Katherine stood at the counter, gazing at Mrs. Penelope, deep in thought. She had gotten to know the old lady quite well in her time at Miss Harriet’s, and had observed that Mrs. Penelope was decidedly a creature of habit.
All the dailies were, of course, but Mrs. Penelope had proved to be the most resistant to change. When presented with a change, she became hesitant, almost stubborn. And though the quiet, unassuming old woman enjoyed her tea and scones each day, Katherine wished she could get her to try something different. She felt sure the demure old lady would enjoy something more flavorful than the English Breakfast tea Miss Harriet had served her ever since the first day when Miss Penelope had ordered “plain black tea.”
In the months Katherine had spent at the Harborside, she had picked up a fairly thorough understanding of the flavors and nuances of the different varieties and blends of teas and had begun to notice that certain types of people tended to like certain types of tea. She wondered if this was something like the “gift” everyone spoke of when referring to Serena’s ability to pair people with just the right tea. She also wondered if she would ever be able to do that.
Looking at the sweet, but slightly frail woman in her brown tweed skirt and blazer, with a little brown hat perched on her head, she decided to act. I’ll never know if I never try, she thought, as she crossed the room to speak to Mrs. Penelope.
“Good morning, Katherine.”
“Good morning, Mrs. Penelope. I wondered if you might like to try a cup of Earl Grey this morning?”
Mrs. Penelope frowned. “Well, I’m not sure… you see, I’m used to my plain black tea.”
“I think you’ll like Earl Grey even better.” Katherine said.
“Well, I don’t know…”
Just then, Mr. Patten walked in, giving Katherine an idea. “Would you be willing just to try a cup? Mr. Patten orders it every day, and highly recommends it.”
“Mr. Patten? Well…” Mrs. Penelope shyly looked across the room to where Mr. Patten was seated. “Perhaps, I could try just a little, then.” she said quietly.
“Good. I just know you’ll like it. I’ll be right back.” Katherine walked to the kitchen and began triumphantly preparing Mr. Patten’s order on a tray.
“Why did you put two cups and saucers there? Does Mr. Patten have a guest?” Miss Harriet asked as Katherine headed to the doorway with the tray.
“You’ll see.” Katherine replied archly, sweeping away with the tray balanced on one hand.
When Katherine came to Mr. Patten’s table, she set the tray down and said in her politest manner,
“Good morning, Mr. Patten. I was just speaking to Mrs. Penelope, and she would like to taste some Earl Grey to see if she likes it, but is a little hesitant to commit to something new. I wondered if you would allow me to ask her to come and share your pot of Earl Grey with you?”
A smile spread across Mr. Patten’s face. “Certainly. What a good idea! In fact,” he said, standing up from his chair and leaning in conspiratorially, “I think I might just go invite her myself.”
“Now that’s a good idea!” Katherine said, beaming. “I’ll leave you to it.”
* * * *
“How ever did you accomplish that?” Mr. James asked, as Katherine brought him a fresh pot of tea. “They’ve been talking and smiling and having a fine old time for two hours now.”
“It will probably sound silly if I tell you.”
“What is it? I promise not to laugh at you.”
“Well, I had noticed that Mrs. Penelope is just the type of person who usually enjoys Earl Grey. I felt certain she would like it so much better than the English Breakfast she usually has, and as I was trying to convince her to try it, Mr. Patten walked in. I thought that she might be less nervous about trying something new if it was his pot of tea she was sharing.”
“I see. Well, it apparently worked.” The reporter said, nodding towards the table. “Hold on, they’re getting up to leave.”
Katherine walked over to where the two were standing by their table, still deep in conversation.
“How was your tea, Mrs. Penelope?” Katherine asked, her stomach full of what felt like very lively grasshoppers. Mrs. Penelope paused, head cocked to one side like a little bird. Oh, no! Katherine thought. She must not have liked it.
“I have to be honest, my dear…”
Katherine’s heart thudded wildly as the old lady paused to find the right words.
“That was the most delightful cup of tea I have ever tasted! How did you know I would like it so well?”
Relief swept over Katherine. “Oh, just observation, that’s all. You seem like the kind of person who would like Earl Grey.” She shrugged, grinning shyly.
“Well, I’m certainly glad you suggested it.” The elderly lady said, looking at Mr. Patten as she continued, “And thank you for inviting me to share your tea this morning.”
“You’re very welcome.” Mr. Patten said, his eyes sparkling in his otherwise dignified face. “May I walk you out?” he asked, offering his arm politely.
The genteel couple strolled away down the street, still arm in arm, as Katherine returned to the table where Mr. James sat, gazing after them in pleased surprise.
“Well done, Katherine!” He said at last, grinning up at her. “Now, tell me: do you think you could do that again? Tell just the kind of tea someone would like, I mean.”
“Maybe.” Katherine said thoughtfully. “I have been trying to notice which types of people like which types of tea, but I don’t know how accurate my observations are.”
“I’d say you were pretty accurate this morning.” Mr. James leaned back in his chair and surveyed her narrowly. “Now, how about me? What kind of tea do you think I would like?”
Katherine thought a moment before answering decidedly, “I think you would like Assam. We don’t stock the exact variety I think you’d like best here, but the Harborside has it. The closest we have here is Irish Breakfast tea. Have you ever tried it?”
Mr. James raised his eyebrows, “No, I haven’t. What makes you think I would like it?”
