But why can’t we go to the courthouse with Peyton and Lisa?” Bonnie was not happy about being left behind, but Aunt Gert knew how to charm a child.
“Because I need your help,” she said. “I can’t make brownies and do all the tasting myself. Somebody’s got to lick the spoon to make sure we get the chocolate right. Jasper, do you know anything about licking a spoon?”
He shook his head.
“Well, what about you, Bonnie?”
She shook her head too.
“Well, I’ll teach you,” Aunt Gert said. “It’s a very important skill.”
Bonnie and Jasper followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the table, watching her mix eggs, butter, sugar, and cocoa into a bowl. The more Aunt Gert stirred, the bigger their eyes grew.
“It’s turnin’ into chocolate!” Bonnie exclaimed.
“Yes, indeed, and now comes the critical part.” Aunt Gert dipped two spoons into the batter and handed one to each of the children. “Go on,” she said. “Lick your spoons and tell me how the chocolate tastes. This is our last opportunity to make adjustments.”
Bonnie and Jasper licked their spoons clean and said they could find no fault with the chocolate.
Aunt Gert poured the batter into a buttered baking dish. “Well, that is such a relief, children. Thank you very much for your help.” She slid the dish into her oven and set a timer. “Now, I’m afraid we’ll have to hurry because we don’t have much time. We need to get into our bathing suits and pack a picnic basket, because as soon as those brownies come out of the oven, we’ll have to be on our way. There’s a waterfall that needs our attention.”
“What’s a waterball?” Jasper asked.
“Waterfall, Jasper. One of the prettiest in Florida. The water flows over rocks, down into a crystal-clear swimmin’ hole. Do you children know how to swim?”
“No, ma’am,” Bonnie said.
“Well then, we’ll have to add that to your list of chores. From now on you’ll have to taste all the chocolate and go to the swimmin’ hole every day till you learn how to handle yourself in the water. I just hope you’re not too tired to ride in the Madame Queen after all that.”
Jasper smiled at Aunt Gert. “I’m very strong,” he said.