The Seafront Tea Rooms Read online

  ‘So this is it,’ Kat said, peering in through the glass of the tea rooms in awe. Inside, the tables were made up with crisp tablecloths, waitresses serving in traditional black-and-white outfits. ‘I’ve always wanted to come here.’

  They were greeted by a waitress who showed them to a table in a peaceful corner of the room.

  ‘Thanks,’ Charlie said. Without looking at the menu, she put in their order. ‘We haven’t got that long, but could we have full afternoon tea? With – what type of tea shall we get?’

  ‘Don’t look at me,’ Séraphine said with a smile. ‘You two are the experts.’

  ‘Darjeeling,’ Kat said, without hesitation.

  ‘Right,’ Charlie said. ‘That.’

  A few minutes later, the waitress brought over a white teapot and teacups.

  ‘The champagne among teas,’ Kat said, lifting the lid of the teapot and drinking in the aroma. ‘Smell that. There’s a trace of blackcurrant in this one.’

  ‘Delicious,’ Séraphine said, leaning in.

  A tiered cake stand arrived. Kat took in the finely crafted mix of savoury and sweet. Finger sandwiches with delicate layers of cucumber and smoked salmon were placed neatly on the bottom tier, above them a variety of cakes and pastries.

  Kat poured the tea out carefully into two fragile white teacups. The light-coloured liquid was precisely the shade it should be.

  ‘Let’s get started, shall we?’ Charlie said.

  The three women sipped tea, and each tasted one of the sandwiches, discussing their initial impressions. Charlie ordered a few extra things, and asked the waitress to bring them some water.

  ‘Should we be taking notes?’ Kat asked.

  ‘Definitely not,’ Charlie said. ‘We don’t want them to know we’re reviewing, so just relax and enjoy.’

  ‘If you insist.’ Séraphine smiled. ‘Shall we try these? She pointed to the macaroons. ‘They’re familiar territory for me.’

  ‘Rude not to, really,’ Charlie said, passing one to Kat and taking one for herself.

  Charlie finished hers in two bites. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Good – there’s an exquisite subtlety to the pistachio flavour,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘They haven’t gone overboard on the filling, either. A pretty perfect macaroon all in all,’ Kat said.

  They drank their way through a pot of tea, enthusiastically sharing thoughts on the almond slices and chocolate éclairs. When only crumbs and tea leaves remained, Kat asked Charlie what the next stage of the process was.

  ‘We’ll pool our notes, then write up the reviews, and the final stage is to email them over for approval. I’m guest-editing this edition, but Jess, my boss, will still have the final word.’

  ‘That sounds good.’ Kat said. ‘Well, I’ve got a lot to say, already. I love this place.’

  ‘How come you haven’t been here before?’ Charlie asked her. ‘You only live an hour away.’

  Kat toyed with her cup and saucer, stalling. Charlie waited for her to speak, her blue eyes kind, her expression open and relaxed.

  ‘I can’t afford this sort of thing,’ she said. ‘Since Leo arrived, we can’t stretch to much beyond the occasional trip to the Seafront. And even then Letty sometimes helps us out.’

  ‘I see,’ Charlie said. ‘Letty seems kind.’

  ‘Letty’s wonderful,’ Kat said. ‘She always puts other people first. She helped me out when I needed it most.’

  ‘When was that?’ Séraphine asked.

  Kat paused, looking at Charlie and Séraphine. She barely knew them, but something told her she could talk to them honestly.

  ‘Messy break-up, with Leo’s dad.’

  ‘What happened?’ Charlie asked.

  ‘We weren’t ready to have a baby,’ Kat said. ‘We’d only been living together a couple of months when I got pregnant with Leo.’

  ‘How did he react?’ Charlie said.

  ‘Pretty badly. He missed our old life a lot, and I guess he responded by carrying on living it – going out with friends, drinking, coming home late. Having a child brings some people together, but in our case it drove us apart.’

  ‘That must have been very hard,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘It was a lonely time, yes. We didn’t talk enough.’

  ‘Are things any better now that you’re separated?’ Séraphine asked.

  ‘They are, yes. We’re finding a way, muddling through – he’s finally started to embrace being a dad. Leo’s staying with him up in Scotland at the moment, the first time that we’ve done that.’

