by N. C. Lewis
I had a flash of realisation that Dolly Trimmings was about to end my life, here in the shallow grave of Lady Sandoe, where the truth might never be uncovered. I thought of Father and Nancy as an angry growl roared in my ears, somehow louder, more savage than before.
Dolly stumbled forward. I sidestepped and gasped at the sight of Dobbin with his fat paws clawing at her back. She toppled into the pit, followed by the puppy who pinned her with his weight, his chest rumbling with a low growl.
"Goodness, I only wanted a partridge for my supper." Vicar Humberstone emerged from the bushes, bow in hand. "Miss Darling, I was about to unleash an arrow or two, but Dobbin saved me the trouble."
Chapter 61
Ten days later
"I've always kept away from them." Uncle Tristan shuddered. He sat at his writing desk in the loft office. "What with all that white powder, orange hair, and oversized shoes. When I was Lord Avalon, Man of Mystery, I kept well clear. Clowns can't be trusted."
"Who'd 'ave thought they'd have so much strength?" Frank rubbed his bruised face. "Light footed and sneaky too. Didn’t even see Withers coming till he was on me with that horsewhip."
"Ah, surprise!" Uncle Tristan jumped to his feet. "That's what I'm telling you. It is what clowns do, jump out at people to startle them. There is no place for that in a circus. Mystery and magic, yes—shock, no!"
"Dolly Trimmings surprised all of us, including Withers," I said. "But she was even more surprised when Sergeant Pender and Constable Lutz carted her off. I've never heard such a stream of foul language, not even in the pie-and-mash shop."
We fell into a moment of contemplation.
"Vicar Humberstone did a respectable job with Withers' funeral," said Uncle Tristan. "It surprised me to see so many people turn out."
"The whole village," muttered Frank. "Probably makin' sure the bugger was dead."
"Frank Perry!" I said, "Show some respect. Withers was a repugnant character, but that didn’t make his cold-blooded murder right."
Uncle Tristan changed the subject. "The vicar did a wonderful job with Lady Sandoe. I didn’t know the woman but shed a tear or two."
Landowners from Cromer and the surrounding villages attended the service. Household staff from the Blackwood, Matthews, and Bagington estates formed a line of honour as the pallbearers carried the coffin. I felt a deep pang of sadness watching Lord and Lady Blackwood stand side by side with a weeping and dishevelled Lady Herriman.
"Aye." Frank's voice caught. "I'm comforted in the knowledge me Tony is with her mother."
Uncle stood, placed an arm across Frank's shoulder, and said, "Won't be long before Dolly Trimmings is in court. Can't see a judge letting her off now she's confessed. One count of murder is bad enough, but four!"
"At least we know what happened to the missing daggers," I said. "Dolly had one, and the other was with Lady Sandoe's body."
"Aye, and I gets to keep the one Tony gave me. Didn’t see the point of mentioning it to Chief Inspector Little." Frank's lips curved into a sad smile. "Half of me wants to stay for the sentencing, but I'm not one to relish in the troubles of others."
I said, "That's why you are leaving?"
Frank nodded. "From Southampton in the morning. Chief Inspector Little said it would be fine on account they 'ave enough evidence for her to swing, but that don't bring me no pleasure. I won't forget me Tony, but I'm goin' to make a new life in America. That's want she would 'ave wanted."
Chapter 62
A sharp knock on the office door interrupted our conversation.
"Come in," shouted Uncle Tristan.
The door swung open, and Boots hurried into the room. His shoes shone like polished glass, suit crisp and new, and the collars to his bright white shirt were as stiff as planks of wood.
His long neck drooped, and he made a low bow.
"'Ave a guest for yer."
"Oh, don't be so formal," said Mrs Mullins, following him into the room. Rose held her arm. "I'm Her Ladyship's new chambermaid, not bloody royalty."
Uncle and Frank clambered to their feet.
"Sit down," said Mrs Mullins. "Like I says, I ain't royalty. But I sure like me new workin' conditions. I'm even getting a taste for plum wine, but that's where it stops." She eased herself onto a seat. "Rose, you sit next to Miss Darling."
