by Sonia Parin
“But you are not convinced of my value.”
“Perhaps, but my reservations provide you with the opportunity to prove me wrong. You might even be able to have the last laugh at my expense.”
“What do you think, Tom? Should we share our findings with the esteemed detective?” She sounded miffed and Evie had no doubt she also looked it.
Tom shrugged. “I think it’s a solid idea. You might have to tell him or else risk being imprisoned for withholding valuable information.”
“You’re right. I do enjoy my freedom.” She drew in a breath. “Mad honey…”
“I’m listening,” the detective said.
“I believe I am about to share with you the most interesting part of our findings.” Evie went on to explain the effects of this honey. “The toxin can cause irregular heart rhythm and the symptoms can be life threatening.”
The detective brushed his hand across his chin. “And where does one obtain this honey from?”
She had no idea. None whatsoever. In fact, until she saw it with her own eyes, she would most likely believe it was nothing but a myth. “Anything can be purchased for a price. However, if you continue to focus on motive, you might find someone with the knowledge to acquire it. Where there is a will, there is always a way.” She looked at Tom. “We just visited the Sheffield apiary and we met the beekeeper. We are not trained professionals so we… or rather, I couldn’t think of anything significant to ask. However, we talked about the flowers bees prefer. That’s when the beekeeper mentioned rhododendrons. We decided that important bit of information would not be given freely by the killer. If, indeed, there is a killer.”
When they were served their lunch, the conversation mellowed to pleasantries about the local village. Detective Inspector Jon Chambers had spent his entire life living in London. With the exception of a few family vacations to the seaside, he had never experienced life in a small village. Taking up a new posting in the nearby town of Reading had given him the opportunity to venture out and see more of the countryside.
“It’s unsettling to hear there is actually need for a detective so close to our little village,” Evie said.
The detective’s eyebrow hitched up. “Do you believe fresh air makes you immune to crime?”
“No, of course not… I obviously need to deceive myself. Otherwise, I would never get any sleep.” She considered asking for more detailed information about the rate of criminal activity in the area only to change her mind and decide she would prefer to remain blissfully ignorant. “Detective, did you question everyone at Mrs. Green’s establishment?” After Henrietta’s experience at the dressmakers, Evie hadn’t been able to work up the courage to pay her a visit. She would eventually need to do something about that since Mrs. Green had been working on some gowns for her.
“I spoke with Mrs. Green, two maids and her new employee, Abigail Andrews.”
“Oh, yes. The new assistant. She worked in Paris. I’m hoping she will be able to wave her magic wand over my gowns.”
The detective tilted his head and looked at her without saying anything.
Evie glanced at Tom.
“I believe you have just piqued her ladyship’s interest again,” Tom murmured.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“No, but that was enough for the Countess.”
The detective set his fork down. “How exactly did I do that?”
“By not commenting,” Evie said. “Also, you didn’t blink. I believe you have heard a different story about Abigail’s background.”
“Indeed, I have. Abigail Andrews told me she had recently worked in London.”
Evie wished she had been there to hear it for herself. Had the assistant blushed? Had her voice sounded strained. Had she taken a deep swallow and wrung her hands together?
“Mrs. Green told me Abigail had worked in Paris,” Evie said. “She might have been trying to secure my patronage by impressing me with Abigail’s experience. Or, Mrs. Green might have been misinformed. People have been known to make extravagant statements about their experience, all in order to secure a position.”
“You think Abigail Andrews lied?” the detective asked.
Why did he sound surprised? Surely, his line of work brought him face to face with people who lied all the time.
“How did she look to you when you asked her about her recent place of employment. In fact, when you spoke with her, did she seem on edge or was she happy to help you with your investigation?” Even as she asked the question, Evie made a note to visit Mrs. Green’s establishment. The dressmaker might not be happy to see her so soon after Mrs. Sheffield’s death, but they still had some unfinished business. Evie had planned on visiting the following week for a dress fitting, but she saw no harm in bringing the date forward. It would be a perfect opportunity to meet her new assistant.
“Most people I interview are wary and rather nervous,” the detective admitted.
“But some more than others,” Evie said. “Would you say a guilty person is bound to slip up and give out information they were intentionally trying to withhold?”
“You take more than a haphazard interest in the law, my lady,” the detective mused.
“I’m not sure what you mean, detective. However, I suspect you might be referring to my observation skills. They don’t always work in my favor.” Evie turned her attention to finishing her lunch, but she couldn’t switch her thoughts off. “At which point do you decide you do not have any substantial leads to continue on with your investigation?” Evie smiled. “I think I might have answered my own question. Of course, if the people you interview fail to divulge anything suspicious, you would have no reason to pursue your investigation.”
“I must admit, I had almost reached that point and then you mentioned the honey.”
“Assuming someone used it as their weapon of choice, will you now try to find out how it was obtained?”
“Actually, this is where I need to convince my superiors there are reasonable grounds to continue putting in man hours.”
“And if you fail?”
“I prefer to avoid thinking about that.”
Evie noticed several people turning toward the door, including Tom.
