Ch 39: Gingerbread heaven
A week after. . .
I received the letter of Seawright.
"Dear Ms. Baker,
It is Marchioness Seawright who writes to you. I would like to inform you that your "suggestion," worked. It's been a while since my husband and I were "active," and even though it seemed too lewd for my taste, I gave it ago and I just have to say: best night of my life.
I hope you had a good blizzard vacation and that it didn't disrupt your busy life as much as it probably already have.
I would also like to receive news about the gingerbread houses and families. My Riven has told me that he has been dreaming of a "gingerbread heaven" and has been telling his cousins all about it. Talking about that, I would like you to add them too for the second house.
I hope is not to late to clarify, but I would to add some details:
For gingerbread house number 1:
— Me
— My husband
— My son
— Mother-in law
— An extra baby (I've been expecting for some time now)
For gingerbread house number 2:
— My sisters and their husbands
— My nephews
I attached some sketches and small painting for the second house people and Mother-in law.
Thank you again for this order.
Sincerely,
Lady Seawright.
P.S: I sent 500 copper for the deal we made about "that," keep the other half as a tip for the favor."
I had to stop myself fro screaming out of joy. Lady Seawright is pregnant!! I exclaimed internally. 'Orson! Cover me for a bit, I have a letter to write!' I ran to my office.
'Okay, I'll take over!' Orson let me go.
I closed myself in the office and started to write the letter.
"Dear Lady Seawright,
I thank you for the clarification and images of your family. I feel honored to receive such order.
As you have guessed, the blizzard stopped my new staff in coming for all the time the blizzard was coming through the town. I will let you know that I just opened the restaurant and bakery once more on the day: ****,**.
The good news are, that thanks to the new staff helping throughout the day, I've been capable to finish around a half of the process of the gingerbread houses. I calculate around next week or so to be finished with the gingerbread houses. You shall receive a letter with more details next though.
The letter shall also include the days you would be able to pick the gingerbread house packages plus the gingerbread families' packages. The letter should include the full price of everything, although, if it doesn't appear, don't worry, it just means that it's best to discuss the price in person.
Other wise, the place is running and if you want to visit any time before your order is finished, you may.
Sincerely, Miss Baker."
I put the letter in the envelop and put it in the mail box, to then run back to the kitchen and continue with my duties.
And also to prepare the payments of everyone.
.
.
.
Next week. . .
'Orson help me here.' I motioned Orson to help with the last features of the gingerbread houses number number one.
'This, is not a meal, it's a piece of art.' Orson whispered as he hooded the house in its place.
'Heh. That's same thing the chef Professor of my son said.' I hold a chuckle as I kept doing the"art." 'There we go!'
Orson took away his hand and sighed too. 'Phew! Done.'
'Now to finish gingebread house number 2!' I declared turning to the other house with no decoration yet.
'Oof. . .' Orson sighed tired. 'You sure know how to make things complicated.'
'Believe me, I wish to know when to stop.' I sighed tired as well.
*Pam!!* Ginevra entered the kitchen with a kick and tiredness. 'Miss Baker!'
I turned to stare at her with my "you almost ruined my master piece" stare which made everyone shiver.
'E-Em. . . Th-The Marchioness. . O-Of Seawright, wants to talk to you.' Ginevra informed me.
My deadly stare went to full oh shit stare. Everyone turned to see me which made me sweat. 'Em, tell her to wait on a table, that I shall attend her shorty.' I muttered loud enough for Ginevra to hear.
Ginevra nodded and exit the kitchen.
Orson and I turned to see each other for a few seconds. 'Ruin the gingerbread house and I'll dock your pay.' I gave him the tool to make the buttercream decorations.
'Understood.' Orson took the tool and got serious. 'Andrew! Help me hold it!' He motioned another part-time chef.
'On it!' Andrew took hold of the house.
'Do. Not. Move.' Orson warned him.
'O-Okay.' Andrew nodded.
I ran to the eating lounge and searched for lady Seawright.
I noticed in one of the tables near the kids' area and close to a window, I saw the Seawright couple drinking coffee and tea in soft silence.
I trotted to them and bowed. 'I, Miss Baker, greets the Marquess and Marchioness of Seawright .' I greeted them.
The couple smiled. 'We greet you too.' They both said at the same time.
