Gunpowder Green (32 page)

“His sister is more than eternally grateful,” said Lizbeth Cantrell, as she approached the group, her brother Ford in tow. “Thank you, Theodosia, you are an interceding angel, truly heaven-sent.”

The two women embraced as Ford looked on sheepishly. “Thank you, Miz Browning,” he told her. “You're very kind. Very smart, too. If you ever decide to get into computers . . .”

Theodosia shook her head. “Judging by tonight's events, the tea business holds more than enough intrigue for me.” She laughed.

“And Doe was proved innovent, too,” mused Haley as Theodosia smiled after the departing Lizbeth Cantrell. “Now I feel a little sheepish thinking she might have had a hand in killing Oliver Dixon.”

“It doesn't appear Doe was in collusion with Giovanni Loard,” said Tidwell. “She'll be questioned, but I doubt we shall find any ties. I doubt there are any ties.”

“Giovanni offered a lot of false sympathy,” said Theodosia. “I can see where it was easy for her to lean on him.”

“Say,” said Haley, “do you suppose that was Giovanni Loard prowling around outside the night of our mystery tea?”

“I'm almost positive it was,” said Theodosia. “He had to have been curious about our investigation and worried about how much we knew.”

“Goodness, I need a cup of tea,” declared Drayton.

“Come,” urged Timothy. “Come sit out on the side piazza and relax. We've all had enough high drama for the night.”

They all followed Timothy the few steps outside, then collapsed into comfortable wicker chairs and chaise lounges. A few feet from where they sat, a whippoorwill called mournfully from where it had tucked itself among sheltering bows of live oak, and streamers of Spanish moss wafted gently in the night breeze.

“Teakettle's on,” Henry announced to the group. “Should only be a moment.”

“I couldn't believe Booth Crowley's face when he was led out in handcuffs,” said Drayton.

“It was bright red,” chortled Haley.

“Like keeman tea,” said Drayton.

“I guess Booth Crowley's wife won't be starting that tea shop any time soon,” said Haley.

“Right,” agreed Drayton, “he's going to have to put his money to better use, like paying attorney's fees.”

“And he'll need to focus on mounting a strong legal defense,” added Tidwell. “Smuggling is a federal crime. It's not much fun going up against the Justice Department. Those boys do their job because they love it and because they're true believers. They're not in it for the money because, Lord knows, there
isn't
that much money.”

Just like you,
Theodosia thought to herself.
Just like you, Detective Tidwell.

Teacups clattered as Henry approached, bearing a silver tray laden with a lovely blue ceramic French tea service. Henry poured steaming cups of tea for everyone, then passed them around.

“Delicious,” declared Tidwell, taking a loud slurp. “And what kind is this?”

They turned inquisitive faces to Henry. He had, after all, brewed the tea.

“Why, I prepared the tea Mr. Conneley brought over,” Henry said in his papery, proper voice, even as a faint smile tugged at his mouth.

“The gunpowder green!” exclaimed Drayton and Haley together.

Timothy rose to his feet and held his teacup aloft. “I'd like to propose a toast,” he announced. “To Theodosia.”

“To Theodosia,” everyone chimed in.

“Just like her marvelous tea,” said Timothy, “you discover what she's really made of when you put her in hot water.”

“Hear! Hear!” cried Drayton. “Describes our girl perfectly.”

Theodosia just smiled and sipped her tea.

RECIPES FROM THE INDIGO TEA SHOP

Bring water, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon rind to a boil in saucepan and allow to boil for four minutes. Add tea leaves, cover, remove from heat, and let steep until cool. Strain into a bowl, cover, and place in freezer until mixture is slushy and half frozen. Beat egg white until stiff, then fold into mixture. Freeze until sorbet reaches desired consistency. To serve, scoop sorbet into parfait dishes and garnish with fresh fruit or a lemon cookie.

Mix dry ingredients together in bowl, add orange juice and milk. Mix into a dough, then add raisins. Place 8 scoops onto a greased baking sheet, bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot with plenty of butter and jam. Yields 8 scones.

Combine tea, apricot nectar, and sparkling water. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Make 4 servings.

Wash and dry strawberries, leaving stems on. Break chocolate bars into bits and place in microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high for 30 seconds or until melted completely. Hold each strawberry by its stem and dip into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper to cool.

Chop the lobster into small pieces. Chop and dice the celery and onion into very small pieces. Combine ingredients in a bowl and add a small amount of mayonnaise. If mixture seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise, then add salt and pepper to taste. Peel cucumber and slice into very thin slices. Spread lobster salad on slices of cocktail bread, top with cucumber, top each sandwich with another slice of bread. Carefully cut each sandwich into two triangles and arrange on platter.

Mix chicken liver, oil, eggs and garlic in food processor. Pour into mixing bowl and combine with flour. Pour into well-greased 9” x 11” pan. Bake 350 degrees for 40 minutes. When completely cool, cake can be lightly frosted with low fat cream cheese.

 

 

Serve as many of these as you'd like, but always in small quantities. This is the time to use your fancy glass plates or two-tiered serving tray.

 

Unwrap grandma's teapot, round up all your mis-matched cups, saucers and tiny plates. Set out thin slices of lemon, sugar cubes, a tiny pitcher of milk, and a small pot of honey. Gather fresh flowers from your garden or adorn your table with pots of ivy. Light the candles, play a favorite CD, indulge in the relaxing ritual that is tea time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

An antique wedding ring mysteriously disappears from the hand of a dying bridgegroom. Then a priceless sapphire necklace is plucked from its display at the Heritage Society. Could there be a very dangerous breed of cat burglar prowling the cobblestone pathways of Charleston's historic district? With the Heritage Society under fire and their extravaganza Treasures Show fast approaching, Theodosia is called upon to match wits with a very slippery opponent.

“Tea lovers, mystery lovers, this is for you.”

—Susan Wittig Albert, author of the best-selling China Bayles series

“The well-drawn plot includes an intriguing amateur sleuth, and the likable cast of characters makes
Death by Darjeeling
a wonderful reading experience.”

—
www.BookReview.com

“
Death by Darjeeling
is a good beginning to a new culinary series that will quickly become a favorite of readers who favor this genre. The cozy and inviting setting will quickly draw readers in and a likable cast of characters will have them eager to return.”

—
The Mystery Reader

“Tea lovers in particular will enjoy the arcane world of tea. But these details merely add depth and flavor to the story, never distracting from the likable characters or the nicely crafted plot.”

—
MysteriousStrands.com

 

 

 

Chosen as a featured selection
by the Mystery Book Club

Formerly #1 on the Paperback Bestseller's List of the
Independent Mystery Bookstores

Named one of five “Paperback Best Bets” by
Overbooked.com

 

Book choice for Yahoo!'s Mystery Book Discussion