Chapter 16
It wasa charming June afternoon and Diana was kneeling at the flower bed in front of the cottage planting the annuals. She had a watering can at her side and made sure each set of plants had a healthy drink before she moved to the nextsection.
She was surprised to hear a carriage pull up in front of the house and she stood and shaded her eyes with her hand to see if the carriage had stopped at their house for areason.
A footman got down from the back of the carriage, opened the door and Ameliadescended.
Diana went through the front gate and, brushing the dirt off her hands, went over to Robert’ssister.
“Good afternoon, Amelia,” Diana said. “Did you come with a message fromRobert?”
Amelia gave a generous smile and said, “Not at all. It is I who came to see you. I was in the area and I thought it might be nice if we had some tea. I would love to take you toSmith and Harlow’s. They do a lovely cream tea.” She looked Diana up and down. “But I am sure you will want to changefirst.”
Diana was, indeed, surprised by the invitation and not completely sure what this might be about. But from the hints Robert had dropped before, she was not sure that Amelia was here for just a polite socialcall.
“You are free, are you not?” Amelia said delicately removing hergloves.
“I shall be just a moment. If you would like to come inside, I shall changequickly.”
Amelia looked around and seeing the gallery, said, “I think I shall take a look at this quaint little gallery. You will find me there when youreturn.”
“Very well. It is my mother’s gallery and she will be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding theartwork.”
Tea atSmith and Harlow’swas always a treat as it was considered the high-end tea shop in Cambridge. She would dress in one of her nicer dresses. Amelia was dressed elegantly and Diana did not want to seem shabby incomparison.
After changing, Diana went to the gallery where Mother was holding up a watercolor for Amelia who was holding a lorgnette to examine itclosely.
“Most charming,” Amelia said as she closed the lorgnette and returned it to herreticule.
“Miss Amelia, I am quite ready now,” Dianasaid.
“Ah, excellent. I am quite parched.” She turned to Mother. “Charming little side business. It is so nice to keep occupied. Is that notso?”
As she was leaving, she spied Robert’s orchid and went over and touched one of its delicate blooms. “Robert plays with these from time to time. He calls it hishobby.”
As Amelia turned away, Diana had to stifle a smile as she saw her Mother stick out her tongue at Amelia’s back. Apparently, that was her reaction to Amelia’s condescendingvisit.
Amelia directed the carriage to the tea shop. After arriving, they entered and were finally shown to a table Amelia could tolerate after rejecting severalsuggestions.
The tea shop was most elegant. Its high vaulted ceilings, large windows, and lightweight, cream-colored draperies gave it a distinguished air. The tables had white tablecloths, napkins shaped like swans, and a staff in formalwear.
“No need for a menu,” Amelia said to the waitress while removing her gloves once again. “We will have the cream tea with salmon paste and cucumber sandwiches and your best assortment of tea cakes.” She cast her gaze to Diana. “India or China?” sheinquired.
Diana knew she was asking what kind of tea and replied. “Indian for me,please.”
“Yes, make that two,” Amelia said, and waved her hand, dismissing thewaitress.
Amelia placed her elbows on the table, clasped her hands, rested her chin on her hands and said, “Now, then. Is this notfun?”
Diana smiled. “Yes, indeed it is. And is there an occasion for thistea?”
“Oh, my, no. It is just an opportunity for us to get to know one another. That rather unfortunate dinner party gave us no time to visit together—just you and me. And how cozy is this?” she said with an exaggerated shiver to show how enthusiastic shewas.
“Then let me ask…” Diana started but wasinterrupted.
“Robert tells me you and a couple of your friends are to be honorees at the Donnelly fete in a fewweeks.
Diana laughed. “Oh, no, he was just joking. He just wanted us to be there. We might judge some baked goods, but nothingmore.”
