To a Tea

By Carol J. Douglas

Fiona hummed to herself as she carefully arranged the three-tiered porcelain tray in the middle of the small round table that had been covered in a delicate lace tablecloth. She sighed.

“My favorite thing in the world is to set a beautiful table for high tea,” she said to her mother.

“Like daughter, like mother,” her mother replied laughing “The table you set for our Mother’s Day Tea together earlier was just gorgeous! I blame myself for your love of tea parties because we had so many when you were little! We probably wouldn’t be standing here in Fiona’s Fine Teas right now if not for that. And some lucky mother and guest will have a perfect Mother’s Day Tea because of you and your contest.”

“It’s my favorite contest of the year,” said Fiona. “I’m so glad I started it a few years ago.”

“Who is the winner this year?” her mother asked.

“I only know her name is Dolores Jenkins. She was thrilled to win and her reply said she is bringing a very special guest.”

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Promptly at 4 o’clock the tinkling bell could be heard on the door of Fiona’s Fine Teas as it swung open. A smiling woman walked in smoothing her short auburn hair from its windblown state and promptly topped her head with a stylish hat that was just right for taking tea. The door was being held open by a tall, muscular man and his sandy brown hair was also being tousled by the wind. He dipped his head slightly to enter the tea house. Although Fiona was a bit surprised to see a man enter, the first thought that crossed her mind was ‘bull in a china shop, but what a handsome bull!’ as he stood awkwardly in the doorway behind the smiling woman.

Fiona walked up to greet them, “Hello, and welcome to Fiona’s Tea House,” she said.

The woman smiled and said, “We’re so happy to be here. My name is Dolores Jenkins, and this is my son, Jack. I won the Mother’s Day High Tea Contest.”

Fiona shook her hand then turned to Jack. He took Fiona’s hand and she felt the heat of a whistling tea kettle as his fingers touched hers. He looked at her intently.

“I second my mother’s statement. I’m also really happy to be here,” he said and looked into her eyes, “especially meeting you.”

Fiona flushed as he held her hand a moment too long.

Dolores laughed, “Truth be told, Jack wasn’t too keen on coming to tea, but he relented to please me for Mother’s Day.”

Now, it was Jack’s turn to blush.

He stammered, “It’s just that I’m not familiar with the etiquette of taking tea.”

“Don’t worry,” said Fiona, “It’s really quite simple.”

Fiona ushered them to the table where she had placed tiny sandwiches and pastries on the tiered trays.

Jack looked a little nervous. He eyed the small tea sandwiches, but hesitated.

Fiona smiled, “Just assume this is a late lunch and the sandwiches and desserts are on a smaller scale.”

He placed a sandwich on his plate and took a bite. “Wow! This is really good!” he exclaimed taking a few more.

As the tea service continued Jack seemed to relax a bit. He asked Fiona about herself whenever she was assisting them. Their conversation was easygoing, and they found out that neither one was in a relationship right now.

Jack was holding out his pinky finger as he sipped tea from the delicate china cup. “Are you impressed with this?” he asked smiling.

Fiona laughed, “That is really impressive!”

Still holding out his little finger, Jack sipped and exclaimed, “Thank you Fiona, you make this so easy.”

Fiona blushed at his compliment. “Well, you’re a quick learner!”

Fiona was so happy to see Dolores enjoying herself and the bond was obvious between mother and son.

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Later, when Fiona approached their table, she asked if anything else was needed.

Jack said, “Yes, actually. I have a question for you.”

Fiona felt a little steamy again. What was on his mind?

She countered his question with one of her own. “What sort of question?”

“A personal question, but not too personal,” he smiled.

Fiona considered this. Tapping her finger on her chin, she replied, “OK, but I’ll decide if I answer after I hear the question.”

“My question is, do you enjoy drinking coffee?”

A little surprised, at this question Fiona answered, “I do.”

‘Where is this going?’ she thought.

“Great! So here’s another question. Can I return the favor you did for me on tea etiquette and share my version of some coffee shop etiquette? I would love to treat you to a cup of coffee at my favorite coffee shop! The sandwiches and pastries are a bit bigger than here though,” he laughed.

Fiona smiled. Without hesitation she replied, “I am a bit rusty on coffee shop etiquette. A refresher course is certainly in order! Thank you, I’d love to go.”

Jack smiled wider than the cheshire cat at the mad hatter’s tea party!

“That would be great! I’m really looking forward to it! I know Mom never thought she’d hear me say this, but I’m so glad she won the Mother’s Day Tea Party.”

Everyone laughed, especially Dolores.

“So am I,” said Fiona.

“I’ll drink to that!” Jack said picking up his cup, pinky extended.

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Carol J, Douglas lives in Dublin, Ohio. She began writing stories from the time she learned to read and write. She has had many children’s poems, stories, and articles published as well as romance stories both online and in print. “A Recipe for Love” is published in the December 1, 2025 issue of Woman’s World Magazine and her romance story, “Checkmate,” is the most recent in Micromance Magazine. Her stories are also included in the Kissmet books published by Micromance. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 44 years and have two adult children, Justin and Emelia.