by Laura Childs
The parking lot was only half-filled, so it was easy to pick out Harker’s Mustang. And Theodosia’s heart did an extra beat when she saw the car was black. Well, not shiny black, because it had to be at least fifteen years old. More like faded, oxidized-by-the-sun gray-black.
“Perfect,” she said, stepping off the patio and heading across the parking lot. She slipped around a silver Audi, then a white Mercedes. But just as she came around the back end of the Mercedes and was about to bend over and examine the front of Harker’s car, Mitchel Cooper came walking out from between two large SUVs.
“Hello there,” Cooper called out when he saw her.
Theodosia stopped in her tracks.
“Oh, it’s you,” Cooper said, recognizing her. Then he looked around the lot and frowned. “Is something wrong?”
Theodosia straightened up fast, as if she’d been touched with a hot wire.
“Uh . . . what?” she said, feeling trapped and stalling for time.
“Is there something you want? Something I can help you with?” Cooper sounded cranky and looked harried. Maybe he was late getting to work or was anticipating a flood of guests checking in for the weekend. Or maybe he just had his proverbial undies in a twist.
“No, I’m just . . . I was wondering if you had any plum blossoms,” Theodosia said. It was the first thing that came to mind. “I mean, that you could possibly spare?”
“Plum blossoms?” Cooper looked perplexed. “You mean like from plum trees?”
“That’s right.” The smile felt frozen on Theodosia’s face. “I’m sure you’ve noticed that all the fruit trees in the neighborhood are blooming.” She couldn’t believe he hadn’t noticed.
Cooper narrowed his eyes and surveyed the nearby grounds. “I don’t think we have any plum trees.”
“That’s funny, Drayton was sure he’d seen some here.” Theodosia hastened to explain her request. “You see, we’re hosting a special event tea today and we need a few more plum blossoms. For decoration in the tea room.”
Cooper was getting bored. “Well, take a cutting from one of the apple trees, then.” He turned away from her and headed for the back door of the inn. “I doubt anyone will even notice the difference,” he muttered.
Thank goodness he’s gone.
Theodosia waited a full minute, just to make sure Cooper wasn’t going to double back. Then she bent down and checked the front of Harker’s car. She ran her hand along the bumper and the rocker panels. There wasn’t any obvious damage, but it was an older car, so it carried a few dents and dings.
Her findings, Theodosia felt, were inconclusive.
* * *
• • •
The women from the Broad Street Garden Club swept through the front door of the Indigo Tea Room as if they were headed for a meet and greet with George Clooney. But of course Drayton was the one standing there to greet them, wearing his Donegal tweed jacket and Drake’s bow tie.
Didn’t matter. They cooed greetings to him, squealed when they connected with their friends, exchanged air kisses, and then shrieked with delight as their eyes registered the elegantly decorated tables festooned with boughs of plum blossoms.
Midge Binkley, the president of the garden club, gripped Theodosia with both hands and said, “It’s pure perfection, dear. The colors, the décor—it just couldn’t be any better.”
“This is pure pleasure for us, too,” Theodosia said. “We’re thrilled you chose us to host your tea.”
Midge looked around again and her eyes immediately landed on the round table in the center of the tea room.
“Is that the head table?” Midge asked. She was dressed in a plum-colored skirt suit with a white frilly blouse. A ring with a purple-pink stone glinted from one finger. Clearly, she’d taken the notion of a Plum Blossom Tea to heart.
“It is now,” Theodosia said.
“Corinne? Angela?” Midge raised a hand and beckoned two of her friends. “We’re right over here.”
The rest of the ladies poured in then, bustling around the tables, oohing over the very apropos china pattern, tea lights, Japanese antiques, and, of course, Drayton’s plum blossom arrangements. And once the guests started taking their seats, Theodosia and Miss Dimple immediately began filling their teacups with aromatic, fresh-brewed tea.
“We’re going to have a full house,” Miss Dimple whispered to Theodosia.
