Chapter 11
J. Henry Manor Tea Room
They drove to the tearoom at 508 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, trunk full of new purchases. Not one thing in black or gray for Heather. In fact, she was quite happy with purchasing a lavender plaid full length skirt and matching scarf that would be worn across the front of the blouse and down the back, held in place with her silver clan pin, Scottish style. That would be reserved for something special.
“You know, it’s kind of nice having a girlfriend to talk to, share things with, shop.
“I really haven’t taken time to make friends, much less take time to enjoy their company. The business is something I was determined to make a success. That took every minute of every day. It’s one thing to open the doors and hang a few paintings, but another to make that business work. It takes work. I had to learn what the locals and tourists wanted and then find it at the right prices.” Linda Sue explained.
“Is my art helping?”
“I’ll tell you more when we get inside.” Linda Sue stopped in front of a quaint old house. From what she had heard, this place was a hundred year old Victorian home, now a tearoom.
They went inside to the desk and gave their names. There seemed to be a pleasant odor of something as they entered; perhaps a caramel scent? All about were small tables set with lace tablecloths and dainty bone china cups, saucers and teapots. Almost everywhere were flowers, cards, and many other Victorian objects. Notable were other women enjoying tea and small sandwiches along with young ladies and little girls, probably enjoying their first tea parties. Some seemed to be dressed for the occasion even to wearing hats and white gloves. Heather smiled. The days of graciousness were not gone. They were led to a table. They both accepted the menus.
“If you don’t mind, I thought we could just have their tea for two. That’s a scone apiece, a few tea sandwiches, a nice selection of petite desserts with tea. I hear we should try the French Caramel Crème Brulee tea.”
“That sounds absolutely wonderful. I know I shouldn’t eat after that breakfast and with a dinner tonight, but all that walking, all that shopping. I’m starved.”
“I can’t say that, but I love a cuppa and think I could enjoy a scone. It’s like my auld hame. (old home)”
“I would be willing to bet that your old home isn’t like this,” Linda Sue laughed.
“No, you are right.” Heather took care to pronounce her words. ‘But a cuppa does remind me of home. There were so many Sundays after kirk, I mean church, we went to visit family and friends. There was always a pot of tea, scones, cookies, and other treats.”
The waitress brought the tea immediately. “Have you wondered why I haven’t spent much time with you lately in spite of Duncan asking me along?”
“Well, yes. But I thought you were too wrapped up in business.”
“That, but there’s another reason. I’ve met someone.”
The waitress came over and placed a tall layered dish containing many scones and treats along with a container of what she called clotted cream. They waited to continue their conversation until she had placed everything on the table.
“Met someone? Who? When? I mean tell me about him. What is his name?”
“He’s Richard.”
“You make it sound like saying his name is like singing.”
“No… we’ve only recently met and gone out a few times.”
“Linda Sue, I have to ask you. You’ve mentioned some kind of relationship that you were in recently. Can I ask what that was and what happened?”
“I don’t mind now. It’s been a while. I was married once, very happily, I thought. I know I put my heart and soul into the marriage.”
“I’m sorry. What did happen?” Heather picked at a small piece of scone.
There were a few tears in Linda Sue’s blue eyes.
“Oh, forgive me,” Heather put her hand on Linda Sue’s. “I’m so, so sorry. We don’t have to talk about it.”
“It’s alright. I need to talk. I’ve kept this in for so long now. But it is over and has been for a long time. I think I almost gave up on any relationship. And…now, after I’d planned on being along the rest of my life, there is this new wonderful man in my life. If I don’t share it, I’m going to burst.”
“Tell me. Tell me. How tall, what color eyes? And….?”
The waitress came over to ask if there was anything else they wanted.
They politely refused.
Heather begged Linda Sue to tell her more.
“We met when he came in looking for a painting for his mother’s birthday. He really impressed me when he spoke of her and then mentioned his two sisters who chose him to pick out what his mother would like. It proved to me that women were important in his life.”
“And…?”
“When he came back to pick up the framed painting, he brought me a cup of coffee, just the way I like it.”
“How did he know?”
“He saw the logo on the paper cup behind the counter went over there and asked them what kind I liked. Then he brought me some.”
“Amazing.”
“Then he asked me out to dinner. He even asked me what was my preference.”
