accountant and financial adviser. There was a nuclear physicist (male) and a CEO of a computer software company (female), along with a bank president (male) and the manager of one of the local TV stations (male). Rounding out the group were Lynn Tarrot, Christy Jorgenson and Claire Gordon. They all considered themselves accomplished cooks. In addition, they all had a different specialty, which made for interesting dinner parties. Their backgrounds were extremely varied, which made for rather exciting discussions during their get-togethers. They were all successful in their fields and very intelligent. Luckily, all of them had a good sense of humor. And they had all become very good friends.

He went back into his studio and gathered up his portable painting equipment. He was going to head for the wildlife area to a place where he had located a fox’s den. Nearby he had noted a hawk’s nest. Perhaps he would be lucky and catch one of them in the area. If not, he would paint the setting and add the birds and animals later. Besides, it was a beautiful day to be out in the woods painting. No one would interrupt him out there. Very few people bothered to come out here. He practically always had it to himself. He had explored most of the area, and had come to look on it as an extension of his land. He loved the woods and the animals that lived there.

He made a light lunch to take with him, figuring to stay out most of the afternoon. Actually, the sun was beginning to set before he started to gather up his equipment and start back for the house. It was only about a twenty-minute walk, even carrying his equipment, so he reached the house before it started to get dark. Even so, the automatic yard lights were on. It had been a good day. He put his painting equipment, and the canvas he had started, back in the studio. Then he went into the kitchen to figure out what he should fix for dinner. Living alone, especially out in the country where he was, it paid to like to cook. He had become very good at it.

As Greg was fixing his dinner, his mind went back to his unanswered speculation. Why had Edna expressed an interest in having her niece Serena see his house? There was really nothing unusual about it. Edna was definitely not a matchmaker, so that scenario could be discarded. The only thing he could think of was the setting. Perhaps Edna thought her niece, seeing his house and the setting in which it was placed, might get an idea of what she wanted as a place in which to settle down. As far as Greg was concerned, it was the ideal place to write and paint. But Serena was from the West Coast. She might have an entirely different idea of what might be the ideal place. This place grew from an idea he had when he was young.

He had just finished eating and cleaning up afterwards, when his phone rang.

“Hello, Greg Manart here.” he said.

“Hi Greg. I can come early Friday and play second cook.”

“Love to have you,” laughed Greg. He immediately recognized Christy Jorgensen’s voice. “That would give me someone to blame if something went wrong.”

“Oh come on. Nothing has ever gone wrong at your breakfasts. It wouldn’t dare,” she added with emphasis, then she laughed. “See you Friday. Bright and early.”

“Okay, Christy,” he said.

He wasn’t at all surprised that Christy Jorgenson had called and offered to come out and help. Christy, was probably the first one Claire called. They worked at the same college and were good friends. He was happy she offered. He always welcomed Christy. Christy was bouncy, always seem to be happy, funny, and best of all she really worked and knew her away around a kitchen. She was the ideal person to help with this breakfast. Besides, he and Christy had decided long ago, although they made wonderful friends, they would make lousy partners.

He decided he wouldn’t try to do any work on his next book. It really wasn’t coming along very well. The characters he had been creating just didn’t seem to mesh and he couldn’t figure out why. He had decided to let it rest for a while in hopes, later he could come back to it with a new outlook. Maybe he could then see what was wrong and get going on it again. Besides he didn’t want to spoil a good day. He’d just catch up on his magazine reading and maybe turn in early.

Bright and early, before breakfast, he was out in the woods with his cameras. It was a perfect day. A bright day, with plenty of fluffy clouds. The perfect day to get the pictures he wanted. Now if the creatures only cooperated. Actually it turned out to be a fairly successful day. However, it took longer than he had anticipated. He waited longer than he normally would, in anticipation of some shots that didn’t materialize and some that did. He wondered if Claire had called. He would prefer to talk to her when she called.

