Read Online Canapés for the Kitties by Marian Babson - Free Book Online Page B

his claims. If that happened, Lady Mallerwynn would be a Lady no longer, she would be forced to leave the Manor and move to a smaller house, the money would no longer belong to her, her sons would no longer be the heirs apparent ...” Miss Petunia lowered her voice. “She might even have to remove them from Eton. That, surely is a motive worth murdering for!”
    â€œOh, Pet,” Marigold sighed. “You’re so clever!”
    â€œBrilliant!” Lily agreed.
    â€œTo your stations, girls. They’re about to open the doors and let the public in. We’ll have a proper Council of War over tea this evening.”
    As Miss Petunia walked past Mrs. Christian on her way to stand beneath the stage, she noticed that the vicar’s wife was wincing again.
    â€œJolly good, this.” Lily spread more rosehip jelly on her toasted muffin. “Different, but good.”
    â€œDelicious.” Marigold helped herself to more. “Such a subtle flavour. I believe there’s a hint of almonds in it. Where did you get it, Lily? I didn’t see anything like this on the preserves stand.”
    â€œVicar’s wife gave it to me herself. A new recipe she’s trying out for next year. Wanted us to try it. Said she’d value our opinions.”
    â€œHow kind of her. Do try some, Pet.”
    â€œNo, thank you.” Miss Petunia yawned. It had been an exhausting day, with only a few more suspicions to show for it. “It sounds more like something for spreading on your face than eating. I’ll stick with this lovely bramble jam. Is this from the vicar’s wife, too?”
    â€œRight you are.” Lily’s mouth twitched suddenly. “Another experimental recipe – in case we didn’t fancy the rosehips.”
    â€œYes ... there is something different in it.” Miss Petunia yawned again. “I can’t quite place it ...”
    â€œAnd there’s such a dear little drawing of bramble leaves on the label –” Marigold grimaced suddenly. “But they don’t quite look like bramble leaves, do they?”
    â€œNot ... quite ...” Miss Petunia blinked and tried to focus on the label. The drawing reminded her of something ... but she was so tired. She felt that she could fall asleep ... right here in this chair ...
    Strangely, both Marigold and Lily appeared to have suddenly become hyperactive. Miss Petunia peered at them muzzily, thinking that they seemed quite revived after their exertions of the afternoon. Even as she watched, Lily leaped to her feet, knocking her chair over, and proceeded to bend over backwards. So athletic, dear Lily!
    At the same time, Marigold shrieked and hurled her jellyladen muffin from her, seeming to go into some form of St. Vitus dance. “The jam!” she shrieked. “The almonds! It wasn’t almonds, it was – aaargh!” She pitched to the floor and, after a bit more twitching, lay still.
    Lily now appeared to be doing a Conga on all fours, but was gamely attempting to get to the telephone. She was making strange noises, apparently under the impression that she was communicating something to her sisters.
    Miss Petunia watched her progress with interest, gradually realizing that Marigold and Lily had been poisoned by the rosehip jelly. How very fortunate that she had chosen the bramble jam herself.
    Just as soon as she could overcome this strange lethargy, she must rise and go to the telephone and summon the doctor. But she could not seem to force herself to move. How odd!
    Her vision cleared momentarily and she found that she was staring at the label on the bramble jam. Marigold was right – it was not a drawing of bramble leaves and berries. Miss Petunia frowned at it. It looked familiar ... it was surely ...
    Yes ... it was. Deadly nightshade!
    But why? And the vicar’s wife! Who could have imagined it? Then ... possibly ... that mushroom last year had been meant for her, Miss Petunia,