Frederic’s old gray eyes twinkled with mirth at her question. “Oh just wonderful! For such a young man he is a natural with foods. Some of the best meals I’ve had in a long time have come from his creative hands.” As he spoke he wandered around the inn, smiling and nodding to the various patrons, two, three, even four conversations going on at once yet never losing track of any of them.<br/><br/>“I will call for the stable girl to get your things ready. Maryann will love to see you again,” he said, eyes crinkled in a wide smile. He beckoned her to follow as he made his way to his private hall for special guests and friends, the bag on the counter having disappeared during his tirade but he had never made a motion towards it.<br/><br/>They passed a waitress, waif-thin young lass of about fourteen and he caught her attention. “Oh Susan, can you please ask Joseph to cook up two of his finest steaks for me and a close friend?” he asked. “And have it sent to me in my gallery.” Susan smile and nodded. “Yes great grand-dad” she replied, making her way to the kitchens.<br/><br/>Looks at Catherine with a smile, “Now no lolly-gagging, we have a lot to catch up on.” He led her to his Hall through a pair of double doors, closing them behind. He motioned her to sit, a plush chair next to a round table as he sat next to her. “So, how are you?” he asks, his fingers crossed.<br/>