He decided, while he was waiting for her call, he would rustle up a late breakfast. He was always partial to breakfast, since his days of delivering papers, while he was in Junior high school. He had been orphaned when he was eight. He had been raised by a young, single aunt. Breakfast was still one of his favorite meals. He had just set the table and gotten the food out ready to be prepared, when the phone rang.

“Greg Manart, here,”

A precise, intriguing, musical voice at the other end said, “Dr. Manart, this is Serena Tellou. I thought I really should call you and make sure it was okay with you if I joined your breakfast group, Friday.” the voice hurried on, “I know that Claire Gordon assured me it would be, but seeing as it’s your house, and you don’t know me, I thought I really ought to call you to make sure.”

“Let me say that I hate formality, so seeing as we are going to have breakfast together on Friday, the name is Greg. In addition, rest assured, you are more than welcome.” continued Greg. “Although I haven’t heard from Claire, I am assuming the breakfast is on for Friday, because I already have my backup cook planning on being here early. Actually I am looking forward to meeting you, although I must confess I have not read any of your books.” After a moments hesitation he added, “Come to think of it, I will be on Claire’s blacklist for admitting that. In fact, if she finds out, she might not introduce me to you.”

“Oh, she wouldn’t do that,” said Serena, with a light laugh. “How could she, you’re the host.”

“Oh, a little thing like that wouldn’t bother Claire if she decided to be mad at me,” laughed Greg.

“I seemed to have jumped the gun,” said Serena. “Maybe the breakfast plans fell through.”

“No.” said Greg. “ We already have four people for sure, and that’s a good sign we’ll probably have eight. Which is a good round number. We can use the small oak table. It holds ten. Just the right size for conversation.”

“My aunt and uncle said they have had breakfast at your house several times,” Serena said. “Your breakfasts, according to my aunt, have taken on a fame of their own.”

“There might be some who would call them infamous. But we do have fun at them and we always seem to have interesting people. At least the conversations are interesting.” Then, after a pause, he added as a kind of justification for putting on these breakfasts, “It keeps me social, and keeps me from becoming a hermit and a recluse artist. That would be disastrous. So you see, there are a lot of reasons for me to put on these breakfasts. In addition, I really find them a lot of fun.”

“When Aunt Edna mentioned your breakfasts, I wondered about your reasons for taking on that kind of work,” said Serena. “She said it wasn’t meant to gain any attention, because they were private affairs, and you shun attention rather than try to attract it. Edna said you were kind of an anomaly. You really were very social, yet very private at the same time. She said you were the only one she has ever seen that could successfully pull that off. It’s a funny thing,” Serena continued, “but Claire said essentially the same thing, except she didn’t call you an anomaly. She seemed to think it was a perfectly natural thing as far as you were concerned.”

“That makes me sound like some really strange animal. Actually, you’ll find I’m a perfectly normal human being. Nothing exotic about me and I don’t think there is anything neurotic either. In fact you’ll probably find my home and grounds are a lot more interesting than I am. Hey, so maybe there’s a method to my madness in living out here,” Greg said. “But you’ll have to find out for yourself.”

“Now you’ve got me anxious to see your place and meet you,” exclaimed Serena. “I’ll be looking forward to Friday. See you then.”

Greg said good-bye and hung up the phone almost reluctantly. That voice had a haunting quality. Couple that, with the vision of a young woman in sloppy shirt and jeans, striding down that farm drive. Greg was anxious to meet this young woman in person. He hoped she lived up to this advanced billing. Then he wondered if that was a good thing. The other attractive women he knew here were all twenty or more miles away.

It was another half-hour or so before Claire rang up. In fact, he had just sat down to his computer in his office. He was trying to psych himself up to do something about his new novel, when the phone rang. It was Claire.

“Hello, Greg here,” was his usual response.

“Aren’t you ever going to change that greetings, Greg?” came the familiar voice at the end of the line. “It really doesn’t fit your character.”

