Page 54 of The Chef and the Countess

Enya smiled and winked as she moved away to attend to a customer.

Liam sat across from Drew. “Any tea left in the pot?”

“Good afternoon. Yes, and it’s still warm. I have been sitting here marveling at your kitchen and wait staff’s efficiency. Impressive. And the chowder was delicious.”

“Thank you. Today was uncommonly busy. I should serve more stews and chowders during the rest of the winter.” Liam poured tea into his mug and added milk from the pitcher. “You got my note?”

“Yes, the fire. How unfortunate. What occurred, exactly?”

Liam relayed the events of Saturday night, along with his visit to the earl and his slimy viscount son the next day.

“Do you believe Darrington was involved?” Drew asked.

“He acted surprised at my declaration. But Shinwell did not. I think Shinwell was involved, but I have no way to prove it. I am sorry for the loss of goods, yours and mine.”

“That is distressing. It appears we will be using the fifteen pounds we received from The Rakes to build a new shed and replenish the food and supplies.”

“Bruce collected the rest of the gaming debt from Hartright yesterday. We can use some of those funds. I know of someone who can build—”

Tommy and Timmy burst through the swinging door, running up to Liam. “Teddy never showed up at school!” Timmy’s voice was filled with worry, his eyes wide.

“Is he in trouble?” Tommy asked worriedly.

“Leave it with me, lads. Go help Celia in the kitchen.” The boys scampered away, and Liam pounded his fist on the table, causing the teapot lid to rattle.

“Is the boy in danger?” Drew asked, showing concern.

“I will soon find out. Come with me to Devil’s Acre. I’ll explain the particulars on the way.”

Liam and Drew entered the kitchen. Liam grabbed his wool coat from the hook by the rear door, then turned toward Celia as he wrapped his scarf around his neck. “I’m going to fetch Teddy. Can you handle things here?”

“Yes. Fiona’s here, too. She’s in the larder gathering ingredients. Since there’s no chowder left, I’m making sandwiches for the staff.”

Liam smiled. “Good. Thank you.”

As Drew and Liam stepped onto the walkway to look for a hansom cab, Drew said, “I take it things are progressing well with you and Lady Celia?”

Lady. Right.

Sometimes, he forgot Celia’s aristocratic ties. How that would bode for the future remained to be seen, although Celia had expressed a desire to stay here, and a desire for him. That filled him with hope. For now, he had to locate Teddy. He never should have sent him to Lucian Sharpe. Liam should have listened to his gut. Too late now.

“Progressed with Celia? You can tell?” Liam asked.

“I may not have much experience with women as my medical practice has hampered my social interactions. However, I can recognize yearning looks when I see them.”

This meant others may have noticed as well. Liam had always been cautious with his emotions, packing them away deep within. Not with Celia, it seemed. “Aye, but how wise is it? That’s another conversation altogether.” Liam waved down an oncoming cab. Wise or not, there was no denying his growing feelings, and knowing Celia felt the same had his heart beating double time.

As they climbed in and gave the address, Liam felt a growing dread. Lucian Sharpe was not to be crossed. They shared a begrudging and wary respect and even had brief conversations several times in the past.

Liam preferred to keep his distance from the man.

But now, there was no choice.

None at all.