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.

the suggestion reasonable enough and glanced at Effie, silently hoping she

Mrs. Etheridge spoke up in her defense. "It's

cool, dismissive smile. "Oh, Mrs. Etheridge, it's only a

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

elegant evening gown today, looking every inch the part-at her core, Mrs. Lloyd still considered her beneath

looking forward to the show, waiting to see what kind

but Effie gently placed

enough to give me the opportunity, I'd be

smile on her lips, and walked gracefully toward the tea table at the front of the room. There was

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

were itching to see Effie embarrass herself. After all, how could someone who'd never attended these socials possibly know anything about the art of

smiled and began, "A single

days, tea is a part of everyday life. But have you ever