Read Online An Unmentionable Murder by Kate Kingsbury - Free Book Online Page B

sun sparkling on the ocean, the unsettling news, coupled with her worry over Earl, considerably dampened Elizabeth’s spirits as she rode her motorcycle down to Sandhill Lane, where Wally Carbunkle lived with his new bride.
    She missed Earl dreadfully. Even during the long months after he’d returned to America and she’d thought she’d never see him again, the aching misery hadn’t felt this bad. Probably because at least she knew he was safe then, and there was always a glimmer of hope that he’d return. She had no such assurances now. In fact, the longer the silence, the more certain she became that something dreadful had happened to him.
    Then again, there had been no word from any of the officers who’d billeted at the manor. They had obviously been confined to the base, a sure sign that their missions were even more dangerous than usual.
    Doing her best to keep her worry confined to the back of her mind, Elizabeth pulled up outside the little cottage with its neat lawn and rose-lined pathway. Thinking of the house she’d visited the day before, she couldn’t help comparing Wally’s immaculate garden to the rag and bone man’s bedraggled efforts.
    Reminding herself not to think ill of the dead, she tapped on the front door of the cottage. It opened immediately, revealing Priscilla Carbunkle, her face beaming with pleasure at the sight of her visitor.
    â€œLady Elizabeth! How good of you to call.” She stepped back, saying over her shoulder, “Look, Wally! Look who’s come to call!”
    Wally’s weathered face appeared over her shoulder. “Your ladyship! Come in, come in!”
    Warmed by their welcome, Elizabeth stepped into the tidy little parlor, her gaze drawn immediately to the large vase of glorious pink roses that filled the room with their fragrance. “Oh, what beautiful roses! They smell divine.”
    â€œYou must have some to take home with you, your ladyship.” Priscilla led her visitor to a comfortable chair. “Though, of course, I’m sure the Manor House roses are just as lovely.”
    â€œActually they’re not,” Elizabeth admitted as she seated herself. “Desmond is rather lackadaisical, I’m afraid. How I miss the gardeners we used to have when my parents were alive.”
    â€œIndeed,” Wally murmured. “Such a great loss for you. I often wonder how you manage in that monumental house without all the servants.”
    Priscilla gave him a sharp look, which he either didn’t see or chose not to acknowledge.
    Elizabeth smiled. “Such a very small area of the manor is actually in use these days. We manage very well with Martin and Violet. Then, of course, there’s Sadie and Polly, who are a great help.”
    â€œAlways think of Martin as a doddery old fool,” Wally said bluntly. “I’m surprised he’s still around.”
    Obviously embarrassed by her husband’s remarks, Priscilla said hastily, “I’ll put the kettle on, your ladyship. I’m sure you could do with a nice cup of tea.” She vanished into the kitchen, where she could be heard rattling cups and saucers loud enough to indicate her agitation.
    Apparently oblivious of his wife’s disapproval, Wally beamed at Elizabeth. “Invasion seems to be going well, don’t you think? How are your American chaps doing over there? Must be a bit dicey for them in those planes.”
    â€œI imagine it is.” Elizabeth opened her capacious handbag and drew out a flat square package wrapped in blue crepe paper. “I brought you and Priscilla a small gift for the house. Just to welcome you as a married couple.”
    She handed it to Wally, who seemed taken aback. “Jolly decent of you, your ladyship, I’m sure. Much obliged. I’ll let the little lady open it.”
    Relieved, Elizabeth watched him lay the package on a table next to his elbow. She’d planned to give the