Chapter 29: Beatrice’s Invitation

The envelope arrived just after noon, delivered by hand.

Lillian was trimming hydrangeas when the shadow fell across the counter. She looked up to see a woman in a charcoal dress, posture immaculate, holding cream-colored stationery sealed with pale gold wax. No logo. No crest. Just weight.

“For Miss Lillian Bloom,” the woman said. Her voice was courteous, rehearsed.

Lillian wiped her hands on her apron before accepting it. The paper was thick. Old-fashioned. The kind chosen by people who did not need to impress.

“Thank you,” Lillian said.

The woman inclined her head and left without another word.

Lillian did not open the envelope immediately. She finished the arrangement in front of her first. She always finished what she started. Only then did she slide a finger beneath the seal.

The handwriting inside was elegant and restrained.

Miss Bloom,

I would be pleased if you would join me for tea tomorrow afternoon.

There are matters of gratitude and curiosity I wish to address privately.

B