Sweat Tea Revenge

by Laura Childs

“You mean investments in the stock market?” asked Theodosia.

  “No,” McDougal said slowly. “He never mentioned that. But Granville was very effusive about his cigar store and his various real estate holdings.”

  “He was big into real estate?” This was news to Theodosia. She’d never heard a peep about real estate and wondered why Delaine had never mentioned it. Then again, maybe she didn’t know. Maybe Delaine had just been too focused on their whirlwind courtship and impending wedding.

  “Oh, yeah,” McDougal continued. “Granville was crazy over real estate. It was his passion. He owned dozens of apartment buildings and a couple other properties he jokingly referred to as his white elephants.”

  How interesting, Theodosia thought to herself, as Drayton brought out the tartan-frosted cupcakes and everyone exclaimed over them. Granville’s real estate was another thing she’d have to quiz Delaine about. Or maybe ask his partner, Allan Grumley. If the curmudgeon Grumley would ever deign to talk to her.

  21

  With lunch well under way, Theodosia and Haley were buzzing about the menu for tonight’s Summer Garden Tour.

  “What I was thinking about,” said Haley, “was an assortment that included lemon bars, almond espresso cookies, and some sort of cake.”

  “That’s more than I thought we’d serve,” said Theodosia. “I was thinking just along the line of tea and cookies.”

  “But on last year’s tour, the folks at the Wilmington House served biscotti and double fudge brownies,” said Haley.

  “And I’m guessing you want to outdo them?”

  Haley gave a toss of her head and a snarky smile.

  “It really isn’t necessary,” said Theodosia. “Especially since we’re putting this together at the last minute.”

  “Come on,” Haley wheedled. “Just let me do what I do best.” She poked her blond hair behind her ears and said, “Turn me loose.”

  “Okay,” Theodosia agreed. “But please don’t kill yourself over this. Because there’s a chance it’ll all whoosh right over Delaine’s head. These days, she’s not exactly big on doling out compliments or thank-yous.”

  “Whatever,” said Haley.

  “So what have you got in mind for the cakes?” asked Theodosia. “You mean like mocha cakes?” Haley whipped up the best mocha cakes she’d ever tasted. Tasty little morsels with vanilla frosting and rolled in chopped walnuts.

  “Mmm, not those exactly,” said Haley. “But something like them.”

  “You’re being evasive,” said Theodosia.

  “Probably because I’d like to keep it a surprise,” said Haley.

  “Okay,” said Theodosia. “You win.”

  * * *

  Lunch came and went. And by midafternoon Theodosia had popped into the kitchen again to see how Haley was doing.

  “Don’t look, don’t look!” cried Haley.

  “Okay,” said Theodosia. “Sorry.

  Then Drayton suddenly appeared in the doorway. “How are we set for scones?” he asked.

  “We’ve got a couple left,” said Haley.

  He hooked a thumb in the direction of the tea room. “Delaine’s sister, Nadine, showed up a few minutes ago.” He lowered his voice. “Accompanied by a gentleman.”

  “Really?” Theodosia and Haley said in unison.

  “No one I’ve ever seen before,” said Drayton, still in a slightly hushed tone.

  “Must be a new boyfriend,” said Haley.

  “I didn’t even know she was dating anyone,” said Theodosia. “I mean, did she bring someone to the wedding?”

  “No idea,” said Drayton.

  “I suppose she could have had a date stashed somewhere,” said Haley. “Because I remember she showed up late and seemed awfully discombobulated.”

  “Maybe she’ll be the sister who gets married first after all,” said Drayton.

  “I just hope she has better luck than Delaine,” said Haley.

  “Shhh,” warned Drayton. He held a finger to his lips. “Keep your voices down!”

  “Well, I’m going to go out and say hello,” said Theodosia. “Haley, put two of those oat scones on a plate along with a couple of slices of banana bread. Nadine will like that. She has a real sweet tooth.”

  Nadine was giggling and simpering when Theodosia brought the desserts to her table, hanging on the arm of a man who was sitting so close their shoulders touched. He was good looking, with ginger-colored hair, bright brown eyes, a square chin, and high cheekbones.

