Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1040

Albert’s Tavern had rules as strict as during Prohibition, and anyone caught breaking them would find life a living hell.

Agnes just couldn't wrap her head around it. But Jarvis had insisted there was someone above Honey Badger in the chain.

The next day, sure enough, Patton showed up bright and early, bringing along a bunch of his guys. They started hauling all sorts of materials over. Patton was all manners when he saw Agnes, addressing her as Miss Septima with every breath. Without much ado, they began fixing up the east wing's crumbling walls. He did have some skills, it seemed. In less than half a day, he had the place looking decent again.

Agnes watched him from a window inside the house, pondering how to pry some information out of him. After a moment of thought, she poured a cup of tea and approached Patton. Handing him the tea, she tried to make small talk: “I didn’t expect you to have such craftsmanship.”

Patton, surprised and flattered to be offered tea by her, quickly took the cup with both hands: “Miss Septima, you’re too kind. After my rudeness yesterday, your forgiveness means the world to me. This is nothing, really. If there’s anything you need in the future, just say the word.”

Agnes smiled and took a seat on a nearby stone bench, gesturing for Patton to do the same: “Take a break for a moment, have some tea.”

Patton sat down, feeling honored. To sit and chat over tea with Albert’s most cherished Miss Septima was a privilege. Maybe yesterday’s incident wasn’t so bad after all. If he could get on Miss Septima’s good side... And perhaps even get her to put in a good word for him with Albert.