“That is thoughtful. What made you choose to go with him?”
“I just felt like it was time. After the divorce, I made up my mind to make a success of a business. At that time, I wanted to show my former husband that I could succeed without him. And I did. I guess you could say Mr. Richard Brown showed up at the right time.”
“I shouldn’t ask, but how serious is this?”
“We’ve not gone that far. So far, we enjoy each other’s company. We have so much in common. It’s like our relationship fits both of us. We’re perfect companions.”
“That’s so wonderful. It’s almost too good to be true.”
“Sometimes I feel like that too.”
‘What does he look like, not that it matters?”
“He’s somewhat shorter than some men, but then I am short too. So that is fine. He’s about 5’7”. He’s around 150 pounds or so, but he has great arms, big biceps, which is a major turn on for me. And his eyes are the most delicious color of chocolate.” There was that special glint in her eyes.
Heather was so happy to see her friend happy with someone. She leaned forward, setting her cup of tea to the side. Looking in her eyes, she saw that the usual hints of sadness were gone. She gave a little sigh.
Linda Sue continued. He is so strong, but I was amazed and delighted when he first picked me up in his yummy arms. Now he does it all the time and I love it. Richard does have that wonderful little boy charm, but believe me, he’s all man. All man,” she repeated and smiled.
“Oh my, are there still great men out there?”
“Not many, but this is one.” Linda stopped to sip her tea. “This is so good.”
“And?”
“Alright. He is devoted to the women in his life, his mom and his two sisters. He has several tattoos and they look good on him. He is Italian and if he is an example of what Italian men are like, I wish I had chosen one before.”
Linda stopped and Heather hesitated. “Is there anything else you want to tell me? Anything at all?”
“I’m not sure. What do you want to know?” the smile had turned into a smirk.
“Oh, you tease. You know what I mean.”
“No, it’s your turn.”
“Hmm?
“Duncan. Is there anything you want to tell me about him?”
“You mean…. No, of course not. I wouldn’t. I didn’t even when we were engaged. I mean we wanted to, but I knew my mum would be disappointed in me. And now, well, your doctor did say I should not force any issue.”
“I promised myself I wouldn’t say anything about him, but you have been alone with him quite a bit including in his no-tell motel.”
“Honestly, he didn’t even try.”
“Would you have?”
“No, no, absolutely not. I mea
n if he were not Ian, I would be giving myself for the first time to someone who is almost a stranger. I want to be with Ian, but...oh, I’m so unsure. If Ian does get back his memory, I think I would still wait.”
“My, you sure have strong willpower.”
“And how is your willpower?”
“Now my situation is different. I have been married. I am really in love with Richard. And I love the way he loves me just truly loves me. He not only thinks that I am the greatest person in the world, but he treats me that way. He makes me feel like I am perfect and beautiful and just loved.”
“The rest is none of my business, but by the way you talk, seems like superman is not gone.”
Linda just smiled again and picked up one of the little sandwiches.
Saying little more, they drank their tea and scones as if they were just gentile ladies. “I’m happy for you and Richard.” the Scot was sincere.
Linda Sue reached into her purse to bring out the gift certificate and noted an envelope. “I’m sorry. I almost forgot in my haste to share my happiness with you. This came for you today. You don’t usually get any mail at the shop.”
“That’s because I don’t usually get any mail at all.” Heather took the envelope seeing it was from Scotland. “Oh, it’s from my pen pal, Debra Gail. I should have expected it.”
“Why so?”
“Debra and I have been pen pals for more years than I care to remember. One day, I was bemoaning the fact that no one had remembered my birthday. That was so long ago. Since then, not once, has she let a birthday go by without sending me a card.” There were tears streaming down her face. She pulled out a tissue to wipe them away.
“Now that is a true friend. How fortunate you are.” Linda Sue smiled at the tears. Odd how women will cry at being sad and shed even more tears at fond remembrances or just being happy.
“Yes, she is, as are you. The few friends we really have are so precious. Aren’t they? Always there, asking little if anything, but always there.”
“Let’s go before I start and get ready for dinner tonight. We’ll stop off at the hotel and get your things. We’ll take them to my house and get ready. The restaurant is very close to my house.”
Heather agreed and they left. “The tea room was a wonderful idea, Linda Sue. Thank you.”