Mystery: The Merlon Murders: A Duncan Dewar Mystery of Romantic Suspense (Duncan Dewar Mysteries Book 1)

by Victoria Benchley

  Duncan scanned the room for any sign of Caroline and her entourage. He spotted Abigail and Jimmy Smythe right away. He was taking another look around the room when the innkeeper grabbed his elbow.

  "Duncan, I want ye to help me out tonight. I'm going to need assistance getting on the stage and I certainly cannot give the directions for the dances. I want ye to demonstrate the steps for me," he said, smiling with relief as if the idea only just occurred to him.

  It was obvious Donald was self conscious about his need for a cane tonight.

  Before Duncan could protest he added, "It's easy and I know ye can do it, growing up in Edinburgh I know ye can dance!"

  Donald winked and gave him another squeeze on the elbow. He took a deep breath and resigned himself to Donald's wishes. After all, he owed Donald a lot.

  "Aye, I can dance. Just let me know when and what you want me to do. I hope no one resents an outsider taking part like this," Duncan said almost to himself, forgetting his injured hip.

  "Nonsense!" Skye's voice rang from behind. As she sat down next to Duncan she continued, "Everyone will be thrilled to have a new face participating."

  "Testing, testing, one, two, three."

  Duncan looked towards the stage and saw an unfamiliar face at the microphone. A middle aged woman gestured for someone to join her on the platform. The lights dimmed and a spotlight tracked the vicar as he walked across the dais. The lady gave a quick bow from the waist and sauntered to the left, off the stage. The cleric held the microphone stand with both hands as if he would collapse without it. Duncan figured it had been a long day for the elderly parson.

  Still clinging to the support, he said, "Now, I will ask our Savior's blessing on this celebration and our meal."

  The vicar stared beyond the spotlight, which must have blinded him, into the audience which eventually grew silent. Once he had everyone's attention, he closed his eyes and prayed. It took everything the elderly gentleman had to get through that prayer. After a hardy "Amen," from the audience, the middle aged woman returned to help the pastor from the stage.

  Dramatically, the room stayed dark while spotlights illuminated long buffet tables on each side of the gym. After a moment, someone turned all the lights up -- the signal for everyone to proceed to the buffet tables. Donald stayed seated while Skye and Duncan ambled around chairs and tables to the serving line nearest them. Skye would bring a plate back to her father. Everything looked delicious and as Duncan had skipped lunch, he was famished.

  He allowed his eyes to roam over the spread. A card printed in calligraphy stood on an elevated stand in front of each tray and declared what the dishes contained. Smoked salmon and haddock in an onion cream sauce represented the fish course. Stuffed artichokes and shredded cabbage with clarified butter provided the vegetables. Small, dressed mixed greens atop oat cakes served as salads. In addition, there were plenty of Scotch Eggs, hard boiled eggs inside a thick, herbed batter. He spied one of his favorites, Granny's cake. He took two slabs of the rich treat baked with pineapple and pecans. A plate full of these appetizers easily made for a hearty dinner. Skye chose similarly for her father, but kept her own plate to a minimum, selecting the salmon and vegetables for herself. Once seated, Skye introduced him to the others who made up their table.

  "Duncan, please meet Richard and Sally Charmicle. Richard, Sally, this is Duncan. He's a guest at our inn," she said diplomatically.

  He rose and shook the Charmicles' hands.

  "Pleased to meet you. I'm Duncan Dewar," he responded with a smile to Skye's introduction.

  "How nice that you could join us this evening," Mrs. Charmicle said as she adjusted her serviette in her lap.

  "Yes, just wonderful," added Richard Charmicle.

  "Duncan here has become a good friend of mine. He is going to assist me tonight," Donald stated.

  The Charmicles seemed impressed.

  Duncan was still standing as Skye introduced him to John Winthrop.

  "Hallo, Mr. Dewar. It's a pleasure to meet you," John said as he also stood to shake Duncan's hand. "What brings you to Taye?" he asked.

  "I'm here on business," Duncan replied, reclaiming his seat.