Watching his expression, she tried to decide if it would be worth her while to see who had just entered the pub.
“It’s the new vicar,” Tom murmured. “And he just spotted you.”
“Interesting,” the detective said. “He was headed this way and, when he saw you, he changed direction. Why do you think that is?”
“I suppose you wish me to state the obvious. Our new vicar is trying to avoid me.” Evie gave the detective a brief account of their first encounter. “I’m glad you find it amusing, detective.”
With the meal finished, the detective checked his notebook. “As much as I have enjoyed our impromptu meal, I’m afraid I must now return to work.”
When he left, Tom said, “I’m surprised you didn’t share your observations about Charlotte Davis.”
Evie feigned ignorance when she asked, “Which ones might they be?”
“You’re suspicious of her. Clearly, she had been to the apiary but she didn’t wish to admit it. She’s hiding something.”
“You can’t expect me to jump to conclusions about everyone I meet. Perhaps she was just out and about, enjoying the lovely spring weather.” Although, she had been quick to abandon her mourning clothes, and she hadn’t looked pleased to encounter them.
What could she have been up to? Evie had recognized her from a distance, so Charlotte Davis had not been trying to disguise herself. Sitting back, Evie decided she didn’t see anything wrong with a woman suffering from the loss of a sister going out for a ride in a country lane.
“You don’t find it odd that she suddenly had to turn around?” Tom asked. “I think she wanted to avoid talking with you.”
“Are you taunting me?”
“I believe I’m doing you a good turn. The more you involve yourself in Mrs
. Sheffield’s death, the less time you have to fret about your grandmother’s visit.”
“I suppose I should thank you. Now… Have we achieved enough today? Should we head back to Halton House?”
Standing up, she turned toward the door and noticed the vicar ducking his head as if trying to avoid making eye contact with her. “Well, this is going to be rather awkward. As the Countess of Woodridge, I will be sitting in the front pew at Sunday service and it is customary to stop and have a few words with the vicar at the end of the service. The man is acting in a such a way, I have a good mind to suspect him of hiding something.”
Tom laughed. “Now all you need to do is connect him to Mrs. Sheffield and you have your killer.” He held the door open and asked, “Are we heading back to Halton House or will you try your luck with Mrs. Green?”
“I am rather curious about Abigail.” Evie stepped out of the pub and stopped. “Oh…Did the detective tell us who else he spoke with?”
“I don’t believe he did.”
He had mentioned retracing Mrs. Sheffield’s last steps. That had led him to Halton House and to Mrs. Green’s establishment. Had he also spoken with Mrs. Sheffield’s sister and sister in law?
“Perhaps we should return to Halton House and present all our suspicions to the scriptwriters,” Evie said. “I’m sure they will employ their imagination and come up with some interesting theories. I don’t see any harm in making the best of the tools at our disposal.”
Tom smiled at her. “Well, that’s one way of diverting their attention away from making plain Evie Parker the family’s scapegoat.”
“Oh, but I believe my fate has already been sealed.” When they reached the roadster, Evie stopped and looked across the street. “On second thought, I do think we should pay Mrs. Green a visit.” Now or never, she thought.
Chapter Nineteen
“Are you sure you wish to visit Mrs. Green now?” Tom asked. “You don’t really look that eager. I noticed your steps have slowed down and you’re looking away.”
“A moment ago, you were encouraging me,” Evie mused. “If you must know, I’m trying to be casual and discreet. You know… Not so obvious. If we make a beeline for Mrs. Green’s store, someone is bound to notice and exaggerate what they saw. I can just imagine what they’d say during their dinner table conversation.” Evie deepened her voice. “The Countess was up to no good again, poking her nose where it doesn’t belong, subjecting innocent people to her severe line of questioning.”
The storefront had a couple of lovely dresses on display, something Evie thought would provide them with the perfect alibi.
“Let’s pretend we’re admiring them,” she suggested.
“I’m not sure how I’m supposed to do that,” Tom whispered.
“You could tilt your head as if in thought and… and point at something.”
“And why exactly would I do that? In fact, why do you wish to delay entering the store?”
“There’s a sign on the door. They appear to have stepped out to lunch. Who knows what ‘back in five minutes’ means. Five minutes, starting when?”
Evie strolled over to the next window. As she walked past the door, she tried to look through the lace curtain, but she didn’t see anything. Taking a few moments to admire the next window, she then walked by the door again. When she leaned her hand on the doorknob, it opened.
“What are you doing?” Tom whispered.
“The door is open.”
“Yes, I see that. You should close it now.”
“But what if they have forgotten to lock up? It would be remiss of us to walk away now and leave the store unattended and vulnerable to burglars. In fact, I think I should go inside to make sure there are no burglars lurking about. If you’d prefer to wait outside…”
Tom pushed the door open, saying under his breath, “Someone was killed in there… maybe… we don’t know yet. In any case, do you really think I would allow you to go in unaccompanied?”
They stepped inside and Evie eased the door closed.
“And why did you do that?” Tom asked. “Do you want to make sure the burglars don’t escape?”
