Read Online Up from the Grave by Marilyn Leach - Free Book Online Page A

where they found Robin eying herself in one of the large lavish mirrors.
    “Robin, you’re in.” Flora Preswood stated the obvious.
    The young woman’s outfit, surely from Harrods, was the epitome of London chic, and it suited her model-thin body well. It was complemented by very Italian and, by the look of it, very expensive high-heeled sandal shoes.
    Robin pushed a long black fringe back from her aqua-colored eyes, and it was then Berdie realized how flushed the young woman’s cheeks were.
    Robin turned to face them and shaped her satin lips into a smile. “Good evening,” she said. “Sorry I wasn’t able to join you earlier.”
    Robin ran her hand across the neckline of the stylish outfit she wore. Berdie thought she caught a sparkling glimpse flutter with Robin’s movement.
    “Come along, my sweet. We’re just going to the dining room.” Mrs. Preswood put her free arm across Robin’s shoulder and placed a tender kiss on her niece’s cheek.
    Robin’s smile went sour. “Oh, Aunt Flora, I thought you put that awful thing away.” Robin grabbed the satin photo book from her aunt’s fingers and held it tightly to her chest.
    “Roberta! We have guests,” Mrs. Preswood admonished.
    “My point exactly.” Robin looked piercingly at Hugh, Lillie, and then Berdie. “You haven’t…”
    “Oh, come, Robin, you were darling little girls,” Lillie proffered.
    “Still.” She didn’t smile. “How careless Aunt Flora,” Robin scolded. The twin spun away from her aunt. Her jaw tightened and moisture appeared in the corners of her eyes, heavy with dark mascara. “These are quite personal, to say nothing of embarrassing. You should have returned them to their shelf. And I will not have them displayed on some mundane table at a whipped meringue wedding.” Robin’s tone was less than gracious. “I simply want to wed Charles. Not months away, I want to marry him now.”
    Marry who? Berdie questioned.
    Mrs. Preswood’s stern face softened. “Of course you want to marry Charles. I know all the planning is hectic my sweet. Be patient.”
    Robin clung to the pink satin book. She appeared to find no solace in her aunt’s words. “I want to marry him now, Aunt Flora. Why should I wait any longer? I love him. He’s everything to me.” Robin nodded to Hugh. “Please excuse me.”
    “Are you okay, Robbie?” Rosalie’s voice echoed across the hall.
    Berdie turned to see Rosalie and a young man standing near the stairs.
    Without a word, Robin moved briskly to the stairs and began a rapid ascent.
    “What’s going on here?” the young man asked. Though he looked to be just shy of Robin’s height, he possessed a certain air. Both his hair and suit were a classic style. The tailored fabric clearly said moneyed.
    “Well?” he asked.
    “She’s just a bit stressed, Charles. We’ve been working on plans for the wedding.” Mrs. Preswood gestured toward the staircase. “A few moments to herself, and she’ll be right as rain.” She looked at Hugh. “Oh, do excuse me. Charles, this is Reverend Hugh Elliott, his wife Berdie, and our church choirmaster, Lillian Foxworth. May I introduce Mr. Charles Swindon-Pierce.”
    The young man stepped along to Hugh and shook his hand. “Vicar.” He nodded politely to Lillie and Berdie.
    Mrs. Preswood continued. “Mr. Swindon-Pierce is Robin’s fiancé.”
    The man smiled and tipped his head courteously.
    “They wish to marry here at the church. Isn’t that wonderful, Vicar?” Mrs. Preswood continued.
    “I see. It would certainly seem right to do so. Congratulations.”
    “We’re so looking forward to it,” Mrs. Preswood sounded resolutely confident.
    Hugh went on. “You are aware I ask couples who wed at St. Aidan’s to do two one hour pre-wedding sessions with me at the church? Wonderful guidance in navigating the waters of marriage. That’s what I’ve been told by those who have done them.”
    Charles’s mouth lost a corner of its smile. “Robin and I are