The bell above the bakery door jingled as it swung open, and a blast of chill autumn air swept across the warmly lit interior. "Morning, Jane! I thought I might find you here bright and early as usual." "Well, you know me. Creature of habit, I'm afraid. And you're one to talk—don't you have that weekly book club meeting this afternoon?" A soft chuckle. "Guilty as charged. I was hoping to pick up something special for the ladies." "How about the pumpkin scones? I've got a fresh batch just out of the oven." "Ooh, those sound perfect! And maybe one of those delectable lemon tarts for myself..." "Say no more, I'll box them up for you. So, any news from the planning committee about the Harvest Festival?" A dramatic sigh. "Where do I begin? The pumpkin carving contest is shaping up nicely, but Mrs. Abernathy is insisting on judging the pie baking competition again this year." "Oh dear, not another repeat of the Great Crust Controversy of '09?" "One can only hope we'll be spared a repeat performance. Though with that woman's competitive streak, I'm not holding my breath..."