Vera’s eyes darted around, and her interest reignited. She smiled and pulled Serena closer, blinking playfully, "Serena, sometimes I speak without thinking. Don’t take it to heart."

"That’s okay."

"The chef for this afternoon tea is someone I specially brought back from America. The French desserts are top-notch."

Serena didn’t want to respond, so a colleague chimed in, "How long were you and Mr. Forrest in America?"

At the mention of Mr. Forrest, Vera’s ...