Secret Of The Crest Read Online Free PDF Page A

Marina and smiled saying,
       ‘Who’s to argue with the ladies? I don’t mind trying something new either.’
       ‘You heard them, the special for all of us it is and bring us a bottle of wine that best suits the dish.’ Cassandra added.  
       ‘Will that be all then?’ asked the waiter.
       ‘Yes, that’s all for now.’ Sarah answered.
       Marina stared intensely at Cassandra until finally Cassandra asked her.
       ‘Is something the matter?’
       ‘No, of course not my dear. It’s just that you are dressed so beautifully tonight that you have reminded me of my daughter.’
       ‘Oh, I meant to ask you about that. Is that her in the portrait over there?’
       ‘Yes, it is her; she was twenty years of age when she posed for that portrait. It is amazing how much you resemble her? So, please do not misunderstand my staring at you from time to time. Now, please forgive me, I must prepare your plates.’
       The woman left the table and the four friends sat comfortably joking around talking about the day’s moments. Cassandra decided at that point to share her experience with the wild boar.
       ‘When it was only a few feet away from my feet and I had become paralyzed with fear I heard a shot and the animal dropped right before my toes, I mean literally at my toes!’
       ‘I told you guys it was a gun shot we heard!’ Sam said.
       At that moment, as the rest of them were they all  inquiring about who shot the boar, Madame Marina set down a platter of meat in a smothered in a savory tomatoes sauce and many tiny onions.   
       ‘Fani, bring the plates!’ she ordered.
       ‘Here we are’ he said setting down a plate in front of each of them. ‘Like I said before, I believe you have never tried anything like it.’
       ‘It smells awfully good, what is it?’ asked Sam.
       ‘It is called stifado,’ Marina answered proudly, ‘and it is made with our own meats and fresh onions and tomatoes cooked in pure olive oil and the best red wine from our own vineyards. Also, this bottle of wine will bring out the best of this meal’s taste. Enjoy your dinner!’ she said walking away.
       ‘Thank you’ they all said in a voice.
       ‘Dig in, I’m starving!’ said Sarah.
       ‘Oh wow, this is absolutely delicious!’ said Rebecca. ‘The meat is so tender!’
       ‘Cassandra, are you just going to sit there or are you going to try the food already?’ asked Sarah.
       Cassandra took in a small mouthful and sipped some wine without any facial expression. After swallowing she looked at her friends faces on by one who were anticipating her opinion. Cassandra spoke in her lowest voice.
       ‘This is not the best that I have ever eaten, it is a taste of heaven itself. Yes this must be what heaven tastes like!’ 
       Then she giggled and everyone started to laugh. The evening went by quickly. After the meal and a second bottle of wine they were all ready to retire. Just before they made their move to get up from the table the waiter brought a third bottle of wine and said, ‘Compliments of Mr. Gregor who would like you to accompany him in the lobby when you are finished.’
       ‘Oh, that’s right, I didn’t finish my story did I?’ said Cassandra.  ‘Tell Mr. Gregor thank you and that we would be more than happy to accompany him in a little bit.’
       ‘Well, what about the boar, what happened, who shot it down?’ asked Rebecca. 
       ‘I think we should finish this story a little later, be patient, I promise to tell you the rest. Let’s go to the lobby, it isn’t nice to keep someone waiting you know.’ Cassandra said and took her last sip of wine emptying her glass.
       ‘Easy does it there lassie! It seems you’re getting all zippy’ said Sarah.
       ‘Oh don’t be an old maid! I get to have some fun once in a blue moon! Besides, I’m not drunk, I’m just in a good mood. Shall we go now?’
       ‘By all means!’