Shadows on the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow

Author:Joan Hiatt Harlow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: 2003-09-08T04:00:00+00:00

Supper at the Tearoom Inn

It was almost six o’clock when Nana parked the car near the inn.

“You’re coming in, aren’t you?” Wendy asked as she gathered up her shopping bags. “Aunt Adrie insists that you stay for supper. This is her official opening of the restaurant. People will start to come and take rooms for the big celebration on the Fourth—and then for the summer.”

“Well, I don’t want to disappoint Adrie, and it sounds like she’s expecting us,” Nana said.

Inside the tearoom, candles were flickering on the tables, which were set with white linen tablecloths and crystal glasses. “How pretty!” Jill exclaimed.

Adrie bustled in from another room to welcome them. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, taking Wendy’s parcels and putting them in a nearby closet. “There’s something special on the menu tonight. I don’t want to tell—I want to surprise you.” Adrie could be so friendly sometimes, and so snippy other times. Jill again noticed the resemblance to Wendy—that single mischievous dimple in their right cheeks that emerged when they smiled. Adrie led them to a table by the window and held the chair for Nana.

“Thank you, Adrie,” Nana said, sitting down. “Just look at these carnations and baby’s breath.” Nana gestured to the red-and-white flowers in a slender vase.

“A friend knew I was opening officially today and sent me a basketful of flowers,” said Adrie. “There were enough for every table.”

“They’re lovely, and they add so much to your decor,” Nana said. “Who sent them?”

“I don’t know. There was no card.” Adrie smiled. “The season is starting on a positive note, despite this blasted war. I also have a new cook. Max does magic with what little we can eat, considering the rationing and all.” Adrie started back to the kitchen, then paused. “Wendy, will you give me a hand with the chowder?”

Wendy followed her aunt through a swinging door.

“There are only a few other people here,” Nana whispered, looking around.

“Wendy says the inn will be full by this weekend.”

“I don’t know when I’ve seen Adrie so pleasant,” Nana commented. “I think she enjoys having Wendy with her.”

Jill looked out the windows at the boats on their moorings rising and falling in the swells, while a flock of gulls chased a fishing vessel to the docks. It was a nice way to end the day, and concerns about homing pigeons and secret messages seemed like a dream—but her worries about her mother were always close in her mind. Sabotage was another concern, since her father flew all over the country on airplanes. What if something happened to both of them? She fingered the monkey charms on her bracelet.

Wendy returned carrying a tray with three bowls of soup. She placed one at each setting then put the tray on another table. “New England clam chowder,” she said. “A specialty of the house.” She sat down, arranging a napkin on her lap. “Aunt Adrie says I should say that whenever I serve clam chowder,” she whispered.

“Is this the surprise?” Jill asked.

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