The Patio Tea in the July Shade

The Patio Tea in the July Shade A BLUEJEAN AND TEACUP COZY MYSTERY The July sun warmed St. George from morning on, but by late afternoon Neva Jean had turned the little patio at Bluejean Corner into a cool and welcoming place. A striped umbrella cast soft shade across the table. A pitcher of citrus-mint herbal tea sparkled with orange slices, lemon wheels, and fresh mint, while apricot scones rested beside tiny plates and white teacups. Mae Belle arrived first and smiled at the sight of the patio roses blooming in their terracotta pots. 'Now this,' she said, 'is the kind of July gathering a person can enjoy. Neva Jean laughed softly. 'I thought the tea belonged outside today.' Soon Mrs. Boynton and Mr. Watts joined them, and the little table looked as cheerful as a summer postcard. But just as everyone was about to sit down, Mae Belle noticed something strange. 'Neva Jean,' she said, 'wasn't there a folded card on that extra chair?' There had been. Neva Jean had placed a small ivory card on the blue cushion of one empty chair at the end of the table. Tied with a pale ribbon, it had simply said, 'Reserved for a Friend.' Now the chair was empty, and the card was gone. No one had seen who took it. Neva Jean did not hurry or accuse. She only looked carefully around the patio. A little ribbon tail had slipped onto the stone step. Near the mint pot was a faint drop of tea, as if someone had paused there for just a moment. Mae Belle followed her glance toward the garden gate. 'Well,' she whispered, 'it seems our July tea party has brought us a gentle little mystery after all.' Reserved for a Friend

By the gate stood a quiet woman from the neighborhood, holding the little card in both hands. She looked embarrasced, as if she had meant no harm at all. 'I am sorry,' she said. 'I saw the note and thought perhaps it had been left by mistake. I have watched your patio teas from the sidewalk, and I never knew if someone like me belonged at such a lovely table.' Neva Jean's face softened at once. 'The chair was for you,' she said. 'I hoped you might come if you felt welcome enough.' The woman's eyes filled with tears. Her name was Evelyn, and she had only recently moved to St. George. The heat, the new neighborhood, and the quietness of her days had made her feel alone. Mae Belle gently took her arm. 'Then it is settled,' she said. 'A patio tea is always better with one more friend.' So Evelyn took the shaded chair, Neva Jean poured her a cool glass of citrus-mint tea, and the afternoon seemed brighter than before. The missing card had not been part of mischief at all. It had been a clue leading to someone who simply needed an invitation. Later, as the sun softened and a warm breeze moved the patio roses, Neva Jean smiled and said, 'Sometimes the sweetest mystery is discovering who still needs a place at the table.' Gentle Thought In every season, kindness can make room for someone who feels forgotten. A chair, a cup, and a thoughtful welcome can become an answer to prayer. Bible Verse "Use hospitality one to another without grudging." - 1 Peter 4:9 Bluejean Corner-ge

Apricot Scones A gentle summer recipe to enjoy with patio tea at Bluejean Corner. Ingredients · 2 cups all-purpose flour · 1 tablespoon baking powder · 1/4 cup granulated sugar · 1/2 teaspoon salt · 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces · 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots · 2/3 cup heavy cream · 1 large egg · 1 teaspoon vanilla extract · 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. 3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 4. Stir in the chopped apricots. 5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla. 6. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently just until a soft dough forms. 7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a round about 1 inch thick. 8. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet. 9. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. 10. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until lightly golden. 11. Cool slightly and serve warm. Serving Suggestion Lovely with citrus-mint herbal tea and a quiet July afternoon. Bluejean Corner