Secrets And Tea

Chapter 18

Rhionna danced in her kitchen. The large space was filled with jars of herbs for her tea creations.

Tonight she was hosting a small tasting ceremony to introduce new tea flavors.

This had been a yearly tradition she held since she before she opened. The water was ready to boil, teacups were set up in places at the table along with rating cards. Now she was waiting on the invited guests.

The knock announced her first guest and helper Isabella who was providing snacks and new baking to showcase with the new teas.

She carried a big tray of baked goods in her arm.

"Whew, its getting windy out there. I think we're going to have a storm out there tonight." Commented Isabella as they walked out of the house together to bring in more pastries.

"Oh my word, these smell divine Isabella," stated Rhionna as she picked up what looked like a box of cinnamon rolls but they smelled like fruit.

Isabella laughed, "You can try one later. Right now I need all the food inside before the sky opens up."

"Here let me help you ladies," Damien's voice spoke as he walked around the car.

"You're early," commented Rhionna, "I said it started at 6."

"I needed the extra time in case I got lost," Damien said, as he hefted two boxes into his arms.

"I am not complaining, let's get a move on. Extra hands welcome." Isabella remarked.

The three got the last box into the house and shut the trunk of the van Isabella drove, just as the first rumble of thunder rolled through the sky and the first raindrops fell.

Rhionna started a fire in the fireplace while Isabella arranged the pastries on plates. Slapping Damien's hand away when he tried to swipe some of the goods.

"These are to be eaten with the tea sir, stop trying to hoard them." Chided Isabella.

"So how does this all work? I haven't been to a tea party before?" Damien asked.

"I'll explain it when the rest get here," Rionna stated as she turned on her kettles for water.

At 6 promptly the rest of those that Rionna had invited to the party arrived.

"WOW, What a light show. We're going to be having fun driving home later," stated Mrs. Port as she took her seat at the table.

"I think it adds to the ambiance don't you?" Mrs. Payne added, "Oh these look marvelous."

Once everyone was settled in their seats Rionna explained that each tea would be paired with a dessert baked by Isabella. Everyone was to write their ratings for the tea and pastry on the cards provided and at the end they would vote which tea and pastry combos would be sold in the tearoom.

"Please give honest rating and verbalize your thoughts on each as you wish." Rionna said.

She began serving and pouring tea from different teapots. Giving everyone the time to write their rating and talk over their thoughts.

She listened carefully writing notes in her notebook.

At the end of party, while Isabella saw everyone out she began collecting the cards and with Damien's help she had the table cleaned and washed.

"What is this party for exactly? I mean you can switch the menus as you like. Why are you doing this? It seems like a lot of work?" He asked, grabbing a towel to help her by drying the dishes.

"It became a tradition when I was 16 and started really coming into my tea making phase. I would sell tea I made in a makeshift stand that my dad built for me and it gave me confidence that this is the right path for me and my magic." Rionna answered, "I use these parties when I can't make up my mind which new blend I make is the one I want to sell. It also became just a fun way to come together with people in town to gossip and have fun."

"It was interesting, Mrs. Hats asked me if I could help her with cutting down some trees. The usual guys has been too busy to get to her house." He grinned, "I told her I'd swing by later in the week to do that."

They worked in silence for a bit. Not even aware that they were now alone in the house. Isabella had snuck out after collecting her things.