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Mr Evans had been dumbfounded. He had no idea how to advertise that and had contacted Nicholas for help. Nicholas sold the jewellery for a fortune, and now Mr Evans had the cash to complete the kitchen, as per Lucian’s orders. So, Mr Evans would go along with Lucian’s plans. But if Maggie truly hated them, he could use her originals, of which he had a copy, and Maggie wouldn’t be out of pocket. The issue was Lucian wanted to surprise Maggie, and Maggie was everywhere!
For the next few days, the kitchen was completely gutted and emptied. The old tiles and crappy flooring were torn out, the fireplaces were repaired, and the chimney sweeps cleaned them. Lucian had a fantastic idea of installing small fans inside the chimneys to suck the smoke away. Mr Evans had finally found a company which made heatproof fans built for that exact reason. He had four on order, two for each fireplace. Lucian remembered that when the hogs were roasted at the inn during a windy night, the smoke could blow back into the kitchen. He didn’t want that for Maggie.
The new plumbing and electrics were hidden, and sockets discreetly placed. The wall connected to the rear of the bar would have a wall-to-wall worktop with cupboards above and below it. They would hold crockery, cutlery, and accessories, etc. At the far end, a double butler sink would be installed.
For the pot washing room, as Lucian called it, two industrial-sized dishwashers would be built in. However, Melisandre had found none that would fit in with the inn’s age. Which was a crying shame, but she’d discovered some in an aged cream colour which was more complimentary than stainless steel. They wouldn’t look too modern and upset the balance Maggie was aiming for. The cleaning room would serve the kitchen and the bar.
Lucian and Melisandre had also got their heads together, and Maggie would have two of each of the industrial freezers and fridges. They’d ordered a tall cake refrigerator. Those five appliances would be situated on the opposite long wall in the far left corner. In the middle of the wall would be an eight-hob range oven with six compartments for cooking. Two microwaves would be placed on a shelf near the stove.
Most of the old kitchen equipment had remained, so Melisandre had sent jelly, cake, and other moulds off to be cleaned and restored. The huge, lined brass soup urns, casserole pots, saucepans, frying pans, steamers and mixing pots were also being relined to stop any instance of food poisoning. Melisandre had been awestruck at the number of antique copper moulds and their various shapes. She’d informed him of the plan to hang them on the walls so Maggie could just reach out and use them.
The fireplaces with their bread ovens were being made functional again. Melisandre was overwhelmed at seeing the two spits to roast meats on. She explained most kitchens used one spit, but Lucian pointed out this had been an inn. While one was cooked, they’d be roasting the next, so they didn’t run out. She also discovered that the fireplace where soups were warmed had some damage and could actually hold four of the large pots that were being repaired. Melisandre now had them on the list to be fixed properly.
During demolition, Mr Evans had realised that plywood had been put up to cover the original plastered walls, and it was merely a case of ripping down the cheap wood. This meant the walls could be painted a beautiful white, and the Tudor beams were once more on display. Maggie would love the kitchen, Mr Evans decided, even though she might be angry Lucian had taken it over!
“Mr Evans?” Maggie asked, interrupting his thoughts.
“Sorry, lass, what is it?”
“The crockery Melisandre said was damaged, but I think she mentioned a shop that could replace it using the same designs and patterns?” Maggie inquired.
“Indeed, she found someone local who is working on the order. I gathered that it was for plates, soups, bowls, dessert dishes, salt and pepper pots, gravy boats, and all the crockery needed.”
“Do you know if she ordered some more of those large serving platters for roast dinners?”
“Yes, Maggie, that I am certain of because she was highly insistent the design be kept. Don’t worry, Maggie, everything is going to plan. Melisandre has even bought linens for the tables in the designs used back then,” Mr Evans said indulgently. Maggie twisted her hands.
“I’m rather at a loss. There is nothing for me to do,” she admitted ruefully, and Mr Evans smiled.
“Oh, there’s plenty you could be doing, Maggie. Melisandre dropped off many folders today with plans for the upstairs rooms. She has several designs for each and wishes you to pick them out. Melisandre wanted me to remind you that each bedroom wouldn’t have been a carbon copy, mainly because of the varying wealth of the guests visiting. So, she needs you to approve plans so she can get started on materials, etc.”
“I’ll do that!” Maggie exclaimed and scurried off.
???
Lucian popped into existence next to Mr Evans, who merely raised an eyebrow.
“One day, I’ll make you jump!” Lucian chuckled.
“Lad, I survived the Rakehell Six. You’re old hat now, son!” Mr Evans teased.
Lucian peered around, pretending to be insulted.
“How goes the kitchen?” Lucian asked.
“A week left. The equipment is arriving soon, and it’s a case of getting Maggie out of the way so it can be installed. Melisandre should also have the furnishing back by then, too,” Mr Evans replied.
“Good, I’m going to find Maggie,” Lucian said, walking away.
Mr Evans rolled his eyes.
“Love is in the air,” he muttered with a smile.
Lucian
Lucian discovered Maggie working in the sun in the overgrown garden. He sighed because she was in the one place he couldn’t go. Usually, when Lucian left the inn, he would reach five steps before being transported back inside. However, today something was encouraging Lucian to go outside. With a resigned sigh, Lucian stepped outside, and Maggie lifted her head to stare at him. Before he knew it, Lucian was carefully sitting at Maggie’s table and expecting to be kicked back into the inn.
“Well, I am still here. That’s rather a big surprise,” Lucian mentioned.
