Chapter Ten

 

 

“How did it go?” Connie asked the moment Kitty walked through the doorway.

Taking off her hat, gloves and coat, Kitty’s gaze travelled from one to the other. The children played on the rug in front of the fire and Max and Martin sat at the table polishing their work boots. Mary stood stirring a pot of stew.

“It went fine,” Kitty lied, hanging up her coat on the nail behind the door. After the luxury at Kingsley Manor it was hard to come back to the damp and dingy cellar.

“Were Mr Kingsley’s parents nice?” Mary asked.

“Yes.” At least John Kingsley was.

“Was the house grand?” Max questioned with a smile.

Here, she could answer truthfully. “Oh yes, the house and grounds are beautiful. The grandest I have ever seen.”

As the afternoon grew into evening, Kitty answered the children’s questions until they exhausted the topic. After dinner, it started to rain. Max told the children a story by the fire until it was bedtime. When the children were asleep, Max went up to his own bed and Mary and Martin turned in also, leaving Connie and Kitty sitting at the table drinking warm cocoa.

Connie looked over the rim of her cup. “Was it really as good as you said?”

Kitty sighed. “You know it wasn’t.”

“Which one was it? The mother or the father or both?”

“His mother.”

“Typical.”

“She did her best to make me feel uneasy. It was noticeable she didn’t think I was good enough for her son. Benjamin tried to hide his embarrassment from me regarding her behaviour, but I could tell he was angry with her.” Kitty shrugged in acceptance.

“What you goin’ t’do?”

She rose and rinsed her cup in a bucket of water. “There is nothing I can do. Benjamin will be gone in a few days. I’ll just have to deal with it when he returns. It is not as if Mrs Kingsley and I move in the same circles, is it?”

 

 

Kitty kept herself busy during the next few days preparing the tearooms for opening day, which was advertised to be in one week’s time. She and Benjamin spent as much time with each other as possible. He organized for men from the manor to come move all their belongings to the accommodations above the shop. He accompanied her to acquire the tables and chairs needed. They bought tall, leafy green ferns and placed them throughout the tearooms to provide a little privacy for the customers. At his insistence, Ben paid for all the linen tablecloths and napkins, vases for each table, cutlery and crockery. They hunted the warehouses for display counters and curtains and spent a whole afternoon buying the ingredients needed to make the fancy cakes and sandwiches. Ben’s help and support meant a great deal to her. For the first time in months, she was able to lean a little on someone else and she liked the feeling.

By Wednesday, everyone was exhausted, but thankfully, the bulk of the work was finished. Kitty sat in the backroom of the shop surrounded by boxes and crates of stock. Connie and Mary took Rosie for a walk down to the river. The others were at work and school. This left her alone to say goodbye to Ben. Her heart ached at the thought. She didn’t know how she would survive the time apart from him. It was as though she’d been waiting her whole life for him to find her and to be cruelly parted so soon seemed very wrong. There were moments when she wished to ignore her duties, her family and just agree to sail away with him.

Connie had offered to take care of the children should she wish to go with Ben, but Kitty knew that wasn’t the answer. She wouldn’t have been happy being on the opposite side of the world from them, not knowing how they fared from day to day. And what if Rory returned? How could she blame him for deserting them when she had done the same thing? No. Staying was the only answer. Besides, eighteen months would go by quickly with them working in the tearooms, so she could wait.

When he arrived just before noon, she flung herself into his arms as he entered by the back door. Silently they held each other, savouring the moment. After a little while, she led him upstairs and they sat together on the new dark green, velvet sofa Ben had bought for her.

“How will I bear to be without you?” Kitty lifted his hands to kiss them. “You’ve done so much for me, for all of us. The tearooms would never have looked so stylish without your help.”

“Money is meant to be spent, my lovely. I want to give you everything.” He kissed her nose. “And since you’ll not let me buy you a house to live in until we are married, then I must make sure this business will keep you financial until I return.”

“I feel guilty enough for all you have bought us without you keeping me.”

“What nonsense you talk, my darling. Your refusal of a bank account in your name will make me worry the entire time we are apart. However, should you find being here a struggle, go to my father. He will help you.”

