Page 75 of The Chef and the Countess

Liam wrote on his floor map and turned toward the stove.

Hannah leaned in and whispered, “It’s for that earl. Celia’s with him.”

Celia, sitting down and breaking bread with Winterwood? Why? Liam shook his head and flipped over the shrimp and haddock cakes sizzling in the cast iron frypan. She had too kind a heart. Liam turned toward the nearby prep table, slid the cakes onto two plates, and then served the vegetables, drizzling them with warm dill sauce.

“Table four!”

Hannah grabbed the plates and exited the kitchen. Liam had no time to contemplate what was happening, for the servers called out more orders.

He glanced at Fiona, busily making sandwiches. “How are the fillings holding up?”

“So far, we’re fine. At least for the next hour.”

Someone pounded at the rear entrance door. Liam definitely needed more help in the kitchen. “Fiona, see who that is. Please.”

She returned with a man carrying a large box. “It’s toff food!”

“And I’ve got another box this big out in me cart,” the man stated.

Bloody hell. What was he going to do with all this? Usually, only a tray or two were sent maybe twice a week, not boxes filled with food. “Set them on the table there. Where did it come from?”

“The Duke of Chellenham. He said it was from a banquet that was canceled. It’s from some aristo acquaintance or some such.”

The Duke of Chellenham, Damon Cranston, the half-brother he had yet to meet—or accept.

Drew and Mitchell had told him that Chellenham was a decent sort despite his aristocratic manner. Liam should make it a point to meet the man before the February meeting where he was to discuss The Hallahan Initiative and the funding of it. What a pretentious name for a charity venture. Regardless, he would mention arranging an introduction with Chellenham the next time he saw Drew. “Thank the duke for me.”

The delivery man touched his forelock and left the kitchen to bring in the other box.

“Fiona,” Liam said after the delivery man departed, “In between your sandwich orders, see what’s inside the boxes.”

“I don’t have any now. I’ll check.” Taking a small paring knife, she slit the tape on the box and open the flaps. “Cor, blimey. It’s a feast for a queen. There’s a saddle of mutton here! Battenburg cake, that’s what they call that checkered cake, aye?”

“Aye. Slice off a piece. Is it fresh?”

Fiona tore off the corner and ate it. “Oh, that’s lovely, that is.”

She then approached him, holding out a small piece. He opened his mouth, and Fiona popped it in. It melted on his tongue. It was absolutely delicious. “Slice some of that for the tea trays,” she said.

“There are also what look like almond cakes, Bakewell tarts, and savory crackers. We should serve some of this tonight for the family meal.”

“See if Enya can come in here for a moment. I’ve got to place the meat in the iceboxes or larder.”

“Right-o.” Fiona hurried out into the restaurant and located Enya.

With Enya tending the stove, Liam got to work emptying the boxes: roast pork, duchess potatoes, dinner rolls, mustard pickles, baked trout with a sauce, mince pies, and more.

Right. He’d have to offer some of this on today’s menu because there was too much food to fit into cold storage.

“Enya, are all the orders up to date?”

“For the moment.”

“Go and fetch the servers. We will switch some of the items on this afternoon’s menu.” Enya departed.

Hannah stuck her head in. “Two chowder, table five!”

Liam waved her into the kitchen. “Is that it for the orders?”