Hanna was most insistent that a chef return the compliment, which I immediately did, and invited them to inspect the kitchen. James and Patrick wandered in to join us. Those two were always over the top anyway, and they made a great fuss of Hanna. “A small menu of quality,” Hanna commented, “is good to see. Henri and I are thrilled.”
We stood around with drinks and listening to Hanna and Joanna talk menus. My mentor was in her element. “How nice is meeting Patrick and James. I am the stern Hanna she would have told you about.”
“No,” James said. “Alkina told me you are the kindest person she has ever met.”
“No, no, my dear friend is worth helping; believe me, I know.” Whatever James had done, he had certainly grown in confidence.
“James, how on earth did you do it?” Henri asked.
James
