Thursday Murder and Poisoned Tea Janet Lane Walters - More characters who appear in the series.

Always Katherine and Robespierre have roles in this story. Let me show you a bit about some of the other regulars.

Reverend Potter -

“Good grief, Katherine, I hope he’s not planning to bite me again.”

Edward Potter, pastor of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, glared at the cat.

His voice had risen to a high pitch. “Whatever do you feed him? He’s ever

so much bigger than Bitsy.”

     The temptation to say my pet fed on pastors was strong. I refrained

and fought to control a grin that threatened to blossom. Teasing Edward

usually results in a lecture delivered in an indignant voice.

     With an air of disdain, Robiesperre stretched. His back rippled in a

way I envy. Then he slithered around Edward.

     When Edward reached the top of the steps, he turned and peered 

the cat. “He’s becoming more brazen.”

     “Only toward selected guests. He ignores most people.” I turned my

head and Edward brushed my cheek with his lips.

     Edward is a dapper little man with an ear for gossip and a penchant

for turning even the slightest event into a fiesta or a disaster. He’s astute

about church politics. The coffers at St. Stephen’s are filled through his

ability to cosset and cajole the elderly population of the church, mainly

wealthy women. I partially fit the category, being over sixty-five, and while

not rich, I’m at least comfortable.

     When he entered the sunlit kitchen, the expression on his face

announced a problem. He walked into the living room. Unlike most of my

guests, he considered chats at the kitchen table for commoners. In the

living room, he perched on the edge of a Queen Anne chair, purchased

years ago before antiques became the rage.

Maria - Next door neighbor. Maria is featured in many of the books.

Robespierre stretched and ambled across the lawn to the yard next

door where Maria Prescott was enjoying the sun and the baby she and Paul

had adopted in Spain. The cat sat on the edge of a bright blanket and

stared at the infant. We all wondered how he would act when Carlos began

to crawl.

Sarah lives across the street and plays a role in many of the stories.

The next afternoon, Beth dropped by while I sat on the porch with my

neighbor, Sarah. Sarah’s children, three of her own and two foster

children, played in the yard. The two older ones, Larry and Jamal,

supervised the younger ones by shouting commands.

     “Beth, where’s Robby?”

     “Pete took him to Little League practice.” She sank on the top step.

 “I think he’s too young for that kind of competition. Pete laughs at me.”

     “Do you mean Pete Duggan?” Sarah leaned forward. “I didn’t think

he was interested in anyone under twenty-five and who wasn’t female.”

     Beth closed her eyes, “He’s adopted my son. He tolerates me.”

     “You can change that,” Sarah said. “Saw the new organist this

morning. What a hunk. Just invite him over when Pete’s around. He sure

thrives on competition.”

     Beth smiled. “That’s an idea.”

     I looked away. Though I think Pete and Beth are a great match, I

wouldn’t interfere. Matchmaking can be hazardous to your well being. If

the couples like each other -- great. If they don’t, you lose two friends.