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“So they ruined the event?”
“It wasn’t that much of an event. Only about twenty or twenty-five of the mourners showed up for the post-funeral reception.”
“You think most people were trying to distance themselves?”
“Absolutely, especially the politicos,” Theodosia said. “They couldn’t wait to get out of there. I think they’re happy to wipe their hands of Osgood Claxton.” She looked around at the half-filled tea shop and said, “We’re busy, I better get moving.”
“Haley’s already working on orders, so you just have to do a dash and grab from the kitchen.”
“I’m on it.”
“Oh, and I got the teapot,” Drayton said.
Theodosia gave him a curious look.
“You know, from last night. I was high bid.”
***
Theodosia stayed busy for the next hour or so as customers finished their morning tea and left, and a few new customers trickled in. By eleven o’clock things were winding down, with only a few tables occupied.
“We just received a delivery,” Drayton told her as she set a teapot on the counter.
“What is it? Who’s it from?” Theodosia asked. It was always fun to get a package.
Drayton tipped a good-sized box on its side, squinted, and said, “True Renew Cosmetics?”
“That’s the delivery I’ve been waiting for. Stuff for our Glam Girl Tea tomorrow.”
“We’re giving out cosmetics?”
“Samples, Drayton. Oh, this is exciting. I can’t believe we were able to get this many samples as well as having representatives from Donna Britton Cosmetic Studio, Bibelot Nail Salon, and Better Than Natural Wigs show up tomorrow to do demos.” Theodosia paused. “Open the box. Let’s see what we’ve got.”
Drayton slid a knife under a cardboard flap and ripped it back.
“Loot,” he said, tilting the box so Theodosia could see inside. “Looks like bunches of lipsticks, mascara, and something called... what is this? Brow gel? Do you know what that is?”
“Do I ever. I wouldn’t be without it.” Theodosia pulled the box toward her and dug in. “This stuff is great. Now I can put together swag bags for all our customers.”
“This is a rather unusual event for us,” Drayton said. “Have you thought about decorations?”
“I’m still working on that. But I’m leaning toward using pink dishes and pink tea-rose bouquets as centerpieces.”
“That sounds...”
WHAM, BAM, THWACK.
Their heads spun in the direction of the front door, where it sounded as if a herd of wild horses were stampeding their way in.
Standing there was Philip Boldt. And he didn’t look happy.
15
“Philip,” Theodosia said as she scurried to greet him. “What’s wrong?”
“Everything,” Philip said. His normally placid face looked unnaturally pinched and his eyes had deep circles under them. His shoulders slumped and his clothing looked rumpled. This was not the spit-and-polish Philip who Theodosia had always seen.
“Tell me.” Theodosia threw a quick backward glance at Drayton and said, “Can you fix us a pot of tea? Maybe something...”
