Dinner Dates

[Ulysses Westernra]

The dinner had been arranged for quiet some time, a way of showing his thanks to those who ran the departments within the hospital.  The table had been set for about 12 people, the various department heads and been arranged along the table.  Uylsses for his part did not like sitting at the head of the table, he had left that seat for his nephew.  He preferred to be in the middle of the table with his guests.

The dinner tonight, as will nights he hosted, was decadent, there was wine by the barrel, a starter, soup course, rice course, main, and a dessert followed by cheese course and an after dinner.  They were only at the  starter – a course of steamed turrin of game and a rye bread with a truffle sauce.  A delicate dish, made of surprisingly hearty meat – a bit of an accomplishment.  ’I hope the meal is to your liking Miss Bones?’ he questioned ’I do hope you aren’t vegetarian?’


@'Annabelle Bones'

  

[Annabelle Bones]

The consistency of the terrine reminded Belle unpleasantly of several patients with fleshy skin complaints that she had seen over the year and it occurred to her that it was a curious thing her stomach stood up against the sight at work yet here she found herself looking upon it warily. The very thought of eating more than the initial bite made her feel decidedly queasy even it tasted better than it looked.

In deference to her host she at least made a passing effort to look enthused though and when he spoke to her, addressing her in a slightly curious manner she chose to ignore, Belle smiled politely back. He was a kind enough man and it was hardly his fault she had an overactive imagination!

“Certainly not Mr Westernra, I doubt my father would have ever stood for such a thing,” she replied with a charming smile. “He would have thought such practices queer indeed.”