Vela would need to see how the kitchen was set up and find out if she would be creating meals for the staff as well before she would know what she might need in the way of help in the kitchen.  At most, she would need an under cook (to cook for the staff), a kitchen maid, and a scullery maid, at the very least she would need a scullery, she reasoned mentally.  She gave a brief nod and finding this would be best as well but would have gone with what the employer wanted.  She was relieved though with the goal being to get the man to eat.  Having him guide her as she got to know him, would help her encourage him to eat.

She walked along with him to the kitchen.  Seeing the typical set up with the work table in the middle, she was cheered to find it was modern.  Having both hot and cold water in a large inside sink and a gas oven/stove would make her job much more enjoyable.  She would likely still use the fireplace and need someone to keep it clean and stocked with wood for heat in the winter, but the mess of wood or coal for the stove and oven would not be an issue.

She gave a look at the supplies in the pantry and ice box.  Both were large enough to hold groceries and supplies for a small household.  She saw apples, onions, and some chicken as she looked through the available items.  After washing her hands, she grabbed a large apron to protect her dress and put it on.  First, she gathered the ingredients and put the items on the central table along with the utensils.  With an experienced manner, she set the oven to the appropriate heat for the dish she had in mind. 

"I remembered you said he had once liked apple tarts.  So, I thought a dish with a hint of apple might be appealing."  She explained as she cut the produce.

Then back to the table, she cut the chicken setting the thighs to the side, and put the rest of the chicken back into the ice box.  With a quick motion of her hands, she seasoned the thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.  Heating a deep cast-iron skillet with oil, she browned the thighs and then put them off to the side on a plate but there beside the stove to keep it warm.

Then added some onion after slicing it to saute in the same skillet.  She added some cider vinegar and a bit of water scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.  With a quick toss of more salt and some thyme, she kept an eye on the onions.  Once the onions were tender, she turned off the heat and added the chicken to the skillet with the onions, and spooned the sauce over the chicken thighs.

Then with an artistic eye, she placed the apple slices over the thighs and put a lid over the skillet.  With a careful lift of the lidded skillet, she put the whole thing into the oven for 15 minutes.  She began to clean up the used items as the chicken cooked. 

She had been quite focused as she cooked, but at that point in time, she looked at Ambrose.   "Are there any religious or cultural diet concerns that I should know about?"  She had already asked about things that might be health concerns but thought it was good to ask about other issues as well.

Once is was near the time to pull the skillet out of the oven, she took the thighs off the skillet again to a new plate nearby to again keep it warm.  Then she whisked heavy cream and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Stirring gently into the sauce in the skillet. Once that was done, she placed the chicken back into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

Return skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear and then for another fifteen minutes.  Again, during the time with the thighs in the skillet in the oven, she cleaned up the area.  This time everything was cleaned up and put away. 

With a quick summary look at the dishes available, she pulled out a plate and utensils for eating, and once the thighs were done, she served the plate with the thighs and the apples with the sauce over it to Ambrose.

"Enjoy."  She smiled quite happy with how it turned out.