A Move to Murder: A Bride's Bay Mystery

by Helena Lamb

  At least there was one happy person in Bride’s Bay. Beth watched Frances whisking dead flowers out of the large pedestal by the altar in amazement. Frances was actually smiling. And Beth obviously wasn’t the only one who had been clothes shopping; Frances was wearing a flowery blue and white skirt with a pretty white top, rather than her uniform of beige and brown. The blues complemented her silvery hair and pale blue eyes; the shorter skirt showed her legs, usually hidden beneath long shapeless beige skirts, to be surprisingly good. But even more surprising was her manner. Usually sharp and critical, Frances hummed as she worked, pausing now and then to comment favourably on the other women’s efforts. Ali and Gina looked equally bemused; usually resigned to their efforts being criticised and modified. Well well, thought Beth? What has brought about this new, improved Frances?

  It wasn’t a what, it was a who, she realised a while later.

  “And I got these from Tom’s garden. Such a helpful man. He said I could go round anytime to help myself. Of course, he has no idea what the plants even are.”

  Not exactly true, thought Beth, remembering Tom’s account of his garden and knowing he knew more than Frances was giving him credit for. But she wasn’t about to disagree.

  “But I said I will help him out; I can advise him on what plants are there and what he needs to do. He was so grateful.”

  Gina caught Beth’s eye and grinned. Lucky Tom, Beth could read her face. But he would be well able to manage Frances and it was nice to see someone happy at least.

  Beth herself cheered up when she arrived home after flower arranging. The phone was flashing and she pressed the button to hear Nell’s light voice.

  “Hello Aunty Beth. Sorry to miss you. Just wondered if you are doing anything tomorrow? I know it’s short notice but I wondered if you wanted to meet for lunch in town? Will is off cycling for the day and I need some things. Let me know, byee.”

  Beth deleted the message, smiling. A day out with bubbly, lively Nell away from Bride’s Bay was just what the doctor ordered!

  Chapter 5

  Beth woke early to sun streaming through the windows. Charlie still snored beside her, his hairy chest rising and falling and his small pink tongue hanging out. He opened one eye and looked at her as she sat up and stretched, then he jumped off the bed and waited expectantly. She quickly washed and dressed in her new taupe linen trousers and a mint green T shirt, slipping her feet into the brown sandals. They were the most comfortable and she guessed they would be doing a lot of walking today, knowing her niece’s propensity for shopping. She and Gina were well matched, she mused. Possibly Nell was even more enthusiastic, but she had youth on her side and a smaller bank balance, meaning she had to search more carefully than Gina, who could afford to buy as she saw. She took Charlie for a walk to the park then sat down for a quick cup of tea and piece of toast, while Charlie munched his way through his bowl of food. By ten o’ clock she had tidied the kitchen and living room and checked she had everything she needed for the day, then put Charlie in the car and climbed into the driving seat.

  The journey to Winchester usually only took half an hour but today the traffic was heavy and it was nearly eleven before she pulled up in the small car park attached to Nell’s block of flats. Walking up the path to the entrance, she glanced at the well-tended flower beds and the trim lawns. Nell’s flat was small, just one bedroom, a tiny wet room and a combined living/dining/kitchen but Beth knew her niece had chosen it because it was close to the town centre in a quiet residential area and was secure and well maintained. “I’d rather have less space” her niece had explained earnestly “and live somewhere safe and secure, than a bigger flat somewhere not so nice.” Beth wholeheartedly agreed. The block was modern with a state of the art entry system and Beth was happier knowing her niece had a comfortable, secure and warm home. The rent was horrendous but Nell seemed to be managing all right financially, though Beth decided she would quiz her about the state of her finances later.

  Nell threw open the door and hugged her aunt. “It’s so nice to see you!”

  “You only saw me recently!” Beth laughed, kissing the young woman’s cheek.

  “I know! But it’s still nice to see you now.” Nell danced ahead into the kitchen area and put the kettle on. “Now. A quick cup of coffee before we hit the shops?”