  ‘You seem very forgiving, and strong,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘Ha ha,’ Kat said. ‘I’m not that strong. I just get on with things as best as I can. It does sometimes seem as if everyone else’s life is smooth sailing, though.’

  ‘I don’t know about that,’ Charlie said, with a wry smile. ‘Mine certainly isn’t. I thought I’d be getting married next spring – that didn’t exactly work out as planned.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Kat said. So Charlie’s life wasn’t perfect after all. It surprised her.

  ‘These things happen.’ Charlie shrugged. ‘But I won’t pretend it didn’t knock the wind out of me. I met him at work, and after a year we moved in together. For the first time in my life, it seemed as though everything was going according to plan,’ Charlie paused, thinking about Ben. ‘I’ve kissed enough frogs, and I was sure that Ben was different. He was a good guy – everyone told me so – and when he asked me to marry him I didn’t hesitate. This was it. He was The One. My happily ever after.’

  She shook her head. ‘Obviously it didn’t work out that way.’

  ‘What went wrong?’ Kat asked, her voice soft.

  ‘One morning we got up, talked about our honeymoon to Italy over breakfast, and took the bus into the office. I sat down at my desk, ready to start work, same as any other day. Then Jess – my boss – called me and asked me to come into her office. All sorts of thoughts went through my mind – that I’d overlooked some detail or missed a deadline. But no – she’d heard from the sales guys about Ben sleeping with a lap dancer on one of their nights out. Apparently they were all talking about it.’

  ‘Ouch,’ Kat said, shaking her head. ‘Your boss told you?’

  ‘Yes. As if finding out wasn’t humiliating enough in itself. I broke up with him that night, and the next day I stuck every card he’d ever given me into the shredder at work.’

  ‘Good for you,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘There was no way I was going back to him,’ Charlie said. ‘Anyway, what’s so galling is that I think he was relieved. I guess he’d been looking for a get-out, and that was as good a way as any. I’m glad I’m not with him, I truly am. But I still feel as though it took away part of me. It hasn’t been easy, even though I know it was for the best.’

  ‘There’s a lot to be said for being single,’ Kat said.

  ‘There certainly is,’ Charlie agreed, smiling.

  Séraphine nodded, but didn’t say anything. Kat wondered if it was because she was shy, or if she was holding something back. She seemed comfortable having the conversation, but it was as if she preferred to let Kat and Charlie do most of the talking.

  ‘Spending all evening in the bath with a glass of wine and a good book – you can’t beat that,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Starfishing in bed,’ Kat said. ‘That’s my favourite thing. ‘Oh, and eating ice cream at midnight.’

  ‘Yes. Although for me it’s got to be Dairylea and crisps, in a sandwich.’ Charlie added.

  ‘Eewww!’ Kat screwed up her face.

  ‘Absolutely – try it,’ Charlie insisted.

  ‘I guess even a foodie’s allowed time off. What else?’

  ‘Watching what I want, when I want,’ Charlie batted back. ‘No complaining during The Great British Bake Off.’

  ‘Time to sew quilts, and cushions.’

  ‘I don’t seem to get round to any of that,’ Charlie said, laughing. ‘B
ut reading the paper and not having to hand over the best sections – that’s another thing I love.’

  ‘Knowing how to fix all the small things in your house. Because no one else is going to mend them for you.’ Kat added.

  ‘Oh, yes,’ Charlie laughed. ‘I’m even a spider-removal expert these days.’

  ‘There’s more time for friends,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘Yes,’ Charlie agreed, smiling warmly. ‘Definitely that.’

  Charlie paid the bill, and put on her jacket. ‘OK – our next stop is over by the river.’

  ‘Let’s go,’ Kat said, getting to her feet.

  The sun was out as the three women walked through town, down cobblestone streets and past Tudor buildings that now housed boutiques and restaurants. A group of tourists stopped to take photos by the city walls.

  ‘This place is so pretty,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘Yes, it is. It’s quiet though, isn’t it?’ Charlie said.

  ‘Do you think?’ Kat said, surprised. She glanced around at the shoppers and sightseers, conscious only of the bustle of activity surrounding them.

  ‘Compared to London, I suppose,’ Charlie said. ‘When I’m away, I always feel as if I’m missing out on something.’

