Christmas with the Queen

Chapter 57 Jack

Chapter 57

Jack

London, April 1957

W hen opening day finally arrived, I felt oddly calm. We went about a few last chores, checking the prep stations, polishing the last of the glassware, and meeting with the saucier, grillardin, line cooks, sous-chefs, and ma ? tre d’ to make sure everyone was confident and ready.

When late afternoon arrived, we dressed in our chef whites and joined the staff for our family-style meal before service began. Everyone was excited to get started. Mason and I had set up a prix fixe menu to ease the staff into the swing of things for the first night. We were serving baked oysters with bourbon-butter breadcrumbs, fresh cornbread, white fish with beurre blanc and a pinch of cayenne, mixed vegetables with herbs, a slow-cooked beef dish, and beignets and crème br?lée. An impressive selection of wines and champagne lined the cellar walls. We’d also set aside a special case of champagne for the official toast at eight o’clock.

I sorted through the pile of fresh vegetables, setting aside those that were less than perfect to take home later.

Lucy raced into the kitchen. “I’ve finished rolling the knives and forks in napkins. What else can I do?”

“You’re a great help, kiddo. Here, why don’t you help me choose the best of these carrots?” She was keen to get involved, to learn more about everything we were making. My daughter was eager and inquisitive, just like her mother. I hoped she would become a good cook one day, like her father. “Then how about you see if Mason has finished setting up the pastry tray? Maybe you can help him decide where to put everything.”

Her eyes widened. “Can I have a slice of that big cake?”

“Maybe later, when we come back to eat,” Olive interjected with a laugh as she appeared in the kitchen looking for our daughter.

Our daughter.

It had been surprisingly easy, in the end, to tell her. Olive had done a wonderful job of explaining everything, and when we’d met in the park, Lucy had run to me, and I’d swept her into a huge fatherly hug. We’d all agreed to take things one day at a time, and every day I spent with Olive and Lucy felt more perfect than the last.

I grinned. “I wonder where she gets her enthusiasm.”

“From you!” Olive said, leaning in to kiss me.

“From both of us,” I said as I wrapped my arms around her and enjoyed the feel of her soft lips against mine. “All right, you’d better be off, too. You’re a distraction! I need to focus.”

She turned to go, pausing at the doorway to blow me another kiss over her shoulder. “We’ll see you tonight. Good luck, darling. You’ll be wonderful.”

“It’s time!” I announced to the crew. “Let’s do it!”

The ma?tre d’ unlocked the front door. A line of people already stretched down the street. In an instant, the dining room swarmed with guests.

I headed back to the kitchen, where a flurry of activity was well underway. Soon, the opening orders were called as the first tickets arrived. I finished each plated meal with an artful touch before placing them on the pass and calling for service, while Mason ran things in the back. It was frantic, hot, and loud, everyone whirling around the different stations and counters, knocking into each other occasionally, but overall, things ran as smooth as a slick of butter on a hot, honeyed biscuit. I smiled to myself as Mason sang out one order after another, and the ma?tre d’ returned again and again to deliver more praise from satisfied diners.

Two hours into the shift, the ma?tre d’ poked his head around the kitchen door. “They’re here, chef.”

I washed my hands, wiped the sweat from my brow, and straightened my jacket before stepping into the dining room. As I looked to the entrance, my heart soared.

The Carters had arrived. Olive’s parents, Barbara and Bob, in their Sunday best, and Lucy, pretty in purple and with ribbons in her hair. Olive was stunning in a gold dress that shimmered as she moved, perfect for opening night. She smiled one of her bright, beautiful smiles.

As I approached, I grinned from ear to ear. “You’re gorgeous.” I kissed her lightly. “And you are too, sweetie,” I said to Lucy, before shaking Bob’s hand and kissing Barbara on the cheek. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Carter. Thank you for coming.”

“Oh, you don’t have to call us that, dear,” Mrs. Carter said. “It’s Bob and Barbara to you. We’re practically family, after all.”

I laughed. “Very well.”

“Everything looks amazing!” Olive said. “The tablecloths, the lighting, the paintings. It smells divine, too.”

“Let’s hope it tastes divine. Follow me. The others arrived a few minutes ago.” I showed them to their table where Rosie, Maggie, and Ryan were already seated. “I’ll send out some champagne.” I signaled to their waiter, who arrived promptly.

“My goodness, it’s Evans and Mrs. Leonard!” Olive exclaimed, as she recognized the staff from Sandringham. They were seated at the table across from her. “How lovely of you both to come. And how lovely to see you together.”

Evans winked. “We wouldn’t miss it. Max told us all about it.”

Mrs. Leonard’s cheeks flushed a little as she smiled, shyly. “Life can’t all be work and no play.”

Next, Olive spotted her boss, Tom Harding and his wife, Evelyn. She was so happy to see them both. I knew then that her night was as complete as mine.

I smiled and headed back toward the kitchen, stopping by Max’s table on my way. A few of my friends from the palace staff had joined him. “Thank you all for being here.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Max said, shaking my hand heartily. “Tell Mason to come out, too, when he has a minute. We want to congratulate him.”

“I will. But I’d better get cookin’, or you won’t be eating tonight!”

Their laughter followed me as I headed back to the kitchen.

When the time came for the official toast, the staff abandoned their stations for a moment and joined the guests in the dining room. As champagne glasses were distributed, I was nearly overcome with emotion. It was time.

I tapped my fork against my water glass.

“Can I have your attention, please? I’d like to propose a toast.” I waited for a moment as everyone turned to face me. “Thank you all for coming to our opening night, and for supporting this endeavor that my talented partner, Mason, and I are deeply proud of. It means more to us than you can imagine to see this dining room full.” I met the eyes of Ryan and Maggie, and continued. “I’d like to take a moment to honor my grandpa, who first taught me the power of a great meal and the magic of spices. I hope you’re making gumbo in heaven, Grandpa.” I paused as everyone burst into spontaneous applause. “I’d also like to say a special thank you to Max Barrington, whose patience and encouragement pushed me to the next level. You’re a gracious gentleman, Max, and a great friend.” He smiled, and I pushed on. “To dear Mrs. Howard, whose kind heart and generous gift made this all possible, and to all the loved ones who are no longer with us, but who we will always remember. And finally, to my darling Olive and our daughter Lucy. I love you both with all my heart.” Olive blew me a kiss. “Now, if you’ll all raise a glass to Andrea’s. May your stomachs always be satisfied and your hearts always be full. Cheers!”

A chorus of voices rang out in celebration across the crowded room as my eyes searched for Olive’s. She was my past and my future.

She raised her glass and mouthed the words, “I love you” as she smiled proudly.

I had done it. We had done it. And we had done it well.