“I don’t understand why you are being so critical. We are doing our civic duty.”
“Strange. I always assumed that would involve contacting the local constabulary.”
“They’re busy hunting down a possible killer.” Evie ran her finger along the counter. There appeared to be a light layer of dust. “I think the store must have been closed after the incident.”
Turning, her gaze settled on the far corner where a couple of chairs had been arranged between a small table with a teacup sitting on it.
Evie pointed at the table and chair and whispered, “Do you suppose that is where it happened?”
A noise coming from the back of the store had them both swinging around and then stilling.
Tom gestured toward the door. When Evie shook her head, he reached for her and pulled her toward the exit.
“Oh, Lady Woodridge.”
“Mrs. Green.” The dressmaker stood at the door to the back of the store wearing a beige smock and an apron over her dress. She looked slightly out of breath and clearly surprised to see them there.
“Were we expecting you today, my lady?”
Evie recovered from the surprise and said, “I don’t believe you were, Mrs. Green, but I was telling Tom this morning we should stop by and ask if there is anything we could do for you.”
Mrs. Green pressed her hand to her chest. “Heavens. I thought I might have forgotten an appointment.”
“Oh, no, that’s not until next week.”
Mrs. Green visibly relaxed. However, her gaze went to the door.
“The wind must have pushed it open. We came in to make sure everything was fine.” Evie signaled to the door. “The sign said you were out for five minutes.”
“Yes, I’m afraid that is the only sign we have and we all left in such haste the other day, I didn’t have time to change it. The police asked us to keep the store closed for a day while they looked around. Although, what they hoped to find, I have no idea. In any case, I decided to close the store for a few days. What with this dreadful business of Mrs. Sheffield…”
“Yes, we heard. I am so sorry that happened in your store. It must have been dreadful.”
Mrs. Green nodded. “I sent the staff home. Although, you mustn’t worry about your gowns, my lady. Abigail took them home with her and will be working day and night until she finishes them.”
“That is highly commendable but I would understand if you are delayed.” Evie looked around and tried to think of a way to delay their exit.
“My apologies, my lady. The place looks as though it has been derelict for years. I came in today to tidy up and I was just about to start in the front room. One of the windows was left slightly ajar and we tend to get a lot of dust from the street.” Mrs. Green hurried to the small table and removed the teacup. “Is there something I can do for you today?” She looked around her and with no other place to set the teacup down, she put it back on the small table.
“Oh, no. We only wanted to make sure you were fine.”
Mrs. Green nodded. “As you can see, I’m keeping myself busy. These last couple of days have only succeeded in reminding me I have no talent for leisure activities.” Her hand pressed against her chest again and then dropped.
When she curled her fingers into the palm of her hand and then clutched both hands together, Evie began to feel responsible for Mrs. Green’s fretting.
“I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to intrude. When do you think you’ll open your establishment again?”
Mrs. Green took a visible swallow. “It’s difficult to say, my lady. There have… there have been a couple of cancellations. It seems some of the ladies in the village are afraid.”
Evie gasped. “Afraid of what?”
“Well, it’s all nonsense if you ask me, but they seem to think the ghost of Mrs. Sheffield is lingering here.”
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“But… Why would they think that?”
“There is some sort of rumor going around. Some people are saying she died under mysterious circumstances.”
“Heavens, who could have started those rumors?”
Mrs. Green pursed her lips. “I have no idea.” Her voice hit a high note,” But I can’t help feeling someone means to harm my business.” She wrung her hands together until her knuckles pushed against her skin. “I wish… I wish Mrs. Sheffield had found somewhere else to die.”
Evie placed her hand on Mrs. Green’s hand. “Don’t you worry about that. Once you open up again, I will be your first customer and… and my grandmother is arriving soon. I will make sure she comes and orders an entire new wardrobe from you.”
“That’s very kind of you, my lady.”
“We should leave you to it now.” Evie turned to leave only to stop. “Actually, I wonder if you could give me Abigail’s address.”
“What did I miss?” Tom asked as they crossed the street to the roadster.
“What do you mean?”
“You always seem to pick up on something obvious that escapes my notice.”
“I didn’t see anything unusual but I’m sure I’ll experience some sort of delayed reaction.” She only hoped it didn’t happen when they were half way back to the house. She’d hate to have to return and make up some sort of excuse to drop in on Mrs. Green again. “I suppose if I think of something I could always contact the detective.”
Evie stood by the motor car looking around. “Here’s something I did notice. The villagers we encountered so far have gone about their business without showing any signs of dissent.” The customers eating lunch at the pub hadn’t been bothered by her presence. And, as if to prove her point, a woman strolled by, her attention on a storefront. When she saw Evie, she inclined her head slightly and continued on her way.
“Are we returning to Halton House now or do you wish to drop in on Abigail?”
“I have her address and we are already here, so we might as well pay her a visit.”
They followed the directions Mrs. Green had given them and reached the end of lane. “This must be the cottage.” The front window was open and Evie could see someone sitting at an angle as if to capture the light.