  Beth nodded. “But I need to take Charlie for a walk before we leave him here. You’re not allowed dogs in your grounds, are you? “

  Nell shook her head. “No. But we can take him to the park round the corner.”

  Half an hour later they were walking into the town centre, arm in arm. Nell made a beeline for her favourite shops and Beth watched indulgently as she flew from one rack to another, picking up a dress here, a top there, her blue eyes shining and her hair tumbling round her shoulders, a mass of untidy curls. She was pleased when Nell finally decided it was time for a coffee and sandwich and they sat squashed in the corner of a coffee shop, raising their voices above the hisses and gurgles of the coffee machine and the chatter of the other customers. “So is there anything you really need?” Beth asked, as she picked up a steaming Panini and caught some cheese as it dripped out, wincing at the heat on her finger.

  “Well.” Nell considered, her head on one side. “I could do with a new skirt for work, or a dress.”

  “Okay, you buy one and I’ll treat you to the other.”

  Choosing a skirt and dress took up the rest of the afternoon, Beth eventually sitting to wait while Nell waltzed in and out of the fitting room of her favourite shop, twirling in front of Beth.

  “That’s lovely.” Beth looked at the slim figure in front of her in a charcoal grey short fitted jersey skirt with black panels down the side. Nell was blessed with long shapely legs and the skirt was the perfect length.

  “Yes.” The girl agreed. “I like it, and it’s perfect for work. Yes, I’ll have this one. But which dress?” She picked up the two hangers Beth was clutching and surveyed them.

  “I like the navy. You can wear a top under it or even a jumper in the winter.”

  “True. But I’ve got a lot of navy. Maybe the burgundy would be nice for a change?” Nell bit her lip.

  “I’ll just try them on again.” She spun round and dived back into the fitting room, reappearing a minute later in the navy dress.

  “It’s a lovely dress but that neckline; it’s a bit wide for you.” Beth frowned, studying her niece’s slim shoulders and delicate collar bones.

  “It is, isn’t it? I’ll try on the other one.”

  Back in two minutes, twirling around in the burgundy dress, it’s flared skirt swinging around her legs.

  “That’s better “approved Beth “the shoulders fit better and the neckline is just right.”

  “Mmmm. And I can still wear a blouse under it, or a sweater. Yes, I’ll get these two.”

  “I’ll get the dearer one. Now, would you like a necklace or earrings to go with them?” laughed at Nell’s face “silly question!” They paid for the clothes and made their way to the jewellery department, Nell exclaiming in delight at the racks and counters of sparkling gold and silver, glistening rainbow colours of jewels and beads.

  “Come on, we should choose some bits for you, to go with all your new clothes.” Nell tugged Beth’s arm, leading her to a display of silver necklaces. She had been suitably impressed with Beth’s new clothes, making Beth spin round to show off the well-fitting trousers and the beautifully cut top.

  “No, I don’t need anything.” But Beth found herself picking up a delicate silver chain with a ring hanging off it containing a tiny pearl.

  “You may not need anything, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t buy something.” And Beth had joined her niece in happily studying the selection of jewellery on offer.

  How like her mother she was, a pang hit Beth, as she saw the young woman’s face light up at the sight of a delicate silver chain punctuated with coral beads. Louise had been a magpie, loving scarves and hats, jewellery and b
ags. A shortage of money had never hampered her; she would trawl charity shops, gleefully bringing home an eclectic collection of items then put them together and dance around like a vibrant butterfly.

  “Aunty Beth! I said what do you think?”

  Beth forced herself back to the present and looked at the necklace and matching earrings.

  “That’s beautiful. I’ve got a top in just that colour. But Nell, I’ve already bought two sets.”

  “So now you’ve got three!” Nell weaved her way to the pay desk, ignoring Beth’s half-hearted protestations.

  Leaving the jewellery section, they had walked past the cosmetic stands and Nell had halted in front of an upmarket brand, to smile at the woman serving.

  “Hannah! Hi. I wondered if you would be working today.”

  “Nell, hello! And this is your aunt, isn’t it?”

