Several weeks had passed since Benevolence and Charley's initial encounter at the shop. The shop still bloomed with vibrant colors, and its rooms were filled with the sweet scent of the opulent blossoms that formed the most obvious portion of the business. She was there even less now than she had been before her marriage and but she received proper accounts from her manager. It was clear that Charley was not a natural shop girl, and it wasn't clear how long the arrangement could possibly last.

The warm summer air flowed through the open windows of the ice cream shop, carrying with it a noise of the high street beyond. Benevolence had invited Charley to meet her once again, eager to catch up and see how the young urchin was faring. There was an extra nervousness in her movements, a subtle restlessness that she attributed to her recent marriage. Benevolence couldn't help but feel that her clothes were fitting a bit snugly these days, and she was certain that marriage was the culprit - and that perhaps the more oppulent food associated with doing the rounds after her marriage. she would need to tell the cook to make few rich sauces and pastries, if she wanted to stay trim that was.

Looking out the window, Benevolence noticed Charley's familiar figure approaching. A genuine smile tugged at her lips and she waved indicating her seat by the window. "Charley, it's wonderful to see you again," Benevolence greeted warmly, her eyes filled with genuine pleasure. "How have you been?" She offered a brief nod to the shop girl who brought them menus to order ices. Benevolence just ordered tea, but indicated that Charlie could order what she liked. The interior of the shop was a riot of colors and noise, a visual and olfactory feast that spoke of summer and long hot days. It reminded her of her father, who had used almost any excuse to go for an ice cream.

Benevolence's reached under her table to her bag, and removed a brown paper-wrapped parcel. It was a thick tome on practical herbology and dangerous plants, a calculated choice on her part. Benevolence saw potential in Charley, a certain affinity for the more unconventional aspects of life. She hoped the book might capture the girl's interest more than the pure pretty blooms that the shops dealt in.

"I have something for you," Benevolence said, her tone slightly conspiratorial. "I came across this book, and it made me think of you. It's practical and the more... intriguing side of plants. I thought you might find it interesting."

As she handed the book to Charley, Benevolence's eyes sparkled, eager to see how the young girl would react to the gift.