“One thirty or two o’clock. As soon as we can gracefully get everyone out of the tea shop without ruffling any feathers.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Haley said. She grabbed a scoop and began measuring out sugar. “You know, I’ve been thinking about the Rare Antiquities Show tonight and I decided that I’m actually looking forward to it.”
“That’s great to hear. I’m glad you decided to join us.” Haley wasn’t always gung ho about black-tie events. Especially the ones at the Heritage Society, which she deemed to be a little too stuffy for her bohemian sensibilities. “Have you figured out what you’re going to wear?”
Haley glanced up. “I thought I might wear that midnight blue dress you let me wear last time. Would that be okay with you?”
“Absolutely it would. Especially since it’s still hanging in your closet.”
“Well . . . yeah. But if it’s a problem . . .”
“It’s not,” Theodosia said. “Besides, I already made a run to Cotton Duck and picked up a new black dress. Though it was done under duress and Delaine technically picked it out for me.”
“Was she there? Futzing around the shop?” Haley asked.
“No, thank goodness.”
Haley chuckled. “Delaine’s kind of an ankle biter, isn’t she?”
“Hmm?”
“You know, like one of those little teacup dogs that’s always jumping around and yapping at your ankles.”
“I doubt Delaine would see it that way.”
“So,” Haley said, “what’d she pick out for you? A cool dress or a gag-me dress?”
“It’s cute. I think you’ll like it.”
“But the big question is will I fit into it?” Haley asked. “At a later date, I mean.”
“You probably will. If you don’t snarf down too many of your own scones.”
“I know,” Haley chuckled. “I gotta be careful about that. I don’t want to be a product of my own success.”
“Speaking of which, what’s on the docket for lunch today?”
“I made it easy peasy,” Haley said. “Tomato bisque soup, egg salad tea sandwiches, and mini chicken Wellingtons.”
“Chicken Wellington? We’ve never served that before,” Theodosia said. “In fact, I’ve never heard of it before.”
Haley grinned. “You wouldn’t. Since I just invented it.”
? ? ?
After relaxing at home for the afternoon, Theodosia took Earl Grey for a nice long walk and then came home and slipped into her tub for a bubble bath. As she unwound and luxuriated in the hot, silky water, her thoughts predictably turned toward the evening. She ruminated about the Heritage Society’s big coup in obtaining a genuine Fabergé egg for their show, and all the well-to-do patrons who’d be in attendance.
There was also the possibility, of course, that coyotes might sneak into the chicken coop. That uninvited guests might infiltrate the show, with hungry eyes and theft on their brain.
Of course, someone with a proper invitation might also be biding their time to grab the Fabergé egg. Lionel Rinicker came to mind, as did Sabrina and Luke Andros. She didn’t think her other two suspects—Billy Grainger and Marcus Clement—would be there. But you never know. It could turn out to be an anything-can-happen night.
Toenails clicked against the bathroom tile and Theodosia glanced up to see Earl Grey peering in.
“I know,” she said. “I’m turning into a prune and probably making myself late. I’ll kick it into high gear.”
Earl Grey curled up on a plush cushion in Theodosia’s upstairs turret room as she bustled about in her slip, getting ready. Delaine had once urged her to wear more eye makeup, so tonight she dutifully stood before her mirror and dabbed on a smidge of beige eye shadow, applied a coat of brown mascara, and then added a second coat.
There. Enough. I don’t need to have tarantula eyes.
Lipstick was just a touch of Chanel’s Imaginaire lip gloss.
Theodosia reached up and removed the plastic clip from her hair. Her auburn locks tumbled down around her shoulders, giving her the look of an angel in a romantic painting by Raphael. She grabbed a fat brush and tried to tame her curls and fierce waves. But the more she brushed, the more her hair crackled and came alive.
At least it’s not doing its high-humidity double-volume thing.
In a world of upper-crust women who wore sleek designer bobs and sophisticated pixie cuts, she would just have to go au naturel tonight.
“Woof.”
Theodosia walked out of the bathroom and said, “What?” Earl Grey was standing at the window, his nose pressed hard against the glass, staring down into the backyard. “What do you see, fella?”
“Rrrrw.” His hackles were up and his tail was down.