“No, Ben. This is my responsibility.”

“And, as my fiancée, you are now my responsibility.”

“Fiancée?” Kitty shook her head in sadness. “Nothing is formalized yet. Your mother—”

“It is if you accept this.” Fishing in the pocket of his great coat, Ben pulled out a black, velvet-covered box and gave it to her.

She opened the box and gasped at the beautiful emerald ring nestled on a white satin bed. “Oh. Oh, Ben.” Tears pricked her eyes. “It is so beautiful.”

“It matches your eyes, my darling.”

All propriety left her as she wound her arms around his neck and cried. His leaving sent splinters of pain through her heart.

“Oh, my love, do not cry. Please stop or I’ll join you.” He tried to make light of it, however, his voice broke with emotion. “Kitty, Kitty my love.”

He soothed her with soft words and long tender strokes down her back until she felt composed enough to untangle from him.

“Forgive me.” Kitty wiped away her tears with a handkerchief he gave her from his own pocket. “It is just all too much. What about your mother? She disapproves.”

“Leave my mother to me.” He sucked in a deep breath. “You will wear my ring? And you’ll marry me when I return?”

“Yes. Oh yes.”

“Look at you.” He ran his fingers through her hair that had slipped from its combs. “Your glorious copper hair is all awry. May I have a keepsake?”

“Of course.”

He reached over to the sewing basket resting on a side table. He selected a pair of scissors and deftly cut off a small lock of Kitty’s hair. “Do you have something I can keep this in?”

Kitty thought for a moment and then pulled out from under the collar of her dress a gold chain and locket—the last birthday gift she received from her parents.

Ben raised his eyebrows as she gave him the locket. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I want you to have it and for once my heart and mind agree.”

“How I love you.” Ben crushed her to him, kissing her with a thoroughness that left her breathless. She arched into him, wanting everything he gave and more. As his mouth left hers and sought the tenderness of her neck, she flung her head back, allowing him more access.

His breath, hot against her throat, sent warmth flooding through her loins. The very core of her being ached, throbbed and she shuddered in his arms.

“Lord, Kitty, I must stop…I have to stop…”

She felt his heart thumping in his chest an echo of her own beat. Kitty hid her face against his shoulder, willing her body to slow down. She breathed in his particular scent of sandalwood, recalling it to memory for when she was alone. “Write to me as often as you can.”

“I will. I promise.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

“Ben…” Every instinct in her wanted to hold on to him and never let go. He was hers and they shouldn’t be parted, not now, not when she’d just found him.

“Goodbye my love, keep safe.” After one more sweet kiss, he walked away from her.

She didn’t brush away the tears that ran down her cheeks and soaked into her dress. What did her appearance matter now? A sob broke from her.

Swiftly, she ran into the storeroom and rummaged through the boxes and crates until she found a calendar. Taking a small pencil out of her pocket, her fingers shaking, she crossed off today’s date. She shied away from thinking how many more she would need to mark.

 

 

* * * *

 

 

“Well lass, today’s the day!” Max boomed, eating breakfast at the table in their new living quarters. Shortly, he and Martin would join all the others workers trudging through the streets just after dawn on their way to various jobs.

“I’ll be thinking of you,” Martin said, putting on his coat and boots. “I hope you have a grand day.”

“Thank you, love.” Kitty handed him and Max their sandwiches and stone bottles of cold tea.

She walked downstairs with them to the backroom. After saying goodbye, she lit the fire in the range in readiness for the arrival of Alice Simpson, the pastry cook she had employed two days ago.

Nerves in her stomach made eating breakfast impossible. Kitty wandered from the range to the larder and back again, then went through to the tearooms and lit the fire in there. As the flames licked the wood, she stood and for the umpteenth time surveyed the neat tables.

Sixteen tables, eight in each room of what were once two shops. A soft cream, linen tablecloth covered each table and in the middle stood small empty vases waiting to be filled with fresh flowers from the market. At intervals between the tables stood the tall, green leafy indoor plants. Smaller ferns sat on pedestals. A few country scenes Ben had acquired for her hung on the newly painted walls. Snow white, lacy curtains graced the big clean windows and the swept wooden floor shone with polish.

