Chapter 1, Part 2: In Which More Than Chops Are Promised

[hopeorfaith.livejournal.com]

It is evening of the same day, the clear skies bringing a chill to the air and a promise of frost. We are at Rose's Coffee Shop and Chop House, a popular eaterie and coffee club on Main Street, owned by the fair sisters Faith and Hope Rose. Passing through the front door, we find ourselves in a busy chop house. You will find the usual hearty repast of such establishments. You may enjoy lamb chops, beef steak pudding, boiled leg of mutton, and eel pie, served with such delicious accompaniments as mashed potatoes, boiled cabbage and stewed celery. If you take a turn to the left, you will find the coffee shop, through a doorway. You may pay a small sum for entrance into a cosy room with plenty of periodicals, cigars and coffee or cocoa.

Got ter say I feel a bit nervous, which is silly. I mean, Mr Klavec's just comin' to 'ave 'is dinner 'ere, don't really mean nothin'. But I do feel nervous, an' Faith ain't 'elped, makin' meaningful sort o'comments all afternoon. Things quietened down round about half past two, so me an' Faith took a break upstairs in our flat. I told 'er I was goin' to take a nap jus' so she'd stop quizzin' me. Went back down at four t'get things ready fer people's tea, an' it started fillin' up again. I ran back upstairs quick like just now t'make sure me 'air was neat. Almost tempted t'change me dress, but that's silly, ain't it? So I splashed a bit o'lavender water on me 'ands an' neck an' patted me 'air down. That'll do.

Go back down an' start seatin' customers.