  He hadn't had a bite yet and the smell of the food was getting to him. He quickly tucked into his meal savoring every morsel.

  John continued to question Duncan, "How do you like our little village?"

  Between bites Duncan responded, "It's a beautiful part of the country. I've really enjoyed my time here."

  Skye interrupted John Winthrop's queries by turning the focus on the Charmicles.

  "Duncan, the Charmicles are Caroline Menzies' neighbors. Sally is a good friend of hers and Richard farms a good part of the estate."

  Skye relayed this information casually as she picked at her vegetables. She wasn't thinking of how Mrs. Charmicle provided Caroline's alibi when Stuart Menzies died.

  "Oh, I drove out by your place this afternoon. It's a lovely spot. I happened across a large stag in the field down the lane from your house. By chance have you seen him?" he asked, the sight of that beautiful animal was still on his mind.

  "Aye, we've seen him before. Huge antlers, that one," Richard Charmicle replied.

  A conversation regarding local wildlife ensued between the men at the table as the women concentrated on their food. The discussion got around to the wild beavers in the Taye River before they finished eating. Young girls in white aprons cleared the plates from each table and refilled water glasses. This completed, it was time for Donald to take over as Master of Ceremonies.

  "Help me get up the steps onto the stage. Stay with me until I'm finished and help me back to the table. Here, take my elbow," Donald instructed, whispering into Duncan's ear.

  The investigator did as he was told, thankful he had taken pain killers before tonight's event. Once upon the dais, applause erupted from the audience. He could not see a thing, blinded by the spotlight. He imagined Caroline was out there, sitting next to Constable Ainsley. Donald held up his right hand as if to quiet the party goers.

  "I welcome each and every one of ye to our Saint Andrew's Day Ceilidh. Before I begin with the riddle, I want to introduce ye to a young man who will be assisting me tonight, my good friend, Duncan Dewar."

  Donald was interrupted by more applause. Duncan couldn't help smiling broadly. He was touched by the warm reception he received.

  "Now, before James Abernathy comes up to speak about our village history, I want to leave ye with tonight's riddle."

  All was silent in the audience as Donald began:

  "The Bruce did ask his nobles bright

  To come and join his righteous fight.

  They came from ne'erlands, close and wide

  To aid their Liegeman, turn the tide.

  The old, the young, the earnest and brave

  Fought hard, fierce, the English to stave.

  And when victory achieved,

  Returned they home, to their ladies' relief.

  Upon this homeward journey some did see,

  Twelve knights riding by

  Twelve pears hanging high

  Each took a pear

  And left eleven hanging there."

  A collective gasp rose from the audience. Donald's ability to produce a riddle year after year amazed everyone. He smiled, a satisfied expression on his face as he gestured for Duncan to help him from the platform. The villagers responded with more applause as the two made their way back to the table and took their seats.

  James Abernathy told a few jokes and recited a brief history of Taye. A townsperson explained how Saint Andrew's bones washed ashore after being lost in a shipwreck off the coast of Eastern Scotland, near the present day city of Saint Andrews. Another citizen told a few ribald anecdotes before it was time for the dancing to begin.

  Again, he helped his new friend onto the dais. Donald signaled for the band to play and announced the name of a dance. This was Duncan's clue to demonstrate a few simple steps to the audience. Most people knew
the dances already, so this was for the benefit of newcomers. Blinded by the spotlight, he didn't feel the eyes trained upon him, and performed his task with aplomb. Donald called out four dances and Duncan, fortunately, was familiar with all their steps. This duty completed, the two friends returned to their table. Someone adjusted the auditorium's lighting, and the band's volume increased. Young people flooded the floor.

  John Winthrop excused himself to go find some friends while the Charmicles chatted with an acquaintance who stopped by the table. Duncan congratulated Donald on his riddle.

  "Can ye explain it?" Donald asked with a sly grin, leaning towards his friend.

  "I have not a clue what it means!" Duncan answered, throwing his head back and laughing.