“This is where you are.” Connie stood in the doorway, tying on her apron.

“Do you think it is too early to go to the market to buy the flowers for the tables?” Kitty placed the fireguard around the fire.

“Ye Gods lass, it’s only just gone five. Come up an’ have some breakfast.”

“I cannot possibly eat a thing.”

They walked through to the backroom and checked the fire in the range. At the same time, the back door opened.

“Good morning, Alice.” Kitty smiled. She liked Alice’s jolly personality. The young woman wasn’t a true beauty, being plump and plain. However, her cheery smile, riot of blonde curls and cooking talent outweighed anything she lacked physically. “Please come in and take off your outdoor clothes. There’s a hook behind the door.”

A week before, Kitty advertised in the local paper for a pastry cook and replies inundated her. Women of all ages applied and two days ago the back courtyard had filled with women carrying their pastry offerings. She and Connie sampled the most appalling and the most tasteful pieces of pastry in York. In the end, Alice Simpson’s skills outshone the rest. Afterwards, the mere mention of pastry made Kitty feel sick.

Connie put the kettle on the hot plate to boil. “Have you had somethin’ to eat, lass?”

“Aye, a cup of tea and a couple of slices bread, Mrs Spencer.” Alice wrapped a white, starched apron around her waist and placed the mop cap over her hair. The uniforms Kitty bought weren’t only for Alice, but also for everyone who worked in the kitchen and at the tables.

“Well, have another cup, lass, while you wait for the ovens to heat up.”

Connie and Alice chatted over their cups of tea until Alice decided the ovens were hot enough for her to start. With trips to the larder for ingredients, she hummed as she weighed and sifted.

Kitty and Connie returned upstairs to help Mary organize the children to wash and dress. Connie put strips of streaky bacon in a frying pan and in another pan broke six eggs. “Lass, will you not sit down for a minute?” Connie rolled her eyes in exasperation at Kitty’s pacing.

“No. I’m going down to the market for the flowers.” She pinned on her small black hat and gathered her gloves. “Now, do you think there is anything else we need?”

“Stop worrying,” Mary said. “You’ve not forgotten a thing.”

Suddenly stricken, Kitty sat at the table. “I’m sure we’ll need another person serving out front. What if we’re so busy that two people out front and two out the back aren’t enough?”

“Lass, you goin’ to drive yerself mad. If it does get real busy then I’ll go between the two. But, until we know what’s goin’ to happen, let’s not worry.”

 

 

Connie was right. The first day of trade disappointed Kitty. In the first two hours they only served two couples. Around eleven o’clock, five people entered, mainly gentlemen of business sitting at five different tables, which meant each table afterwards had to be stripped clean and re-laid. By two in the afternoon, they had served a total of twelve people and by closing time, at five-thirty, the amount rose to fourteen. The well- stocked display counters of Alice’s beautifully made pastries and cakes as well as plates of sandwiches cut in tiny triangles mocked them.

Kitty let Alice go home at four o’clock because of the slow trade. There was no need for her to do more cooking since there was so much food left over.

Now, as the afternoon drew to a close, Connie locked the shop’s front entrance and pulled the blinds down. “Buck up lass, tomorrow could be different.” Connie put her arm around her. “It’ll tekk some time before everyone knows we’re here.”

“Yes, you could be right. Though I must confess, I did hope for a better start than this.” Her day had been exhausting, mentally more than physically. Disillusionment propped up the exhaustion and Kitty wished Benjamin was there to hold her, to say all the right things she needed to hear.

Within half an hour, they had cleaned and tidied the tearooms and Mary washed up the last few dishes in the sink in the backroom.

Their jobs finished, they went upstairs and served dinner to the children just as Max and Martin came through the door.

“How did it go?” Max sat the table rubbing his stocking feet. Kitty handed him a plate of kippers. “It could have been better.”

“Why, it’ll tekk a while yet before the place is known,” Max echoed Connie’s earlier sentiments.

Later, as Kitty wrote in her account books, Martin sat beside her. “Kitty?”

“Mmm?” She didn’t look up as she wrote down the day’s takings and expenses.