'Please sit down Miss Baker, we mean no harm.' Lady Seawright pointed to a chair between in her right and her husband's left.
I took a seat took a deep breath. 'Are the beverages sgood?' I asked them.
'Oh it is wonderful.' Lord Seawright smiled a bit. 'I was a bit hesitant with how low the price is, but it is quite impressive that the coffee is this good.' He complimented.
'I'm glad.' I thank him and then turned to see Lady Seawright. 'I believe that you both are here to know the exact details for the gingerbreads' houses?' I asked.
Lady Seawright nodded. 'I understand you are busy, but we decided to make a visit just to make sure there are no more inconvenientes for now, we also wanted to try the food and our son wanted to check out the kids' area.' Lady Seawright turned to see her son using the wooden horse and having the time of life with it. 'I'm glad he's having fun.'
I'm glad they are not here for my head. I commented internally as I relaxed then. 'In any case, the gingerbread houses are actually almost ready, we just need to decorate them and they shall be ready for you to take them.'
'Oh! Wonderful! It seems we decided to come at the right time.' Lady Seawright clapped happily with her husband nodding in agreement.
I smiled a bit nervously though. 'The only issue is, it might take another two or three hours.' I informed them. 'I-I'm not throwing you out or anything close to it, but I'm informing you that it will take time.' I clarified quickly.
'Oh don't worry. Take your time.' Lady Seawright acknowledged. 'Either way, we were hoping to stay for lunch and see how you manage the place.' She looked around. 'For this place being once upon a time a sugar mill, it looks beautiful.' She complimented it.
'Aw thank you, your ladyship.' I nodded to her. 'In that case, whenever you are ready, you can call the server to get you some food.' I pointed to the menus under their free hands.
'Thank you, Miss Baker.' The couple said with a smile. 'You may go now.' They let me go.
I sat up, made a bow, and made my way quickly to the kitchen. 'Okay everybody, the Seawright family shall stay until they have their meal and when they get the gingerbread packages! I got this under control, just making sure you guys know this!' I let the staff know as I returned to check on Orson's progress.
'Alright!' The staff exclaimed working extra hard now.
I took the tool from Orson and took a quick look to his progress. 'That's beautiful.' I acknowledged it.
Orson looked proud and went to take the place of Andrew who went back to cooking other people's meals.
. . . .
A few hours later. . .
We finally finished the last gingerbread house and set them up outside with someone watching it from the window. It was a way to cool everything off and after three minutes, I got it back inside and wrap it up along the other gingerbread house and packages.
Then, Orson and I went to deliver the packages to the Seawright family who has just decided to have their meal.
From the looks of it, they decided to have shepherd's pie family combo, which included a potatoe soup with crackers, Caesar salad, the shepherd pie with three plates to share, and three mini pies of different flavors: cheesecake with cherry jam for lady Seawright, pecan pie for Lord Seawright, and apple cinnamon pie for Riven Seawright.
'Good afternoon, my lords.' I greeted them with a big box (for the gingerbread house) and a smaller box (for the gingerbread family) and settle it down carefully on a table beside them. 'My right hand, Orson and I have the orders ready.' I declared with Orson doing the same thing too.
We showed them the houses and the gingerbread people.
'Wooohoooooo!' Riven jumped excited.
Lady Seawright nodded as she patted her son's hair. 'How much is it?' She asked.
'Well, this time it took me five hours per gingerbread house, which made seventy-five coppers per house, multiplying seventy-five pero two equals one hundred and fifty coppers plus the normal prices of the gingerbread house. . .' I made the calculations in my mind as we wrapped the food yet again and sighed heavily already expecting a rejection. 'It costs about, one hundred and ninety-nine coppers?' I answered feeling dread.
Orson was sweating while the couple didn't even blinked an eye.
Lord Seawright took out his punch and took bronce. A bronce could be considered worth twenty or thirty coppers depending on whether regular or bigger size. Lord Seawright took out in total twenty bronce coins and nine of copper and handed them to me. 'Here you go.' He said simply.
I had to hold a sigh of relief of not having to throw the effort out the trash. 'T-Thank you sir!' I made able with Orson and we swiftly returned to the kitchen. 'Phew!! We made it out alive!' I cleaned the sweat off my forehead.
