Page 39 of Murder in Blackfriars

In spite of my annoyed declaration to Daniel that I’d do as I pleased, what I truly wished was to treasure every moment I could with Grace. Therefore, I did not fuss when the cabbie halted in Cheapside. I departed from them tranquilly, vowing inwardly to begin investigating as soon as I was able.

Now, in the kitchen, Tess peered curiously at Mr. Davis when he again thunked down the bottles of wine for today’s sauces and walked frostily away.

“Does he have the grippe, do you think?” Tess asked. “He’s been closed as a clam this past week.” She shivered. “I hope not. It’s catching, innit?”

“He is unhappy with me, but we will weather it,” I said as I tied on my apron.

Tess shook her head but returned to her chopping. “Well, I hope you make it up, because he’s that unpleasant when he’s angry.”

I agreed. I’d tried to explain my feelings about Daniel to Mr. Davis, but I recognized a stubborn streak when I saw one.

Elsie sailed in from the scullery as Tess and I began to prepare supper. “Note came for you, Mrs. H. While you was out.”

“Thank you, Elsie.” I took it from her and opened it, at once recognizing Hannah’s scrawl.

It’s all fixed, she wrote.You can start on Monday.

12

I folded the note and slid it into my pocket, reflecting that Hannah was determined to pry me from this kitchen and have me behind a table selling pastries as soon as possible. Truth to tell, I was excited about it myself.

I sat down and pulled out my notebook, turning it to the pages of notes I’d made about my new stall.

I’d already had the idea to begin with the meat pies Mrs. Bywater pretended to turn up her nose at, which could be served cold. Fruit tarts could as well, though they were a bit messier.

However, if I folded a tart crust over the fruit and baked them that way, like a pasty, they could be eaten from one’s hand. I could do savory pasties with the meat filling as well.

So many decisions to make.

No matter which form the pies took, I’d need the ingredients for each. I began to make a list, letting my cook’s mind take over. I’d have to spend my own money for these things,and Joanna was right that I ought to use her kitchen to bake my goods in, at least for now.

I tried to push from my mind that Grace would soon depart. I’d not fuss, I’d decided. I’d let her go with dignity, and plan for taking her in for good next summer.

The practical part of me commended me for my self-control. The part of me that was still the terrified young mother wanted to break down and weep.

Tess watched me from the other end of the table, clearly wondering why she was suddenly doing all the work herself.

“Everything all right, Mrs. H.?” she asked with an edge to her voice.

“Pardon?” I raised my head, dragged back into the present. “Oh, I am sorry, Tess. I’m caught up in my own thoughts.”

I made myself drop the notebook and pencil back into my pocket and take up a knife to slice carrots.

“It’s the potatoes what need the chopping,” Tess pointed out. “I’ve already done enough carrots.”

“The pan juices can’t have enough carrots,” I said glibly. “Might as well finish this one.”

“If you say so, Mrs. H.”

I’d made her cross, which I regretted. “Sit down a moment, Tess. You’ve done all the work today.” As Tess only stared at me, I carried on. “I am about to ask you to contribute more labor, but for me, personally. Would you like to help me with my new market stall?”

Tess’s mouth became a round O. “Market stall?”

I explained to her what I’d done—I’d committed myself well and truly now.

“It will mean more work for you, so I understand if you don’t agree,” I finished. “But I am realizing I’ll need help with it, if I’m to create enough food to sell. Mostly I will need assistancepreparing the ingredients, and it will have to be done when you have time of your own.”

Tess’s wide grin had blossomed as I’d spoken. “I’d love to, Mrs. H.,” she gushed. “I could do things on a Sunday, whenever Caleb ain’t free. Which is much of the time now.” Her smile faded.