Three Carols of Cozy Christmas Murder

by Carolyn L. Dean

  Ben didn’t speak as he helped Katherine up into the car before climbing in himself. She trusted he’d been told where she was going to go, and Billy confirmed it a second later in his excited voice. “Thanks for letting me come along to the seamstress, Miss Katherine!” Billy grinned, “I’ve not ridden in one of the cars before. Mr. Markel wouldn’t let me, but now I’m here!” he crowed, standing up and throwing his hands up in the air.

  A moment later, they hit a bump, and Billy almost catapulted out of the seat. Katherine made a mad grab for the boy’s pants and managed to keep him from falling all the way out. Ben reached back and yanked the boy to safety with one hand. “Dammit, boy, don’t stand up. I won’t be responsible if you crack your fool head open.”

  After Billy had found his seat again, he and Katherine looked at each other wide-eyed before both erupting into laughter. Katherine could almost feel Ben roll his eyes. She smacked Billy on the arm as she laughed. “Billy! I swear, you scared me to death. I should send you back right now. We’re not even off the grounds.”

  “Oh, please don’t!” Billy pleaded. “I won’t do it again! How was I supposed to know how to ride in these things. I’ve never done it before.”

  “Okay, but keep your seat until we get there,” Katherine said. “These things skid all over the ice and we’ll be lucky not to blow a tire.”

  Billy nodded in agreement, though he was peering over the side and staring at the snow as they passed. “It’s loud, but it’s also amazing. I wish I could have one.”

  “I suppose,” Katherine said unconvinced. “I don’t like them. They smell terrible and break down far too often. I wish grandfather wasn’t so fascinated by them. He refuses to let me use a horse. Besides, they’re awfully expensive. Most people couldn’t afford something like this.”

  “I know, ma’am,” Billy sighed, still looking over the side. “I’d need to do something important to make my fortune but I’d want it to be something that would help people. Maybe a lawyer or something. Someone who could defend people that need it.”

  “You still have chivalry, Billy,” Katherine said wistfully. She studied the side of his head and wondered if Billy would hold onto his idealism or if it would fade in time. She wished it wouldn’t, but life for a poor orphan was hardly promising. Now things were even more uncertain and she wondered how her families troubles would affect him.

  Billy must have sensed her mood, because he turned to her with a look of concern. “Are you all right, Miss Katherine?”

  She shook herself, rallying and painting a smile on her face. Billy knew there was trouble, but she didn’t want to talk about it in front of Ben. She doubted it had been him that was helping the Clarks since he stayed out of the main house most of the time, but she didn’t want to cause rumors to spread. “Yes, sorry, just thinking of things.”

  Billy nodded knowingly, letting his eyes flick toward Ben for a moment before looking back. “Yes, ma’am, I understand. Well, I’m just glad to be here. What color dress are you going to be getting? Not that I know anything about fashion, but I do love colors.”

  Katherine smiled. Maybe she would get something that matched her mood. “Perhaps something in gray and solid for traveling.”

  Chapter 12

  Unlike their home, Lady Crenshaw’s place of business was decorated with a riot of wreaths, baubles, and huge colorful bows with long fabric tails. There was even a scene in one of the stores’ windows with a richly dressed Santa Claus sitting on a well-padded chair surrounded by presents. Katherine felt conflicting emotions, wishing she could go back in time when her life was simpler and just enjoy the holiday season.

  She took solace in watching Billy’s face brighten at the sight. He was not a child any longer, but his excitement at the car ride and now seeing the brilliant display was heartwarming and reminded Katherine that he was still young. There were a good number of people out on the street, either strolling or shopping along the boulevard with their children. All of them were wrapped up against the chill but their smiles beamed from their faces as they passed Lady Crenshaw’s decorations.

  “Billy, your eyes are going to fall out of your skull if you’re not careful,” Katherine said, shooing the boy to make him stop gawking and climb down. After he descended, both he and Ben helped Katherine down.