“Just what is my character, according to Claire, that is?” Greg came back. “You know you’re a hopeless romantic. You have to admit it’s a simple, laid back greeting. Isn’t that what I’m suppose to be. Simple and laid back.”

“Laid back, yes. Simple, no, no, no!” came the immediate reply. “A more complex character I have never met in my life. But that’s what makes you so interesting. But getting to the subject at hand, Friday’s a go. Eight people have accepted, which makes nine with you. Actually every one jumped at the invitation, and I didn’t even have to bribe them with the guest of honor. Let’s see now,” Claire continued, “Christy Jorgenson, is coming of course, Joan and Jim Carter, Mark Janes, Penny McDermot, oh, and I asked Professor Mike Martin, my counterpart at the other university.” Claire added the last name with a little trepidation in her voice. “ You don’t mind that I invited him, do you Greg?”

“I know, you just wanted to make sure I didn’t monopolize Serena.” kidded Greg. “I have a hunch that you owed him one, and this was a way of paying him back. Do you guarantee he will be an interesting addition to the group?” questioned Greg half seriously.

“Absolutely.” was the quick reply. “ He’ s laid back, somewhat like you, and has a light, quick wit.”

“Unlike me.”

“Now I didn’t say that. Nor did I even imply that,” said Claire in a hurt voice.

“Just kidding, Claire. We’ll welcome him with open arms.”

“Well you don’t have to go overboard. Just treat him like a member of the group.” Claire continued, then in a little more serious tone. “What can I do to help? Can I bring something out the night before. I can’t offer to come out early on Friday because I promised to pick up Serena at her aunt and uncle’s place.”

“Don’t worry about a thing,” Greg assured her, “Everything will be taken care of. Christy has already volunteered to come out early and help, and I really am expecting Mark Janes to call and say he’ll be out early. That will give me more than enough help, because they both know their way around my kitchen. Breakfast is a relatively easy and straight forward thing to put together, especially when you have the room and equipment that my kitchen has.”

“Okay then,” said Claire. “I’ll see you Friday.”

It was about an hour-and-a-half later Mark called and offered his services, which were immediately accepted. Arrangements were made as to the time. Greg asked Mark to pick up some sweet rolls and doughnuts from the bakery. This would eliminate the need to start early to bake the sweet rolls and he could concentrate on bread and breakfast rolls. Greg’s breakfasts had gained the reputation for having something for everyone. Of course, sometimes they were put on with a particular person in mind. Everything seemed to be off to a good start.

Wednesday, Greg finally got back to his new novel. It was a cloudy, drizzly type of day. Just the kind to stay in his office and give his computer a workout. He worked late into the evening, stopping only to grab a quick bite. Finally, he was feeling satisfied with the progress he was making on the book. This was what he liked about living in the country. He didn’t have any close neighbors to drop in and he could ignore his telephone. He decided to get out in the morning to do some painting, if the weather cooperated. Actually the predictions were good for both Thursday and Friday. He was always up by six o’clock every morning. However, he was planning to make it five-thirty for Friday morning. Christy, he knew would be there by seven, and Mark would probably arrive by a quarter-after.

Friday started out like a beautiful spring morning. It was refreshingly cool, perfect for the breakfast. They could have it out on the enclosed porch. All the windows could be open to let in all the smells and the sounds of the gardens and surrounding woods. Greg had just begun preparations when Christy rolled in right on schedule.

“Oh, isn’t it a perfect morning,” she bubbled. “I suppose you ordered it special.”

“Well, of course, didn’t you know I had a direct line.”

“Oh, I always suspected it,” giggled Christy, “But I was never sure where the direct line went to.”

“For that nasty remark, you can do all the pots and pans.” said Greg.

“Okay, what do you want me to do, outside of the pots and pans that is?”

“Let’s get the breakfast rolls and the bread ready for the oven. Then we can lay out the ham, bacon and sausage ready to put on the big griddle. We can mix up the pancake dough and have that ready for the griddle. I’ll fire up the griddle in about fifteen minutes,” said Greg.

