Now she knew that in Lucy’s eyes it was like a Fairytale Palace.
The butler and two footmen brought in a very elaborate tea with sandwiches and cakes of every sort and description.
The silver teapot and kettle were on a tray, which was placed in front of Minerva to pour out.
Lucy was suddenly speechless.
Then, as she ate the chocolate cake that the Earl had promised her, she said,
“We never have cake at home except for birthdays and at Christmas. It would be lovely if we could have tea with you every day!”
The Earl smiled and Minerva scolded him,
“Now see what you have done! They will never again be content with bread, butter and jam!”
“It’s the first time a beautiful woman has asked me to give her chocolate cake,” the Earl laughed, “and it is a present I cannot refuse!”
He turned