'Alive is an understatement! We impressed them!' Orson declared cleaning his own forehead. 'Nobles have the bad habit of denying to pay anything that is not to their liking, if they actually pay for the whole thing it means they exceeded their expectations.' He murmured a bit shocked.
'Heyheyhey! Don't you dare leave me here! There's still work to be done! We have adverted the crisis but it's not over until we are close!' I took him by the shoulders and shook a bit. 'We need to work, you go help with soups, I'll help with the meat, now!' I ran to such side as Orson did the same.
Before I went full cooking mode, I took a peek on how the noble family was doing and they were watching the bartenders do some tricks and maneuvers wiith the bottles and drinks. Lord Seawright and Riven were most impressed by Nathan, Lady Seawright on the other hand, was more peeking the gingerbread houses and often times opening the smaller boxes to stare at the gingerbread people.
I have a huge feeling that Lady Seawright is going to spread word soon. I sighed heavily. Might as well make sure I have enough for the winter if it is such case. I went full cooking mode after that.
Hours later, Ginevra told me that they took their orders, payed for the meal and even slipped a huge tip of 10 silver coins as they were leaving.
. . .
A few days later. . .
In less than a week, a lot more Lord's and lady's have been visiting the restaurant. Some might have been a bit skeptical due to me not diving the place by social standards or social status, but I always remind them (kindly) that as a commoner myself, I always try to be cordial to who are those less and better fortunate than me. And as a commoner, I would be a hipocrate to just change my attire and the restaurant just because I am making more money than most commoners.
Fortunately, most are less skeptical after that and start by buying baked good in the bakery area.
I made sure to put on display the season's goods:
— Cheesecake.
— Mint adds or mint flavor goods; chocomint, mint, etc.
— Gingerbread people & houses.
— Suggar cinnamon.
Thankfully, it has worked just fine and the popularity of cheesecake is as well as mint. But the gingerbread people and houses sales are sky high as we speak, with full orders both practical and personal.
I don't know whether it is lady Seawright's word spreading or the people who saw those houses during my visitas to the academy, but the gingerbread are basically becoming the trend of winter.
December has come and the environment has been cheery and incredibly beautiful. Just like upon a time a December from a long time ago.
I wonder. . Shall I add a bonus for the New Year's? I thought about it and shook my head. It's still too early for the business to do that type of stuff. Maybe next year. I sighed.
. . .
A few weeks later. . .
I put a poster on the board wall and on the kitchen board wall that everybody shall have the New Year's Eve free for family time, and I personally told them that if they wanted to have something that hasn't sold by then, they get to keep some stuff to bring home.
For example, the plain loafs, oatmeal cookies, and oatmeal muffin sales are slowing down so a lot of bread is staying behind. So if they want to take stuff that was not sold before the New Year's, they could take a much as they could.
Obviously, those who were short on money like Arion and Andrew, who happy to receive such things. But people like some already experimented chefs were not so kin for it.
I also went to but baskets and did the Winter baskets once more. But I changed the ñnames for "New Year's basket" for the small basket and the "New Year's party" basket for the big one. Most of the common and low noble people liked it and bought almost all of them by the last day before New Year's day.
But even then, there were a lot of stuff, which was still an issue. I decided to bring the last bit to the market to try and sell them like back before, but then I heard something from a pair of nobles who were walking on contrary direction from where I was heading to.
'Did you hear that the new orphanage of the town did not got enough funds for food this winter?' On lord told the other in an elegant tone. 'The little demons shall be hungry at the end of the year.'
'Poor children.' The other noble shrugged it off while not looking that sorry for the children.
The new orphanage, huh? I wondered. Yeah, the kids need food. I nodded to myself and headed to the center to look for at the new map to see where it was.
. . . .
20 minutes later. . .
I found the orphanage. It was in the outskirts of both the Bakingwood town and the city walls. No wonder it was so hard to find it, it's practically outside of town.
I stopped at the door and knocked at the door a few times. After a few moments, a little girl opened the door. She looked horrible. A little light plain dress which was dirty, like her face, hair and hands, and she was not wearing shoes. She was staring at me in complete wonder.
'Hi little one.' I waved cheerily at her. 'Can I talk to the one in charge?' I asked her.
The girl seemed to process the question and then shook her head.
'Why not?' I asked her.
The girl hesitated a little and then motioned me towards her. I did as she wanted me to and then she whispered, 'They left.'