  Skye laughed too. A large man interrupted their revelry. He shook Donald's hand and pulled an empty chair next to his. Sitting down, he introduced himself as the town baker. Duncan complimented him on his craft, which he had enjoyed daily since staying at the Blue Bell. As it seemed obvious that the baker had come to speak with Donald, he turned his attention towards Skye.

  "Have I told you how brilliant you look tonight?" Duncan asked.

  "I believe you mentioned that back at the inn, but you can tell me again," she giggled.

  Duncan had developed an enjoyable, easy friendship with Skye. They both sensed it was platonic and they enjoyed each other's company.

  "So, give me the lowdown on Abigail and your father. I've been dying to hear the details. You know, she fleeced me but good when I bought a book from her a while back," Duncan confided in Skye.

  Skye threw her head back and laughed, showing her lovely neck and shoulders off in their best light. Her skin was milky and her brown eyes sparkled like gemstones. Duncan wondered how she remained single.

  He continued, "I found an old and rare copy of a Sherlock Holmes mystery in Cat's Books. A Scandal in Bohemia is one of my favorites and I couldn't leave the shop without it."

  "I haven't read much Arthur Conan Doyle," Skye admitted. "Dad tried to get me to read The White Company when I was a child, but it was too difficult."

  "Oh, that's a marvelous book," Duncan interjected. "Knights and ladies and crusades," he added.

  "Well, I did see Jeremy Brett portray Holmes and remember the episode, A Scandal in Bohemia. It had some kind of romance in it, didn't it?" Skye asked.

  "As close to romance as Holmes ever got. Jeremy Brett was perfect in that role," he added. "I could go on about Sherlock Holmes forever. Please tell me about your dad and Abigail."

  "I don't have all the details of what went on between Dad and Abigail over the years. Dad won't talk about it anymore. But before my mum got sick, every once in a while the subject came up. Abigail and Dad grew up in the same village and were sweethearts for a time. I don't think she ever got over Dad. He eventually met Mum and that was it for him. She didn't take him from Abigail, they had been over for some years by then. Anyway, Abigail never married. Dad had been on a run with his riddles. Then, she popped up half way through a celebration with the answer to his conundrum. He was sure she had brought a riddle encyclopedia from her store and searched for the answer during the party. I believe he accused her of as much, in private. It was poor sportsmanship of him, but it was only the second year after Mum passed away, so he wasn't himself exactly. Abigail's pride was hurt. The next Saint Andrew's Day, she refused to give the riddle at the last minute. No one knew what to do. To save the day, the vicar came forward. He recited the story from the Old Testament about Solomon and the two mothers. Do ye know the one?" Skye asked.

  Duncan concentrated so intently on her story that he didn't register Skye's question.

  "What?" he said.

  "Didn't ye pay attention to yer Bible lessons when ye were a lad?" she asked. "The vicar chose the story from I Kings where two prostitutes approach Solomon, each claiming a baby is theirs. Ye see, one of the harlots lost her baby, it died. She then stole the other woman's baby and claimed it as her own. The real mother brought the complaint to Solomon, but no one knew who the newborn actually belonged to. Do ye follow?" Skye waited for Duncan's response.

  "I think so," Duncan said, not familiar with this Bible story and trying to keep up.

  "Anyway, Solomon, due to his great wisdom, had a solution. The vicar's riddle asked what the solution was. Of course, the older people were familiar with the story and all knew the answer. The young people had no idea and didn't even try to come up with a solution. Dad was too disgusted to participate. He still blamed Abigail because he lost his chance to break the record for consecutive years dumbfounding the village!" Skye stopped to catch her breath.

  "Well, what was the answer?" Duncan demanded, now fully entrenched in this story of local village life.

  "Solomon said that since no one knew who the baby belonged to, the child should be split in two, each woman receiving one half. Of course, the real mother was willing to give up her baby to save its life. She told Solomon she had lied and that the other harlot was the real mum. The other prostitute agreed that the child should be divided between them. Solomon then knew who the real mum was and gave the baby back to its true mother," Skye paused. "Ye should have seen how happy some of the people were to have a riddle that they finally knew the solution to! Really, Duncan, ye should brush up on yer Scripture!" Skye teased.

