Page 42 of The Magical Tea Shop

“No,” said Marjorie.

Ivy cast a glance at Malory in time to see her shoulders twitch. Surely they didn’t plan to replace her. She was doing an amazing job, and they were going to need more than a single docent for four mansions.

When the topic of the scripts came up, Malory spoke up to offer suggestions. Hazel teetered again and put a hand to her head.

Ivy jumped up and ran around the table. “Here, let me help you.” She eased Hazel into the captain’s chair at the head of the table. “Standing seems an unnecessary effort, and we don’t mind if you sit.”

“It isn’t how it’s done,” murmured Hazel.

“You can make a change. All in favor of Hazel sitting while she conducts business say aye.”

“You’re not a member of the board,” added Hazel.

“Aye,” said everyone at the table.

“Oh, bother,” said Hazel, and pounded her gavel on the table four or five times.

Malory winced again in rhythm to the pounding.

The table was hardwood. The woman could really lighten up.

“Motion passed,” said Hazel, small in the upholstered captain’s chair, the curved arms swallowing her up.

Lydia clapped her hands. “Yay,” she said, and then stopped when no one joined in the cheering.

Seymour rose to a stand, towering over the rest of them. Ivy took her seat at the opposite side of the table while he took over the meeting.

Oh, well, thought Ivy, apparently business is done while standing. No doubt that was how it had always been done.

“On to new business,” he intoned. “Let’s talk about the fundraiser.”

“Oh, oh, I move we hold it inside instead of in the courtyard.” Lydia’s eyes shone with the possibility. She clapped her hands.

“I second the motion,” chirped Hazel.

Ivy glanced at Malory, who appeared queasy at the thought of so many people tromping through the newly restored mansion unsupervised.

“Discussion,” said Seymour.

Ivy raised her hand and waited to be recognized. “What if you held it in the courtyard and gave tours of the inside?”

Malory relaxed perceptibly. A lively discussion ensued on the merits and problems with Ivy’s suggestion. When it was determined that only the foyer, drawing room, and dining room would be open for visitors to roam free, and that the food would remain in the courtyard, Malory sent Ivy a grateful look.

Ivy raised her hand tentatively. “I have another suggestion, well—an offer. I was wondering if you would like me to provide refreshments for the fundraiser.”

They stared at her.

“Holly provides refreshments for local fundraisers, dear,” said her aunt.

Malory spoke up. “What would you suggest?”

“Well, scones, for one. They would be more historically accurate than, say, doughnuts.”

The pillars glanced at each other, communicating silently. Marjorie made a tentative suggestion. “Perhaps if Ivy provided scones and some little savory finger sandwiches?”

Lydia picked up the idea, adding, “…while Holly provided apple turnovers and ham and cheese croissants?”

Ivy jumped in, “I could bring my special tea blend.”

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