My eyes widened and became outraged. 'Where?' I asked her making sure I kept my composure.
The little girl shrugged.
I thought about it for a moment and then decided on one thing. 'Can I talk to the oldest kid then?' I requested.
The girl processed my question and nodded to then leave the door open. Out of respect, I waited patiently for a few moments while I made my horses get closer with the cart with the baked goods. Once I finished that, I felt a tug on my coat and I turned slowly to see a young boy, no less than my twins, with short pants rugged, a dirty shirt, and old shoes.
'Hello there.' I tugged down my scarf and showed him a smile. 'Are you guys hungry?' I asked him.
The boy seemed in a trance for a few moments to then nod at me.
'Very well.' I hopped on the cart and showed a big loaf. 'Help me bring them inside and all these are yours!' I exclaimed.
The boy and others of his ages helped me and in less than ten minutes, all the food I brought was inside.
'Is there anything else you need today?' I asked them.
The boy was a bit hesitant but then had to bring the door closer due to the cold.
'Do you guys have enough wood?' I asked him.
They boy looked at me and shook his head.
This is my chance. I smiled. 'I'll bring some firewood. Does that sound good?' I asked him and he nodded. 'Great! Just one more thing, do you know when the adult or adults are going to return?' I asked him.
The boy hesitated and then shook his head while avoiding eye contact.
He know. But he's afraid. I kneeled down to be at his level and looked at him in the eyes. 'You know, I had a terrible childhood too. I had to be under the roof of an evil man who would constantly berate me and blame me for the situation he put me through. Nothing I did was never enough. I knew I had to get out of there, but I didn't know how.' I looked briefly away and then back at him. 'That's when I spoke up. As I spoke the truth, people started to see me, to hear me. To listen to me. They were listening the trouble I was in, and how the danger was around me. It was then, that people helped me. When they listened and heard me.' I took his hand in mine. 'I was only able to be free by speaking.'
The boy was tearing up and started to sob. I hugged him. 'You guys are very brave, but you are just kids, you don't need to face this alone.' I patted on his back. 'Now, please, if you guys want a better caregiver say so. Let me help you. I can only do so, by you telling me anything that the adults have or have not done for you.' I patted his head. 'I'll ask again, do you know when will the ones in charge return?' I asked him.
The boy was sobbing a little. He cleaned his tears with his arm and then he whispered, 'T-They. . - they said. . . Tha-that they would, co-come back, af-after new years.' He sniffled and sobbed.
I nodded and hugged him. 'It's going to be okay little one.' I patted his head. 'I'm gonna go get help. You guys stay here and fill your bellies as you can. Okay?'
The boy nodded.
'If it gets colder reunite yourselves and hug each other to preserve the warmth of your bodies.' I advised him as I retreated to my horses. 'The more people the better!' I waved goodbye and started riding back to town.
The boy waved goodbye and then returned inside.
I sped up head to the Centre building. I was NOT gonna let this slide. No. Siri. Bob.
.
.
.
Hours after. . .
The good news, is that the kids were now safe and sound. The bad news is, that a group of children, were under my care. Again. Fortunately, the group was of fifteen kids instead of a hundred this time. Eight boys and seven girls.
The only consolation I got was that this time, the money funds were going to me while the law searched for the ones in charge. It was enough for me to go buy a lot of clothing and brought back to the children who were cuddling close to the fireplace.
Of course, since they were dirty, I wasn't going to let them wear their new gear. Before that, I transported the children to the inner bathroom where I received the help of the old librarian and Primrose to help with the kids.
Once they have been washed up, I transported them back home, and taught them to sleep and cuddle among each other.
'Thank you. . .' The oldest boy said as he went to sleep.
'It's okay now.' I took a huge blanket and let it fall under the group of children. 'Sleep well.' I said as I took my own kids to sleep and myself to sleep.
.
.
.
The next day. . .
The Mayor and a the general came to see the children.
Unfortunately for them, the children were terrified of them and they were hiding behind me all together as if I was capable of hiding and protect them.
We had to talk about what was going to happen to them from now on since they weren't sure either.
It was hard talk that had to happen with the kids present, at the same time was necessary.
In the end, we were drawn to the conclusion that I would be left with them for the rest of the weekend while they find any warmer places for them, as the last thing they wanted was for them to end up in criminal hands or worse.