“It’s my birthday tomorrow. I’ll be seventeen.”

“Yes, I know.” Kitty glanced at him, her pen poised mid-air. “I hadn’t forgotten.”

“I know you wouldn’t have, it’s just that now I’m seventeen, I’ve been offered a job on a boat. Apparently, they like my work and, well, I’ve made it clear to all the boatmen who dock at our wharf that I want work on the water permanently.”

“Really?” She leaned back in her chair and gave him her full attention.

“Yes, and it, the boat, leaves in the morning for Hull. Can I go?”

She blinked as if clearing her vision. When had he become a man? He worked hard for them and took his responsibility without question. He’d stepped into Rory’s shoes and done a marvellous job. “As you say, Martin, you are seventeen. You’ve been working as a man for some time now and I really have no say as to what road you wish to take in your life. If working on a boat is what you want to do, then you have my blessing.” Kitty bent over and kissed him on the forehead.

“Thank you. I’ll still give you my pay.”

“There is no need. You save it. Put it in the bank.”

“Are you certain?”

She nodded. “We must learn from our parents’ mistakes. Money cannot be taken for granted, ever. You’ll do well to remember that.”

“I will then.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful, and come home every time you dock in York. Is your first trip a long one?”

“I’m not sure, I only know we’ll be going to Hull and from there it depends on what cargo is about.”

“When do you leave?”

“First light.”

“Well, you had better have your birthday present now then.” She smiled.

 

 

* * * *

 

 

The next morning, Kitty refused to allow her hopes to rise about the possible trade. She slept badly from the worry and hoped dark shadows didn’t show under her eyes.

The first customers were two businessmen returning for a second visit.

Connie sniffed. “It’s a good sign when people come back for more.”

A surprise caller an hour after opening, made Kitty smile. The small, round figure of Mrs Halloway bustled in through the front door with an arm full of packages.

“Why, Miss McKenzie. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read about the tearooms in the paper.” She gave a Kitty a kiss on the cheek and then step back to admire the rooms. “My, aren’t you the clever one?”

Kitty grinned. “I’m pleased to see you again. How are you, Mrs Halloway?”

“Fine, fine, my dear. I cannot stay long or my sister, Nancy, will worry, but I just thought I’d pop in to wish you luck.”

“Thank you. You’re very kind and it means a lot to me. Can you not stay for some tea and cake? We could have a proper chat.”

“I’d like nothing better, my dear, but I can’t today.”

Turning to Mary, Kitty asked her to box up a cake for Mrs Halloway and when Mary returned, Kitty gave it to the older woman. “This is to say thank you for the hamper of food you gave us when we left your boarding house.”

“I don’t need any thanks.” Mrs Halloway smiled, before glancing around. “It’s a credit to you, my dear. Well, goodbye, I must be off. I’ll pop in again soon.” She rushed out, nearly dropping her parcels and the cake in the process.

Kitty chuckled and returned to her few customers.

Towards noon, many fashionably dressed ladies arrived. Their expensive jewellery sparkled and their servants stood outside holding their parcels. Coming in pairs, they soon had Mary and Kitty rushed off their feet taking orders and serving. High-pitched voices and whispered undertones filled the tearooms.

Amazed at the sight, Connie peeped around the bench to gaze at them. She grasped Kitty’s arm as she passed. “Eh, lass, who’d believe it?”

“The advertisement must have worked.”

It took an hour or so before Kitty realized her lady customers took an avid interest in her. Many times Kitty heard her name mentioned as she passed the tables. Of course, her mother’s old acquaintances might have visited to see what had become of the McKenzie family, but she cared little about that. Her main concern was making the tearooms a success. If these bored ladies came to gossip, then there was nothing she could do about it. At least they spent their money in her shop.

When at last the customers dwindled down to just two couples sitting at tables by the window, Kitty left Mary waiting on them. She entered the backroom and grinned at Alice and Connie. “Are you both still standing?” Connie flopped into a chair and fanned her face with a towel. “Ye Gods! What got into them all arrivin’ like that?” She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

“I thought me legs would drop off.” Alice chuckled. “Word must’ve got out about me great cooking.”

