Effie wore a pale blue dress that fell just below her knees, its hem embroidered with magnolia blossoms in shimmering silver thread. The delicate floral patternplemented her fresh, understated beauty, lending her a gentle and graceful
air.
On her wrist was a palevender jade bracelet, a gift from Lyman, which she wore with quiet elegance.
She''d taken special care with her hair that morning, pinning up her long locks with a vintage hairpin.
Everything about her looked refined, tasteful, and perfectly in keeping with the afternoon''s tea party theme.
The moment Effie and Lindy entered the room, all eyes turned to them.
"Mrs. Etheridge, and who is this?" A middle-aged woman in a deep navy gown approached, her gaze sweeping appraisingly over Effie before she smiled politely. Lindy returned the smile and patted Effie''s hand affectionately. "This is my dear daughter-inw, Effie."
Effie offered a courteous smile and nodded. "It''s lovely to meet you."
A flicker of surprise crossed the woman''s face, quickly reced by a gracious smile. "What a striking couple you two make. Miss Bagnold, you have such a lovely presence-no wonder Mr. Etheridge is so smitten."
Effie''s cheeks flushed a soft pink. "You''re too kind," she replied modestly.
At the long table, several young society women were already seated, each impably dressed, wrists adorned with luxury bracelets, fingers sparkling with diamond rings.
As Effie approached, their gazesnded on her with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny.
Just then, Adeline entered, trailed by Sigrid and Suzan.
They immediately drew attention-especially Suzan, who wore a vibrant fuchsia gown that was as bold as it was form-fitting. Suzan had clearly put extra effort into her appearance that day, right down to the professionally styled hair.
She swept her gaze across the room and spotted Effie almost at once. A slight frown creased her brow.
Why is Effie here? She''d never attended events like this before. Since when did Effie have the right to show up at something as refined as an afternoon tea social?
With that thought, Suzan purposefully made her way over.
"Effie, what a surprise to see you here! Is this your first time at an Afternoon Tea Social?" she asked, her tone faux-friendly.
Sigrid chimed in with a smirk, "Did they start letting just anyone in these days? I guess the standards are slipping."
A couple of the other young women exchanged nces but soon one of them smiled and spoke up, "Miss Bagnold, so this is your first time joining us? What sort of tea do you usually enjoy?"
Not missing the gloating look on Suzan''s face, Effie replied calmly, "I usually prefer green tea-something light and refreshing, with a subtle sweetness. It''s perfect for everyday sipping."
"Oh, green tea is nice," another woman remarked, arching a brow with a hint of mockery. "Butpared to, say, Darjeeling or a fine aged Earl Grey, green tea does seem a bit... ordinary."
Effie caught the undertone in her words and responded evenly, "There''s really no such thing as a ''superior'' tea. It''s all about what you enjoy the most. Everyone''s tastes are different, and that''s what makes it special."
The woman was momentarily at a loss for words, her smile faltering.
A few of the otherdies quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Miss Bagnold is absolutely right. Tea is meant to be enjoyed-whatever brings you happiness." Suzan let out a quiet, derisiveugh. Effie might think she looked the part, but showing up here didn''t make her one of them. The real show was only just beginning.
With most of the guests now present, the Afternoon Tea Social officially began, and everyone found their seats.
Just then, Mrs. Smith, the organizer, stood up with an apologetic smile. "Ladies, I''m so sorry to interrupt, but unfortunately, the tea master we''d invited isn''t feeling well and had to cancel at thest minute. I know many of you are quite knowledgeable about tea. Would anyone be willing toe up and give a little demonstration for us?"