“It is regulation,” I said in its defence. “I am supposed to wear it when travelling to and from work.”
“Well, please take it off and give it to me. Show Pat your gorgeous hair. There you are. Now isn’t she the prettiest thing you ever saw?” With that he threw my unloved hat out the window.
“What if they want it back again?” I asked in panic.
“You just tell them you were accosted in the street by a poor hatless woman, and if you need a witness, I am a volunteer. Now, I am being quite serious, because I never want to see your lovely hair covered again.” Patrick was nodding his head. “And James tells me you like to cook.”
“I do, very much.”
“Well, it may be a long shot,” Patrick said, “but I think that I may be able to help. One of mum’s friends has tearooms in the city; they do Devonsh