“Kitty! Kitty!” Mary rushed in waving a newspaper in her hand. “Look what was left on one of the tables.”

“Tis the day’s paper, lass.” Connie poked fun at her.

Ignoring her, Mary thrust The Times into Kitty’s hand. “Look at the page it’s opened at.” Mary pointed to a column.

Kitty read, her eyes widening with every word. Her and Benjamin’s engagement had been announced. “I don’t understand.” The blood drained from her face. “Who could have done this?”

“Mr Kingsley must’ve before he sailed,” Connie stated the obvious. “After all, he did ask you ter marry him an’ he gave you his ring ter wear.”

“But he never said he was going to announce it.” Kitty read the short announcement again. Her stomach flipped over. “His mother will not like this.”

Kitty sent Mary up to make dinner for the children as closing time drew near. From the backroom she heard Connie and Alice talking as they cleaned. She moved a chair and swept under a table and allowed her mind to dwell on Benjamin. Why did he have to announce our engagement?

She shook her head at his logic. Did he not realize she would have to face everyone by herself? Stifling a sigh, she turned to sweep under another table when an elegant carriage and pair halted outside the shop window.

Georgina Kingsley paused on the carriage step and stared at the shop frontage. Kitty sensed the other woman’s loathing. It emanated from her like an aura. Georgina waited for her groomsman to open the shop’s door before regally gliding in. She surveyed her surroundings with cold blue eyes. Her gaze rested on Kitty as though it wished not to. “I am not here on a social visit. I would not enter such an establishment as this unless it was important.”

Inside, Kitty seethed. The woman spoke as if she were visiting a brothel. Determined to be gracious, Kitty summoned a small smile. “I’m sorry to hear that, Mrs Kingsley.”

“I am here because of the announcement published in The Times this morning.” Her disdain etched itself onto her pale face. “You have seen it, I suppose?”

“Yes.”

“My husband and I had not been consulted. Benjamin made no mention of an engagement before he sailed.”

“I understand, but before you ask, I didn’t place the advertisement.”

“My son would not have done it without speaking to me or my husband beforehand.” Georgina’s upper lip curled in contempt. “So, who does that leave?”

“No one of my acquaintance, Mrs Kingsley. I promise you.” Kitty struggled to keep check on her temper. “Benjamin must have done it.”

Georgina stared at the ring on Kitty’s left hand and her eyes narrowed into slits. “Where did you obtain that?”

“This ring was given to me by your son, Mrs Kingsley. It is my engagement ring.” She was so thankful of the empty shop. Her embarrassment would be complete if customers saw this spectacle. She suspected Connie, Mary and Alice waited in the backroom ready to come out and help her if need be.

“That was his grandmother’s ring.” Georgina’s face lost its alabaster hue and grew pink. “She willed it to him to bestow upon the woman he is to marry.”

“Then, I’ll wear it with pride.”

Georgina sucked in a deep breath. “You, miss, will not wear it at all. You will never marry my son. He deserves better than a penniless snippet like you!”

“That is enough.” Kitty put up her hand. “I love your son and he loves me. We will be married the minute he returns from Australia and there is nothing you can do about it.”

Connie, Mary and Alice marched in to stand at her back, forming a small but angry defence.

Georgina Kingsley tilted her head majestically. Her lips thinned into an angry mark on her face. “I can completely assure you, Miss McKenzie, that in no way will you and my son ever be joined in matrimony. If it takes every day of my life in making sure it does not happen then I’ll do it. That is my pledge.”

“You cannot change Benjamin’s mind or his love for me.”

“That is where you are wrong. He may be on the other side of the world but I will make certain the letters I send him will create doubts about his association with you. He shall soon come to realize that you were just a passing interest, one that no longer requires his concentration.” She turned on her heel and strode out to her carriage. The driver whipped up the horses and it jerked into motion and out of sight.

“My God,” Connie whispered and placed her hands on Kitty’s trembling shoulders. “Aw, lass, you’ve got a right dragon in that one, an’ no mistake. Come out back an’ have a cuppa.”