  Beth recognised the young woman as a neighbour of Nell’s and smiled a greeting.

  “So, can I interest you in anything today?”

  Nell shook her head. “No money left, Hannah. But Aunty Beth might?” turning to Beth with an enquiring look.

  Beth laughed. “I don’t wear makeup, Nell, you know that.”

  “Maybe you should! To go with all those new clothes and the jewellery. Hannah...” impulsively to the woman, “what would you recommend?”

  Beth stood embarrassed as the other woman scrutinised her face.

  “Well, you have beautiful skin, so nothing needed there really, unless you wanted some foundation?”

  Beth shook her head.

  “Your eyes are a lovely colour, but have you tried liner? You could make them stand out even more. Sit down and let me show you.”

  Beth found herself perched on a stool while Hannah deftly outlined the edges of her eyes with a soft greenish grey pencil.

  “There. What do you think?”

  Beth peered in the mirror Hannah held and gasped. Her eyes looked larger, wide open and greener.

  “You look lovely!” Nell clapped her hands.

  “That’s amazing.” Even Beth was impressed.

  “Now, your lips are quite pale. Let’s try this lip gloss. Or do you prefer lipstick?”

  “Lip gloss usually, but it seems to disappear.”

  “What make do you buy?”

  Beth looked blank. “I don’t know. Whatever is on offer at the supermarket.”

  Hannah looked horrified and Nell laughed. “It’s true, Hannah; my Aunty Beth isn’t interested in high end cosmetics.”

  “Then I need to convince her to try them, see how much better they are!”

  Hannah proceeded to scrutinise a rack of lip glosses before selecting one and expertly applying it.

  “There. How’s that? Do you like the colour?”

  Beth gazed at her mouth, her lips delicately tinted. They weren’t pink. And they weren’t peach. They were something in between, a warm glowing colour that brought her face alive.

  “And I guarantee that won’t wear off in half an hour.” Hannah looked down at her, smiling. “So? Have I got a happy customer?”

  Beth laughed and took out her wallet. “Oh yes! I’ll have them both!” as Hannah and Nell had known she would.

  Ten pm.

  Beth stretched out along the sofa. Nell sat opposite her on the floor, hugging her jean clad knees, her back to a battered armchair. Her blonde curls tumbled around her soft pink cheeks and her vivid blue eyes looked up at Beth. She had planned to go home but Nell had persuaded her to stay the night, overriding Beth’s protestations by blithely stating they could stop off at the corner shop to buy dog food for Charlie, and she had a nightie and toothbrush Beth could use. Now they sat in the cosy living room, Nell with a glass of juice and Beth a mug of tea.

  “It’s been a lovely day. Are you pleased with what you bought?”

  “Oh yes. And it was fun, wasn’t it?”

  Nell nodded. “And dinner was good. The food is always good there.”

  They had been to Nell’s favourite Italian restaurant where a very attentive young waiter had served them, his liquid brown eyes gazing at Nell in admiration.

  “But their penne pasta with pesto is still nowhere as near as good as yours! Will loved it too.”

  Nell was quiet, absentmindedly rubbing Charlie behind the ears as he lay on the floor by her side.

  “So? What did you think of him?”

  “Who? The waiter?” Beth laughed at Nell’s face. “No, I know. He’s very nice Nell, I liked him a lot.”

  “He is, isn’t he? I really like him Aunty Beth, he’s so...” Nell screwed her face up, thinking of the word.

  “Calm?”

  “Yes, calm, but not boring. Definitely not boring. He’s so funny, but in a quiet way, you know?”

  Beth nodded.

  “And he’s so thoughtful and considerate. And clever. But he’s not arrogant or full of himself.”

  “And nice looking.” Beth added.

  “Mmm. He is, isn’t he? But he’s not flash, not like some of the boys at university. I don’t think I could go out with anyone vainer than me!” She laughed. “Some of them used to spend more than me on hair and skin products! Will just likes to be clean! He doesn’t even like cologne or after shave. And he’s not an alpha male, but he’s …I don’t know…” she hesitated “he’s strong, and trustworthy, honest… I know I can always rely on him.”