  “Theo-do-sia!” Nadine squealed when she saw her. “How lovely to see you!”

  “Hello, Nadine,” said Theodosia. “We’ve been crazy busy all day, but I managed to find some scones and banana bread to go along with your afternoon tea.” She didn’t want to point out that it was thirty minutes to closing on a Friday afternoon.

  “Your hospitality is greatly appreciated,” said Nadine. She grinned and giggled at her gentleman friend but still didn’t bother to introduce him.

  Theodosia picked up their teapot and carefully refilled their cups. Then she set the teapot on a tea warmer. “Well, enjoy.”

  “Thank you,” said Nadine.

  Theodosia hesitated. “Have you by any chance talked to your sister today?” She wondered how Delaine had reacted to the call from Tidwell about last night’s break-in.

  Nadine didn’t bother to look up. “Not really,” she said, biting into her scone.

  “Who’s the fellow?” Drayton whispered, when Theodosia came back to the front counter.

  “No idea,” said Theodosia. “She never introduced us.”

  “That’s rude,” said Drayton.

  “That’s Nadine,” said Theodosia. “Always playing weird little mind games. Listen, I’m going back to my office to call Delaine. Try to get any news I can direct from the horse’s mouth.”

  “Or some other choice part of the anatomy,” Drayton mumbled.

  “Drayton!” said Theodosia. But she smiled as she said it.

  * * *

  Theodosia kicked a carton of straw hats out of her way and slid into her desk chair. She called Delaine’s cell and had her on the line within seconds.

  “I take it Detective Tidwell got hold of you this morning?” said Theodosia. She felt bad that she’d been so busy she hadn’t been able to call Delaine sooner.

  “Yes, he did,” said Delaine.

  “And he told you all about the break-in?”

  “Such unsettling news,” cooed Delaine. “As if I needed one more thing to worry about.”

  “Same here,” said Theodosia. “It caused a bit of a stir for me, too, you know.”

  “Sorry about that,” said Delaine.

  “So what’s the story on getting Granville’s place straightened up for tonight? Tidwell seemed to imply there was a bit of a mess. He said several drawers had been overturned and some cupboards were ransacked?”

  “It’s all taken care of,” said Delaine. “I’m at the house now and everything looks perfect.”

  “What about the deliveries?” Theodosia asked. “I hope those weren’t derailed. The tables and chairs for the patio? The velvet ropes and stanchions?”

  “Everything’s being brought in right now,” said Delaine. “So the only piece of the puzzle I have to worry about is you.”

  “Are you serious?” said Theodosia. “Excuse me, but Haley and I have the tea and treats completely under control. They’ll be served exactly as promised.”

  “I must say that’s a huge weight off my mind,” said Delaine.

  “Delaine,” said Theodosia, feeling slightly miffed. “It shouldn’t be an issue at all. You know I wouldn’t drop the ball.”

  “Unlike my sister,” Delaine sighed. “Big help she is.”

  “Nadine’s here right now,” said Theodosia. “She showed up maybe fifteen minutes ago. Wit
h a guest. A nice-looking man.”

  “Bully for her,” said Delaine.

  “What?” said Theodosia. “You don’t approve of this fellow she’s dating?”

  “Even if I did,” said Delaine, “Nadine wouldn’t care two shakes. She pays no attention to anything I say. Besides, she’s old enough to make her own mistakes.”

  Whatever that means, Theodosia thought to herself. “One more thing, Delaine. Did you set up a meeting with Allan Grumley like we discussed?”

  “Oh, that. Yes. On your advice I retained my own attorney, and we’re scheduled to meet at Grumley’s office tomorrow morning.”

  “Good,” said Theodosia. “Maybe now you can get all this will and insurance business straightened out.” And I don’t have to get caught in the middle.

  “Theo,” Delaine said in a singsong voice. “What are you wearing tonight?”

  “Um, a T-shirt, slacks, and my long Parisian waiter’s apron?”

  “No,” said Delaine.

  Theodosia winced. Her wardrobe, curated for comfort, was always a bone of contention between them.

