Page 53 of The Chef and the Countess

“Aye. Devil’s Acre. My mum and me lived there a while back. I ain’t—haven’t—been there for a few years.”

When Teddy arrived at the restaurant with Tommy and Timmy, he’d been the one in the roughest shape. Undernourished, pale, and wearing rags, he’d had to stay in bed for two weeks because of his lingering cough and overall weakness. The change in him over the past four months had been nothing short of amazing. He’d grown two inches and filled out, his face glowing with vibrant health. The power of proper eating. And he’d made great strides in learning to read and write.

“The delivery goes to Finnian’s Chop House, to Lucian Sharpe. Have you heard of him?”

“Aye. Everyone from Devil’s Acre has heard of Sharpe. But I don’t know him. I heard he’s a bad ‘un.” Teddy slipped and used street slang, which had Liam wondering if Teddy was apprehensive about returning to the area.

“You don’t have to do this. I will ask Timmy to deliver it.”

Teddy grabbed the wooden handle of the small, covered iron pot. “I can do it.”

“All right, if you’re sure. Here are some coins. Just drop off the pot to Sharpe and leave right away. Have the cab take you right to school.” He handed the money to Teddy. The boys were already late for school today, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Aye, Liam.” Teddy left to gather his coat, gloves, and scarf and gave Liam a brief wave as he exited the rear door.

Liam glanced at the clock. “Fire time!” he yelled. Everyone snapped to attention, and the wait staff hurried to the front doors and opened them. Then, the deluge began.

“Chowder, table two; tea tray, tables four and five; two chowder, table three!” The waitresses’ voices echoed with urgency, setting the pace for the bustling kitchen.

One large stockpot and part of the second were gone in less than an hour. Liam’s heart raced as he realized he was going to run out. The boys had left for school, so no one could assist him. But he would not panic. He glanced at Celia’s workstation. She was working furiously making the sandwiches.

“Pick up the pace, Celia!”

“Right away!” she called out.

He ran over to her. “Are you getting low?”

“I can mix up more chicken salad, but I’m running short of the cheese and pickle,” she replied breathlessly.

“Go to the larder and find the tins of salmon. Mash it with a fork and add salad cream and fresh dill.”

“Good idea.” Celia rushed away as he turned his attention to the stove. It was apparent he would have to hire one or two more workers for the day shift and the pub. But he couldn’t think about that now. Another hour passed, and he only had half a pot left. There was no time to make anything else.

Enya entered the kitchen, grabbed a cup and saucer, and placed them on her tray. “Doctor Hornsby is here. He’s at table eight. I’m getting him tea and chowder. He said there was no rush; come see him when things slow down.”

Early this morning, Liam had had Timmy deliver a note to Drew informing him of the shed fire and the loss of goods. He was no doubt here to discover more about the incident. “Give him a full pot of tea. I may be a while.” Liam ladled chowder into a bowl and slid it along the counter toward Enya without spilling a drop.

Thirty minutes later, the pot was empty, and Liam turned off the gas. He removed his apron and unrolled his shirt sleeves, buttoning the cuffs as he headed toward Celia. “How are you doing?”

Celia wiped her forehead with a tea towel. “All I have is the salmon left.”

“Go to the icebox and bring out the rest of the toff food. We’ll serve tea and cakes until closing—nothing else. Can you manage the kettles for boiling water?”

Celia gave him a warm smile. “Leave it with me.”

Liam caressed her cheek, then tucked a tendril of her lovely hair behind her ear. “You did well today. Grace under pressure. Amazing work.”

Celia blushed prettily. “Thank you. It was busy today.”

“I may have to rethink Monday’s hours.”

“With the cold weather, people look for warmth in the food and the surroundings. I read that in one of the cookbooks.”

“Aye. You’re right. I’m going to speak to Drew. Call out if you need me. I’ll tell the waitresses about the food.”

“Yes, Chef,” she whispered.

Liam chuckled as he grabbed an empty mug and exited the swinging door. The restaurant was still two-thirds full, but everyone had been served, and they were chatting and eating. He located Enya and took her aside. “The chowder’s gone. Tea, cakes, and biscuits until closing. There are a few salmon sandwiches available.” Liam started to step away, but he leaned in and whispered, “Well done today. Please pass on my words to Hannah and the rest.”