A Death in C Minor: a Mick Chandra Mystery by Rebecca Yount

Author:Rebecca Yount
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2012-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Sitting next to Jess in the Rover, Sir Brian Foley balanced a cake on his lap and read the pretty label she had taped to the cake's wrapping: "Deep dark chocolate cake with a praline glaze."

Jess was driving the Colonel to the Friday evening fundraiser for the Kenwick Museum as her "date". He confessed it was the first time in his life a woman had asked him out, and he could not have been more delighted.

"My dear, I must place the winning bid for this magnificent confection," he said.

"Thanks, but if you miss out, I'll bake another one just for you."

By the time she pulled the Rover into the village hall lot, it was already packed with cars.

"We must be among the last to arrive," the Colonel observed, as Jess helped him out of the car.

"Just think of it as being fashionably late, Sir Brian."

The hall was packed with milling people, including the fish and chips gang -- the Waltons, Carlisles, Millers, and Thompsons. Jess managed to catch Gwen's attention long enough to hand the cake over to her for the auction.

After settling Sir Brian at a table with some old friends, she prowled the hall, searching out familiar faces. Her eyes landed on Connie Neville, who was standing by herself in a corner nursing a glass of wine. Jess immediately went to her.

"Jess, darling! I haven't seen you since the party at our house," Connie greeted her, pecking her on the cheek.

"Are you flying solo tonight, Connie?"

"Tony's on his way back from South Africa, where he's been wheeling and dealing. He should return sometime tomorrow."

"You look great as usual. How have you been?"

Connie shrugged. "Okay. Busy. Tony and I recently spent some time at our house in Spain."

"That would account for the tan."

"I must say, Jess, you look radiant. What have you been up to?"

"Not much," she hedged. "Trying to get back in fighting form on the piano. I can't let my career go completely down the loo. At some point, I've got to start performing again."

"I could arrange for you to give a concert at the Walden Marsh church when you're ready, Jess. I chair the concert series committee. It may not be New York or Boston, but it's an ambitious program and might be a good launching point for you in the UK."

"I may just take you up on that. Let me think about it, Connie. It's sweet of you to offer."

"Anytime. Just let me know and I'll arrange it," she said.

A museum volunteer passed by with a tray bearing glasses of red and white wine.

"You want a drink, luv?" Connie asked. "I'm having another."

Jess selected a glass of white wine. "I have a question for you, Connie. If you don't want to answer it, just tell me to go to hell."

"Fair enough."

"Why do you stay with Tony? God knows, you could do so much better."

"Hello?"

"Sorry. I had no right asking you such a personal question."

"No, no, it's fine, Jess."

"Is it the money?"

"Hell, no! I have my own money.

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