Page 42 of Not So Very Sensible

Just like Lucinda.

“My sister EJ—oops, Emma-Jane, I need to remember to call her that—is Mum’s total opposite. She’s much more like my dad and very methodical and organised. I tend to be a lot like that too, while Katie is a lot like Mum.”

“Organised is a quality that’s often underrated.”

“Right?”

Her smile caught him in the solar plexus, and he felt a desire to hold her close. But this wasn’t the place. Especially considering they had a high tea to get to.

“We should probably get going if we’re going to make this high tea on time.”

“Let’s go.”

They passed through the long corridors, the red painted walls lined with art and books and historical couches drawing smiles. She stopped to take another photo of an unusual curved door with intricate stained glass; then he insisted on taking a photo of her beside it.

“Why?”

“Because it’s artsy. Like you.”

She was a little awkward at first, then soon dropped her guard and posed, chin up, one hand on her hip, as she stared defiantly down the camera.

“Perfect.”

“Can I see?”

He caught a trace of honey again as she nestled close to examine the pic. “You look tough yet independent.”

“EJ’s the tough one, but I’ll take it.”

“How about intrepid?”

She smiled, and another moment passed as they sank into each other’s gazes.

Then he said, “Come on. Let’s get to our reservation.”

It felt like a lie to say that, when this reservation had been organised by Lucinda with him. But seeing as he was the one paying, he didn’t mind the different guest.

They drew up to the reservation desk, he gave his name, and they were soon led to what must be the premier spot beside the huge window. “Wow.”

“May I take your jackets?”

“Um, sure.” Ellie handed hers to the female server, and he did the same, and they took their seats.

Ellie’s face was aglow. “This spot is so much nicer than when we came a few days ago. We were by the window but over nearer the fireplace.”

He wondered if it was his last name that had secured such a great spot. “I’m glad you approve.”

She smiled and picked up the menu. A vast selections of teas were on offer, and she soon proved her tea expertise, picking a blend he’d never heard of, while he settled for plain Earl Grey.

“Don’t judge me for my lack of adventurousness with tea.”

“You probably need to have a tea tasting day.”

“Mm. Maybe. Do you know of anyone who could help with that?”

“I might.”

He laughed and leaned forward. “You know, I’m feeling a rather urgent need to expand my tea-tasting tastebuds very soon.”