Jane looked between her mother and Catherine.  Then slowly nodded.  "But only until I get tired or I get too much attention my way.  I will not become a distracting issue from you on your special day."  She finally agreed.  A maid came in about then with the tea tray and a plate full of various colorful biscuits.  Jane's maid helped set it up on the coffee table in between the ladies.  Then both maids stepped back.

Mrs. Ripley started to pour.  "Well, with that settled, let's have some tea."  She was beaming at the idea that Jane would get out around people socially again.  Coming home had been her daughter's desire, but Mrs. Ripley did not plan for Jane to become a hermit.  An old maid that might be all that could be there for the young woman, but she could still have a life.

"Milk or sugar, Miss Ennington?"  She asked as she poured.