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Charlotte cringed, wishing the floorwould swallow her up. She shot Mrs. Jenkins an apologetic look. But the cafeowner simply nodded graciously.
"I understand, dear. Please let meknow if I can bring you ladies anything else." With that, she glided awaywith the plate in hand, unfazed by Roxanne's blunt critique.
Charlotte let out a relieved breath asMrs. Jenkins left earshot. "Honestly, Roxanne. Must you always make such adramatic scene?"
Roxanne merely laughed, taking anotherlong sip of her tea. "Oh, come now, Charlotte. I'm just beinghonest." She leaned back in her chair, smiling. “Lighten up.”
Charlotte sighed, looking around thecozy cafe. The other patrons were glancing their way, murmuring quietly amongstthemselves. Roxanne's outspoken critique had clearly disrupted the peacefulatmosphere. Wanting to diffuse the tension, Charlotte turned to Mrs. Jenkins asshe passed by again. "Mrs. Jenkins, my sister and I were just wonderingwhat she should see first as a newcomer to Chesham. You’re a local expert. Whatdo you think?”
Mrs. Jenkins' face lit up, clearlydelighted to share her local knowledge. "Oh yes! You must visit ourlighthouse at sunset - the views are breathtaking. And the historical society’sgardens have the loveliest roses this time of year. If you fancy a coastalhike, the trail to Bluebell Point is stunning."
Just then, Roxanne's loud laughterpierced the cozy atmosphere. Charlotte glanced over to see her sister, whowhispered under her breath, “Lottie, a man just came in wearing hip waders!”
Mortified, Charlotte discreetly nudgedRoxanne's foot under the table. She widened her eyes in an unspoken reminder tomind her volume and manners. Roxanne just winked mischievously in response. Butshe seemed to get the hint, going quiet.
Charlotte smiled apologetically at Mrs.Jenkins before returning her attention to their conversation.
“May we have two of your strawberrypastries to go, please? And the check?”
Mrs. Jenkins soon returned with a brownbag and the check, placing both gently on the table between Charlotte andRoxanne.
"Here you are, dears. No rush atall, just whenever you're ready," she said warmly. “And I took that fishoff for you.”
Charlotte reached for the check, hopingto make amends for her sister's earlier commentary on the food. "Please,no need. We can pay for it. It's the least I can do after..." She trailedoff, not wanting to directly acknowledge Roxanne's rudeness.
Roxanne frowned at her.
But Mrs. Jenkins waved her handdismissively. "Oh nonsense, no need for that. I want you to enjoy yourtime here." She gave them a knowing smile. "Sisters will be sisters,after all."
Charlotte felt a rush of gratitude forthe older woman's understanding. She squeezed Roxanne's hand affectionatelyunder the table, a wordless truce. Roxanne’s expression softened. Aftergathering their things, the sisters stepped back out into the sunshine. Thevillage square was still bustling with tourists and townspeople minglingcheerfully.
As they strolled leisurely away fromthe café, Charlotte turned to Roxanne. "I'm sorry if I seemed short withyou in there. I just get flustered when you're so...bold. But I suppose Ishould be used to it by now." She nudged her sister playfully.
Roxanne laughed, looping her armthrough Charlotte's. "Oh don't fuss over it, you know I don't care whatpeople think! I'm just being myself. But I'll try to rein it in a little, foryour sake. I suppose you’ve absorbed some English manners."
She gave Charlotte a conciliatorysqueeze. "Now, where to next?" Roxanne asked brightly, ready fortheir next adventure.
Charlotte smiled, feeling as though aweight had lifted. Charlotte pointed to a row of quaint shops along the mainstreet. "Let's wander through some of these little boutiques. I've beenmeaning to pick up a few trinkets to send to Amelia."
Arm in arm, the sisters strolled downthe cobblestone lane, peeking into the windows at the wares on display.Charlotte paused to admire a storefront bursting with fresh flowers, inhalingtheir sweet scent.
"Oh, aren't those lovely?"she murmured. Roxanne nodded, already captivated by the village's unexpectedcharms.
They wandered inside some of the shops,chatting with the friendly owners and rifling through antiques, handmadecrafts, and local goods. Roxanne, to her credit, behaved. Charlotte selected afew trinkets - a delicate seashell bracelet, a jar of homemade jam, a framedprint of the coastline.
Roxanne surprised her by purchasing apair of earrings crafted from smooth sea glass. "A little memento,"she said with a smile.
After exploring the main street,Charlotte led them toward the outer edge of the village. "I want to showyou the gardens. They're so peaceful."
Soon they arrived at a small publicgarden nestled against a low stone wall. Charlotte settled on a benchoverlooking the riotous blooms, breathing in the floral scents. Roxanne joinedher, gaze drifting over the flowers.
"It's lovely here," Roxannesaid after a few moments of tranquil silence. "So quiet andbeautiful."
Charlotte smiled, glad her sister wasstarting to appreciate the village's charms. "Just wait until you see theviews of the sea from the bluffs," she said eagerly. "We'll walk downto the overlook in just a bit. It's stunning."
Roxanne nodded, eyes closing as shetilted her face toward the sunshine. Charlotte let the comfortable silencestretch on, simply enjoying Roxanne's company. This trip had gotten off to arocky start, but now they were back in sync, the awkwardness fading away.
After a while, Charlotte gently brokethe silence. "I'm really glad you came to visit, Roxy. I know this isn'tyour usual scene, but it means so much to have you here."
