“May I invite the ladies to a cup of tea and cake?” Fennel asked as he turned to Sage “and perhaps introduce you to my sweet girls?” Sage looked to Anis with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Anis sighed but nodded “indeed my Lord, how kind of you”.

They followed him inside, everything was nicely painted and decorated, to sage's surprise. She had anticipated it to be rather plain like the majority of the garden. But it felt truly warm and welcoming. 

Sage let them into the drawing room where maids already prepared a nice table. “Ah thank you Mary and Lisbeth” both smiled brightly at their lord “of course your lordship. The tea is ready” both withdrew after having set the table and preparing the tea.

Anis took a sip and smiled brighter “ahh~ how splendid”

Fennel smiled happily, he was rather proud of his tea. “Please try the vanilla cake, it's freshly made with raspberry jam” he handed her a slice. Anis was slightly surprised that he served them himself but didn't mention anything. “Oh how delightful “ she nodded happily as she ate the cake “you must share the recipe, it's absolutely delicious“

“But of course, I shall have Mary write it down and pass it along next time we meet yes?” And with that Anis was rather content meeting again. For once more at least.

“Sage would you like a slice as well?” For a moment he froze, accidentally having used her first name unintentionally. But he brushed it off with a charming smile. Sage herself blushed as well, using one's first name was a rather intimate thing after all.

“Yes please” she replied as she handed him her plate. The slice looked very delicious so she started eating right away. “Oh my it's truly delicious “ Sage hummed with a smile as she ate happily. Fennel smiled brightly, happy she liked the cake just as much as Anis. He too took a slice and started eating. It was truly delicious to no surprise, it was his favourite recipe after all. “You know” Fennel added in between eating “this cake is made without any animal ingredients, making it suitable for every diet and many allergies. It's affordable and possible to make regardless of the season. Splendid isn't it?” He was truly fascinated by it.

Sage was quite interesting as well, amazed by how that was possible. Especially considering how splendid both texture and taste were.

“Your cooks are truly amazing, what a masterpiece” Sage remarked as she finished her piece.

“Would you like another?” Fennel asked, almost jumping up to serve her another one. Sage chuckled but shook her head. “I'm afraid my stomach wouldn't agree but” she pulled the chocolate out of her pocket, the one Fennel gifted them earlier. “I'll have some of the chocolate. We almost forgot about it” so she nibbled on her chocolate instead and Anis and Fennel both had another slice instead.

Everyone took their time with eating and drinking, until everyone had finished. Anis was the first to stand up. “Lord Greenson, it was truly a pleasure but I'm afraid we must leave for home now.” She looked to her niece, signaling for Sage to follow along. Sage stood up and bowed slightly so Fennel. “Thank you for the splendid tea and cake- oh and chocolate of course” “it was my pleasure” Fennel said and added “a pitty I couldn't introduce you to Poppy and Lilly, next time then” Sage nodded along, abit sad she wasn't able to see the dogs after all. As they arrived outside Fennel helped Anis into the carriage. Sage looked at him last time and whispered “til next time Fennel” and with a grin she too left into the carriage. 

Fennel grinned with slightly blushed cheeks and waved them goodbye.