Read Online A Death by Arson by Caroline Dunford - Free Book Online Page A

old chap,’ he said to Hans, tugging at his sleeve and attempting to defuse his confrontation with Richard.
    But it was Richard who broke away first, brushing rudely past Hans. ‘You know I will have my way, Richenda!’ he flung over his shoulder as he stormed out of the door. He slammed it behind him and, despite us being in a stone room, I swear I almost felt the walls shudder.
    â€˜Richenda, you should have told me,’ said Hans. ‘I would never have brought you up here if I had known.’
    â€˜Don’t see you would have had much choice,’ said Bertram. ‘What with all the work on the house.’
    â€˜What work?’ asked Richenda.
    Hans threw Bertram a cross look. ‘It was meant as a surprise. I am having the house converted to electricity. I am assured it is a much safer system than gas, and with a child in the house –’ he swallowed and corrected himself, ‘with children in the house it was the best course of action.’ Then he took both her hands in his and kissed them passionately. Bertram coughed uncomfortably, tried to kick a log on the fire and almost fell in.
    â€˜I hate to mention it,’ I said, ‘but I think Lucinda did not faint out of etiquette. She is out cold.’ I slapped her hands. ‘She’s not coming to.’
    â€˜Oh Lord,’ said Bertram, and rang the bell.
    â€˜Probably the first time she’s seen Richard’s true colours. Bound to be a shock for the gal,’ said Richenda, but her gaze did not leave Hans’ face. ‘You are pleased, aren’t you?’ she asked him. ‘I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before, but after speaking with the doctor today I wanted to wait a little longer until…’
    â€˜I understand,’ said Hans thickly, and kissed her hands once more.
    Bertram grimaced. ‘If you don’t mind, old chap, I’ve had rather a lot to eat tonight and that’s a bit much to stomach.’
    â€˜Of course,’ said Hans. He raised Richenda to her feet. ‘We will leave you. My wife and I have much to discuss.’ His eyes rested fondly on her. ‘My dearest wife, my darling Richenda…’
    â€˜Oh Lord!’ said Bertram. Hans and Richenda left the room, practically floating on a cloud. Bertram edged towards the door.
    â€˜Oh no you don’t,’ I said. ‘We have to do something about Lucinda.’
    â€˜I rang the bell,’ protested Bertram. ‘You can’t really expect more from a man in situations like these.’
    â€˜But no one has come.’
    â€˜I could ring it again,’ said Bertram.
    â€˜What an excellent idea.’
    He did so. We waited. ‘Do you think scotch might help?’ I asked.
    â€˜Good idea,’ said Bertram, and poured himself another.
    â€˜That wasn’t what I meant,’ I began when the door opened and a footman entered, followed by an older woman dressed in a maid’s uniform, who rushed to Lucinda’s side and held a little bottle under her nose. The stench of ammonia drifted towards me and I rose to stand by Bertram. Lucinda’s eyelids fluttered and she gave a little moan. I could not help but notice that she moaned rather nicely, like a kitten. (Really, I had to stop thinking of her as some kind of pet – but the metaphor seemed all too apt.)
    â€˜Sir Richard has asked me to see the lady and her maid to her room,’ said the footman, loftily.
    â€˜Can you stand, my love?’ asked the maid with alarming familiarity. ‘Or shall I ask this man to carry you?’
    I felt Bertram draw back behind me. ‘She means the footman,’ I whispered to him.
    â€˜If I could lean on you a little, Louise,’ said Lucinda, as the maid helped her rise. ‘Has Mary retired for the night? I could do with the counsel.’
    â€˜I’ll get the man to find out for you, my love,’ said the maid. ‘You, Scotchman, find out if Miss