Gareth put most of the slice into his mouth, and a dramatic hand over his heart. “Restored by your generosity. And forever in your debt. Shall I bring you a book in repayment? Anything you might be needing, that your humble prince can provide?” He threw a look at her aunt, and then mock-whispered, loudly, “Tell me if Aunt Eleanor eats all your cream cakes, and I’ll bring you more. She looks hungry to me.”
Aunt Eleanor rolled her eyes, but her smile was fond. Elsie giggled more, and asked whether he knew if the latest storybook about Jane the Pirate Queen was in the shop yet. Gareth vowed to find out and bring it over if so.
Lorre eyed the ominous dark swirls of his tea. Shifted weight, leaning against the wall in the cottage’s snug kitchen.
Eleanor said to him, “Honey?” and took his cup
