After hugging Opal and Sam, Alice hugged Mrs. Henry one more time. “Thank you for your help—and thank you for your patience with me. I never could have done this without you.”

“Nonsense. You could cook circles around any of those fancy hotel chefs any day of the week. This was truly my pleasure, miss.”

“Keep taking good care of him,” she whispered, and there was no doubt as to whom she referred.

“I will—though I am fairly certain this isn’t the last we’ll see of each other, miss.” With a nod of her head, she ushered her children out of the kitchen and into the night, leaving Alice to wonder over that comment.

She bid farewell to the other kitchen staff, as well, until only she and Nellie remained. Sitting on a stool, she stretched her back. “Goodness, I am exhausted. Feels as though I’ve just completed a three-day race.”

Nellie plucked a fresh raspberry off her dessert plate and popped it in her mouth. “Because you have. You should consider opening your own restaurant. Charles Ranhofer has nothing on you.”

Alice rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t prevent the grin from stretching her face. “Besides loads of experience and training.”

“And a penis.”

Alice’s skin went up in flames at the word, but she nodded. “Yes, that, too. Women do not work in restaurant or hotel kitchens. No one would ever take me seriously.”

“Well, you impressed the hell out of me.” Nellie scooped up the last of her charlotte russe and ate it. “God, this is divine.”

The kitchen door swung open and an older man with white hair and matching beard peeked inside. “Nellie, my dear. Time to go.”

“Oh, hello, Daddy.” Nellie went over and tugged on his arm, bringing him into the kitchen. “Come in and meet my friend.”

Goodness, this must be Mr. Cornelius Young. Nellie’s father was something of a legend on Wall Street, and he had more money than nearly anyone, save Carnegie and Morgan. Alice wiped her hands on her apron and held one out. “Hello, Mr. Young. It’s nice to meet you.”

He shook her hand, his blue eyes twinkling. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Lusk. Nellie has told me much about you since returning from Newport.”

She had? Alice snuck a quick glance at Nellie before responding to her father. “Your daughter is an incredible woman. I’m proud to call her my friend. Thank you for letting her come and help me tonight.”

Smiling fondly at his daughter, he said, “As if I could ever stop her from doing something when she puts her mind to it. She’s just like her mother.”

Nellie leaned up and kissed her father’s cheek. “Time to get you home, Daddy. Mrs. Paulson will be very cross if I keep you out too late.” She looked at Alice and whispered behind her hand, “His mistress.”