“Almost, but not quite,” Theodosia said as she continued to pour tea. She was still on the lookout for Alexis James as well as Aunt Libby.
“When should we start serving the scones?”
“Not for another ten minutes,” Theodosia said. The garden club ladies were still trickling in and she’d just spotted a familiar face among them. Alexis James.
Theodosia hurried over to greet Alexis. “You poor thing,” Theodosia said, giving her a gentle hug. “I was wondering if you’d even make it today. How are you feeling?”
Alexis gave a small shrug. “Sore and achy. About how I expected to feel.”
“Drayton’s going to brew you a pot of chamomile tea. It’s good for relaxing sore muscles and has anti-inflammatory properties.”
“Tea can actually soothe aches and pains?” Alexis asked.
Theodosia led Alexis to the small table near the fireplace. “Amazingly, yes,” she said. “As well as help with lots of other things. For example, jasmine tea calms the nerves, lemon verbena aids in digestion, and ginseng tea boosts the immune system.”
“This is all news to me,” Alexis said as she took her seat. “But good news. I guess I’ll have to start stocking up on different kinds of tea. Maybe even ask Drayton for some guidance.”
“Once you get him started, watch out,” Theodosia said.
“So,” Alexis said. “How’s your young man Jamie doing?”
“Still in the hospital with his leg in a cast.”
“That’s just awful,” Alexis said. “And to think it happened right here. I mean, he wasn’t even riding his bike in traffic or doing something equally dangerous.”
“No, he was just taking out the trash,” Theodosia said.
“And you still believe that whoever was driving the car struck him intentionally.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“And then I got nailed a couple of hours later.” Alexis puffed up her cheeks and blew out a stream of air. “Whew.”
Theodosia put a hand on Alexis’s shoulder. “Like I mentioned last night, there’s a chance both incidents are connected.”
Alexis looked immediately flustered. “I know you said that, but why would they be?”
“That’s what we’re trying to figure out.”
“Who’s we?”
“I’ve been working with Detective Pete Riley.”
Alexis gazed at her. “Yes, your detective friend.” She swallowed hard. “This all feels very frightening. And you’re positive the police are investigating? That they’re trying to make sense of it all?”
“They’re on it,” Theodosia said. “So I don’t want you to worry about a thing. In fact, I want you to enjoy a lovely luncheon.”
Alexis looked around and gave a soft smile. “I see all the Japanese antiques I loaned you are on display.”
“And they look fabulous,” Theodosia said. “In fact, I’ve heard more than a few compliments, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you made a few sales today.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Alexis said.
“I’d better help Drayton with the . . .” Theodosia began. But Alexis grabbed her by the hand.
“Do you have a couple more seconds? I have something I’d like to run by you.”
Drayton was making the rounds of the tables, chatting with guests, sprinkling compliments like fairy dust, so Theodosia nodded. She had another minute.
“I’ve met someone,” Alexis said. A shy smile danced acr
oss her face. “And he’s asked me on a date.”
“That’s wonderful,” Theodosia said.
“I think you know him. It’s that publisher, Bill Glass.”
“Wait. What?” Theodosia said. Had she heard Alexis right?
“What’s wrong?” Alexis said. “You’re making kind of a lemon face. You don’t like him?”
“I guess I never considered Bill Glass date material,” Theodosia said. She didn’t have the heart to tell Alexis that she thought Glass was a complete buffoon. Oh, and let’s not forget gossipmonger. If Glass didn’t have a fat, juicy story to spread all over town, he magically manufactured one.
“The thing is, I really enjoy spending time with highly creative people,” Alexis said.
Theodosia smiled. Glass scored major points when it came to creativity and a wild imagination. And for stirring the pot whenever possible. “So you’re going to go out with him?”
“Ah, well, we’ve planned what I guess you could call a couple of working dates. We’re attending the Carolina Cat Show tonight and then the big opening at the Heritage Society tomorrow.”
