Chapter 10
December 23, 1851
It's the tenth day of Christmas, and what did Barnum see, but ten plates of cookies...
P.T. Barnum surveyed the room before him that was once his kitchen. Usually rather tidy thanks to Charity, it now looked like a hurricane had blown through - albeit a very delicious one. Fresh baked cookies cooled on every available surface, and everything that wasn't covered by cookies was dusted in flour, sugar, frosting, and cooking utensils.
"Charity, dear," he began, "Don't you think this is all a little...excessive?" Charity gave him a look that said: You're calling something excessive? You?
"I know it looks like a lot," she replied, "But when you consider how many people we're having over between now and Christmas Day, I really don't think there'll be too much left over. I wanted to bring some to the girls' ballet performance tomorrow, as well." P.T. smiled.
"You're the boss," he said agreeably. "OUCH!" For he had tried to snatch a cookie and promptly had his hand smacked away by Charity.
"Those are for later," she chastised. He rolled his eyes.
"Right, because we're definitely in danger of running out of these." He was saved from more scolding by the arrival of Anne, Phillip, and Lettie. "Hey, guys," he said, a little confused, "It's always nice to see you, but you're an hour early for rehearsal, you know."
"Really?"
"I told you he said three -"
"Well, you're here now," Charity interrupted, "Want to give me and the girls a hand with these?" Anne smiled.
"Sure!" Phillip and Lettie weren't as enthusiastic.
"I'm not sure your kitchen would survive with me behind the counter." That was Phillip.
"Do you want your house to burn down? NO." That was Lettie.
Naturally, they both found themselves helping Charity less than a minute later...even though they weren't quite sure how…
Approximately one hour later…
"GUYS! Lettie's in a frilly pink apron!"
"What?!"
"This I have to see!"
"No I'm not!"
POP.
"GIVE ME THAT CAMERA RIGHT NOW!"
...nine Christmas carols,
eight pints of eggnog,
seven hours of shopping,
six snow angels,
FIVE WOODEN SLEDS!
Four painted zebras,
three new daring acts,
two dancing daughters,
and a beautiful Christmas tree!
Question of the Day: What is your favorite Christmas cookie? Mine is very close between peanut butter blossoms and marble nests (which is my grandmother's personal recipe!)