There was the sound of another car pulling into the yard.

“That must be Mark,” said Greg. “He’s right on time. I put on the regular coffeemaker early so we could enjoy some coffee while we work. We might as well sample the rolls too,” added Greg

“Oh, you must be reading my mind.” said Christy, “I was just dying for a cup of java, and a roll would really hit the spot just now. Especially with all this food around to entice me.” Then she added, “ Did you tell Mark to pick up some rolls? What if he forgot?” At this moment, Mark walked in carrying a couple of bakery boxes.

“Oh ye of little faith.” jibed Greg.

“Was Christy doubting that I would get here on time?” asked Mark.

“No. She was afraid you had forgotten the rolls and that she’d have to go hungry until breakfast was ready.”

“Oh, you make it sound like I’m always thinking of eating.” pouted Christy.

“I wouldn’t think of touching that one.” laughed Mark.

“It’s not fair. You’re ganging up on me.”

“Here. Have a cup of coffee and a roll to soothe your injured soul,” said Greg handing her a mug of coffee and offering her a plate of rolls to choose from. The three then became busy setting things up for the breakfast and starting the stoves and griddles. There was a constant banter as the three started preparing the meal for the group, soon to be arriving.

Joan and Jim Carter were the first to arrive. Joan immediately checked if she could lend some assistance setting up the table. Joan always did this. Jim immediately headed for the coffeepot.

“Ooh,” said Joan, “ Something is really smelling wonderful. My mouth is watering already in anticipation. Jim, don’t you just love this kitchen?”

“Actually, I love the things that come out of it even more,” said Jim.

“Oh, always thinking of your stomach.”

“That’s what Greg and Mark were just accusing me of,” chimed in Christy.

“Well at least we know how to enjoy the fine things in life, Christy,” laughed Jim.

Mike Martin, the professor from Leland State University arrived next, closely followed by Penny McDermot. They came in together, Mike playing the gentleman and opening the door for Penny. Men had a tendency to play the gentleman for Penney. She could really turn heads without any effort on her part.

“It looks like I timed it perfectly,” said Penny. “There doesn’t seem to be a thing I can do, except enjoy one of your lovely breakfasts, Greg.”

“Well let’s see if we can’t figure out something for Penny to do.” replied Greg.

“Maybe we could make her sing for her breakfast.” said Joan with a nasty grin. She knew someone else would pick up on this.

Jim quickly jumped into the conversation with, “Oh, no, not that. Anything but have Penny sing. It was promising to be such a lovely morning.”

“Come on now, I don’t sing as badly as all that.”

Mike Martin, who had been amusedly listening to the conversational by-play, said, “I think I’ll stay out of that conversation. However, seeing as Claire hasn’t arrived yet, I’d better introduce myself, and explain that Claire invited me with, I hope, Dr. Manart’s permission. I’m Mike Martin and I’m a professor of American Literature at Leland State. You might say I’m a counterpart to Claire.”

“You are very welcome,” said Greg, “But you apparently don’t know Claire that well. Claire does things first and asks permission afterwards, with of course, the proper amount of contrition.”

“You really are welcome,” Christy quickly said, making sure he didn’t take Greg’s lighthearted comment the wrong way. “ We are a very informal group, and we do have a tendency to kid each other a lot. Be forewarned we do not spare newcomers. They’re fair game along with every one else.”

“Just a footnote to that commentary on this motley crew, the kidding is never unkind. It’s just light, good fun,” added Joan.

“I’ll second that,” said Penny, adding in a mock huffy tone, “In spite of the fact that they’re picking on me.”

“We never pick on you, Penny,” said Greg.

The bantering was cut short by the sound of an arriving car.

“Perfect timing.” said Greg. “Everything is about ready to go on the table.”

“We’re here.” announced Claire as she came in the room, followed by a very beautiful young woman, on whom all eyes were focused. “I’d like you all to meet Serena Tellou.”

Introductions were made all around. Claire made her apologies to Dr. Martin for not being there to introduce him.