“So he’ll be busy shooting pictures the whole time.” Theodosia didn’t see this as much of a date, more like Glass having a free hand to hold his cameras and lenses.
“Which is fine with me,” Alexis said. “To be honest, I’m kind of a photo nut myself.”
“Then you should go for it. It might be fun.” Theodosia had seen stranger pairings than theirs work out in the long run.
Five minutes later, Delaine showed up. And wouldn’t you know it, she was already bragging about Dominic and Domino, her two Siamese cats.
“I just know my dear, sweet fur babies are going to win big tonight at the Carolina Cat Show!” Delaine enthused. “In fact, I’ve already cleared a space on my mantel for a nice shiny trophy.”
“Then best of luck to Dominic and Domino,” Theodosia said as she seated Delaine at a table with three other women. Her cats were sweet tempered and gorgeous, in spite of the fact that Delaine was completely crackers.
“Guess who just showed up,” Drayton suddenly whispered in Theodosia’s ear.
Theodosia turned around with a smile. “Aunt Libby?”
He nodded.
“Fabulous.” Theodosia met her aunt at the front door and swept her up in an enormous bear hug. Aunt Libby was in her eighties, but her silver hair was flawless, her smile warm and gracious, and her posture perfectly erect. She was also wearing a Dior suit that she’d probably bought in 1978 and still looked like a million bucks.
“You made it,” Theodosia cried.
“Just barely,” Aunt Libby said with a chuckle, looking around. “Looks like you’re about ready to start.”
“Come. Over here,” Theodosia said, hustling her along. “I’m putting you at a private table with my friend Alexis James.”
“How lovely,” Aunt Libby said, smiling at Alexis as she slipped into the chair across from her.
Theodosia started to make quick introductions, but both Alexis and Aunt Libby shushed her and waved her off.
“We’re perfectly capable of getting acquainted on our own,” Aunt Libby said.
“That’s right.” Alexis laughed. “It’s much more fun that way.”
* * *
• • •
Theodosia walked to the front of the tea room and rang a tiny bell. With that sweet tinkle hanging in the air, the buzz of conversation instantly stopped and all eyes were turned toward her.
“I’d like to welcome each of you to the Indigo Tea Shop,” Theodosia said. “We’re thrilled that your garden club selected us for your annual Plum Blossom Tea, and we promise to do our best to make your luncheon perfect in every way.”
There was a smatter of light applause and then Theodosia continued.
“Our first course today will consist of cream scones complemented by plum preserves and Devonshire cream. Second course will be a puff pastry tart of asparagus and Gruyère cheese. For your entrée we’ll be serving turkey Waldorf tea sandwiches on French brioche. And for dessert we have fresh-baked plum crisp.”
Drayton stepped forward to stand beside Theodosia.
“You’re already sipping a spiced plum herbal tea as well as our house-blend Chinese black tea with plums and quince. But we have two other teas for your enjoyment as well. We’ll be serving a Ceylon silver tips tea to complement your second and third courses. This particular Ceylon tea is pale pink in color and brimming with flavor. To accompany your dessert, I’ll be brewing an Assam tea from India’s Madoorie Tea Estate. Of course, if you have any special tea requests, kindly let us know and we’ll try to oblige.”
Midge Binkley raised her hand.
Drayton nodded at her. “Yes, Mrs. Binkley.”
“I attended one of your Easter teas last year,” Midge said. “And, as I recall, Drayton, you regaled us with a few lines of poetry.”
Drayton’s eyes sparkled. “I take it you’d like something apropos of your Plum Blossom Tea?”
Midge didn’t even have to answer. Two dozen women clapped and nodded. Drayton had a reputation for fine recitation.
“Well then,” Drayton said. “Perhaps some Japanese haiku are in order.”
“I love it,” Alexis called out.
Drayton stood erect as a bandleader, one hand tucked behind his back. “One particular haiku that comes to mind was penned by the famed Japanese poet Bashō.”
