The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1481

"Yes, let's head inside, Romeo. I've got some snacks and drinks ready for you guys. Come on in," Louisa said warmly, linking arms with Arabella as they walked, chatting with Romeo about their memories in Dawnstar and reminding Arabella to check in with her uncle.

The coffee table was adorned with an assortment of pastries, coffee and tea.

"Bella, your mom made all these. They might not look like much, but I've tasted them, and they're pretty decent." Kenneth said with a smile, picking up a plate of the best-looking lemon bars and presenting them to Romeo and Arabella, "Give them a try."

"And we've got some lavender shortbread too!" Louisa reached for another plate of treats. But before she could bring it over, Kenneth intercepted, "Let the kids try the lemon bars first."

"Why not let them try the shortbread too?"

"They can have a piece later on."

"They could have a bite of the lemon bars and then the shortbread. It won't hurt."

"There's no rush."

Despite Kenneth’s cheerful demeanor, Arabella could tell from his expression that the lavender shortbread might not be up to par.

"Then how about trying my rose puffed pastry?" Louisa brought over another plate of sweets.

Once again, Kenneth took over, saying, "Let them finish the lemon bars first, no hurry. Romeo, Bella, how are they? The texture's alright, isn't it?"

Arabella found the treat a bit tough to swallow but nodded anyway, "Sure."

"Really?" Louisa took a sip herself, "At first, I thought something was off."

"Maybe there's a bit too much lemon." All three said in unison, and then glanced at each other, with Kenneth quickly smoothing things over, "It must be that the recipe writer didn't specify the exact quantity to use."

"But they did, they said one slice of lemon was enough. I just thought Bella loved lemon water, so I added a bit more."

Arabella was touched that her mother remembered her preferences, her gaze softening once more.

"Bella, from now on, I will make you delicious food more often."