“One day, I will ask Mrs. Marvel to perform for you all, and you’ll be able to see how beautifully she sings. In the meantime, I moved her to my bedchamber so that I can practice with her. And she doesn’t cause me to sneeze.”
“Harumph! There’s no doubt in my mind she belonged to a pirate,” Aunt Sophy said. “Not many parrots call people ‘matey,’ or tell you to ‘stow it,’ or ‘show me the goods,’ and I doubt she was referring to dry goods.”
“I don’t want Willow to be a burden. Or to cause any sneezing. And I do wish to keep her. Perhaps I should take her to Uncle Carlton’s.” Serafina could not bear the thought of giving the lovely little pup away to anyone. Besides, her uncle’s estate was so large, and her aunt and uncle already had many animals, including two dogs, and several cats that were excellent mousers, that made their home in the stables and the kitchen. Willow would be content there.
“Why, we wouldn’t hear of it!” Aunt Rosalind protested, with a warning look at Aunt Bianca. “We are all growing attached to her. Aren’t we girls?”
Aunt Sophy and Aunt Dora both nodded in agreement, and they all turned to Aunt Bianca, as though daring her to differ.
“Oh, very well,” Aunt Bianca sighed.
“Excellent,” Aunt Rosalind said with a smug smile at her friend.
Aunt Bianca stuck her tongue out at Aunt Rosalind when she turned her back on her way to the buffet.
Serafina saw it and bit her lip to hold back a giggle. That was simply how the Golden Duchesses were with each other. They bickered and complained, but underneath, they were dear friends who relied on each other. Over the years, they’d held each other through the sad times and celebrated the happy ones.
“Good, it’s all settled, then,” Aunt Sophy said, refilling her teacup. “And we can save Serafina the trip to her uncle’s estate. We all know how much work you have on your plate, my dear.”
Serafina gave Aunt Sophy a grateful smile.
“Forgive me, my dear, for implying that you should take the dog to your uncle,” Aunt Bianca said. “I do know how hard youare working at the tearoom. And we can’t wait for the grand opening. I’m certain it will be a resounding success.”
“Thank you, Aunt Bianca, I appreciate that,” Serafina said.
“Er, you mentioned that Mr. Kerr was expected for tea?” Serafina asked in a feigned casual tone.
“This afternoon,” Aunt Dora confirmed with a smile. “I’ll send a reply after breakfast.”
“Do we all agree to have our first sitting next week, if Mr. Kerr is amenable?” Aunt Dora asked.
Everyone looked at Aunt Rosalind.
“I promise to have my dress ready,” Aunt Rosalind said with a firm nod.
“Then, it’s done. This has been a very productive morning thus far,” Aunt Dora said. “We’ve officially welcomed a puppy into our home, and we’ve found a possible artist for our portrait—providing we all agree—and if we like what we see of his work, we can set a firm date for the first sitting.”
“And we’ve eaten a hearty breakfast,” Aunt Rosalind added. “I’ve always felt it’s the most important meal of the day.”
“Very true,” Aunt Bianca said, nibbling on her second cinnamon scone.
“Serafina, do you plan to go into the shop this morning?”
“No, Aunt Dora. If you don’t mind, I’d like to work in the library today. I thought I’d do a little research.”
“Oh, that sounds like a fine idea. Let us know if we can help. We’re so excited about the tearoom. We’ve been telling all our friends about it, and they are excited, too,” Aunt Dora said.
Serafina smiled. She loved these ladies as much as if they were her true aunts. Thankfully, Willow now had a home, and she would spend the morning working on her recipes and reading about various herbs and spices.And…Mr. Julian Kerr was coming for tea,she added silently to herself. She couldn’t help looking forward to seeing him again, even though shekept telling herself that she shouldn’t. She managed to convince herself that she was pleased for her aunts. Yes, of course, that was it.
CHAPTER 4
THE NEXT MORNING
Julian gazed up at the lush, deep green canopy above his bed, listening to the wind gently sway the branches of the sturdy oak tree outside his window. The fresh breeze from the open window tickled his skin as he lay back with his hands behind his head. Dunmore, his valet, had drawn back the curtains, letting bright sunshine fill the room and gently wake him.
Since Julian’s stay in Bath was meant to be a peaceful stay with no pressing plans, he had allowed himself to relax the strictures that had been observed at Strathmoor Castle. A normal day at home would find him up at dawn, tending to various problems that cropped up every day on a large estate with many tenant farmers. But here in Bath, he could enjoy an extra hour or two in bed before heading to the Gentlemen’s Club for a boxing match.
As he watched the sunlight stream into his room, his thoughts drifted to a halo of blonde curls and warm, doe-browneyes. Serafina would no doubt be at her tea shop this morning—blending fragrant tea leaves and deciding what fragrant tea combinations would suit her customers. He’d noticed the small shop namedThe Lavender and Cream Tea Shopon his way to the club, but he hadn’t noticedher.He thought back to seeing her bent over the wall of the rubbish pit—and that pleasing, curvaceous bottom. When he drew closer, his breath caught at the radiant blonde beauty with the wide brown eyes and beaming smile. He imagined Willow, her newly-rescued rascally puppy, would be there with her today—already showing signs of loyalty by barking at every passerby, even with a broken limb.