Uncle Tristan and Frank sat.
When Mrs Mullins settled into the seat, she said, "Now I guess you is wondering what I'm doing 'ere?"
"Indeed I am," said Uncle Tristan with a hint of caution in his voice. "I'm afraid if Lady Herriman is suing for trespass, our pockets are empty."
"She ain't as hard hearted as Sir Sandoe and—"
"Tell her about the news," interrupted Boots, his narrow eyes opened wide. "Else it'll be all over Cromer before you get to say a word."
Mrs Mullins breathed in as if savouring the pungent odour. "Loves the scent of curing hides. Me father used to work the chemicals on our little farm." Again, she breathed in. "Lady Herriman's nephew from Scotland is coming down to help 'ere run the estate. He'll be here next week. That's why I'm 'ere."
"Very good," said Uncle. "But what has that to do with us?"
"Her Ladyship's changed since Withers has gone. That pendant of his had some devious power over her. I reckon when she gave him his marching orders, it broke the spell. I wouldn't say she has a heart of gold. But she donated to Saint Magdalene's and told the vicar he could hunt in West Wood whenever he wants."
I wondered whether the hunt would be as much fun for the vicar. Part of his joy lay in the illicit nature of his archery activities.
Mrs Mullins searched into a handbag and pulled out a docket filled with papers. "Lady Herriman has changed her mind on account of your help in solving the mystery of Bagington Hall. She would like to hire Tristan's Hands."
Uncle jumped to his feet, pranced in front of his desk, and took Mrs Mullins by the shoulders, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Fancy that," she said, her lips breaking out into a broad smile. Again, she reached into her handbag and pulled out a slip of paper and handed it to Uncle Tristan.
He stared at it for a moment, then his body became very stiff. "Surely there is a mistake?"
"Lady Herriman said this belongs to you."
Uncle Tristan's face paled; his eyes became wide. "Maggie, it's your father's and my initial investment plus ten per cent."
Mrs Mullins grinned. "And Lady Herriman has asked if you would sign up Tommy Crabapple on your books."
"Pardon?"
"Her nephew will need a clerk, and I recommended him to the position. Even told her about the accident, I did, and she said she'd sort somethin' out for the boy."
Once again, Mrs Mullins searched in her bag. "Ah, here is a list of the vacant positions."
Uncle Tristan took the sheet of paper, placed it on his desk, pranced to my writing table, and took me by the hand. Together, we danced around the tiny loft above John and Sons butchers, shouting with joy and laughter.
Author's Note
Nothing makes me happier than the thought of a reader finishing one of my books.
So, thank you!
If you enjoyed this story, I hope you'll leave a review at the retail website where you purchased it. Reviews help readers like you discover books they will enjoy and help indie authors like me improve our stories.
Until next time,
N.C. Lewis
P.S. As an indie author, I work hard to bring you entertaining cozy mysteries as fast as I can. I’ve got many more books in the works, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
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Also by N.C. Lewis
BOOKS IN THE BRITISH SEASIDE MYSTERIES SERIES
Deadly Chapel
Deadly Sayings
Deadly Ashes
Deadly Vestige
CAPITAL OF TEXAS SERIES
The Capital of Texas murder mysteries are set in Austin, the capital city of Texas and can be enjoyed in any order:
Murder in the Bookstore
Murder by the Clowns
Murder through the Window
Murder in the Bullock
Murder under MoPac
Murder in Hidden Harbor (part of box-set)
Murder in Hidden Harbor
OLLIE STRATFORD MURDER MYSTERY SERIES
The Ollie Stratford murder mysteries are a set in the Hill Country of Texas and offer a light hearted glimpse into small time life. The stories can be enjoyed in any order:
Texas Troubles
Creek Crisis
Bitter Bones
Magic Mumbles
Teddy Tumpin
Double Dimple
Angry Arrow
For an updated list of all books please visit: https://amazon.com/author/nclewis
