Page 31 of The Heart’s Choice (Cotton Cops Mysteries #1)

Chapter 30

Renovations

I n the two weeks leading up to the wedding, Belmont Grange became the scene of frenzied activity that had nothing to do with the blessed event. Having inspected her proposed new residence, Lucinda decreed the kitchen was to be modernized. Bea kept to herself the opinion that Lucinda was unlikely to do any cooking. Glenda, of course, was all in favor of many of the proposed improvements.

A cast-iron range was purchased and installed, replacing the ancient wood-stove. It consisted of two ovens with a cast-iron plate on top, and a sealed chimney. It was identical to the one in Sandiford Manor. Lucinda declared it smoke free and fuel efficient.

“This kitchen was built as far from the living rooms as possible, which is a good thing,” Lucinda opined with satisfaction. “So, no smoke, smells, or noises can penetrate the living areas and fire hazards are kept far away.”

Each time she visited, she came with a copy of Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, and shared much of its contents with the workmen hired to bring the kitchen up to scratch.

“At least this kitchen is on the cooler side of the house and it does face north, though we may have to move the door in order to avoid draughts near the fireplace. Fortunately, we have high ceilings which will help to keep the room cool. We might have to install high windows to allow hot air to escape. That will keep lower wall space free for cupboards and shelves.”

The laborers gaped as if she’d spoken in Greek.

“Let’s not get too carried away, Mama,” Roger advised, echoing Bea’s sentiments.

“The range will need a lot of coal,” Lucinda carried on as if Roger had said nothing. “So it’s to the good that the coal store and scullery are right next to the kitchen. We’ll also require a wine cellar, a dry goods store, a vegetable store, a game larder including hanging racks, a fish larder, all separate and specifically designed to house their contents.”

Roger and Bea exchanged exasperated glances.

Mrs. Beeton’s opus contained over 900 recipes. After a quick perusal, Glenda declared many of them were designed for the rich, to which Lucinda replied that while the diet of poorer folk may consist of bread, butter, potatoes, beer, and tea, Baron Belmont deserved far better.

Bea couldn’t argue with her logic. Studies had proven that the poor often suffered from anemia and rickets, thanks to their impoverished diet.

“We’ll serve the main meal of the day in the early evening,” Lucinda announced. “It will consist of soup, roasted meat with potatoes, two vegetable side dishes, rolls with butter, jams, jellies and sweet pickles, cake and preserved fruit, coffee, hot punch, and water.”

“Crikey!” Glenda exclaimed. “I’m expected to cook all that?”

“No. I intend to hire a real cook, and of course, we’ll need the proper cutlery for each course.”

Nose out of joint at the notion she wasn’t a real cook , Glenda muttered, “More washing up.”

Lucinda insisted Bea accompany her on several trips to Manchester to purchase items which would be impossible to find in Bolton. They returned with rotating spice racks, steam-powered spits, jelly molds, and can openers.

This flurry of activity had nothing directly to do with her wedding, yet Bea found herself caught up in Lucinda’s enthusiasm. She even purchased her own copy of Mrs. Beeton’s book and a few new copper pans Lucinda insisted the cook at Sandiford Manor would appreciate.

Remarkably, by the time the eve of the wedding arrived, in addition to the cast-iron range, the old kitchen sported a new tile floor, a brass tap that provided cold running water, a huge rectangular table, and a dresser which held cooking equipment, utensils, and some crockery. The walls had been freshly whitewashed and decorated with the motto, Waste Not, Want Not . Glenda was particularly impressed that running water meant an end to going out to the pump in the yard in all weathers.

* * *

Knowing Beatrice was due to teach a mathematics class, an impatient Roger waited for her in his study. In some ways, it was a good thing the mill was idle, because he spent most of his time with his fiancée. He craved the sound of her voice, the taste of her lips, the touch of her hands on his face, the weight of her breast in his hand. “I’m sorry my mother’s plans have caused so much upheaval at the Grange,” he told her when she appeared. The students hadn’t yet arrived so he put his arms around her waist and gathered her close. Inevitably, his male body became aroused.

“Actually,” she replied. “The improvements were sorely needed, and the project has given us the chance to get to know one another better.”

“Mama hasn’t mentioned it but I know she enjoyed having you accompany her to Manchester.”

“Did Philippa never go to the city with her?”

“Yes, but you know what my sister’s like. Shopping expeditions were all about what she wanted.”

“And your mother paid for it.”

“Exactly, or I did in the long run.”

She put her hands on his shoulders. “My students will be here soon,” she said, worrying her bottom lip.

“I don’t care. My workers know we are to marry on the morrow. They won’t be scandalized if they find us embracing. I’m not sure why you’re even here. Nobody expects you to be working today.”

She averted her gaze. “I know. I confess I’m glad to get away from Lucinda and her kitchen for a while. Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I find her too much sometimes.”

“It’s generous of her to move to the Grange.”

“Oh, I’m sure her motives aren’t altogether selfless.” He regretted the insinuation as soon as the words were uttered.

“What do you mean by that?” she asked, pulling away.

He refused to let her go, despite her efforts to be free. Naturally, two of his young workers chose that unfortunate moment to enter the study.