  One of the many seamstresses that Lady Crenshaw employed saw them and held the door open, waving to them happily. “Miss Katherine! Welcome to Lady Crenshaw’s! We’ve missed you these past few weeks.”

  “Good morning,” Katherine said, nodding her head at the woman as she passed inside. Billy accompanied her though Ben chose to stay out in the car citing the need to keep it free of snow, but she knew the man would just be uncomfortable in a building full of chattering women.

  The lavish interior of the shop was just as gaily decorated as the outside with the heady smell of pine boughs filling the room. Each plush couch and chair was also filled with a young or old woman, adding even more to the riot of colors. There were servants circulating throughout, filling tea cups or providing small pastries for those who wished. Unlike most stores, Lady Crenshaw’s provided not only the highest fashion, but also a place for women to meet and talk in comfort.

  It was one of Katherine’s very favorite places in Boston, and she smiled to a few friends she recognized, waving to them as Billy cowered in wonder and dread behind her. “Is Lady Crenshaw available?” Katherine asked, turning to the seamstress that had opened the door for her.

  “No, ma’am,” the woman said. “Not for the moment, but I can let her know you are here. I’m sure she’ll make some time for you, if you wish to wait?”

  “Yes, please,” Katherine said, then followed the woman to an open chair next to a richly decorated, claw-footed end table.

  The woman waved to one of the servants who was pushing a tea cart, then gave a brief curtsy before moving toward a set of large double doors at the back of the room. Billy immediately moved to behind the wing-backed chair and Katherine giggled softly as he peered out from behind it as if it were a shield.

  “He’s a bit out of his depth, isn’t he?” a motherly woman sitting in the opposite chair said, looking up from her knitting.

  Katherine turned to her, smiling at the kindly face. “Yes, I’m afraid he doesn’t get out very often, but I needed help carrying things today.”

  The woman smiled kindly as she continued to work her needles, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “My goodness, I hope the boy has strong arms, then. I only wish I could afford more of such finery.”

  “What are you getting made?” Katherine asked.

  “I’m getting a dress for a party. I think I’ll have it in dark purple and crème, but I’m not sure, yet. I suppose I’ll listen to the seamstress since she will probably have a better opinion than mine. It’s a present from my husband and son.”

  “How wonderful!” Katherine said, genuinely happy for the woman. She could tell the woman’s clothes were of good quality but she suspected they were her best, and not worn often. “Yes, I would ask Lady Crenshaw. She will know what colors work best with your complexion and has never steered me wrong. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Katherine Moore Clark.”

  “Beatrice Troutdale,” the woman said, then leaned forward and looked around conspiratorially. “Everyone is so pretty and well-mannered. I feel if I suddenly screamed out, half of them would faint and the other half would run away. Is it always like this?”

  Katherine laughed and covered her mouth. “It is, but they aren’t all bad. I’m sure some of them would hold their ground. You might be surprised, but yes, many of them would run or faint.”

  “But not you, right?” Beatrice said, giving her a wink and laughing with her. “You look like you would hold your ground if an old woman lost her mind. At least, one can hope. My goodness, I may have to come up here one day just to see how right you are. At least when I don’t need something from the establishment.”

  “If you do, please let me know. I
would so love to see that,” Katherine said, smiling fondly at Beatrice. “Where do your son and husband work?”

  “Oh, my, are you sure you have time for a mother and wife to wax on? My husband is an engineer foreman in one of the factories but my son just came back from school. He’s going to be an engineer himself though I think he has a touch more wanderlust than his father or myself. He keeps talking like he’s going to run off to the west.” She shook her head. “As if I need to worry about him dodging bullets and bears, or some such. Do they even have running water? I hear they all live in tents out in California.”

  “I hear they have cities, so I doubt they all live in tents,” Katherine said with a smile. “Even if they do, if your son is an engineer, then I am sure he can show them how to build proper buildings.”

  Beatrice paused in her knitting and looked up. “That is true,” she said, “Though I suppose it doesn’t matter what a mother thinks. Boys will do what they will, but I can’t help but worry for him.”

  “Miss Katherine?” came a woman’s voice. “Lady Crenshaw will see you now.”

