Its dainty linen-covered tables, its lace-edged doilies and plethora of greenery made the ladies feel quite at home. By eleven it would be crowded with shoppers taking a rest, but at nine-thirty it was deserted save for two aging ladies clad in unrelieved black, as they had been for the past decade since the death of their papa. These were the Misses Harper, spinster sisters who were having their drawing room painted and had left to escape the stench. They greeted Miss Bratty with bright smiles and her partner with avid curiosity. Their heads turned to watch as the young couple took a table in the farthest corner, then leaned together over the tea cups to discuss this interesting event. Ravencroft asked eagerly, “Where did you hear this?” She gave an admonishing “Shh” as Miss Talbot came bustling forward to take their order. This was not accomplished in a minute. She had to inquire after Lord Ashworth’s health, and Miss Bratty had to inquire for Miss Talbot’s brother, who was in India but wrote weekly.
