“Shall we call for tea?” Catherine finally asked.

The family stared at Catherine as if she’d spoken a strange foreign language.

“Some tea would be wonderful,” Catherine said.

Catherine rang a small bell, and the doors swung open. Two men carrying a large silver tray with a silver teapot and crystal tea cups entered the room. They moved in lockstep, carefully placing the heavy tray on the low table before they backed out of the room.

“Please allow me to pour the tea,” Catherine ...