  “You have to look upscale tonight,” said Delaine. “So I want you to stop by Cotton Duck and pick something up.”

  “Delaine,” said Theodosia. “I’m a little short on time. I have to prep and pack all the food, in case you forgot.”

  “There’s always time for a proper wardrobe,” Delaine said smoothly. “So what I’ll do is call Janine at the shop and have her pull some summer silks for you.”

  “Well . . . maybe,” said Theodosia.

  “I promise, you’re going to adore them!”

  Doubtful.

  Delaine heard the silence spin out and said, “Theo, don’t you trust my fashion sense?” Now she sounded hurt.

  “Sure, Delaine, whatever you think will work.” Theodosia hung up the phone, bent forward, and dropped her head against her desk. Clunk.

  “It can’t be that bad, can it?” said Drayton. He was standing in the doorway, looking concerned.

  “Delaine is driving me crazy,” said Theodosia.

  “Of course, she is,” said Drayton.

  “First she was paralyzed about going to a meeting at Granville and Grumley to talk about the insurance policy and the will. Now she’s changed her tune and hired an attorney to oversee everything.”

  “And what else?” Drayton dropped into the chair across from her desk.

  “She acts like I’m scheming to purposely let her down tonight. With the food and tea, I mean.”

  “Which you never would,” said Drayton. “So why are you letting all this get under your skin?”

  “I don’t know,” said Theodosia. “I shouldn’t. I know in my heart that Delaine is just . . . I don’t know, still in shock.”

  “Grief can often bring out the worst in people. They can act horrid even when they don’t mean to be.”

  Theodosia put her hands flat on her desk and stared at Drayton. “You’re right. I should just blow it off, huh?”

  “That would be my sage advice.”

  “Are you coming tonight?” Theodosia asked.

  “I thought I might drop by, yes. Take a gander at the Marisoll Hall gardens down the street, then ankle down to Granville’s place.” He raised his eyebrows. “Or is it Delaine’s place now?”

  “Who knows?” said Theodosia. “Everything’s still up in the air.”

  * * *

  Luck was with Theodosia and she managed to find a parking space just two doors down from Cotton Duck. She jumped from her car, raced down the street, and, outside the shop, ran smack-dab into Jack Alston.

  “You shop here,” he said, by way of a greeting.

  “So what?” she said, wondering why he always adopted such a confrontational attitude.

  He gestured toward Cotton Duck. “I find your choice of retail shops interesting.”

  “What’s so interesting about it?” asked Theodosia. She found Alston impudent, annoying, and just this side of attractive.

  “It’s out of character for you. You don’t seem like the social butterfly type.”

  “I’m not,” she said. “I’m just picking up something for a special occasion.”

  His eyes twinkled an iridescent shade of blue. “Care to tell me what occasion that might be? A date, perhaps? Or . . . ?”

  “That’s right,” Theodosia said as she brushed past him. “I have a date.”

  Please don’t follow me, she thought to herself, as she pushed through the front door of Cotton Duck. Please don’t follow me. But when she glanced back over her shoulder, Alston was nowhere in sight. And, much to her surprise, she felt just the faintest twinge of disappointment.

  Janine, Delaine’s perpetually overworked assistant, looked up from behind the counter and said, “Delaine called. She said you were having a fashion crisis?”

  “Not me,” said Theodosia.

  Janine nodded knowingly. “Let me guess. You’re helping out at the Summer Garden Tour tonight and Delaine wants to play dress-up with you?”

  “Something like that, yes,” said Theodosia. She glanced around the interior of Cotton Duck. Racks of long gowns hung next to circular racks of silky tops with matching pajama pants. Elegant peek-a-boo camisoles nestled in silk-lined boxes on antique highboys. Strands of opera pearls hung down and mingled with an array of charm bracelets, chain necklaces, and diaphanous scarves. Glass shelves displayed handbags of supple leather, gleaming reptile, and whisper-soft suede. A display of shoes offered teetering high heels by Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. There were also racks of elegant, airy cotton clothing perfectly suited to Charleston’s high heat and humidity, as well as swishy skirts and even a few racks of vintage clothes. And Delaine’s latest addition included several high-end lingerie lines, including La Perla, Cosabella, and Guia La Bruna from Italy.

