Free Rest in Peace by Frances Devine

me.
    A sign over the door of the light blue and white building read Y E O LDE T EA S HOPPE .
    “Why, what a lovely name,” Miss Georgina said, with true amazement in her voice.
    Miss Jane made an insulting sound with her teeth. “Not very original.”
    I had to agree, but as we went inside, the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices wafted across the room. The atmosphere was charming enough that the overused name could be forgiven.
    The hostess, attired in a ruffled cap and apron, ushered us to a small round table, covered with a lace-trimmed cloth.
    We scanned the small menu, and when the waitress arrived, we ordered soup, sandwiches, and a pot of tea.
    After promising to be back with our drinks, she left the table. Georgina leaned forward. “How are your wedding plans going, dear?”
    I sighed. “Oh, we’re so far behind in our planning. I’m starting to think we’ll never get everything done on time.”
    “Well, for goodness’ sake, Victoria, why didn’t you ask for help?” Miss Jane frowned and looked almost insulted.
    “Thanks, Miss Jane. I’m sure I’ll need your help when the day gets closer, but there are things Benjamin and I need to discuss and take care of.”
    “What’s the holdup?” With her usual no-nonsense approach, Miss Jane had gotten right to the point.
    “It seems every time we try to get together for an hour or two, something comes up.”
    “Dear, you’re just going to have to make it a priority. Plan a time, and don’t allow anything to interfere.” With an emphatic nod, she turned and smiled at the waitress, who’d brought our tea and soup. When she put my bowl in front of me, the aroma of the tomato and spinach set my saliva glands working ahead of time. I wasted no time getting down to business.
    At just the right moment, our sandwiches arrived.
    “Oh dear, are these sprouts?” Miss Georgina asked. “I hate sprouts.”
    “Here, I think they switched them,” I said, holding my plate out to her. “The one I ordered had sprouts. This one must be yours.”
    Gratefully, she accepted her toasted ham and cheese while I retrieved my chicken pecan salad on a whole wheat roll with loads of sprouts.
    My back was to the door, but when the bell tinkled and I heard Miss Georgina gasp, I glanced over my shoulder to see who had entered.
    “Why, it’s Aggie and Mr. Riley.” Miss Jane waved in their direction.
    Mr. Riley waved back, and with a nod to the waitress, guided Miss Aggie to our table. He grabbed a nearby chair, and they joined us. Miss Aggie didn’t appear too happy to see us, but I didn’t think she’d be rude in front of Mr. Riley.
    “What are you two doing here?” Miss Jane beamed at them.
    “We’re here to eat lunch, Jane.” Sarcasm dripped from Miss Aggie’s lips.
    Wrong again, Victoria
.
    Miss Jane turned her attention to her tuna sandwich. Miss Aggie was the only one who could hurt her feelings. She’d practically been Miss Aggie’s shadow when they were young and still seemed to need her approval.
    “Miss Brody, I hope while I’m in Cedar Chapel I’ll get a chance to taste your fabulous apple dumplings.”
    Way to go, Jack Riley
.
    Miss Jane brightened. “I’d be happy to make some for you. Next time you come to dinner.”
    He grinned. “I hope that means I can expect another dinner invitation. I do enjoy the company at Cedar Lodge.”
    “Of course, Mr. Riley. How about Sunday, after church?”
    That would give me a chance to watch him and listen to his stories and perhaps catch a discrepancy somewhere. Oh dear, there I went again with my suspicions.
    “Thank you, Miss Storm. I’ll be there. Can I bring anything?” Oh so charming.
    “Only yourself.” I could charm, too.
    When Miss Jane, Miss Georgina, and I had finished our lunch, we excused ourselves and left. Obviously the other two had gone out alone for a reason. And I needed to stop being so suspicious. After all, they shared an interest in Samantha.
    We headed out of town, and Miss