Chapter 12 #2
As the ladies answered, it became clear to Marie that there actually could be wrong answers. Miss Turner, for example, claimed to love the caramel-covered apples the most, which earned a dismissive snort from Diane.
“Apples are so common,” Diane explained. “They’re practically falling down from the sky. They are the common man’s dessert. Even caramel can’t save them.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Maxine agreed. “At least the Spanish cake had a flavor we aren’t used to, and the Italian pie made good use of berries.”
Diane’s nose wrinkled. “But berries are common like apples are.”
Maxine took a moment to consider the words. “Yes, but not as common as the apples.”
“Yes, I suppose there is that.”
“However, since we’ve had plenty of berries earlier this year, my vote is for the Spanish cake.”
Diane gave an approving nod. “Out of the three, my vote is for the Spanish cake as well.”
Now Marie wished she had not selected the cake when it had been her turn to speak. A rebellious spark in her wished she had picked the apples just to go against Diane’s opinion.
She didn’t know where such a contrary attitude was coming from.
She had never once looked for a reason to argue with the host of a party.
She had to remind herself that she would be wise to mind her manners, even if poor Miss Turner seemed embarrassed by Diane’s words.
Because, when it came down to it, Diane’s tone had a note of disdain in it when she mentioned how common apples were.
That disdain had been a subtle putdown. Marie found the whole thing off-putting.
“Our next desserts are a cheesecake tart from Italy, a chocolate mousse from France, and donuts with honey from Greece,” Diane said in a cheerful tone. “There aren’t any berries or apples, so none of us will make the mistake of picking something absurd this time.”
Marie caught the way Diane glanced at Miss Turner, and, without thinking, Marie rolled her eyes. She quickly scanned the others to make sure no one had noticed. Thankfully, they hadn’t. She relaxed and sat back while the maid put the desserts onto her plate.
“I’ve had this a lot while growing up,” Miss Carter whispered to Marie as she gestured to the Greek dessert. “Do you think our host will protest if I don’t vote for it simply because I’m bored with it?”
Marie blinked. Perhaps someone had noticed the way she had rolled her eyes.
Her gaze went to Diane. Diane and Lady Janet were discussing what shade of pink was most attractive for a lady with dark hair.
Maxine and Miss Turner were focused on Diane and Lady Janet.
That was a promising sign that only Miss Carter had noticed her transgression.
Marie debated how to respond. It seemed best to take the comment with a lighthearted approach since Miss Carter was smiling. Giving a tentative smile, Marie ventured, “I think you’re allowed to be bored with something that comes from your own country.”
Miss Carter chuckled. “Don’t misunderstand me.
I like it. If I do enjoy it more than the others, I’ll say so.
But I won’t vote for it simply because she wants me to.
” Then, before Marie could blink, she told the group, “In my household, we love apples. Caramel is a fine topping, but I prefer a little cinnamon and sugar on the red ones, especially when you just pick them off a tree. It’s such a juicy treat, you don’t even need water to wash it down.
” Then, without waiting for a response, she placed a spoon full of chocolate mousse into her mouth.
Marie watched her with a sense of awe. Marie had made an effort to hide her disagreement with Diane, but Miss Carter wasn’t shy about showing hers. Marie wished she had that kind of courage.
Her gaze went to Diane. Diane narrowed her eyes at Miss Carter but didn’t say anything. Instead, she turned her attention back to the conversation she was having with the other ladies.
“Aren’t you worried you won’t be invited to another event Lady Diane hosts?” Marie whispered.
“Why would I worry?” Miss Carter asked. “She’s the one who was rude. I have no desire to spend any more time with her.”
That was an interesting way of looking at things.
Marie had been so busy trying to be worthy of other people’s respect that she hadn’t thought about whether or not someone deserved her respect.
It changed one’s perspective when looking at it from that angle.
Marie wanted to be a pleasant person to be around, of course.
But she ought to consider whether or not the person she was with strived to be pleasant as well.
Two pleasant people would make for a good friendship.
“You should try this chocolate mousse with the cheesecake,” Miss Tanner spoke up, directing her attention to Marie and Miss Carter.
“Do the two really go well together?” Miss Carter asked.
Miss Tanner nodded. “Surprisingly, yes.”
Intrigued, Marie joined Miss Carter in taking a portion of the mousse and placing it on the cheesecake. The taste was just as delicious as Miss Tanner promised. “Who knew you could put Italy and France together to make an even better treat?” Marie commented.
“I know what I’m voting for,” Miss Carter said. “Both of these put together.”
“I think that’s what I’ll do, too,” Miss Tanner agreed.
“I’m going to have to mention this to my sister,” Miss Carter told Marie. “She’s often looking for something new to try. I’m sure her cook can come up with something like this for dessert. Who knew this afternoon was going to yield such good results?”
Miss Carter didn’t know Tove, so she didn’t realize this afternoon was a direct result of an experiment. But Marie couldn’t help agreeing that the afternoon had yielded some good results that Marie didn’t think she would have gained in any other situation.