Page 69 of Not So Very Sensible

Saturday passed as most Saturdays did with work in The Silver Teapot. Today she was paired with Annabelle again, given that Katie was once again in the city with Jason. At least that relationship seemed to be working out, even if Ellie had failed at her own. Not that she was thinking about him.

She’d thought she’d done a fairly reasonable job at hiding her feelings about Ethan and his manipulation. She’d obviously been too naïve and had believed the first man to really smile at her. Maybe all those books offering Christian relationship advice were wrong when they said to date to find your mate. She might’ve believed that once upon a time, but she sure could’ve done with some experience in just plain dating, rather than misinterpreting the first guy to ever show any interest.

Experience for the win.

“Ready for another day?” Annabelle asked, preparing to open the front door for the people already waiting outside.

Was she ready for today? After her shift here, she’d need to prepare for the function tonight, which still puzzled her. “Let’s do it.”

Annabelle opened the door, and Ellie welcomed people inside.

She smiled and gathered menus for the customers seated at the round table. “Hello, and welcome to the Silver Teapot. We’re so glad you’ve joined us today.” She passed out menus. “I’ll give you a moment to look over the various teas we have on offer, and then I’ll return to take your selections.”

Her heart panged. This was what she should’ve been doing with Ethan last weekend. But no. She wasn’t going to think about that. Wasn’t going to think about him.

Just as she had all week, she’d keep busy, keep distracted, keep her mind focused on what could be done rather than on the things that could never be.

And for the next five hours, she did exactly that. Filling up teapots with tea leaves and just-boiled water. Handing out plates of pastries and scrumptious sandwiches. Making small talk about the beautiful weather and blossoms and the district’s tulip festival. Snatching sips of coffee or water and bites from the unsaleable food to keep up her energy. Smiling at little girls dressed up in their princess finery. Helping Dad ice cupcakes and slice sandwiches and box up leftovers in cardboard takeaway containers. Clearing away teacups and used serviettes and cutlery.

“Whew.” Annabelle wiped down the kitchen’s stainless-steel bench. “Can I admit that I’m glad that’s done? That tea party upstairs was so noisy.”

“You can go home and relax now.”

“Mm. I’d planned to watch the new Austen film at the cinema tonight. Want to come?”

“I’d normally love to, but tonight I’m on a job.”

“On a Saturday night?”

Ellie explained what Nicola had asked her to do, which was met with raised eyebrows. “That is strange.”

“That’s what we both thought. Especially as the client looked at me like she thought I was inferior and insisted I call her Mrs. Dashwood.”

“Bless her cotton socks.”

“Amen.”

Annabelle’s brow puckered. “Mrs. Dashwood? She’s not the politician’s daughter, is she?”

“I don’t know if I can say.” Which was as good as saying yes, she knew. Nicola had had a few clients with NDAs Ellie had been forced to sign. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, I just read online that the opposition leader’s daughter had moved to the area recently—or at least bought a farm. I think her last name was something like Dashwood.”

“I don’t know why someone like that would want me there.” She straightened a set of white platters. “Not that it matters. I’m just going to measure up some things, then I’m out.”

“Well, if you finish early enough, you could come to the movies with me. Otherwise, I’ll see you at church tomorrow.”

“Sure. Thanks. And thanks again for your help today.”

Annabelle said goodbye to Dad, then exited.

Dad looked at Ellie. “Did I really hear her say that Neville Ferris’ daughter is your client?”

“Possibly. I don’t know for sure.” She shrugged. “You know I don’t like politics.”

“Hmm. Well, if it is, perhaps you can see if someone has some connections so you can use your graphic design skills.”

“I’m really only going so I can measure up the night lighting she wants done.”