The truth was, Mrs. Smith didn''t have much of a choice. She wasn''t expecting anyone to be a tea master-just someone who could exin a bit about tea culture, make a pot, and let everyone have a friendly exchange.


    No sooner had Mrs. Smith finished speaking than someone from the crowd suggested, "Why don''t we let the neer give us a demonstration today? The rest of us have all had our turns before."


    In an instant, every eye in the room turned to Effie.


    She was the only unfamiliar face at this afternoon''s gathering.


    A number of societydies shed mocking smiles, clearly relishing the spectacle. They''d noticed Effie had arrived with Mrs. Etheridge, and the jealousy in the room was almost palpable.


    Rumor had it this was Effie''s first time at the Afternoon Tea Social-surely she didn''t know the first thing about tea.


    Mrs. Etheridge had even mentioned when they arrived that she''d brought Effie along just to let her see how things worked in these circles.


    And now, being called up to demonstrate? It was the perfect setup for public embarrassment.


    Mrs. Smith found the suggestion reasonable enough and nced at Effie, silently hoping she would volunteer herself.


    Before Effie could say a word, Mrs. Etheridge spoke up in her defense. "It''s Effie''s first time here. Perhaps she could take a turn next time?"


    Mrs. Lloyd gave a cool, dismissive smile. "Oh, Mrs. Etheridge, it''s only a bit of friendly practice. No harm done, is there?"


    Truth be told, Mrs. Lloyd had never cared for Effie, which was why she''d never brought her to the Afternoon Tea Social before. She''d always thought Effie simply wasn''t the right fit for such asions.


    Never mind that Effie was dressed in an elegant evening gown today, looking every inch the part-at her core, Mrs. Lloyd still considered her beneath them.


    Now, Mrs. Lloyd was looking forward to the show, waiting to see what kind of fool Effie would make of herself. Would Mrs. Etheridge still defend her then?


    Mrs. Etheridge frowned slightly, ready to object, but Effie gently ced a hand over hers.


    "If everyone is kind enough to give me the opportunity, I''d be honored to try," Effie said graciously, her voice steady.


    She rose from her seat, a calm, confident smile on her lips, and walked gracefully toward the tea table at the front of the room. There was a lightness and poise in her step-no trace of nerves.


    Watching her, Mrs. Etheridge rxed, reassured by Effie''sposure. She''d always known Effie to be methodical and unppable.


    Suzan and Sigrid exchanged a smirk. They were itching to see Effie embarrass herself. After all, how could someone who''d never attended these socials possibly know anything about the art of tea?


    Effie reached the table, her gaze sweeping over the porcin and silver, then she smiled and began, "A single leaf falls into water, and suddenly the water is transformed. That''s how tea began."


    "These days, tea is a part of everyday life. But have you ever wondered when did it be so popr...?"


    Effie''s voice was warm and engaging as sheunched into the history of tea, sharing anecdotes and cultural tidbits. The room quickly fell under her spell.


    Suzan, Adeline, and Sigrid stared in disbelief.


    Was this really the Effie they knew, speaking so eloquently, weaving stories and historical references with such ease? She was more captivating than any instructor they''d had before-her voice melodious, her presence striking, a true pleasure to watch.


    Suzan could only hear the chorus ofpliments directed at Effie, and it made her burn with envy.


    Why was everyone singing Effie''s praises? She was certain Effie knew nothing about tea. Maybe she''d crammed a few facts beforeing today, just to get by.


    Hmph. Who did she think she was?


    Suzan''s eyes shed with resentment and jealousy. She was itching to expose Effie''s real self.


    "Excuse me, I have a question," Suzan suddenly interrupted, cutting Effie off.