"Oh," she said, all hopes of sending him on his way dashed.

"Yes, I would very much like it; thank you," Bernard repeated, a secret smile lurking around his mouth.

"Oh," she said again, unaware of the disapproving look on her face as she turned back to Esther.

"Set two plates then. Let Emma have his meal in the kitchen as he wished I would. We will have ours in the room," she told Esther. "Since we can't leave Emma alone in the kitchen, that means you would be having your meal in the kitchen as well." 

"Yes, mummy! You are the best!" Emma exclaimed.

"That's fine, ma. I love...