For Arabella Strange, should she choose to attend

[thistledownking]

At precisely three o'clock on Friday, there will be a table set for two by the lilacs in the garden. The tablecloth is made of shimmering grey spidersilk, and the tea service of the finest bone china; delicate silverware has been set at each place, and the table is positively brimming with pastries and delights. Tiny mincemeat pies spill from a

Comments

[colored_gowns]

Arabella greets the sight of the lavish table with an involuntary "oh!". Of course she chose to attend-- she has a strong feeling it would be very unwise not to do so.

"Truly, sir," she says with a faint smile. "You should not have gone to the trouble."

[thistledownking]

He stands, and gives her a very polite bow--a charming smile, when he straightens. "It was hardly trouble at all! Only food and drink; even mortals manage it with regularity for their favoured guests. Are you surprized, Mrs Strange?"

[colored_gowns]

"But one rarely finds it in such abundance." She offers a shallow curtesy in reply to the bow. "Ought I be surprized, sir? Food is hardly out of place at a tea."

[thistledownking]

"Hardly, indeed. Won't you sit?" He indicates the place across from his own; there is a sprig of lilac in a tiny vase beside her plate.