Footsteps followed her into the kitchen. Annie busied herself with refilling the plate before turning around. Ruth, as she’d expected. Ruth, who had witnessed the humiliating display she had made at Mrs. Peate’s home. Annie drew a deep breath and steadied herself to face whatever her friend had to say. “You can’t avoid me forever.” The smile that accompanied Ruth’s words held no reproach. “Gladys tells us everything that happens with Haydn.” “But that’s different.” Annie bit her lip. “How?” Ruth broke one of the ginger cookies in two and handed half to Annie. “Eat this. Maybe the sugar will help you calm down.” Obediently Annie bit into the sweetness, but her insides still churned. “Gladys always said how charming and kind Haydn was. And all I’ve done is worry about working with the Bear. I made a terrible mistake.” A rustle of skirts alerted Annie to the presence of the others. “Do you mind if we join you?” Gladys asked. Ruth motioned them in, and Gladys gestured for Birdie to join them.
