Page 59 of Potions and Proposals
“There was no mistake on my part,” Mr Lark huffed, folding his arms across his chest. “I ordered two dozen samples, so you could both try each cake. Somehow that has become two cakes, with six tiers each.”
“It’s such a waste,” Mrs Crawford complained. “The coven wanted to arrange the banquet and everything for you both to enjoy.”
Lucy guessed that the rumours of their being seen at the Manor together with Benedict in a state of undress had confirmed to the coven that the binding would go ahead without fail. Now wasn’t the time to argue the misunderstanding; she’d give Mrs Crawford a heart attack.
“Such beautiful cakes are never a waste! Thank you, Ms Fowler, for preparing these. Regardless of any mistake, this is exceptional work,” Lucy said, not caring who’d made the mistake. All that mattered was making sure Ms Fowler wasn’t put out with the coven. She catered for many events in town.
“Thank you, Lucy – I’m gladsomeoneappreciates the work I put in,” Ms Fowler said, softening her harsh gaze.
“I’m surprised you all resisted grabbing a fork!” Lucy tried to lighten the mood, but based on the looks she received from the whole group, their sense of humour had left long before her arrival. Benedict stifled a chuckle with his hand.
“I hardly think now is a time for jokes, Ms Hawthorne. I hope you wouldn’t handle coven matters with such a cavalier attitude,” said Mr Lark, grimacing.
Chastised, Lucy said, “You’re right, forgive me.”
“No need to apologise. Benedict told us how swamped you are, and you still came to help us with what was meant to be anicesurprise. Must be so unpleasant having someone from the Order breathing down your neck,” Mrs Crawford said, wrinkling her nose. The Crawfords would never be happy with an Order member being in Foxford. Emerson might’ve got a position at the university, but rightly or wrongly, he’d have to win the town over before being accepted here, and who knew how long or what that would take.
“Not at all. Emerson has been very helpful, and if working together can further our relationship with the Order, then I think that will benefit all of us,” Lucy said, trying not to sound too much like a politician.
No one replied, but she felt the rise in tension.
“It just occurred to me.” She snapped her fingers. “Benedict mentioned he has a wedding at the hotel today.”
Mrs Crawford was looking at their hands, which Lucy suddenly realised were still entwined. She tried to free herself, but Benedict refused to release his grip. With a smirk, he brought her hand to his lips. From Mrs Crawford’s amused smile, the display would play in their favour.
“They already have a cake,” he told Lucy.
“And I expect to be paid. We put an awful lot of work into these cakes,” Ms Fowler put in, rightfully upset. They were covered in ornate designs, one with autumnal scenes and the other themed for the Halloween season with black frosting and gold details of pumpkins, ghosts and gravestones, tastefully done.
“Of course the cost will be covered,” Lucy said quickly. Before Mr Lark, who handled the accounts, and Mrs Crawford, who was a stickler for cost-cutting, could argue, she added, “This mix-up won’t affect the budget of the festival, and since it was done out of kindness, Benedict and I will be covering the cost.” She’d pay for the whole thing herself if it meant she didn’t need to add another stress to her life.“Why don’t you give the wedding party a call? The red velvet might be a perfect fit for them. Even if they already have some, wedding guests are always eager for more sweet treats. Ms Fowler’s cakes are legendary, and wedding cakes book out years in advance.”
Ms Fowler beamed, and Benedict nodded.
“I’ll ring the wedding planner.” He disappeared to the front of the shop.
Lucy forced herself to smile. She wished the coven would stop doing what they thought was best for them, when the interference only made things worse. The sooner this matter was settled, the sooner they could leave, even if they were both out of pocket for cakes they’d never even wanted or asked for in the first place.
“That still leaves us with one,” Mrs Crawford sighed.
Benedict rejoined them, putting his phone in his black jacket pocket. “The wedding planner agreed to the red velvet. I’ve added it to their wedding package, so the Manor will cover the cost.”
“And what about the other one?” Mr Lark said, tapping his thin fingers against the table.
“What about freezing it and keeping it for the festival?” Lucy suggested. “We could offer it to viewers as a treat for the midnight movie.” It was projected on the side of the town hall every year.
“That’s a wonderful idea!” Ms Fowler enthused. “It’d be great advertising for the bakery.”
Lucy grinned. “Perfect. Then it’s all settled. Crisis averted.”
“I’ll prepare the invoice,” Ms Fowler added.
“We’ll join you; we need to talk about the separate arrangements for the movie night,” Mrs Crawford said, following Ms Fowler out of the kitchen. Mr Lark followed, leaving Lucy and Benedict alone.
“If I’d known I was going to end up footing the bill, I would’ve handled it myself,” Benedict muttered under his breath.
Lucy scowled. She’d given up her bed to help him. Egged on by her hormones, her annoyance, or both, she picked up a small sample of cake from a tray on the side and shoved it in his mouth to shut him up.
“Hope that’ll sweeten your words.” She stared up at his startled expression, smile widening. “‘Thank you, Lucy, for fixing the problem so I can leave’ would be much better.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
