Elsie and Nathaniel changed into comfortable loungewear before heading downstairs. No one was in the lounge. They heard chatter and laughter coming from the kitchen.
"Mom and Dad usually do all the cooking," she explained as they walked down the hallway, going to the kitchen, "But we do have a cook, Sandra. She and her daughter-in-law, Penelope, also handle chores when Mom and Dad can't."
Even though the barns and orchards owned by the Winslows weren't exactly massive, they still hired quite a number of helpers. Most of the workers lived nearby, while some stayed in the dormitory within the ranch.
Because the holidays were approaching very closely, most of them were already on leave. Only a few remained, like Sandra and Penelope. They would be off duty starting tomorrow.
In the kitchen, Lorianne happily took on the taste-testing duty. Diane and Leonard cooked the last main dishes while the helpers prepared the dining table. Then, everything was ready.