  ‘You’re not,’ Kat said assertively. ‘Maybe now’s a good time to talk through the Cardinal Rule of Afternoon Tea.’

  ‘Oh?’ Charlie said, raising an eyebrow.

  ‘What’s that?’ Séraphine asked.

  ‘Let’s sit down,’ Kat said, motioning to a bench.

  Charlie checked the time on her phone. ‘Now?’

  ‘Yes,’ Kat insisted.

  ‘But…’

  Kat took Charlie’s hand, and the three women sat next to each other on the bench. Leaves fell gently on to the grass in front of them, a freshly laid carpet of greens and golds.

  ‘See that cat?’ Kat pointed at a tabby that had found a patch of sunlight on a nearby low wall, and was lying in it, content.

  ‘Yes,’ Charlie said.

  ‘What is it doing?’

  Charlie watched the cat, bathing in its patch of warmth.

  ‘Nothing.’

  ‘Nothing? Are you sure?’

  ‘Yes. That cat is fundamentally failing to achieve.’ Charlie said.

  Séraphine laughed. ‘I disagree. It’s living slowly. Contemplating. Enjoying.’

  ‘Exactly,’ Kat said, triumphantly. ‘Séraphine’s got it.’

  ‘That cat’s wasting time,’ Charlie said, firmly.

  ‘No, it isn’t.’ Kat shook her head. ‘And when we take our time over afternoon tea, neither are we. That’s the cardinal rule – never rush. Take time to savour it.’

  Charlie and Séraphine pored over the menu in the Riverside Tea Room and Kat looked around at the mismatched wooden chairs repainted in teal and primrose yellow, admiring the vintage styling. Tiny origami birds were strung from the ceiling, and standard lamps with handmade shades with seventies florals brought a warm light to the room. The window seat, where the three of them were sitting, was strewn with pretty cushions made up of quilted squares.

  ‘You know what, in the name of research – and seeing as we are now officially not in a hurry – I think we go for the champagne option,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Are you sure?’ Séraphine asked.

  ‘Of course,’ Charlie said, with a smile. ‘It’s research. Besides, when you’ve worked as many late nights as I have, you don’t feel bad about a few expenses.’

  ‘Well, if you insist,’ Kat said, excited at the prospect.

  When the drinks arrived, Kat took a tentative sip, the bubbles dancing on her tongue. She smiled. ‘I could get used to this.’

  ‘So, what do you think of this place?’ Charlie said, leaning back in her seat.

  ‘It’s cool,’ Séraphine said. ‘It’s trendier, I suppose. I love what they’ve done with the antique cake stands.’ She pointed at the display on the counter.

  ‘I like that too.’

  ‘I’m not sure about some of the cake flavours, though,’ Kat said. ‘Lemon and lavender?’

  ‘It could go either way, I suppose,’ said Charlie.

  The waitress came over to their table with a tray of cakes and dainty sandwiches.

  ‘Here’s to afternoon tea,’ Charlie said, raising her glass.

  ‘And champagne,’ Séraphine added.

  ‘And to learning how it should be done,’ Kat added.

  After tea, they took a scenic route back to Charlie’s car, chatting and laughing together. Kat’s mind buzzed with the new tastes and experiences, and in her new friends’ company she felt relaxed and free. On the way home, Charlie turned up the stereo and they sang along to the tunes they knew, explaining some of the lyrics to Séraphine. It was early evening, the sky dark, when they pulled up outside Kat’s flat by the pier.

  ‘Same time tomorrow?’ Charlie said.

  ‘I can’t, I’m afraid,’ Séraphine said. ‘I’ll be working.’

  ‘I’m in,’ Kat said, smiling widely. ‘This time, the coast.’

  11

  Friday 12 September

  ‘Séraphine, I’ve just nipped out in my lunch break, so I haven’t got long. Could I ask a favour?’

  ‘Sure,’ Séraphine said. Adam was standing in his hallway, the front door still open. There was an anxious expression on his face.

  ‘Could you make a delivery for me?’

  ‘Depends what it is. I’ve been warned about people like you,’ she joked.

  ‘It’s nothing dodgy, I promise. Come and see.’

  He led her into the living room, where in the middle of the floor there was a white metal birdcage.

  She approached it and bent down to get a closer look. ‘Lovebirds. How pretty.’