  Katherine looked up and then stood, smiling at the servant before reaching out toward Beatrice. “Well, it’s time for me to go. Good luck with your dress! I would love to see it when it’s done and don’t forget what I said. If you do happen to come back here and enact your plan, please let me know.”

  “I will, dear,” Beatrice said, smiling up at her. “You’ll be the first to know.”

  Chapter 13

  “Katherine!” a huge blond woman threw her arms out, sweeping through the lavish fitting room. She swept Katherine into a hug, patting her back as her voluminous dress swayed around her feet. “I am so sorry for the loss of your father, darling. I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. What a man he was. Generous and kind. A true pillar of the community.”

  Katherine exhaled the breath she was about to use to say hello, overwhelmed by the overpowering hug and perfume that surrounded Lady Crenshaw. She tentatively reached up, patting the other woman’s back lightly while trying to take a breath, and was thankful when she was finally released.

  Lady Crenshaw put her hands on Katherine’s arms and held her at arms-length, a tear trickling down her cheek. “We will all miss him, dear. A terrible day for all of us. The service was yesterday? I think that’s what you said when you were here getting your mourning clothes, Yes?”

  Katherine nodded, opening her mouth to answer but was swept into another hug as Lady Crenshaw wailed loudly. The room was large, and none-too-quiet since there were four fitting platforms, and all but one was being used and surrounded by a gaggle of women. At the cry, every voice came to a halt and all eyes turned to them, but Lady Crenshaw ignored them all.

  When she released her grip, she spun and walked toward the open stand, gesturing to it grandly as if she just hadn’t been wailing in sorrow. “Very well, dear. Up up up! What can Lady Crenshaw do for you today? Shall it be a ball gown? Several ball gowns? A new walking dress or blouse? Perhaps that last in burgundy or a beautiful blue I just received the other day. Yes, that will do nicely.”

  “Lady Crenshaw!” Katherine finally got out, interrupting the constant talking of the woman. It had taken many years to learn that the seamstress didn’t mind being interrupted, but if you didn’t, you would get something wonderful, but unlikely something you intended. “I’d like two traveling coats, done in gray and as rugged as you can make them. Also, an accompanying three dresses and blouses along with underclothes. Your very best quality.”

  Lady Crenshaw paused for only a moment and tapped her chin in thought. “Ah? Something sturdy and strong? Are you going to be traveling? Wonderful! Young ladies should always see the world! Its pure rubbish being stuck home raising children and cooking. Yes! I have just the fabric! A wonderful Scottish wool and the very best cotton. The blouse doesn’t need to be gray, does it? Can I use some color there?”

  “White, please,” Katherine answered.

  Lady Crenshaw’s face fell, but it quickly passed. “White? Very well, but I hope you won’t be trying to impress anyone, dear Katherine.” She stopped and then laughed. “What am I saying? Of course they’ll be impressed! It will be a work of art! You’ll be the envy of everyone who sees you no matter what color, or lack thereof you wear. I will see to it personally. Now, go ahead and step up onto the stand. I must go get my war tools and I will be back in the barest of moments!”

  Katherine watched as the large woman sailed through the room, stopping once and tsking disapprovingly at something one of the other women were doing before correcting whatever it was and then hugging the younger seamstress. She disappeared into a back room, leaving Katherine alone with a wide-eyed Billy.

  “Wow,” Billy said quietly, still staring at the doorway she had disappeared through. “I don’t know if I should be impressed or terrified.”

  “A bit of both, Billy,” Katherine said, smiling. “She’s quite something, isn’t she?”

  Billy nodded. “I thought she was going to squeeze you to death. I’m glad she didn’t notice me. She wouldn’t have hugged me, would she?”

  “She hugs everyone. Don’t worry, she’ll probably correct that mistake after she comes back, but she’s dedicated to her work. You’ll never find someone kinder, though. Lady Crenshaw is a very generous woman and volunteers at the orphanage as much as she can.” Katherine turned to Billy. “There are many youngsters who wear her clothes that would have nothing, otherwise.”

