Sophia Zobel had indeed prepared a private room. She served them tea and water, fawning over them hand and foot.
"I chose this room especially for you. No one has ever stayed in it before. The lighting is excellent. Mrs. Shaw, look, doesn't the sunlight feel wonderfully warm? The garden is lively, it's true, but it's also quite noisy and the sun is harsh. You can just sit here and wait for the birthday banquet to officially begin before heading over. It would be terrible if your delicate skin got sunburnt." She grinned, looking utterly sycophantic.
Naomi Kenway watched with a half-smile as Sophia handed teacups to her and Ian. She retorted, "How thoughtful. But aren't you one cup short? Where is my friend's?"
"Ah..." Sophia Zobel glanced at Victoria Vance, her expression reluctant. 'Anyone else would have been fine, but why did it have to be Victoria Vance? It was always Victoria who served me tea. Since when is it my turn to serve her?'