  "I guess I should. Please don't tell the vicar about my deficiencies!" Duncan teased.

  They shared an easy laugh. People were beginning to notice the happy, laughing, attractive couple. The villagers gossiped about the stranger and their Skye. Duncan glanced around the table and noticed only he, Skye, and Donald remained. The others must be dancing.

  He turned to Donald and asked, "Do you mind if I dance with Skye?"

  "Of course not! I'd be ashamed of ye if ye did not dance with me Skye," Donald chortled. As Skye and Duncan strolled to the dance floor, Donald called after them, "Don't let me girl hurt ye!"

  Duncan could hear Donald laughing, but this last statement still worried him.

  A female voice announced, "The Borrowdale Exchange," as Skye pulled him to the edge of the dance floor. They joined another couple. As the music started playing, Caroline Menzies and William Ainsley merged with their group. Duncan's heart raced before taking a step. Perhaps he would get to dance with Caroline tonight. He saw other couples dashing frantically across the floor to make the required clusters of six dancers. Their party formed a circle, holding hands, with William between Skye and Caroline. Greedy whelp.

  As the band played a traditional Scottish tune, the announcer yelled, "To the left."

  Skye smiled at Duncan as the circle spun in that direction, the dancers skipping. After two rotations, they changed directions. This was fun and people laughed and giggled as they moved. Next, they all advanced towards the middle of their circle, forming a tight ring, before skipping backwards to enlarge the wheel again. He knew the steps for The Borrowdale Exchange by heart and didn't bother listening to the announcer. They let go of each others' hands and danced a jig around the person to their right, then grabbed hands to reform their circle. Again the dancers contracted their ring, this time lifting their hands in the middle and grasping the hand of a new partner from across the circle. These new partners ducked under the other dancers' arms.

  Duncan had grabbed Caroline's hand in the center of the circle and now they dipped below the arms of Skye and William. They danced off, hands held with arms crossed, binding them close together. He felt warmth running from his fingers to his shoulders and across his chest. He glanced at Caroline. She looked stunning in her cream dress, and her hem flounced alluringly with each step she took. He admired her glossy, golden-blonde hair, which bounced with her every movement. She had the same hair as the girls in those Breck Shampoo commercials he had admired as a thirteen year old in America. All the dancers at this point formed one large circle of couples, following each other around the dance floor like a large, turning wheel.

  "You dance like you've been doing
this all your life," Duncan said above the music. "Did you have ceilidh dances in America?" he asked.

  "No. But the steps are like those used in square dancing, which is popular in the midwestern United States. I square danced as a child, so catching on to these Scottish dances wasn't so hard," Caroline said.

  The music changed and new groups of six formed. She was in his new group, but only until this round ended. The rounds continued until Duncan had at least six different partners, so many he lost track. He worked up a sweat. By the end of The Borrowdale Exchange, Duncan's partner was an elderly man. Part of the fun of this particular dance was that you never knew who you would end up with.

  Before Duncan could leave the dance floor someone announced, "The Cricassian Big Circle."

  Trapped in the center of the floor, concentric circles of villagers formed around him. Abigail Neward of Cat's Books somehow found him and clutched his hand. She looked none the worse from the previous dance. He had seen her out on the floor vigorously skipping to the music. She tugged Duncan towards the center of their ring, as the dancers advanced and retired en mass. If visible from above, the dance floor would have resembled a giant amoeba closing and opening. Abigail had a death grip on his hand. He was relieved when the ladies separated themselves from the men and proceeded to the middle of the circle as the men clapped. Next, it was the men's turn to press into the center, as the ladies took their turn clapping to the rhythm of the music.

  The concentric circles formed again before couples broke free from their ring and spun with their partners. He felt dizzy. A promenade with Abigail followed the spinning, and Duncan had time to get his bearings. She held tight to his arm during the promenade, which helped to steady him. Circles of dancers formed again and he found himself with a new partner. The whole dance repeated before the music stopped and partners bowed to each other, signaling the Cricassian Big Circle was over. He rushed from the floor to his table. He needed some water and a rest!