Read Online Major Vices by Mary Daheim - Free Book Online Page B

“We hardly need to wash the dishes. I think you licked them clean.” Judith turned on her heel and went back to the kitchen. Derek looked startled; Holly appeared crushed; Aunt Vivvie seemed on the verge of tears; Uncle Boo had crème brûlée all over his chin.
    â€œThat does it,” Judith muttered, black eyes flashing at Renie. “Let’s clean up this place and get out of here.”
    Renie was more than willing. To the cousins’ surprise, Mrs. Wakefield and Zoe offered to help. The dishwasher had already finished one cycle. Zoe removed the clean items; her mother reloaded. Renie scraped plates; Judith scoured pans. The diners retreated to the living room, except for Uncle Boo, who headed for his den.
    Peeking out into the entry hall, Mrs. Wakefield chuckled. “He’s had enough of that crew. I’ll bet he finagled the key out of Mrs. G. and is going to lock himself in. Old Boo’s no dope.”
    â€œW-e-ll…” Judith hedged, then laughed as she turned out the lamps on the dining room table. “Maybe not. When do the rest of them go home?”
    Mrs. Wakefield removed the lamps and began strippingthe table. “Not a minute too soon,” she muttered, then glanced out the window. “In fact, if I were them, I’d leave now. The wind’s coming from the north. Look at those trees.”
    Judith went to the leaded bay window, from which she could see the tall yew trees swaying next to the brick wall that separated the property from the sidewalk. The hard rain was now coming down on a slant, its freezing drops punishing the expanse of lawn between the house and the herbaceous borders.
    â€œIt looks miserable out there,” Judith agreed. “Let me check the thermometer by the kitchen window.”
    The mercury had fallen to thirty-four. Judith urged Renie to hurry. They were loading the cartons when a loud noise made them jump.
    Zoe, who had been putting clean dishes away, almost dropped a stack of butter plates. “What was that? ”
    Her mother’s head darted in several directions. “Damned if I know, kid. It sounded like an explosion.”
    Still looking startled, Zoe twitched her lips in a smile. “Maybe Mrs. G. blew up.”
    â€œDream on,” muttered Mrs. Wakefield.
    Zoe’s wish was in vain. Toadie appeared in the kitchen door, bug-eyed and apprehensive. She did not, however, cross the threshold. It occurred to Judith that even in a time of anxiety, Toadie Grover wouldn’t deign to put her fine foot down on serf turf.
    â€œDid you drop something and break it?” she asked, her voice a trifle hoarse.
    Judith shook her head. “The noise didn’t come from in here.”
    Toadie scanned the kitchen, apparently to make sure. “Then what was it?” she inquired. Her charm bracelets jangled as she nervously fingered the half-glasses which hung around her neck.
    Mrs. Wakefield’s aplomb had returned. “A car, maybe. Or somebody ran into a pole. Who knows?” She shrugged her stout shoulders. “It’s a nasty night out there. You folks ought to be heading home.”
    Toadie’s nerve hardened. So did her expression. “We’refinishing Derek’s brandy. His taste is deplorable, but we’re drinking it to be polite.”
    She was about to sweep away when the downstairs door opened. Weed Wakefield entered the kitchen. His body was plastered with beet greens. He stared vacantly at his wife.
    â€œYour pot blew up.” He patted his shirt pocket. “It’s a good thing I’ve got mine.” Weed broke into uncontrollable laughter.
    The housekeeper gaped at her mate, then whirled in his direction. “Oh, for God’s sake! You mean the pressure cooker? Hell’s bells, what a mess! Weed, are you scalded? What were you doing?” She pushed him back toward the open door to the basement.
    â€œWatching it, just like you told me…”
    â€œGet