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“If that’s ipso, then it’s a facto,” Haley laughed.
* * *
As Beth Ann cleared tables and Drayton swept the floor, Theodosia and Haley put their heads together, planning for tomorrow.
“We’ll prep everything early so when guests arrive for our morning prix fixe tea it’ll be a no-brainer,” Theodosia said.
“Like we’re on autopilot,” Haley agreed.
“That’ll give us a jump start on making the desserts,” Theodosia said.
Beth Ann walked over to where they were seated. “You’re catering a party tomorrow?”
“Actually, it’s a late-afternoon reception at the Library Society,” Theodosia said.
Beth Ann looked interested. “So you’ll be doing…?”
“Peach puffs, turtle cheesecake, and walnut-coconut bars,” Haley said.
“Do you need my help?” Beth Ann asked.
“Don’t you want to take the weekend off?” Theodosia asked. “Have some fun?”
Beth Ann shrugged. “I’m having fun here.”
“And at Brittlebank Manor?”
“That place…” Beth Ann pressed her lips together. “Truthfully it’s starting to give me the creeps.”
“You’re not the only one,” Theodosia agreed. “So maybe we’ll get Miss Dimple to come over next week and spell you once in a while.”
“That would be great,” Beth Ann said.
Once they had their plans in place, Theodosia took a spin around the tea room to make sure everything was back in place.
“Everything good?” Drayton asked, leaning on his broom. “All spick-and-span?”
“Looks perfect.”
“Except for…?”
“Except for nothing,” Theodosia said.
“Are you sure?” Drayton asked. “Because you’re looking a bit thoughtful. More so than usual.”
Theodosia reached up and scratched her head. “Probably because I just remembered something. When I was in Helene Deveroux’s shop last night, it looked different.”
“How so?”
“I’m not exactly sure,” Theodosia said. “All I know is that it didn’t have the same feel as the picture she showed me.”
“What picture was that?”
“The one in Helene’s magazine ad.” Theodosia touched a finger to her temple and thought for a few moments. “Okay, it’s this. In Helene’s ad the shop was absolutely stuffed with antiques and art objects. But last night, I don’t remember it looking that way. The shelves seemed a little less full.”
“You’re sure?” Drayton asked.
“No. Well, maybe.”
