Fiona packs a small picnic lunch to spend the day under her favorite tree in Hayes Park. First there will be a detour to 13 Paternoster Row.
She leans her bicycle against the stone wall. She takes a deep breath as she walks up the door. She can't decide to put it in the mail slot, ring the doorbell or knock.
She decides to ring the bell, because she needs to communicate to Alaya how to receive responses. Besides knocking is, as her mother explained to her, for back-doors.
The door opens with a woman wearing a cleaning outfit.
Fiona blushes.
The servant asks with a smile, "May I be of assistance?"
Fiona, adjusting her glasses with obvious nervousness, "Oh, I am sorry I wasn't expecting you."
The servant is quick to question, "Who were you expecting?"
Fiona becomes flustered. "No, no, I ... assumed that ... Alaya. I am so sorry."
The servant is smiling and having way too much fun with the young woman.
Fiona catches herself and extends her arm out holding a small box and envelope with a blue ribbon to bind them. "This is for ... Miss Alaya. Again sorry for my rudeness". She turns to leave and spins back around almost falling but catches herself. "Please convey to Alaya that if she has a response tie the ribbon to the door knocker. I shall come at my earliest opportunity."
Fiona turns and hesitates to leave the front door. She turns back around and looks straight into the servant's eyes. "Do you believe Alaya will have time today to respond? If so, I will stop by after my studies."
The servant responds, "I do not know. She has much to do today. We are spring cleaning, getting ready to enjoy a warm summer."
"Oh," Fiona attempts hide her disappointment. Softly adds, "I was hoping for a response this evening."
The servant smiles, "But, I will make sure my daughter takes the time to write a brief response before our afternoon tea."
Fiona's face is burning red, "I ... I ... I would be most grateful. Thank you."
Alaya's mother responds, "My goodness. Relax and go on your way. Enjoy your studies. You have not offended me or my family."
Fiona fiddles with her glasses and walks back to her bike mortified and embarrassed. Under her breath, out of earshot of the now closed front door. "Oh my dear! I made a terrible first impression. How can I rectify this?" as her eyes begin to hold water.
From inside behind lace curtains Alaya clasps her heart. "Will she return?"
Vastra prompty responds, "Most certainly".
As soon as Fiona is out of view Alaya turns to her mother Jenny.
Jenny hands her the package.
Alaya takes it into her hands as if it will burn her pink scales. Afraid to open it.
Jenny, "It won't bite."
Jenny and Vastra both laugh as they leave the room.
Alaya goes upstairs to her room and sits down at her desk and gently unties the box and unfolds the perfectly clean handkerchief. She examines the front and back, flickers a taste. She tastes soap, chemicals and wonders if she can make out Fiona's scent. She places the letter on her desk but takes the handkerchief to her mothers for further inspection.
"Mothers?"
"We are in the library"
Alaya makes her way to the library. As she enters both mothers are cleaning. Jenny, "Please remember your promise. Today is cleaning. The faster it gets done the quicker we can attend to those things we want to give our attention."
Alaya, "Yes mother. I will help in a moment. May I have your attention?"
Vastra and Jenny both stop their cleaning look at Alaya.
"Remember I have lent Fiona a handkerchief to clean the grease from her glasses?" Mothers nod. "There is no grease. Is this new?"
Alaya hands it to her Mother Jenny for inspection, "This is ours. I stitched this myself." Mother Jenny hands it over to Alaya's Mother Vastra. "What do you make of it, my dear?"
Mother Vastra examines with both eyes and tongues. "Interesting, this is your handkerchief Alaya. I smell and taste you," nod to Jenny "It is a fresh touch from you dear. I also taste the aforementioned grease." Mother Vastra holds it up to the light for inspection, "A mystery," she hands it back to Alaya, "We'll investigate later. Your Mother is right. Let's not get distracted".
Alaya tucks the handkerchief in her pocket and turns on the gramophone for background music as the small family continues cleaning.
In the early afternoon the house is completely cleaned to Jenny's standards. As all three stand looking at their home, cleaner than if Vastra was in charge and better than if Alaya did it herself.
Alaya, "Shall I maker tea?"
Vastra and Jenny walk upstairs, "That would be most welcome after our baths."
Alaya takes the buckets, dumps the water and then runs upstairs to her bathroom while pondering the perfect response to Fiona's letter.