  Billy met Katherine’s eyes before returning his gaze to the where Lady Crenshaw had disappeared. A moment later, the large woman re-emerged and swept back toward them, smiling brightly at both Katherine and now Billy.

  She seemed surprised to see him, apparently having never noticed him in her welcome of Katherine but she immediately altered course slightly to stand in front of the red-haired boy and rake her eyes over his lanky frame. “Who is this? Is he with you, dear Katherine?”

  “Yes, Lady Crenshaw. His name is Billy and I brought him along to help me carry anything I might buy.”

  She harrumphed and reached out a hand, squeezing Billy’s upper arm. Billy was about to protest when she swept him into a hug, squeezing him with gusto and shaking him back and forth. “Welcome, Billy. It’s such a pleasure to see such a hard-working young man. Now,” she said, releasing him and pointing toward a chair against the wall, “Go sit and stay out of the way while I work. I’m quite sure you’ve never seen such artwork, but I would hate to injure you with a stray elbow or hip.”

  She shooed him though he went to the appointed chair willingly, sitting with his hands in his lap as he caught his breath from the massive hug. When Lady Crenshaw turned back to Katherine, she fixed her eyes on her and grinned as she held up her tape measure. “Now, time to make you something beautiful.”

  Chapter 14

  It would be several days before Lady Crenshaw would be able to finish Katherine’s dresses, so she and Billy wandered the influential shopping district. She wasn’t exactly in a shopping mood, so Billy’s burdens of bags and wrapped boxes was fairly light. Despite the difficult morning, the afternoon spent with Billy and his enthusiasm for the holiday season had brightened Katherine’s mood.

  Stopping at a small café, they were appreciative of the cozy, warm interior as they sat for a light meal. It was a welcome, companionable silence that they both ate in, replenishing their energy from the day’s shopping. It was a pleasant time, but one which could not endure in light of everything.

  “Bad business from last night, wasn’t it, Miss Katherine?” Billy asked quietly, looking at her with concern. It made him look older than his years. “Did that have anything to do with the Clarks killing your father?”

  Katherine swallowed nervously, her eyes shifting to see if anyone was paying attention to them before giving Billy a slight nod. “Yes. Yes, it was. There’s no way it could be anything else. A man snuck into his room and tried to smother grandfather. I was lucky I entered the room when I did an
d startled him, otherwise I’d be burying him as well.”

  “But why? Why would they try to kill him?”

  “Because grandfather told them I’d be inheriting everything,” Katherine said, frowning darkly. “They were trying to pressure grandfather into selling the business to them, but he refused and lost his temper. I wish he hadn’t.”

  “What are you going to do, Miss Katherine?” Billy asked. “Or better yet, what can I do to help. We can’t let them win. Not like this. Did you tell the constables?”

  Katherine shook her head. “No. Grandfather said that the Clark’s have too many friends there and I’m afraid he’s right. That would explain how Eustice can get drunk and get into fights without them doing anything. I always wondered why that was, now it makes sense.”

  “I’m not sure exactly what it is, but grandfather has a plan to send me away.”

  “Away?!” Billy exclaimed, then cringed as people looked over to their table.

  “Shush! Are you trying to alert everyone to the fact we’re talking about a conspiracy?” Katherine hissed crossly. “Yes, away. What do you think we can do? Grandfather is old, and I’ve been playing with dolls and dresses for most of my life. I don’t have anyone I can turn to for help. Well, I have you and probably some of the staff, but we don’t know who tied that rope on the balcony. Someone is helping the Clarks, and that means we have to be very careful. That makes it doubly dangerous if they have the constabulary and murderers on their side, and we have a houseboy and a butler, don’t you think?”

  Billy nodded, clearly unhappy at what Katherine was saying. “Where are you going to go?” Billy asked, suddenly tearing up in sadness. She couldn’t blame him. Their family had been very good to Billy and the rest of the staff and he probably thought of it like losing a sister. She hated the idea too, and reached out, grasping Billy’s hand to comfort her young charge.