Chapter Seven
Victor laid down his fork and patted his lips with his napkin. After neatly refolding it on his lap, he looked across the Hepplewhite dining room table at Nadia and said, “My compliments. Your beef bourguignon was superb, your wine choice spot on. French cooking school has served you well.”
Nadia blushed at the compliment. “I love to cook for you, Victor. You have such an educated palate. You are way beyond me. I can cook in French, but you’ve been there.”
“It’s a pity I had to send Elena to bed without dinner, but she is in training now and I will not back away from that.” Victor looked pensively at Nadia.
“I have a conundrum. Long term, what do you think I should do with your gift?”
Nadia hesitated. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“I’m speaking of Elena. She’s working