Kitty sat silently while the others fussed and discussed the Kingsley woman. She longed for Benjamin’s strong arms to comfort her and his tender words to confirm his love for her, but they were many miles away. She would just have to dream of them. But oh, how she missed him already and it hadn’t even been a week. How would she survive eighteen months?

 

 

* * * *

 

 

Kitty waved goodbye to Joe and Clara from the gate in the side lane as they went off to school. Already, tiredness pulled at her bones and the day had just begun. She had endured another sleepless night due to the argument with Georgina Kingsley. She was concerned that their relationship was so acrimonious. The woman would one day be her mother-in-law, yet they could barely stand the sight of one another. It worried her that Benjamin would be torn between them.

“Good morning, Miss.” A postman with a large red bag full of mail smiled at her.

“Good morning.” Kitty nodded. His uniform of waistcoat, blue frock coat with a scarlet collar, cuffs and piping were so well pressed they appeared to be new.

“Are you Miss McKenzie of McKenzie’s Tearooms?”

“Yes, I am. Are you new to this round?”

“Aye, Miss. Art Tilsby is me name. Here’s your mail.”

Kitty took the two letters. “Nice to have met you, Mr Tilsby.”

“Good day to you, Miss.” The postman tipped his peaked hat.

Walking back into the courtyard, she opened the first letter. She knew it was from Benjamin and her heart soared. She paused to read the brief letter.

 

My Darling,

I’m writing this brief missive after boarding the ship and while waiting to sail, which will be within the hour. Although this vessel takes me away from you, I cannot help being excited by my journey.

By accepting my ring, you have made me the happiest man in the entire world. I love you so. I miss you already and will write again on board and post it at my next port of call.

Did you see the announcement in The Times? Are you pleased? I must go now, my love, as the last whistle just blew for visitors to leave the ship and with goes the mail.

My best wishes to all the family and again my love to you. Benjamin.

 

Kitty strolled back inside, sat at the table, and read the short letter again.

Alice, rolling dough, glanced at her. “Everythin’ all right, Miss Kitty?”

“Yes.” Kitty smiled at her, and then went upstairs. She found Connie making the children’s beds. “Leave that, Connie. I’ll do it in a minute.”

“Nay, lass, many hands lighten t’load.”

“I’ve received a letter from Ben.”

Connie winked. “Ben is it now?”

Kitty grinned. “It is my name for him. His mother calls him Benjamin.”

“Well, what’s he ter say then, lass?”

“He sent it before he sailed. It was him who put the announcement in the paper.”

Connie straightened. “Well, we all knew that, lass. Let’s just hope he’s sent a letter to his mam sayin’ the same thing.”

Kitty sighed heavily. “I’m so disappointed she is behaving this way. I love Ben and he loves me. Surely that is all she should care about?”

“Aw, lass, you know better than that. You’ve lived that life before. Do you think your mam would’ve liked it if Rory or Martin had come home with someone who had nowt an’ lived in a cellar?”

“No, I suppose not. Knowing Mother, she would have created a fuss too. It’s just I don’t need the trouble it brings.”

Connie folded Clara’s nightgown and placed it on her pillow. “Aye well, just forget it for now. The dragon has some time t’get used ter it an’ we’ve a shop ter run.”

The morning trade was slow until midday, when a few ladies called. Again, they took much interest in Kitty. Frustrated at being openly stared at, she decided to remain in the backroom as much as possible. However, she felt guilty for leaving the bulk of the work to Mary.

“Kitty. Kitty!” Mary’s urgent whispering had Kitty rushing to her side and they both stared as an enormous carriage, pulled by four, proud, black horses, halted outside the shop windows. The frantic murmurings behind hands at the other tables held Kitty’s attention for a moment, but it was soon diverted back to the front entrance. A small, plump, elderly lady, dressed in a coffee-coloured gown of silk with a large hat decorated in red feathers, walked in. Her hair was light grey and beautifully arranged under her hat, but it was her eyes that drew Kitty’s attention for they were the most brilliant blue.

“Would you care to be seated, madam?” Kitty nearly curtsied such was the woman’s regal manner.

The older woman ignored her for a moment while she took a good look around the premises. Some of the other ladies seated nodded their heads in acknowledgment, but no one spoke.

