Cauldrons & Cake by Sara Bourgeois

Author:Sara Bourgeois [Bourgeois, Sara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-10T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

We weren’t the last people to arrive downstairs in the banquet hall but were close. A few people trickled in around the same time as us, but most everyone else was already there and the party was in full swing.

In addition to the buffet tables, there were a few places where boxes of the chocolate-covered pralines were stacked up like pyramids for guests to take.

“I apologize for the lack of lights, everyone. I wish there was more that I could do about it,” Mr. Pope said as the last of the guests came into the hall.

While the power was completely out, Mr. Pope had had his staff pull out all of the manor’s old candelabras. The short ones lined the tables and were interspersed between the food on the serving buffets. There were five- and six-foot-tall versions on the floors scattered all around the room. All in all, there were hundreds of candles lighting the enormous banquet hall. They cast a warm glow around the space, but Mr. Pope was lucky that he was in the company of so many witches because all those candles were definitely a fire hazard.

“The candles are a beautiful touch,” I mentioned since I was close enough for him to hear me.

“Thank you,” he said appreciatively before turning back to address the party again. “I may not be able to provide power, but I can provide food and a comfortable place to ride out the storm. All of our ovens and grills run on gas, so my kitchen staff was able to prepare a grand feast for all of you. Each buffet has an assortment of the manor’s best dishes.”

“That’s generous of you,” I said. “It all looks delicious.”

“Honestly, it was all going to go to waste,” he said with a hint of embarrassment. “It was better this than to waste it all.”

“You’re making people happy,” Jenny said. “That’s all that matters.”

“Well, ladies, why don’t you grab something to eat while it’s all still piping hot?”

“Thank you, again,” I said. “Your kindness through this situation, especially to those of us who aren’t paying to stay here, is incredible.”

“You’re a guest of Praline Manor, my dear. Those of you who are here because of the storm are my personal guests, and I only allow the best for my friends.”

“Wow, he’s good,” Jenny said once Mr. Pope had walked off to greet some other guests.

“He is, but I’m guessing that’s why Praline Manor is one of the premier destinations in Louisiana. Heck, in the South.”

“We should follow his advice and get some of that food while it’s fresh. I spot some crawfish etouffee, and I’ve heard the way the manor prepares it is legendary.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “And oooh, man, look at those biscuits.”

“You make the best biscuits,” Jenny said. “But I’ll give them a try.”

“Sugar,” I said, ratcheting my accent up as thick as molasses, “the best biscuits are the ones you don’t have to make.”

“Or clean up the kitchen,” Jenny added.

“Got that right!”

We grabbed plates and waited in line for the food we wanted.

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