Another teacher

You're still puzzling over the look of the anxious rich girl when another person joins your table. Donna's introductions bring you back to the present as you look at a slender woman in her thirties, her black hair touched with a hint of silver.

"Honoré Thibodeaux," the newcomer says with a smile. "But my friends, among whom I hope to number you, call me Honey." Her voice has the hint of a soft lilting accent.

"This cracker tries to teach our young illiterates English Literature," Lorri says with a chuckle. "She's got her work cut out for her."

"I beg your pardon," the newcomer says with a look at the imposing black woman. "We have had this discussion before. The correct pejorative term for people of my background is 'coon-ass,' not 'cracker.' I'll thank you to remember it, Ms. McKay." Her stern words are belied by the brilliant grin that lights up her face before she turns to the table at large.

"As my dusky friend here is trying to say, I'm a Cajun, from Iberia Parish in Louisiana. Along the Bayou Teche, where the memories of Evangeline linger. And she is correct that many of the young maidens here are challenged by any literature that cannot be compressed into the limit of characters on a Twitter post. Nonetheless, I persevere, hoping that my reward shall one day arrive."

You smile at her wry humour and soft intelligent voice, and notice the other men grinning as well. She's a striking woman, not pretty so much as elegant, but with a sparkle in her eyes that is very intriguing.

"I regret that personal matters kept me away from the faculty meeting last night, or I would have welcomed you gentlemen then. I understand the meeting was not without it's entertainment value," she adds, sipping a creamy cup of coffee and taking a delicate bite of a pastry.

"Dean Hawkfeather's announcement that he will be enforcing the code of conduct to the letter met with some surprise," Mason says with a smile. Darnell suppresses a snort of amusement, and the other two women chuckle.

"I imagine it did," Honey says, putting down the pastry with a sigh and a little moue of distaste. "This really is no match for café au lait and beignets under the trees in Jackson Square, but one must make do. I assume the formidable Miss Swanson was properly outraged?"

"You might say," Lorri laughs. "I had hopes of a stroke, but no such luck."

"Alas, fortune seldom favours the reasoned. I trust the Dean is serious, and will not backslide or bow to pressure."

"I doubt it," Darnell says. "He sounds like he means every word."

"And a Marine, I understand? A veteran of our unfortunate conflicts? He sounds like a man not to be trifled with. I look forward to meeting him."

"He's easy on the eyes too," Lorri smiles.

"As are all these gentlemen," Honey adds with another brilliant smile that encompasses all three of you. "Our fair maidens will have their hearts aflutter. I predict many a yearning glance, and perhaps an unseemly offer or two."

"We're having the men over for dinner tomorrow night," Donna says. "I was hoping you'd be able to come as well Honey."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I would on the other hand, miss it for a well made beignet, or perhaps a drink on Frenchmen Street while a band plays Jolie Blon, but alas I will have to forgo such delights until my return home."

"To the Big Easy," you smile. Honey visibly winces.

"You'd be advised, should you have occasion to visit, that 'Big Easy' is oft regarded as a tourist import. Not as grating as 'N'Awlins' but certain to identify you as a tourist," she smiles at you embarrassment. "You will forgive my forthrightness, I'm sure. And I'm delighted to accept your invitation to dinner. Are you the chef, Lorri?

"And who else? Donna's idea of fine cooking is putting a pickle slice next to the grilled cheese sandwich," she smiles equably, ignoring her roommate sticking her tongue out at her.

"Excellent, I look forward to a feast," Honey says standing up and gracing the table with another brilliant smile. "Gentlemen, it has been a little slice of heaven meeting you. Welcome to Pink Rose, and I hope to see much more of you."