The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan

A gentle cat named Ribby sends a cheerful invitation to her friend Duchess, a small dog, promising a delightful tea and a special pie baked in a pink‑rimmed dish. The letters are full of polite exchanges and a hint of nervous anticipation, especially when Duchess wonders whether the surprise might involve mouse—a notion that makes her uneasy.

Ribby busily prepares her home, arranging two ovens, polishing china, and fetching fresh milk, butter, tea, sugar, and marmalade from the village. She crafts a delicate crust in a tiny patty‑pan, careful to let steam escape, while both friends imagine the taste of the mysterious filling and the comfort of sharing a cozy meal.

When the day arrives, the two friends meet halfway, each carrying a basket, and exchange a courteous bow before slipping away toward their respective homes. Their quiet steps hide the excitement building toward the promised gathering, leaving listeners eager to hear how the tea, the pie, and a dash of playful curiosity will unfold.