Steeped in Evil (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Childs Laura

Author:Childs, Laura [Childs, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2014-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

15

Theodosia struck a match and lit the last of the tiny votive candles that sat in the center of their just-set tables. White linen tablecloths gleamed, glasses sparkled, and the pale-pink-and-green Limoges Florale china they’d set out this morning lent an extra air of elegance.

“This is the time I like best,” said Drayton. He stood ramrod-straight, like a fencing instructor, gazing out over the tables. “When everything is lovely and fresh and set for the day.”

“And then our customers come rushing in and ruin it all?” said Theodosia. She hoped that wasn’t where Drayton was heading with his statement.

“No no,” said Drayton. “Not at all. It’s just that in the morning, before we open our doors, the tea shop seems to be filled with such promise. You know that when our guests arrive, feeling a little stressed or tightly wound, all the care we’ve taken in setting up will help them relax and take a good deep breath.”

“And don’t forget the aromatherapy factor,” said Theodosia. She knew that the very act of inhaling tea—the essence of a lemony gunpowder green tea, earthy golden Yunnan, or malty Assam—helped people to pause, unwind, and de-stress.

“We create a refuge of sorts,” Drayton agreed. “An intermezzo from the pressures of everyday life.”

“Hey, you guys!” called Haley. “How come you’re just standing around when there’s so much work to be done?”

Drayton turned to look at her. “Is there?”

Haley seemed to back off a little. “Well . . . yeah. I think so. I mean, don’t you have tea to brew or something like that?”

“You realize,” said Drayton, “we’re not all Type A’s like you are.”

“Me a Type A?” said Haley, making a face. “You’re kidding, right?” She glanced toward Theodosia. “He’s kidding, right?”

“I’m sure he is,” Theodosia said blandly.

“Well, good,” said Haley, “because I stopped at the flower market this morning and I’ve got a bunch of irises that need to be arranged in vases. And I was thinking we should use those blue-and-white Chinese-looking ones.”

“Yes, Haley,” said Drayton, a barely suppressed grin on his face.

“Oh, and besides the candied fruit scones and poppy seed bread, I decided to bake a triple batch of white chocolate chip muffins.” Haley shrugged. “We’ve been crazy busy with takeout all this week—a little surprising, but a good thing, too—so it couldn’t hurt to have extra baked goods hanging around.”

“Couldn’t hurt,” agreed Theodosia.

Just then the back door opened and a voice called out, “It’s me! I’m here!”

“There’s Miss Dimple,” said Haley. “Gotta dash. I want her to lend a hand whipping up some frosting while I work on my chicken soup. Hey, guys, don’t forget about those flowers now.” And with that, she was gone.

• • •

Midmorning found Theodosia in her office, once again going over the guest list that Jordan Knight had given Drayton.

“Knock knock,” said Drayton.

“Come on in,” said Theodosia.

“I brought you a cup of tea.”

Theodosia leaned back in her chair and smiled. “Fantastic. I could use a pick-me-up.”

“It’s that Formosan oolong that you like.” He set down a small tray that held a single small teapot and a cup and saucer.

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