My Lady Chef novel Chapter 68

Ely's POV:

"Is that so?" I was preparing this month's expenditure report after adding all the other reports from the duke's other estates.

"Yes, Your Grace. The cafe has been doing so well these past 4 months; Many of our workers who are assigned to the second district are clamoring for us to open another cafe there. As you well know the third district is a bit far from the second hence the high demand for another place close to them."

"I do not think it is wise. The current sales might be strong now but I want to check the statistics after a year to make plans for the cafe to function properly even without me. Opening another cafe is not a wise move for now." I finished the reports and sealed them before giving it to Milford who was waiting beside me.

"I ensure that the duke has ordered me to assist you in your endeavor. He has been pleased with the profits the new cafe was generating. Are you saying you want to maintain the first cafe for now?"

I nodded and he seems satisfied with my decision.

"Pierce. Take a survey poll amongst the workers in the second district for a week. I will see what can be done after I review the results. I want you to tailor the questionnaire specifically on what food the customers like at the cafe." I told him. "I will come up with another idea to provide more profits other than opening another cafe depending on the result."

"A very wise choice, Your Grace." He seems pleased and after a few more discussions. He left with Milford.

I stretched across the desk where I was writing and looked around the culinary house.

A lot has changed in a few months. What used to be my room was now a private study and the rooms were renovated and outfitted into areas that helped me with my food research.

The rooms below were turned into a library that contains books on food and cooking while the other two were turned into an herb and greens nursery so that we can grow our own spices and vegetables; there was even an entire shelf where I store Exotic Land spices and seasonings that are similar to soy sauce, Chinese five-spice and vinegar among others.

There was also a cool storage room for tea and coffee. I have bought every foreign and unique kind of tea and coffee from the merchants in the exotic lands.

The upper rooms were used as my study and an entertainment parlor where I can receive guests.

It was my small slice of heaven.

"Milady, you have a visitor." Linda came in and bowed while she told me this. "Lady Baristani has come to call."

I perked up. Among the ladies that I have met during the events.

Lady Baristani was one of the more refreshing women I have ever met.

We became friends and kept in touch through letters since she went back to finishing school for ladies months ago.

However, I have heard from her recent letter that she decided to leave the school for good much to the dismay of her father. For her to see me as soon as she got back to the city; I was intrigued and curious.

Linda led me back to the main house where I stopped when I saw Mrs. Yates leaving the main parlor with a sour face. Her eyes then went to me and I could feel the simmering hate from her every time we cross paths.

I refused to back down and solemnly glared at her as I stood in her way.

"Bring tea to the main parlor, Mrs. Yates."