#ccsemberclub

"Ah, but I wished to."

CC opens the box, with a bit of enthusiasm

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"I am afraid 'twas only baked yesterday."

"Oh my, " She sniffs deeply "It smells wonderful to this nose, Kitten. I can tell you that. Emerson, take a look"

"It is my mother's recipe." A quiet smile.

"Your mother knows her stuff, and I look forward to partaking"

He does indeed peer into the box and smiles. "I can hardly wait... in fact... with our tea?"

"Oh, that would be lovely , assuming Miss Zara doesn't mind"

"I did bring it to share, nu?"

"Wonderful. Miss Zara, I understand this might not be to your taste, but I have some pastries close to the expiration date... will you take a chance?"

"I would be delighted to try them, how considerate."

He nods and bustles off, giving the ladies a chance to chat if they choose.

"oh Emerson is the soul of such" CC says, "Now, I know that for you, your library is as dear to you as my stage is to me. So how is that lovely collection growing?"

"Ah, I have had some notable acquisitions of late. I have been working to expand our popular fiction, for there is now a book club at the hold and..."

She listens interested and attentive, smiling to find out there is a book club

Zara could go on about books all day. CC might notice a spider or two that have stowed away on the sluagh's person.

CC notes them, but also knows better than to act squemish around a sluagh. "Oh that sounds wonderful, honestly I DO get the Nora Roberts love, she's vanilla, but for output alone she desreves respect and she does make some very pretty boys"

"Well, she is not to my taste, but aye - popular enough with a subset of our patrons."

"Fair enough," A smile "If it salvages my rep, I DO enjoy Agatha Christie's classics"

"Now, see, she is a favorite."

"OH? Which of hers is your favorite if I may ask? I confess, I love Hercule of her creations. I have a thing for arrogant short men who enjoy fine food"

A wink

A soft chuff of laughter. "I can't imagine why."

"I actually do sometimes think on riding the old Orient Express path. "

"You should, aye! Oh, trains are delightful..."

"Not too loud for you? The tracks?"

"Earplugs help. Though, truth, the consistency of the noise also aids in making it tolerable. The whistles, however..."

"A bit shrill to put it mildly" A nod

"But there is a certain romance to them. Mm. I should take mine artist on a trip. He would like the views I think."

"Especially the evening scene"

Emerson bustles out with a sweets-laden tray and sets it near Zara.

"Welcome back, darling"

She tips her fingertips off of her chin in a mute gesture of thanks.

"Here we go." He sets things up and cuts two slices of apple cake, then pours tea.

Zara's tea things are set up handy so she can serve herself.

Zara adds her sugar and her lumpy cream and the danishes do seem to be delightfully stale. Ah, what a treat!

CC closes her eyes and savors the cake, "Oh this is delightful"

"Mmm. Please, Miss Zara, congratulate your mother on an excellent recipe and thank -you- for bringing us such a treat."

"The least I could do, for such pleasant company." She sips her tea.

"Yes, alas, we had less than pleasant company about the club earlier"

Head tilt. "Aye? That is unfortunate. What happened?"

"Well," A frown, "Apparently, because a week ago, we had a drag performer, amazing talent, do a guest appearance," She sips "We woke up to get a call from Hugh to find out someone had vandalized our building with the word 'Groomer'"

"I called in a restoration company, and we're put to rights now, of course."

Narrowed eyes. "...Aye."

"Thanks to Hugh's nose, we also have the criminals who did it, and some knowledge of their friends."

"Oh yes" Her eyes narrow as well

"We were discussing the matter, and thought of you."

"Indeed. And how thought you I would aid?"

"I, for one, would love to hear your ideas on an appropriate retribution. I want not only these two... clowns.... punished but their supporters as well. And I would that they never dare such an act again."