  “Delaine specified something silky,” said Janine, as she grabbed a midnight-blue tunic top with matching tapered slacks. “I thought . . . maybe this?” She held it out to Theodosia. “It’s by a Miami designer. Stephano Millar.”

  The drapey silk felt whisper-soft between Theodosia’s fingers. “This is actually . . . tasteful. For Delaine, I mean.” She’d been expecting a one-shoulder number with spangles. Like a pageant dress or something from the old Dynasty TV show.

  “Delaine is prone to glitz and glam,” Janine agreed. “But this is lovely.”

  “So I should try it on,” said Theodosia. The more she gazed at the outfit, the more she liked it. A nice change from her silk T-shirts, khaki slacks, and flats. “But could I still wear flats with this? I’m going to be on my feet all night.”

  “Slip it on, dear,” said Janine. “Let’s see what we’re working with.”

  Theodosia took the outfit and was about to flit off to the dressing room when she turned and asked, “Did a man come in here a few minutes earlier? A fellow by the name of Jack Alston?”

  “No,” said Janine. “Not that I know of. And I’ve been here all afternoon.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Theodosia pushed aside the dressing room curtain and kicked off her shoes. She wondered what Jack Alston was doing hanging around Cotton Duck. Had he been looking for Delaine? Waiting for her? If so, why? Was he planning to follow her? Did he think she might lead him somewhere? Somewhere where he might find a cache of contraband cigars?

  Theodosia pondered this as she tried on the silk outfit. She didn’t want to believe that Delaine had inside information she hadn’t divulged. On the other hand, Delaine hadn’t been thinking straight for the past five days. So maybe . . . maybe she held a small piece of the puzzle and didn’t even realize it.

  22

  Teakettles hissed and shrieked as Theodosia and Haley flew around Dougan Granville’s enormous kitchen like a pair of crazed wraiths. It was six forty-five at night. Seven was the witching hour when Summer Garden Tour guests would
begin to arrive in droves.

  “Now we have to watch the steeping times!” Theodosia warned. White teas required only one to two minutes, and black teas between two and three minutes, while herbal teas could steep for three to six minutes.

  “I’m trying to stay right on the money,” said Haley, grabbing teapots right and left. “But this is tricky! I mean . . . jeez, where’s Drayton when we need him?” She touched the back of her hand to her forehead and said, “Did I really just say that? I was so sure we could handle this ourselves.”

  “We can,” said Theodosia. She snatched a teakettle off the stove and placed it on a metal trivet. “If we keep our wits about us and stay focused.”

  “I don’t know how you guys do it every day,” said Haley. “Brewing tea is tricky business.”

  “Drayton and I think you’re the one who’s always in the hot seat,” said Theodosia. “Between baking scones and quick breads and whipping up soups and tea sandwiches.”

  Haley gave an airy wave of her hand. “Naw, that’s just my brand of fun. But this . . . I’m a little out of my element. Maybe I should have paid closer attention to Drayton when he gave all those tea lectures.”

  “Once we set up our tea table in the garden outside, we’ll be able to ease up a little,” said Theodosia. She had brought along three tea samovars, and the plan was to let everyone help themselves.

  “Hey,” said Haley. “I like that silky outfit you’ve got on. Did you get it at Cotton Duck?”

  “Where else?” said Theodosia. “For whatever reason, Delaine wanted me to be all duded up.”

  “Say what you want about Delaine,” said Haley. “But the lady does have style and beaucoup good taste. Um, do you want me to start setting out the desserts?”

  “Please,” said Theodosia. She knew Haley was anxious to be relieved of any and all tea-brewing duties.

  “Wait until you see what I made,” said Haley, looking impish and excited as she dug into the multiple baskets and boxes she’d carried in. “Wait! Don’t look yet! Let me get everything all set up.”

  Theodosia went back to focusing solely on tea.

  Haley worked busily for a few minutes, then whirled around to face Theodosia. “Ta-da!” She threw her hands up in the air.