“Meeting, then, with anything less than what you had before. Either you’ll end the morning as good friends, or as something better.”

Miss Harriet sighed and set a wooden spoon in the sink. “You’re right. Have I ever told you how glad I am to have you here?”

“Yes, but it’s been a day or two.” Katherine replied laughingly.

As they worked together to get the kitchen cleaned up, Miss Harriet began to return to her normal calm and cheerful self. Soon, they heard the bell over the shop door ring brightly, and Miss Harriet turned to Katherine.

“Help me off with my apron, Dearie, and tell me if I look all right.”

Katherine reached up and quickly brushed the flour off her companion’s face saying reassuringly,

“You look lovely. Here, I’ll take the apron; you go out and greet your guest. I’ll bring the tea things in a couple minutes, once the water has boiled.”

It was all Katherine could do to restrain herself from peeking around the curtain to see how the meeting was progressing. Unlike Miss Harriet, Katherine had no doubts as to the purpose of the meeting, and she was determined to give the almost-couple as much time to themselves as they needed.

The water boiled, and Katherine prepared the tea as slowly as she thought believably possible. Then she took the tray to the table.

“Tea for two!” She exclaimed. “Good morning, Mr. James. You’ll be happy to know that these scones just came out of the oven. They’re as fresh as can be.”

“Thank you, Katherine.” Mr. James smiled at her broadly. Miss Harriet had her “carefully composed” look on again, and Katherine assumed they hadn’t gotten to discussing whatever it was Mr. James had wanted to ask her about.

“I have some cleaning to do in the kitchen, so just let me know if you need anything.”

With that, Katherine turned and walked calmly away, fighting the urge to steal a look back to see what was happening. She surveyed the kitchen with a sigh. At least she would have plenty to do until the rest of the morning customers arrived. She grabbed a dishtowel and began drying and putting away the bowls and spoons she had washed earlier.

By the time the bell over the door rang again, Katherine had the kitchen looking as spotless as ever. She stole a glance at the two by the window as she walked over to greet Mrs. Penelope. They were leaning across the table towards each other, deep in earnest conversation.

“Good morning, Mrs. Penelope! How are you this morning?”

“Oh, I’m just fine, dear. Just three plain scones and a cup of tea as usual, please.”

“I’ll be right out with it.”

Back in the kitchen, Katherine wondered how long the two would be able to talk undisturbed. Mercifully, Rosie wasn’t due back until tomorrow, and the rest of the luncheon club only came in on Wednesdays. Mr. Patten would be fine, because he had his own affair of the heart to distract him. That just left the occasional walk-ins.

As she passed through the kitchen doorway, Mr. Patten walked in.

“I thought I’d see what breakfast is like here.” He said casually, with another glance over at Mrs. Penelope’s table.

“Ah, well, we do happen to have an abundance of scones this morning. Did you have anything particular in mind?”

“Hmm… well, I suppose I hadn’t really thought that far.”

Katherine smiled and leaned a little closer, saying quietly, “We do make a lovely Cornish pasty here, which I’m told some have been known to eat for breakfast. Would that do?”

Mr. Patten smiled back a little sheepishly. “Yes, I think that will be just the thing. Thank you.”

At the kitchen door, Katherine stopped and took a quick glance around. What a jumble of secrets and emotions were seated in that room!

* * * *

Just before the noon rush, Miss Harriet popped into the kitchen. Putting on her apron, she asked, “Well, how are you getting on back here? Everything going well?”

Katherine looked searchingly at her friend. “I could ask you the same question.”

“Oh, things are going quite well indeed. I know I won’t have time to do it all justice at the moment, so you’ll just have to be content to know that everything is… is as it should be, and I’m quite delighted with it all!”

“Now, if that isn’t a teaser, I don’t know what is! But I’m glad it’s all right. Is Mr. James still out there?”

“Yes, he had some work he needed to get done.”

“Aha… Perhaps I’ll just go see if he needs anything.”

“Now Katherine, don’t you go pumping him for information. I’ll tell you all about it after we close. Let the poor man work.”

“All right… but if I happen to pass his table and he happens to divulge a few of the details you’re so skillfully withholding, I’ll be forced to stop and listen, just to be polite, of course.”

“Oh, go on with you!” said Miss Harriet, throwing a tea towel at Katherine in mock frustration. Katherine ducked and picked up a tray, giving Miss Harriet one last teasing grin before heading out of the kitchen.

* * * *

As soon as the shop door closed on the last customer of the day, Katherine rushed over and turned the lock. Whirling around again, she asked,

“Well?”

“Let’s have some tea.” Miss Harriet replied with a grin as she headed towards the kitchen.

Soon they were sitting at one of the tables, each warming their hands around a steaming, fragrant cup of tea.

“So what was it he wanted to ask you about?”

“He wanted to ask if I would like to know what he almost said the other night.”

“And did you?” Katherine said, holding her breath for the answer.

“I told him yes, so long as he wanted me to know.”

“And?” Katherine set her teacup down on its saucer and leaned forward.

“He did.” Miss Harriet said simply, smiling as she took a sip of her tea.