The new guest had been given the best guestroom, once that of Uncle Geoff. It had a view of the village from the turret, and wonderful morning sun. Of course, a room that had not been occupied for more than two years required quite alot of cleaning. That dashing young Cadno had tried to help, but, well, he was a man and they were utterly hopless at times like these.

Now she was doing her best to sequre the items required to make a proper tea for all the guests. It was not just that this was early in the season, but that they themselves had been back from London for only a month, and not all the proper supplies had been restocked. So it was off the the Bunns to order a special set muffins, and pick up flour. Then, off the Redclaw and Sons for a nice cut of roast that she could cook up proper and serve cold. (IT was MUCH to early for cucumbers, strawberries and the like)Then she stopped at the tavern -- not for a pint, though she could dearly use it. She knew they stocked some sherries, which she bought two bottles, one for cooking and one for serving. She also asked after the Dr. and his son, to find out what they ordered. The Mrs. would not be embarrased by a wanting cabnet for her guests! But, it seemed thet neither man had yet ordered anything at the Cross and Cowl.

Helen returned from her shopping trip, less pleased with her aquisitions than she might have been. When in popped Cadno with a wonderful suprise -- a box of candied apricots! That was just what she needed to prepare a nice tart for the tea. The man was truely a wonder.