  ‘Yes, they’re beautiful, aren’t they? Very much in love but sadly no longer so loved by their owner.’

  ‘You’re not keeping them?’

  ‘No. No way. And luckily we have a taker for them already. You’re seeing Letty tonight, aren’t you? Do you think you could give them to her for me? She said she could do with some company. She’s got that flat over the tea rooms. I’d take them myself but I’ve got an after-hours call-out at Flamingo Land. Zoe’s going to be at her violin lesson, so I’ll collect her on the way home.’

  ‘OK. No problem. I’ll take them with me this evening.’

  ‘Thanks. I’ll pay for a taxi.’

  Séraphine shook her head. ‘The bus will be fine.’

  ‘If you’re sure. And there’s one other little thing…’

  ‘What is it now?’ she asked, laughing. ‘A tarantula? A boa constrictor?’

  ‘Not that bad,’ Adam said. A bark from the garden gave it away. Séraphine went over to the window.

  ‘A dog,’ she smiled. ‘Where did he come from?’

  ‘I just brought him back. He came in this morning. Part beagle. Part something else. And totally mad, from the looks of things. The previous owners couldn’t give him the exercise he needed.’

  ‘And he’s going to…?’

  ‘My friend Euan – obsessed with marathon-training, and totally foolhardy.’

  ‘An ideal match.’

  ‘I hope so. He’s said he’ll do a two-month trial period, and I’m hoping it works out, because the alternative isn’t that rosy. No delivery needed – Euan will pick him up later. Would you be able to keep an eye on Bagel in the meantime?’

  ‘Bagel?’

  ‘Bagel. The beagle.’

  ‘Nice. Yes, sure.’

  ‘Maybe you and Zoe could take him out for a walk after school? Euan said he’d pop by at four to collect him.’

  ‘OK,’ Séraphine said, with a little trepidation.

  ‘It’ll be fine, honestly.’

  ‘You didn’t put this in the job description,’ Séraphine joked.

  ‘Haven’t you noticed that I barely put anything in the job description? Because if I had, you never would have come.’

  Séraphine laughed. ‘That�
�s probably true. Anyway, don’t worry, your animal hotel is in safe hands with me. Have a good day.’

  ‘You too. And sorry about all this.’

  ‘No problem. But try not to bring anyone else home tonight.’

  ‘So here are the different shops in the town,’ Séraphine said, pointing to a picture of her village, in the hope she could engage Zoe’s attention. ‘Patisserie, boul —’ The doorbell interrupted her.

  ‘Saved by the bell,’ Zoe said, springing to her feet. ‘I bet that’s Euan.’ She looked out of the window. ‘Yes it is. You get the door, I’ll get Bagel.’

  Séraphine went to answer the door. The man on the doorstep was around Adam’s age, with dark-blond hair.

  ‘Hi,’ she said. ‘You must be Euan. I’m Séraphine.’

  ‘Pleasure to meet you,’ he said. ‘Adam’s told me all about you.’

  ‘Good, I hope.’

  ‘Yes. All of it good.’

  ‘You’re here for the dog, aren’t you? Zoe’s just getting him.’

  ‘Euan,’ Zoe bellowed through from the garden. ‘He won’t move!’

  ‘Oh dear,’ Euan said. ‘That doesn’t sound a very promising start.’

  The beagle was pressing himself up against the garden wall and whining. Zoe had hold of his collar, and was tugging at it, but the more she did so, the more determined Bagel seemed to stay put. He was letting out a high-pitched whine.

  ‘Look, Euan, he won’t shift,’ Zoe said. She threw the lead to the floor, exasperated. ‘You try.’

  Euan stepped forward and crouched down next to the dog. He spoke to Bagel in soft tones. ‘Hey there,’ he said. ‘We’re not going to hurt you.’

  He turned around and looked at Séraphine. ‘Have you got anything we could lure him with? Any food?’

  ‘Cheerios?’ Zoe said.

  ‘Not ideal,’ Euan said. ‘Doesn’t Adam have any Pedigree Chum? Or dog biscuits?’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Zoe said. ‘We used up the biscuits last time.’

  ‘Last time?’ Séraphine said.

  ‘There’ve been a few,’ Zoe said. ‘Staffordshire bull terriers mainly. But we had a husky, and a Chihuahua.’