“Hmm.”
“What hmm?” Drayton asked.
“My head’s spinning and I’ve only had one sip of champagne,” Theodosia said. “Maybe we need to check out the canapés?” She was grateful Drayton had been so distracted by Rinicker, Haley, and Grainger. He seemed to have completely forgotten about hustling her out of sight.
“Some food might be in order, yes.” Drayton took Theodosia’s arm and led her toward the buffet table. “It’s over this way. Far from the maddening crowd and the bright lights of the television cameras.”
The canapés from Ellington’s looked delicious. Silver chafing dishes overflowed with crab claws, cheese puffs, and grilled oysters. Crackers, a French farmhouse paté, cheeses, and smoked fish were spread out on a silver tray.
“What is this delicious-looking cheese, please?” Drayton asked one of the caterers who was standing behind the table.
“That’s artisanal blue from Wedgewood Farms up near Camden.”
“Excellent,” Drayton said.
The server smiled. “It really is, sir. I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“It looks like someone besides me is an oyster lover,” a voice at Theodosia’s elbow said.
She glanced up to find Agent Zimmer smiling at her. He looked so relaxed and dashing that she almost didn’t recognize him. “Hello,” she said, caught off guard. “Fancy seeing you here. Are you flying solo tonight or did you drag your trusty sidekick along with you?”
“Hurley’s around here somewhere. Probably grabbing a drink.”
“I didn’t know agents were allowed to drink on duty,” Theodosia said.
Zimmer cocked his head. “Who says we’re on duty?”
“Oh . . . okay.” Hmm, Theodosia thought to herself. He is attractive in a kind of tight-jawed law-enforcement way.
“Excuse me,” Drayton said. He reached between the two of them and grabbed a cracker. “Nice tux,” he said to Zimmer.
“Thank you,” Zimmer said. “It’s rented.”
“I thought it might be,” Drayton said. “Well, we’ll see you around.” He gave Theodosia a look that clearly said, Follow me, and led her toward a cluster of high, round tables and stools.
Theodosia figured that the Heritage Society had hoped to make the area resemble a convivial wine bar, though it looked more like rented tables with a few potted plants scattered around.
“That was awkward,” Drayton said as they pushed through the crowd, balancing their plates and glasses.
“I think he was just trying to be nice,” Theodosia said. And maybe something more? Like ask me for a date?
“He’s working,” Drayton said. “And maybe trying to work you over, too.”
“Maybe.” Theodosia eased herself onto one of the high stools, being mindful of her short dress. “Oh well, at least we haven’t run into Professor Shepley.”
“I guess he really did decide to drive back to Savannah, like he told us,” Drayton said. “So he’s out of the picture.”
“I hope so. Unless the professor decides to pop in as a surprise guest tonight, not unlike Billy Grainger.”
“Grainger’s not technically a guest, because he’s working.”
Theodosia rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”
They nibbled and talked for a good ten minutes. All the while, Theodosia kept an eye on the crowd, watching for anyone who might look a little strange, a little like an interloper. Maybe somebody who was . . . from Eastern Europe?”
“Have you spotted any international party crashers yet?” Drayton asked.
“How did you know that’s what I was doing?” Then, “Am I that obvious?”
Drayton picked delicately at a crab claw. “Yes. And in case you’re wondering, my stomach is twisted up in knots, too. Ever since we ran into Agent Zimmer.”
“He must be worried,” Theodosia said. “Just as we are. I mean . . . I keep waiting for a gang of thieves to crash through one of the walls in a Hummer.”
“That’s unlikely,” Drayton said. “Since the exterior walls are one-hundred-year-old granite.”
“Good heavens, look who’s here,” a familiar voice cried out.
Theodosia gazed across the top of her champagne glass to find Sabrina Andros smiling at her, her grin so expansive it looked as if she’d just won the Powerball. Standing right behind her, looking trim in his tuxedo, was Luke Andros.
“I thought you two were on your way to South America,” Theodosia blurted out. What she was really thinking was, Holy cats, now I have to worry about the two of you?
“Goodness,” Sabrina said, her smile faltering. “How did you happen to know our itinerary?”