With plum blossom scent,
This sudden sun emerges
Along a mountain trail.
As his words rang out, clear and vibrant with meaning, he was rewarded with smiles and more applause.
“And one additional short poem to get our luncheon started,” Drayton said. “This one was written by Kobayashi Yatarō, who pen name Issa literally means ‘one cup of tea’.”
That nightingale there
Is wiping its muddy claws
On the plum blossoms!
“Wonderful,” Midge declared.
That was the cue for Miss Dimple and Haley to emerge from the kitchen carrying silver trays, each tray laden with small plates that contained a scone, dab of plum preserves, and large puff of Devonshire cream.
“And now, ladies,” Theodosia said, “your luncheon is served.”
From then on it was smooth sailing. The scones were served, nibbled, and drew high praise. More tea was poured as a soft hum of conversation rose up, interspersed with the gentle click of bone china cups against saucers.
When the scone plates were cleared away, with nary a crumb left over, Theodosia and Miss Dimple brought out the asparagus and cheese tarts. These appetizers proved amazingly popular as well, and several guests begged for the recipe.
“It’s going well, don’t you think?” Drayton asked when Theodosia returned to the counter to grab a fresh pot of tea.
“I think you had them in the palm of your hand with the haiku poems,” Theodosia said. “After that we could have served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and they wouldn’t have cared less.”
“But we would have cared. We have our standards to uphold.”
“Absolutely, Drayton.”
Ten minutes later, Theodosia helped serve their third course, the turkey Waldorf tea sandwiches. And wouldn’t you know it? They were a smash hit as well.
Theodosia circled the tables, chatting, pouring refills, enjoying the contact high she was getting from her guests. With the plum blossoms and antiques, and everyone all dressed up, drinking tea and savoring each course, there was a mannered graciousness at work here.
And just as Theodosia was thinking that the petty cares of the world had been temporarily swept aside and the tea room was engulfed in cozy warmth, it all fell apart.
The front door banged open and Bob Garver burst in. He stood in the entry, looking around, red-faced and puffing har
d, like a steam engine that was about to explode. He wore a blue sport coat and khaki slacks, as if he’d just rushed out of a business meeting, but his tie was loosened and his shirt had come partially untucked.
“Where is she?” Garver demanded.
“Excuse me?” Drayton said, frowning from behind the counter.
“Where is she? Where’s the woman who sicced the freaking cops on me?” Garver lurched forward another couple of steps, spotted Theodosia standing next to a table with a teapot in her hand and said, “You.” It came out as a shrill bark, almost a seething, scathing accusation. He thrust his jaw out, shook a finger at her, and said, “You’re the one who’s causing me a world of trouble!”
26
Theodosia crossed the tea shop with as much grace and purpose as she could muster, hurrying to meet Garver, hoping to forestall any sort of cataclysmic confrontation.
“Please lower your voice this instant,” Theodosia told Garver. Honestly, does everybody and his brother think they can stomp in here and start ranting? First Harker, now Garver. It ends right now!
“Make me,” Garver snarled back at her.
Theodosia was suddenly aware that every one of her guests had their heads turned, watching her intently. In fact, she was pretty sure some of the women had twisted their chairs around to gain a better sight line.
Theodosia glanced at Alexis’s startled expression and wondered briefly if she recognized Garver in the light of day. Then she brushed past Garver and said, in a terse voice, “Follow me.” Only when she was outside on the sidewalk did she turn around to see if Garver had tagged along after her. Thankfully, he had.
“What is it you want?” Theodosia asked him.
Garver’s face was a thundercloud as he unleashed his fury upon her. “Did you tell Detective Pete Riley that I ran down some kid with my car? And that a couple hours later I attacked a woman?”
Theodosia took a step back in the wake of his onslaught. She was frightened of this man, but vowed not to show any fear. She would treat him like a barking, snapping dog. A dog that was probably more frightened than menacing. Hopefully.
