Read Shades of Earl Grey for Free Online

Theodosia’s tea shop. Over the past ten years, Delaine had built it into one of the premier clothing boutiques in Charleston. Cotton Duck carried casual cotton clothing to take you through the hot, steamy Charleston summers, rich velvets and light wools for the cooler months, and elegant evening fashions for taking in the opera, art gallery openings, or formal parties in the historic district. In just the last year, Delaine had begun carrying several well-known designers and was now featuring trunk shows several times a year.
    â€œDon’t think ill of Delaine,” added Theodosia. “It’s just her way. Whenever there’s a crisis, she dresses up for the part.”

    Delaine was sitting at the table by the fireplace, wearing a camel-colored cashmere sweater and matching wool slacks, sniffling into her cup of Assam tea. She looked up with red-rimmed eyes as Theodosia approached.
    â€œDelaine,” said Theodosia, “how are you?” She sat down across from her and clasped her hands, feeling a bit like a brown wren in her sensible workday gray slacks and turtleneck.
    â€œHolding up,” said Delaine. “Of course, last night was an absolute horror. First we couldn’t find out anything from the doctors, then they informed us that Captain Buchanan had actually died en route to the hospital.” She bit her lip in an attempt to stave back tears. “Apparently, his respiration and spinal cord had been affected.”
    â€œOh, no,” exclaimed Drayton. After taking a quick check of customers, who all seemed to be sipping tea and happily munching Haley’s fresh-baked muffins and scones, he had joined them at the table. “How awful,” he said.
    â€œIf Captain Buchanan had lived,” said Delaine in a hoarse whisper, “he would have been a quadriplegic.”
    â€œOh, my,” said Drayton, shaking his head sadly.
    â€œHow’s Camille doing?” asked Theodosia.
    â€œTerrible,” said Delaine. “She just sat next to Captain Buchanan’s poor body and cried and cried all night. She wouldn’t leave him, wouldn’t even take a sedative when one of the doctors offered it. Poor lamb, she’s absolutely heartbroken.”
    â€œAnd Captain Buchanan’s family has been notified?” asked Drayton.
    â€œYes,” said Delaine. “Cooper Hobcaw called and spoke with them first. He’s not as . . . close . . . to this tragedy as we are, so he was able to maintain a certain calm and decorum. Then Camille got on the line, too.” Delaine fumbled in her purse for a handkerchief, unfurled it, blew her nose loudly. “We’re all just so sad. Camille is planning to accompany Captain Buchanan’s body back to Savannah later today. That’s where the funeral will be.” Delaine blew her nose again and glanced about helplessly. “I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I’m just so very upset.”
    Drayton reached over and patted her shoulder gently. “We know you are, dear.”
    â€œThank you for staying last night,” said Delaine. “I knew I could count on the two of you.”
    Theodosia and Drayton exchanged quick glances. “Camille is planning to take the wedding ring back with her today and return it to the family,” said Delaine. “Of course it’s the only acceptable thing to do. After all, there won’t be any . . .” Delaine’s voice trailed off and she dissolved into tears once again.
    Theodosia threw Drayton a quick what do we do now? glance.
    He gave a helpless shrug.
    Delaine, sensing the subtle exchange between them, suddenly looked up.
    â€œYou did recover the ring, didn’t you?” she asked.
    Drayton, usually eloquent, fumbled for a moment. “Actually, Delaine, we . . . uh . . .”
    â€œThere was a problem? ” she asked. Now there was a distinct edge to her voice.
    â€œThe problem was,” said Theodosia, deciding honesty