made what might be described as 'Iowan Chutney'

He glances at CC as they eat.

She's impressed... more by the boldness than anything.

"Quite tasty." He approves aloud.

"You see... It's not all gravy and potatoes around here" June Maude says

"Of course not. Would you see something like this on the menu at the Club?"

"Well, Chutneys come in many forms"

He considers. "What would you do for a Kansas City chutney?"

"Maybe just a touch of muskete, barbecue essence "

"Mmm. I could see something like it in the summer, a more picnic feeling menu."

"For spring? Mmm maybe a more floralversion..." And June gives ideas. She's not good enough at somethings to Be hearth, but cooking.. not bad.