“I do believe these rooms look quite adequate,” declared the grand lady, “and you, miss, what is your name?” She turned an inquisitive gaze to Kitty.

“Miss Katherine McKenzie, madam.”

“And these tearooms are yours, no doubt?”

“Indeed they are, madam.” Kitty nodded, wishing with all her heart she had gone with Ben to Australia. She didn’t know how long she could cope with such scrutiny.

“I do confess this table here will do nicely, yes?” She looked at Kitty for confirmation.

Kitty stepped forward and pulled out a chair for her. “If madam wishes it.”

The proud little woman sat at the table by the window. She then turned to the two ladies sitting behind her. “Mrs Pollock, and you, Mrs Seymour, is this establishment to your liking?”

Kitty closed her eyes and held her breath.

The two ladies, surprised by the question, hesitated. “Well, yes, Mrs Cannon. We find it most agreeable,” they parroted each other.

The old woman nodded, turning back to Kitty and Mary, who hung a little behind. “Miss McKenzie, I’m Mrs Dorothea Cannon, of Cannonvale Park. How do you do?”

“Very well, thank you, Mrs Cannon, and you?” Kitty forced a smile.

“Fine enough at the minute, though I shall die of thirst any moment.” She frowned, but Kitty saw a twinkle in her eye and managed to grin back.

“Would a pot of tea be to your liking or maybe coffee perhaps?”

“Coffee, I think. Make certain it is fresh and of good quality.” Mrs Cannon waved a hand towards the display counter. “An array of those dainty little cakes too, if you please.”

“Of course, madam.” Kitty walked away with Mary at her heels. Going into the backroom, Kitty nearly collided with Connie and Alice who stood listening in the doorway.

“Who’s she?” Connie whispered.

“A Mrs Cannon, now help me make some fresh coffee.” Kitty rushed into the larder. “Mary, go out front and fill a small stand for Mrs Cannon.”

For half an hour Mrs Cannon drank her coffee and nibbled at the cakes Mary placed before her. It was not until the other ladies seated behind her rose, paid for their tea and left that Mrs Cannon beckoned Kitty over to her. “Sit down, girl,” she demanded airily, with a wave of her jewelled hand to the opposite chair.

Kitty sat, not at all sure what was required of her.

“Now, let me tell you something. I came here today to have a good look at you and this establishment because of one thing,” Mrs Cannon paused, eyeing Kitty warily, “my grandson.”

“Your grandson?”

“Indeed. You see he told me he had fallen for a young woman who was beautiful, intelligent and most of all, worthy.” Here, Mrs Cannon paused again and peered closely at Kitty. “So I thought I must meet this young woman to satisfy myself whether she deserves my grandson’s affections.”

Kitty felt the blood leave her face. Oh, Lord. She really couldn’t face another confrontation with a member of Ben’s family. “You are Benjamin’s grandmother?”

Dorothea Cannon’s lips twitched. “Indeed, and I like surprising people.”

“You have certainly done that today, Mrs Cannon.”

“Let me tell you of the sensations that have come about since you appeared on the scene. My daughter has plagued me night and day over you. She has recited every detail of your two brief encounters, and let me assure you, Miss McKenzie, my daughter is a woman whom you wouldn’t wish to have as a foe.”

Kitty closed her eyes momentarily. “Please believe me, Mrs Cannon, I would be most happy to befriend Ben’s mother, but alas, she will not see beyond my current status as a shop owner.”

“Do you believe you are worthy of my grandson’s affections?”

“Whether I’m worthy or not is something I cannot answer. However, I do know I love your grandson most desperately and with all my heart.” Out of her pocket, she pulled Ben’s letter and handed it over for Dorothea to read. Maybe then she would see the love they felt for each other.

Kitty waited while the other woman read the letter.

“Excellent. That is the first hurdle over with. It is obvious the depth of feeling between the two of you.” Dorothea returned the letter and smiled. “Benjamin visited me before he sailed and I was delighted at the change in him. I do accept my daughter has been at fault for Benjamin’s unhappiness. She is far too controlling for her own good and I’m afraid it has all been for nothing. Ever since Benjamin was a child, all he wanted to do is be away from her and her complete devotion for him. Which in turn, distresses my daughter and makes her more determined to be closer to him.”