“Oh, that’s all right, Claire,” said Greg, “ We’re an informal group and can easily handle a thing like that.”

“You’re needling me, Greg.”

“I wouldn’t think of doing that for a minute.” said Greg.

“He wouldn’t think of that for a minute. It would only take him a couple of seconds.” Christy quickly added with a laugh.

“It’s really the pots and pans for you Christy,” said Greg.

“It sure is a good thing that Greg has two dishwashers, Christy.” Mark Janes broke in, “Or you’d be here the rest of the morning and all afternoon, too.”

“Does this go on all the time?” broke in Serena, “Or is this a ploy to put newcomers to the group at ease?”

“With this group there are no newcomers,” said Joan. “After the introductions, you become like everyone else. In other words you’re fair game for a little light-hearted kidding.”

“That’s really not as bad as it might sound to someone who doesn’t know this group.” explained Claire, “It’s really all in good fun. We enjoy each other’s company very much, and we all enjoy kidding each other. The only rule is that it is light and in good taste.”

“Are these breakfasts are a regular thing?” inquired Mike Martin.

“Actually,” stated Claire, “Since Greg unsuspectingly started inviting the group, or all those who could make it, to these informal breakfasts, they have practically become an institution.” Then Claire added, “Greg didn’t know what he spawned and now he’s got a tiger by the tail.”

“You mean they won’t let you quit, even if you wanted to?” inquired Serena.

“Oh absolutely not.” said Greg. “They’re absolutely tyrannical.”

“As you can see,” laughed Christy, “ He really is put upon. And if you believe that about Greg after you get to know him, I’d like to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.”

“In other words,” added Jim Carter, “ These breakfasts exist because Greg enjoys putting them on. Of course the rest of us will do everything we can to convince him that he should keep putting them on. Which means, of course,” continued Jim, “that they happen when and if Greg decides they should happen.”

“In other words,” said Serena, “The tyranny is in the other camp.”

“Well we have never looked on it as tyranny,” said Claire. “We just keep throwing broad hints his way if the interlude between breakfasts becomes too long.”

“Enough of this inane chit-chat,” broke in Greg, “ The food’s ready, so let’s eat it while it’s hot. Christy, Mark and I have slaved over this meal too hard to have it spoiled by letting it get cold.”

“Claire, you can get Serena and Mike seated. The rest are on your own. You’ve been here often enough.” Greg added.

“You seem to have a beautiful place here, Greg. At least what I’ve seen of it driving in. Uncle Frank says he thinks it is the most beautiful setting for a house he has ever seen.” said Serena.

“And the house is perfect for the setting.” chimed in Joan. “We’re all jealous that Greg created it first.”

“He did do a marvelous job in that respect,” added Jim, “And he created it himself. No outside architect or designers had a hand in it.”

“You make it sound like it was some great creation,” laughed Greg. “ I had a wonderful old house as a solid base to build on, and that made it easy.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” said Christy. “ I know the original old house. I would have never come up with something as comfortable, and livable, and beautiful as this, keeping it in tune with the beautiful surroundings, without destroying the looks of the old house.”

“Well, actually, Greg created some of the beautiful surroundings when he planned and created the gardens,” added Mark Janes.

“I had a lot of help from a lot of creative, hardworking people,” Greg reminded them.

“You are going to have to give me a complete guided tour after breakfast. I’ve got to see this first hand,” said Serena.

“I will be happy to do so.”

“ May I join in on the tour?” Mike Martin asked. “I’m intrigued by what you have done here. I heard rumors of your place from some of the members of our Science School. Being able to see it first hand, was one of the reasons I jumped at Claire’s invitation. Of course the primary reason was to meet you, Dr. Tellou,” he hurriedly added.

“Don’t you think that one of your rules, Greg, should be that titles are verboten?”

“Do I have a second to that motion?” Greg quickly said.

“I second it.” Joan chimed in.

“Motion carried. “Titles are banned from all future conversations