It was New Year’s Eve and dining out was a family tradition. For years the ever-expanding family had gone to Mr. Baudelaire and this year was no exception. Dunstan and the girls were home from school and two governesses and Mrs. Glucklich had been invited along to watch the children and so it was a large company at the table. Luckily the children had all been trained to speak only when spoken to while adults were speaking. Only Gareth was loud now and then, but the governesses would quickly intervene.

They were all dressed in their best robes and gowns. Mr. Baudelaire’s restaurant was not a place for paupers. The man had personally come over to greet Arthur and his wife. They had long been friends, and in fact, this night, Arthur had a favour he needed for the man, but he did not want to bring the matter up in front of his family.

Now dinner was finished, and Evaine was questioning each of the children in turn about their school life. She had not addressed Alexandra yet, but Arthur gave his oldest daughter a stern look. Willful and impulsive, his oldest daughter had given him more trouble than all the other girls together. Arthur had tried what he could to control her. He had even hired new tutors, hoping that they could handle her. But her obstinacy exceeded all measures. And Alexandra made no secret of her dislike for her step-mother. The last thing he wanted was a scene in public. The girl had as little concern for her own reputation as for that of the family.

When he spotted Mr. Baudelaire, Arthur excused himself crossed the room, and approached the man, extending his hand.

“Mr. Baudelaire. That was an excellent meal, once again.”