Since no one has a parent or a guardian for them, they were owned by the Mayor, and the best case escenario, he would be selling them as servants, worst case escenario, they would return to the cold dark place where I draw them out with a new (but not secured) orphanage owner.
I sighed heavily. How did I get myself in this situation? I asked myself as I fed my baby and saw other three babies to feed. I swear I need to learn how become a bystander sometimes. I cursed my luck.
Although I turned to see Liam getting along with the kids and were playing some boardgames to keep them occupied. Oh wow, guess my luck wasn't too bad. If I hadn't bought those I would most definetely have a whole new caos in here. I sighed more relieved about it.
I could only hope that help would come before having to open the restaurant again. Not making money is crime.
.
.
.
On Sunday. . .
Wooohoooooo!! The kids are leaving for the better! I exclaimed internally as I saw the new place for the kids. It was more comfortable and the owners, who were an advanced age couple but could still do childcare, were given the job for the winter. 'Thank you so much Miss Graham!' I stretched her hands.
'Thank you for saving these children.' She thanked me in return. 'If it wasn't because of you, one would never have found out that the owner of the orphanage was actually spending the funds on gambles and women instead of helping these children.' She gave me her perspective.
'It was nothing.' I sighed heavily. But I will most definitely not have more than two children per package from now on. This time is four but two are in school so I have little to take care of them for. Thankfully, Liam made new friends and now I can bring him here (for a bit of money) so he can get used to other children and only having the baby to take care of for now. I was crying internally for the plan that was working inside my head. 'Anyway, I shall see you tomorrow to deliver Liam so he can play with the kids?' I asked.
'Yes of course.' Mrs. Graham nodded and went inside as I went to my cart and bid her, her husband and the kids goodbye. 'Be careful!' She advised me.
'I will!' I promised as I part from them and ridged back to my restaurant. 'Now I just need to check what was missing and what foods can we use with the leftovers.' I sighed a bit tired.
.
.
.
Monday. . . .
Because of a lot of people wanted gingerbread of any type, the ginger had quickly almost ran out of stuck. And because I saw it as a holiday season spice (especially for the gingerbread house and cookies) I decided on a radical idea.
Using the last of ginger to make mini gingerbread houses and the normal size gingerbread cookies and present them with the discount of fifty percent of the original price for commoners and a normal price for the nobles and rich.
I was fearing of the response from the nobles, but rather, they seemed to like it. I don't understand why, but they did like it.
I also included a medium size jar for donations for the orphanage, and I put a note that said: "Start the New Year with empathy and kindness. Every donation coin will go for the new orphanage."
The staff was a bit weirded out about the last part, but when I told them the story ohf how I found out that the owner of the orphanage was being an ass and how they left the orphans with no food nor firewood, they didn't hesitate to spread the word with the clients.
'Wow! Not even twelve and many people have almost filled the jar.' I was amazed.
'Yeah, I'm as surprised as you are.' Orson nodded in agreement and disbelief. 'How did you know it would work?' He asked.
'I had no idea. I just thought some rich people would give a coin or two to make themselves look better but not the commoners and nobles too!' I exclaimed in a low voice while holding the jar. 'I wonder if I can find anymore jars to use.'
'Shall I go find some?' Orson asked.
'Yeah, bring another.' I nodded in agreement. 'Bring two just in case.'
Orson nodded and went to check if we still had in the warehouse or in another place.
'I just hope it's not doesn't escalate as much as I think it will.' I murmured feeling tiny bit of fear as I left the cashier and the jar alone.
. . .
At the end of the day. . .
Five jars. Five jars of the same size and the first one and now I have to count every single coin and separate them from copper, bronce and even silver.
Cool.
'Thanks for staying and helping me out, Orson.' I looked at him while making calculations on paper.
'No problem. Let me tell you though, the way you do the multiplications is way better and more accurate.' Orson complimented me. 'No wonder I would always get a C in math, this way is more efficient.' He murmured annoyed.
I stifled a laugh and I kept doing calculations with a smile.
Hours later, we went to deliver the money to the old couple who were thrilled along with the other children.
What I didn't expect was for them to actually use it to spoil the children by asking to buy one of the the last gingerbread mini houses (which there was two by a miracle), and me, being the kind woman I was, I couldn't say no.
Might as well change these season from winter season to Gingerbread heaven season.