Le Boulanger

Speaking to Genevieve has made me worry that she is involved with some sort of trouble that she is not mentioning. I am not sure exactly what that might be, but it bears watching.

I am going to try and send Henry over to work for her - it will keep the boy out of trouble, and give Jacinthe some rest from dealing with him.

Most of the customers seemed to accept that the deliveries will be light until we acquire more flour. I have one more idea if it comes down to it- we will use the last of the flour, the preserves and the sugar my granddaughter has been hoarding to make some sweet pastries for the Germans. As detestable as the idea may be, if we could find a patron within their ranks - someone who has a sweet tooth and would be able to provide us with some sugar and flour - it is a solution.

la Boulangerie Chabert (bakery) - Opened in 1928 by Rene and Marie Chabert, this bakery features two large counter displays which were once filled with cakes, pies, cookies, and breads of all description. Now it is run by the widow Marie Chabert, with assistance from her granddaughter. Thanks to the shortages of war, the cases are far less from full - and feature more plain breads than treats.

The cakes and pies and cookies are more often than not purchased by Nazi soldiers and government officials, as they are the only ones who can afford such luxuries. Though Marie tries to keep the prices down, the ingredients are costly. Occasionally one of them places a special order, and brings in the ingredients for such. The Parisian citizens come in for their bread - which Marie will let them purchase, even if they cannot afford it. "Pay me back when you can, take the bread now." is a frequently heard phrase. She still makes bread deliveries throughout the city, occasionally delivering a message along with the baked goods.

Ah, Rene! How I miss you on mornings like this, when the bread is rising along with the sun, and there are already customers waiting for a fresh loaf. It is growing more difficult to get ingreedients for cakes and cookies, but flour and yeast at least, this we can do. I try to keep the prices down, so that all the good people can afford their bread - but how much it costs for a sack of flour these days - you would not believe. It is almost better that you did not live to see our fair city in such states...