"Rakara, that gentleman, Mr. Fairchild is here again." Elaine pops her head into my office as I'm doing my accounting and stocking paperwork.

"Thank you, Elaine." I place a mark where I left off and hurry to check my image in the mirror before going out to dining area. This whole past month, he would stop in and have the same thing, two to three times a week. He was quickly becoming my best customer.

I couldn't help myself but look forward to when he would come by. We only exchanged simple pleasantries, small talk really, but I couldn't help but feel drawn to him. He was rather charming, but one thing would always ruin it for me. Mrs. Vathy's voice ringing like a siren, 'Men will tell you whatever they have to get on top of you. Don't fall for their wicked forked tongue. Make sure they can follow through with actions, not just by words.'

"Ms. Langridge. Good afternoon. How are you doing today?"

"I'm doing very well, Mr. Fairchild. Would you like your normal pastry and tea?" I ask him, while the girls are making themselves busy so that I would wait on him.

'I'll have to give them a bonus for their tricks.'

"Yes, please. May I ask a boon of you, today?" Mr. Fairchild asks me.

"Of course, Mr. Fairchild. What is this boon you ask of?"

"Join me for tea?" I stop, caught off guard and don't know how to answer for a second.

"Ye..Yes. I don't see a problem with that, Mr. Fairchild. Please take a seat and I'll get the tea and pastry."

I walk off into the kitchen to fill the kettle and grab some of this mornings fresh pastries. Elaine and Maraquette are both standing wide eyed and covering their mouths, jumping around quietly like giddy school girls.

Giving them a pointed look, I mouth. "STOP." With an eye roll. I place the tea in the pot, and fill it with hot water from the kettle. I finish up putting the tray together and make my way out of the kitchen. I walk out and am appalled to see Mr. Wheelwright at the counter.

'SHIT.' Is all I can think.

"Elaine, Maraquette. You're needed up front." I poke my head back in the kitchen.

Elaine comes out quickly as I take the tea to Mr. Fairchild, before I can reach him though, Mr. Wheelwright stops me by standing in my way.

"Excuse me, Mr. Wheelwright."

"Ms. Langridge, did I do something to upset you? Was my painting not a compliment?" He seems annoyed and to be honest, I was too.

"My apologies, Mr. Wheelwright. It was a compliment but I am not so vain I would want a portrait of myself to hang on the walls, that is what my mirror is for, sir."

I go to move around him and he side steps me again.

'This asshole, just doesn't get it?'

"I've upset your morals then. I do apologize for that, but I wouldn't think that should end what progress we've made in our courtship."

'Now, he's done it. I'm mad.'

"Mr. Wheelwright, I am sorry that if any of my actions made you assume that we were courting. I'll take the blame for the confusion, but I am currently working and trying to take a customer their order. I wish you the best, Mr. Wheelwright, but I am not the woman for you. Good day."

This time, I move around him and set the tray at Mr. Fairchild's table. Smiling awkwardly, I begin to set the tea out when Mr. Wheelwright steps up beside me.

"Excuse me, sir. I must speak with Ms. Langridge a moment." He goes to grab my arm and I'm stunned to see Mr. Fairchild grab his arm instead.

"Mr. Wheelwright, correct? I do not believe Ms. Langridge wishes to carry on the conversation any further. She's already refused you, so I suggest you leave as you are interrupting our tea time together." Mr. Fairchild lets go of Mr. Wheelwright's arm and straightens his suit arms back out before joining his hands calmly in his lap. My heart just flutters to the heavens at how he just told Mr. Wheelwright to take a long walk off a short pier, more or less. He made it quite obvious, HE has my attention, making Mr Wheelwright shake in barely  controlled anger.

"Who may I ask are you sir?" Mr. Wheelwright looks him over up and down assessing the fine clothing and stature.

"Fairchild, Bavarthos Fairchild. Mr. Wheelwright." He taps the edge of his top hat as if to say good day to him making Mr. Wheelwright fume even harder

"Very well, Ms. Langridge. I will finish this conversation another time." Mr. Wheelwright says turning on toe and heading out the door.

Mr. Fairchild calls out, "No, Mr. Wheelwright you shall leave her be." Making Mr. Wheelwright pause before leaving slamming the door as he did.

'I didn't have to say hardly a word?!'

