Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 100

The truth was, Mrs. Smith didn't have much of a choice. She wasn't expecting anyone to be a tea master-just someone who could explain a bit about tea culture, make a pot, and let everyone have a friendly exchange.

No sooner had Mrs. Smith finished speaking than someone from the crowd suggested, "Why don't we let the newcomer give us a demonstration today? The rest of us have all had our turns before."

In an instant, every eye in the room turned to Effie.

She was the only unfamiliar face at this afternoon's gathering.

A number of society ladies flashed mocking smiles, clearly relishing the spectacle. They'd noticed Effie had arrived with Mrs. Etheridge, and the jealousy in the room was almost palpable.

Rumor had it this was Effie's first time at the Afternoon Tea Social-surely she didn't know the first thing about tea.

Mrs. Etheridge had even mentioned when they arrived that she'd brought Effie along just to let her see how things worked in these circles.

And now, being called up to demonstrate? It was the perfect setup for public embarrassment.

reasonable enough and glanced at Effie, silently hoping she

her defense. "It's Effie's first time here. Perhaps

dismissive smile. "Oh, Mrs. Etheridge, it's only a bit of friendly

why she'd never brought her to the Afternoon Tea Social before. She'd

that Effie was dressed in an elegant evening gown today, looking every inch the part-at her core,

Mrs. Lloyd was looking forward to the show, waiting to see what kind of fool Effie would make of herself. Would Mrs. Etheridge

to object, but Effie gently placed a

give me the opportunity, I'd be honored to try,"

from her seat, a calm, confident smile on her lips, and walked gracefully toward the tea table at the front of the room. There was a lightness

Mrs. Etheridge relaxed, reassured by Effie's composure. She'd always known Effie to be methodical and

Effie embarrass herself. After all, how could someone who'd never attended these socials possibly know anything

the porcelain and silver, then she smiled and began, "A single leaf falls into water, and suddenly the water is

a part of everyday life. But have you ever wondered when did it become so