“Darling, Thomas…” Helena said, breezing into Thomas’s study where he was running figures for the budget.
“Helena… What a pleasant surprise. Were you out riding and suddenly fancied a cup of tea?” he asked, laughing and standing up from his desk.
“No, dearest. I came just to see you—although I would never say no to a cup of tea.”
“Then you are in luck because I have a special treat for you.”
“Oh?” she said, taking off her gloves and throwing herself into the most comfortable chair.
“I have to tell you I have a terrible new addiction, and it is all your fault.” He said leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.
“Oh, how splendid. I love encouraging vices of all natures.”
“I am not sure if it qualifies as a vice, exactly, but it certainly is delightful.”
“You are too cruel to keep me in suspense. Be forthcoming or I shall depart immediately.”
“Very well. I happened to stop by the bakery where your friend, Jenny works…”
“You went to visit Jenny!” Helena shrieked. “How splendid!”
Thomas was not about to admit he went to the bakery just to see her, so he said, “I was out riding and felt a bit peckish, so I stopped at the bakery for a refreshment and…”
“How curious,” Helena said with a sly smile, “You never go into town except on business. And you just happened into the bakery where my dear friend, Jenny, works?”
Thomas assumed a pose of mock indignation. “Will you please let me tell my story? Or are you to interrupt me every other second?”
Helena looked coy. “Of course, my darling, please continue.”
“What I have laboriously been trying to tell you is, I bought some of the bakery’s teacakes, and I find them so delightful, I order them regularly, and you are to have some with your tea if you like.”
“I see.” Helena said and then looked up at him and challenged, “And that isallyou want to tell me, is it?”
“It is all regarding the tea I am about to order for you. Good heavens, what a production over a cup of tea.”
Helena appeared to be amused by this conversation. “Then, please order us some tea with those charming teacakes.”
Thomas rang the bell and ordered the tea. Then he turned back to his guest.
“If you were not out riding, then what did you come to see me about?” he asked.
“I came to thank you.”
“For?”
“Speaking to my father about your…engagement. Most kind of you.”
“And has it helped?” Thomas asked.
“I believe so. I have begun a conversation with him about George, and he seems much more open than I expected. Did you talk to Father about him?”
“Only in connection with the project George and I are doing.”
“Yes, George told me about that. He seems to be quite excited about it and says it may solve our problem of an income.”
“But you have a very nice income, Helena.”
“Yes, but George is being very manly and insisting—however much I bring with me to the marriage—he wants to be the breadwinner. He wants toprovide.”