Dorothea sipped her coffee, staring thoughtfully out the window at the passing traffic. “I’m ashamed that my daughter is a woman whom one cannot easily befriend. She was thoroughly spoiled by my late husband and I’m afraid John does not stand up to her as much as he should.”

“I found Mr Kingsley most agreeable. I liked him a lot.”

“Yes, dear John, he is a good man. Oh, do not have me mistaken, Miss McKenzie, I love my daughter most dearly and I love her more the less I see of her.” Dorothea chuckled at her own joke and Kitty hid a smile with her hand.

Dorothea suddenly rose from her chair and Kitty did also. “I must be on my way now, my dear. I would like to call again, if I may?”

“Oh, yes, please do, Mrs Cannon.”

“Call me Dorothea, my dear, and I believe you are known as Kitty?”

“Yes, I am, and thank you, Dorothea. It has been such a pleasure to meet you.” Kitty held out her hand and Dorothea took it.

Together they went outside to the carriage. As Dorothea was handed up the carriage step, she paused and turned back to Kitty. “I shall tell all my friends and acquaintances about your lovely tearooms, my dear, be assured of that. We must keep it in the family, you know.” Dorothea winked at Kitty, before resting back against the leather bound seats. With a flick of the reins, the carriage rolled away.

Inside, Kitty helped Mary clear away the table. Securing Dorothea’s friendship made her light-headed with relief. If only Ben’s mother was as pleasant.

“She had lovely eyes,” Mary said, folding the tablecloth. Kitty agreed for were they not identical to Ben’s?

 

 

* * * *

 

 

In the plush red dining room of Kingsley Manor, Dorothea placed her linen napkin delicately beside her plate. At the end of the dining table, her daughter sat majestically, nibbling her food. Dorothea glanced at John before squaring her shoulders. “Earlier today, I called to make acquaintance with Benjamin’s fiancée.”

Georgina choked on her food and her eyes narrowed. “May I ask you not to mention that woman in my presence, Mother?”

“Why? She is of a decent sort and shall make Benjamin a fine wife,” persisted Dorothea. “He loves her. Why aren’t you happy that he’s found a woman who will make him content?”

“I’ll not have it! Do you hear?” Georgina rose quickly to her feet, dismissing a helpful servant with a toss of her head.

“Calm yourself.”

“Don’t interfere, Mother. I shall not see Benjamin married to some fortune hunter who owns a teashop! Why the shame of it would kill me.”

John lowered his knife and fork. “My dear, Dorothea is right. Benjamin needs a wife of intelligence. He would go mad within a month with anything less.”

Georgina’s cold glare silenced him. “That trollop will never be my daughter-in-law. Neither will she rule this house!”

The two serving maids glanced at each other in fear.

“You’re spoilt, Georgina. You have been since the cradle. Only this time you will not get your way.” Dorothea rose also, such was her determination. “I’ll not let you ruin that boy’s chance of happiness. He loves her and she loves him. I’ll do all in my power to see them wed.”

“Love? She wants his money and the position of being married into a wealthy family. We would be the laughingstock of all our friends and acquaintances.” Georgina’s once beautiful face twisted with spite. “It shall never take place, Mother. I shan’t let it! I’d rather him dead before married to that girl.” She stormed from the room in a rustle of silk skirts and lingering perfume.

Dorothea sat down gingerly, her bones creaking with the effort. “She must be stopped, John. I love her, but at times I do not like her.” She shook her head and reached for her wine.

“Together, we shall make certain they marry. I’ll write to Benjamin and tell him to send for Kitty.”

“It will take months for the letter to arrive and months for a reply. However, it is wiser for them to be in Australia than here, for Georgina will never give them a moment’s peace.” Dorothea gazed around the beautiful room with its decadent furnishings, rare Chinese silk wallpaper and lavish tableware. She could quite clearly see Kitty as mistress of all this and knew in her heart it was where the young woman belonged, but would it actually happen? A sudden shiver tingled down her spine.