Impressive. And it comes with an invitation.

The dining hall is about a third full. Students fill their plates from a buffet along one wall, while others are seated in chattering groups around tables. A handful of teachers dine at a head table. You and Brian take plates and make your way down the buffet line, conscious of the glances cast your way by the gossiping schoolgirls.

The buffet would be the match of a good hotel or restaurant, and you're impressed by the variety and quality of food, despite only helping yourself to some toast and eggs and filling a cup of coffee. Brian takes some of almost everything, even considering getting an omelette from the station at the end of the line. You smile at his appetite as the two of you turn towards the head table.

You see Donna Considine waving you over, inviting you to join her group. She's sitting with Lorri McKay and Mr. Sharp, the history teacher you met the previous night. Nudging Brian, the two of you make your way there and join them.

"Not hungry?" Lorri McKay observes, eyeing your plate.

"I'm not much for breakfast," you reply, taking a sip of coffee.

"Unlike the Coach here," she chuckles, seeing Brian's laden plate. "You eat like you're still a growing boy," she says to him with a grin.

"I worked up my appetite with a run this morning," he smiles. "That's a nice path around the lake."

"So I hear," Lorri answers with a laugh. "I know a few people jog there. I'm not built for running."

As you listen you see Valerie and her crony Sondra enter the dining hall. She glances at the head table and smiles happily as she sees you and Brian, then turns her attention to the buffet table. She chats amiably with her friend, but you see her casting quick glances at your table. You'd be concerned about her indiscretion were it not for the fact than most of the girls in the room are doing something similar, many of them even more obviously than young Valerie. The advent of male teachers is certainly a cause for gossip among the students.

"Lorri and I want to invite you three gentlemen, and Dean Hawkfeather as well, to dinner at our cottage tomorrow night," Donna Considine says. "It's part of our attempt to make you feel welcome, even if some of your colleagues have forgotten their courtesy."

You share a look with Brian and Mr. Sharp, then smile and nod. "I'd be delighted. And thank you very much. Can we bring anything?"

"A better appetite than you bring to breakfast," Lorri snorts. "You start picking at any food I serve like you doing with that toast and I'll go upside your head." Her grin is fierce but the chuckle that follows it is embracing and friendly.

"Sorry to interrupt," a new voice speaks. "I need a quick word with Mr. Carter and Mr. Watts."