My hand covers my mouth at the exchange that just happened. "Mr. Fairchild," embarrassed and gratefully I bow my head. "My apologies for Mr. Wheelwright. I am grateful you defended me.  He has been rather determined to court me. Despite my constant refusal."

"Speak nothing of it, Ms. Langridge. I could tell he made you uncomfortable and approaching you in such a manner, in your place of business no less... He made it clear, he was nothing more than a bully. Even though I believe you could have handled him, quite well, I felt the need to reinforce your refusal of him. Now, please sit and join me before our tea gets cold." He stands pulling out the chair for me to sit and I quickly take my seat.

"Thank you, Mr. Fairchild. You are truly a gentleman." I smile from under my eyes as he take his seat.

He chuckles, "I wouldn't go so far as to label me a gentleman, but I do have manners and sisters." He smiles over his cup of tea at me, making my heart beat like a piston our of control. I take my own cup and sip it, just to occupy myself so it's not so obvious this man, piques my interest.

"So Mr. Fairchild, may I ask what you do for a living?" I set my cup down to take a small nibble of the lemon pastry.

"I work with imports and exports and I'm rather fond of a few of the tailors here in your city. In fact, Mr. Wellsew was the one who suggested I enjoy my tea here."

"Oh, Mr. Wellsew, he makes my napkins and table cloths here for the shop. Is he tailoring an outfit for you?"

"He's been making me a few items, that require my input so that they are just right. He's very good at what he does."

"Yes, he is. You said you work in imports and exports, does that mean you are not a resident of Lagford?"

"You would be correct, Ms. Langridge." We are quiet for a moment before he sets his cup down.

"Ms. Langridge, are you busy later this evening? There's a play at the theater and I was gifted tickets to the event."

I blush wishing I could say yes, but I have work to do for the cogs that has to happen tonight.

"My apologies, Mr. Fairchild, I wish I could join you but I do have important work to do tonight."

"Ah, that is alright. It doesn't have to be tonight, the tickets are good for any night, so your wish can still be granted." His smile is playful as he takes a bite of the pastry, and I fidget in my seat at the heat that spreads over me.

"Thank you, Mr. Fairchild. Tonight if all goes well, will help me acquire the money to expand my business, hopefully. Which theater will the play be at?"

"Elegant Blossom Theater. Have you ever been there?" He inquires and I am taken aback.

"Elegant Blossom Theater? Is that not in the Gilded district?" I blink in shock.

"Yes it is. You wish to expand your business? Are you thinking of still purchasing the building next to yours?"

"I am, Mr. Fairchild. How did you know that?" I'm taken aback, at his knowledge.

"The first day I came in, you were talking about it with your employees." He says matter of fact.

"Oh." Is all I can manage on the subject. "I will need a few days before I can join you for the theater, I will need a dress more suited for the Gilded district." I don't know how I will afford one that won't eat into my savings too much, even a rented one, but I smile anyways.

Mr. Fairchild scans my whole countenance and nods. "I understand. Shall we say this weekend then, Saturday?" He smiles warmly as he refills our cups.

"Thank you. Yes, that sounds reasonable."

We enjoy the rest of our tea and pastry, staying the slow hours before tea time.  As the time neared three, he made his way to leave. Standing together, I curtsy to him to enjoy the rest of his evening and thanked him for the tea and pastry.

He clasps my hand in his and bows deeply, placing a gentle kiss that his velvety lips linger only a second longer than I would expect on the back of my hand.

"Thank you, Ms. Langridge, I enjoyed our afternoon together. I look forward to seeing you this Saturday. I shall be here to pick you up at five in the evening."

He raises his eyes to meet mine, my blush quite evident in my smile. "I look forward to it, Mr. Fairchild. I shall see you on Saturday at five."

His eyes twinkle as he returns the grin, making my stomach flutter, my breath catch in chest, and my heart ache.

"Good evening. Ms. Langridge." He heads towards the door, pausing to look at me one last time as I curtsy, speechless, nervous and afraid to speak. He leaves closing the door with a soft gentle smile and I begin to fan myself with my hand.

"Oh my elements." I take a seat, amazed my shaking legs have kept me steady up until now.

Looking over at Elaine and Maraquette who are staring starry eyed at me. "Ahhh..." They sigh together.

Clearing my throat. I stand, shaking my head. "Come on, our tea time rush begins in fifteen minutes, we have kettles to heat and a display to stock ladies."

Grumbling, they hurry about, preparing for the rush.