Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 100

The truth was, Mrs. Smith didn’t have much of a choice. She wasn’t expecting anyone to be a tea master—just someone who could explain a bit about tea culture, make a pot, and let everyone have a friendly exchange.

No sooner had Mrs. Smith finished speaking than someone from the crowd suggested, “Why don’t we let the newcomer give us a demonstration today? The rest of us have all had our turns before.”

In an instant, every eye in the room turned to Effie.

She was the only unfamiliar face at this afternoon’s gathering.

A number of society ladies flashed mocking smiles, clearly relishing the spectacle. They’d noticed Effie had arrived with Mrs. Etheridge, and the jealousy in the room was almost palpable.

Rumor had it this was Effie’s first time at the Afternoon Tea Social—surely she didn’t know the first thing about tea.

Mrs. Etheridge had even mentioned when they arrived that she’d brought Effie along just to let her see how things worked in these circles.

And now, being called up to demonstrate? It was the perfect setup for public embarrassment.

Mrs. Smith found the suggestion reasonable enough and glanced at Effie, silently hoping she would volunteer herself.

Before Effie could say a word, Mrs. Etheridge spoke up in her defense. “It’s Effie’s first time here. Perhaps she could take a turn next time?”

Mrs. Lloyd gave a cool, dismissive smile. “Oh, Mrs. Etheridge, it’s only a bit of friendly practice. No harm done, is there?”

Truth be told, Mrs. Lloyd had never cared for Effie, which was why she’d never brought her to the Afternoon Tea Social before. She’d always thought Effie simply wasn’t the right fit for such occasions.

Never mind that Effie was dressed in an elegant evening gown today, looking every inch the part—at her core, Mrs. Lloyd still considered her beneath them.

Now, Mrs. Lloyd was looking forward to the show, waiting to see what kind of fool Effie would make of herself. Would Mrs. Etheridge still defend her then?