Smiling back at Jessica Cooper picked up his spoon once again and looked into her eyes and remarked “that I will do, I will indeed search for you” at that he proceeded to eat his stew. He was just about to ask if he could keep her company when a lad came into the room requesting sustenance. The moment was lost. He would do his best to continue the conversation once Jessica had seen finished talking to the boy.<br/><br/>Cooper had a keen ear and began to listen in on what was occurring in the next room. Unbeknownst to most, the Major’s ability to be one step ahead of the game was partly down the Cooper’s keen senses. He listened to the gossip with one ear whilst focusing on what was going on in his immediate vicinity. He nodded politely at Jessica in response to her request to see to the boy. Once they were gone he tucked into his stew once again.<br/><br/>A few minutes went by while he listened in to the chattering in the kitchen. The banter amused his somewhat. In particular when the maids felt it necessary to gossip openly with Jessica regarding the fact that she had spent so much time with him alone whist he eat his stew. They had to know he could hear them. The door was open after all and he was only in the next room.<em>Handsome</em>he taught …<em>me… no, surely not and a catch to boot</em>.<em>Wait till the Major hears about this. He will be most amused</em>. He smiled at this and wiped the stew from his chin. The giggling made him chuckle to himself.<br/><br/>He could still see Jessica from his position and could see that the comments did not upset her. He finished his bowl and wiped his face once again with the napkin before standing and re-entering the kitchen. The boy was still eating his stew whilst Jessica was patiently waiting for him to finish. She seemed to care for this boy that much Cooper was sure off. Cooper found a chair and sat down not wanting to disturb them. From time to time he would glance over at Jessica in a hope that she would glance back.<br/>