  Nell was thoughtful, twirling a curl around her finger and absentmindedly putting it in her mouth.

  Beth looked at her affectionately.

  “Well, as long as he’s kind to you, he gets my vote. And stop chewing your hair!”

  Nell looked up, grinning.

  “I wish you would meet someone”. Her clear blue eyes met Beth’s and Beth smiled.

  “No, no, I’m quite happy as I am thank you. I’ll leave the dates and flowers and chocolates to you.”

  “Some chance! Will came round with a present for me the other day, some energy saving light bulbs he had seen on offer!”

  Laughter and the moment was gone. Nell assumed Beth had never met anyone special before she had taken over caring for her, and Beth was happy to keep it that way. There were some things her niece was never going to know.

  Beth and Nell both slept in the next morning, Beth waking only when Charlie whined softly and nudged her arm with his head. For a moment she was disorientated, then realised she was on the sofa bed in Nell’s living room. She stretched and sat up. “Come on Charlie, I’ll take you for a quick walk before I shower.” She dressed quickly and quietly, not wanting to disturb Nell. She let herself out of the ground floor flat and she and Charlie walked down the road, into a small park at the end. Gina had been right, it was sunny again and the sky was a clear pale blue, with the promise of brighter skies to come. Once back, she had a quick shower and dressed again in yesterday’s clothes. Nell had lent her underwear, Beth squeezing into knickers that were two sizes too small as well as being half the size of the ones she wore. Oh well, they would be fine until she got home. Nell was awake and sitting yawning at the small table in the living room. “You will stay for the day, won’t you?” she asked. “Will is coming round this afternoon. We could go for a walk, have a picnic maybe?” And that was what they had done, walking down the road to buy the Sunday papers; croissants, fresh bread, cooked meat and peaches at the deli, then enjoying a lazy brunch while they read the papers and waited for Will. Beth drove the three of them into the New Forest to walk, chat and eat. They walked for nearly two hours, in the dappled shade of the ancient trees of the forest, inhaling the pungent perfume of wild garlic, while Charlie ran ahead, then back. They sat at a picnic table and Nell spread the food out on paper napkins. She had forgotten a knife but they pulled the bread apart with their fingers and popped pieces of chorizo and Italian ham onto it. Beth watched the young couple contentedly. Will was obviously as smitten with Nell as her niece was with him. Nell had been popular at university, with both boys and girls, but had not had a serious boyfriend there. Watchin
g her niece’s face as she laughed and chatted with Will, Beth felt a fleeting pang that she wasn’t the only important person in Nell’s life any more. Stop that, she told herself firmly. Be happy for her. And she was, really. Will was funny, thoughtful and kind. He treated Nell well, and that was all that mattered.

  She drove home late that evening feeling rested and relaxed from the change of scene. It had done her good. She hadn’t mentioned the burglaries to Nell, or the suspicions raging around the little town, and so hadn’t spoken about it for over forty eight hours and had even managed to avoid thinking about it. Now, pulling up outside her cottage, she felt a pang of unease and wished there was someone with her. But there wasn’t and she had to get on with it. She walked up the path, unlocked the door and went in, letting out the breath she hadn’t even realised she was holding as she saw everything exactly as she had left it.

  The answering machine was flashing and Beth pressed the button, expecting to hear Gina’s voice or Carol’s. But it was Tom’s. “Beth, hi, it’s Tom. Just to say hope you’ve had a good weekend. And I’ve got to go into Salisbury tomorrow, I won’t be back until late so won’t be walking Tess. But see you Tuesday? Call for me? Bye now.”

  Beth shivered, but it was a pleasant shiver. His voice was deep, warm and rumbling and seemed to fill the small hallway. His voice was like him, comfortable, safe, solid. She felt a pang of disappointment that he wouldn’t be walking Tess the next day, but snuffed it out. She always used to walk Charlie alone. What was wrong with doing that again? What difference did it make? She went to put the kettle on and feed Charlie, avoiding thinking of the answer.