Author Note: A Chef Patron is a Chef who owns the restaurant where he works.

Chapter 1. Boiling Point

Posted on Monday, 13 February 2006

Gordon Darcy had come a long way, but even as Chef de Cuisine at the prestigious Clavoy Hotel he had ambitions left. Knowing they favoured Chef Patrons, he was now going to set up his own restaurant to chase that extra star.

When he announced to the kitchen brigade of the Clavoy that he would be leaving everyone looked grave, but as soon as he left a loud cheering was heard. Nobody was more exited over Gordon Darcy’s departure than his Sous Chef Elizabeth Bennet. Apart from getting rid of his notorious temper and impossible demands, she had great hopes of filling his place. This was what she had been slaving for all those years, and her dream seemed so close at last.

Full of anticipation she walked into William Lucas’ office for the meeting that would change her life.

“Please sit down.” the hotel manager said in a grave tone that alarmed her. He sighed. “I’ll come right to the point: I know you’ve been expecting a promotion to Chef de Cuisine. However, after much deliberation I have decided to contract someone else.”

Lizzy was stunned with disbelief.

“But we hope you will continue as Sous Chef and I’m even considering raising...”

“Why?” Lizzy interrupted. “What’s wrong with my cooking?”

“Nothing, you’re a very talented...”

“My work ethics?” She’d only been to a funeral once, in all those years.

“No, you’re a great employee. Look, nobody doubts you’re a very good Sous Chef, but it seems you just haven’t got what it takes to be a Chef.”

Lizzy tried to keep her breathing under control. “And why is that?”

“Well,” Lucas hesitated. “I have reason to believe you lack the authority to command a kitchen.”

“What?! Just because I don’t go around swearing and cursing at everyone doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be a good Chef! And who’s been saying that, and why do you believe them? You know everyone has a hidden agenda.”

“I would never take such a decision lightly.” Lucas replied evasively.

“I asked you: who told you I wouldn’t make a good Chef?”

“I’m afraid that’s confidential. “

“Look, there’s obviously someone in the kitchen who’s trying to stab me in the back and I think I have a right to know who it is!”

Lucas sighed. The last thing he needed was animosity among the kitchen brigade, so he decided to fess up. “It’s someone who has no interest at all in the matter, because he’s leaving himself.”

“Darcy?!”

Lucas nodded.

Lizzy was astonished and incensed. As much as she disliked him, she still had not thought he would stoop this low. Suddenly she realized she’d had enough of it, all these dirty restaurant politics “And I quit!” and she stormed into the hallway.

Darcy contently wrung his hands. In a few moments he would have the best Sous Chef in the world. She would be angry. She would want to quit. And he would be there with an offer she couldn’t refuse.

Chapter 2. The Severest Critic

The tension was unbearable. Everyone in the kitchen held his breath while the country’s most feared restaurant critic took her first bite.

Elizabeth let the delicate mousse dance around in her mouth. Although she hated the cliché ‘sex on a plate’ this was exactly what was running through her mind at the moment. But then, she knew what he was capable of.

Darcy nervously sharpened his knife. He was the only one not trying to get a glimpse of Miss Bennet’s first reaction. He knew what she liked.

“Send her a bottle of 1996 Lafite Rothschild.” he ordered his sommelier. He looked surprised that Darcy would try to bribe a respectable critic, but immediately went to do the Chef’s bidding. He had no idea this was more than just an expensive bottle.

“With compliments of the Chef.”

Lizzy stared at the bottle, and nodded. She tried to compose herself while watching the dark ruby liquid roll into her glass.

“Yes, it’s fine.” she said coolly after tasting it. Of course it was fine! It was one of the finest flavours in the world, and it that wasn’t enough to knock her out, the accompanying flashbacks nearly did.

What had possessed her that night? 1996 Lafite Rothschild, that’s what! she wryly thought. She savoured the wine again and let her mind wonder over the scent and flavour...of him. It was a mistake, she had always thought. Chef and Sous Chef. That sort of thing could not be tolerated in the kitchen. Besides, she hated him.

“Would you sign here, please?”

After she had closed the door Lizzy carefully opened the package. It was a crate of Château Lafite Rothschild 1996. A whole crate! She knew just who to call.

“Are you trying to bribe me or something?”

“Of course not.” he replied. “You’ve already written your piece. I just wanted to thank you for not letting the past influence your judgment.”

“So you questioned my objectivity?”

He sighed. This was not going to be easy. “I would not have blamed you for burning me to the ground after what happened.”

Lizzy was surprised. “You wouldn’t?”

“I never had a chance to explain everything to you. Do you think we could...talk some time?”

“Alright.” she said, against her better judgment. “Come around tomorrow.”

She offered him a glass of 1996 Lafite Rothschild. It was only fitting. “So?”

“I don’t deny that I talked Lucas out of promoting you.”

“But let me guess, you thought you were doing the right thing?”

“No. I lied.” he said. “You would have made a great Chef.”

Lizzy twirled her glass. Praise from the great Gordon Darcy was so unusual, she couldn’t believe her ears.

“But I was selfish.” he continued. “I wanted to employ you at the Rivière.

“You did?”

“But I never got a chance to ask.”

Lizzy stuck up her nose. “I would have said no anyway.”

“And now I’m glad I didn’t.”

Lizzy tried not to look insulted. He smiled. “Because it could never have been, you and me, while working in the same kitchen.”

She stared down at her glass. That didn’t help. It only brought back more memories.

He waited until she looked at him again. “I don’t regret what happened that night.”

She couldn’t help but agree.

“I only regret not firing you and asking you to marry me the next day.”

She was not impressed. “You’ll have to try a bit harder than that, I’m afraid.”

“Really?” He smiled. “And here I thought all it took was to get you drunk.”

“Well, it’s a start.” She opened another bottle “What the heck.” and poured her glass. “It must have cost you a fortune.”

“It was worth every penny.”

Lizzy snorted. “And pray, what is the usual price of a lady’s affections?”

“Her price is far above rubies.”

THE END