‘Scones? What is scones?’
‘They’re a kind of cake… or biscuit, first baked in Scotland about six hundred years ago. They’re very easy and quick to make. If we start now, they’ll be ready to eat by the time Mamma gets home.’
Standing on the step stool, Stefano measured the flour, butter and milk.
‘Now add a pinch of salt.’
Watching him, tongue poking out of his mouth in concentration, Lucy was reminded of rainy afternoons spent in Granny Oona’s kitchen, perched on a bar stool, measuring, mixing – and singing.
‘Mynonnaand I used to sing a song when we were rolling out pastry. Shall I teach it to you?’
Stefano nodded, eyes sparkling in anticipation.
Grabbing the rolling pin, Lucy cleared her throat.
‘Roll, roll, roll the dough,
Swiftly to and fro,
Flour, butter, milk,
Watch it all go.
Press it, stretch it, smooth and light,
Ready to bake, oh what a yummy sight.
Golden brown and soft inside,
Add jam and cream, oh, what a delight!
Come and join, there’s fun to share,
Scone-baking magic is everywhere.’
Halfway through the song, she’d noticed Stefano’s shoulders shaking.
‘What’s so funny, young man?’
‘Your voice,’ he snorted. ‘It sound like Moaning Myrtle – in Harry Potter.’
‘Whaaat?’ cried Lucy, chasing him along the corridor with the rolling pin. ‘I’ll give you Moaning Myrtle!’
Slamming his bedroom door shut, Stefano exploded into a high-pitched giggle. ‘Can I play on my Xbox now?’
‘Okay. But be back here in ten minutes to take the scones out or they’ll burn. If you’re late, I’ll sing that song to you again.Capito? Understand?’
‘Capito!’ he squealed.
Seizing her chance, Lucy grabbed her phone, scrolling for Alfonso’s number.
‘Bonsoir,Lucy. Follow me please,’ said the maître d’, leading her through the snugly arranged tables to a discreet, low-lit booth.
Lucy looked around. ‘Thank you, Pierre, for reserving me a table so quickly. This looks perfect.’
‘You are most welcome,’ said Pierre, signalling to a waiter. ‘Please bring Miss Anderson a glass of champagne and two menus.’
‘Thank you. See you in class tomorrow morning?’
