Crimes of Christmas Past: Historical Mystery Holiday Novellas by Ashley Gardner & Jennifer Ashley

Author:Ashley Gardner & Jennifer Ashley [Gardner, Ashley & Ashley, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JA / AG Publishing

Chapter 5

“You told her I would cure her husband?” I burst out. “Have you run mad?” I checked my amazement as I remembered to whom I spoke. “I beg your pardon, Lady Cynthia, but you have confounded me.”

Cynthia waved my apology aside. “I am telling it wrong. Judith says I always speak before I have my thoughts in order. I let on to my friend—the one whose mum also has Dr. Burnley for her physician—that you created dishes that made those feeling poorly ever so much better. She told Mrs. Whitaker, who said she’d welcome you to come and give her cook a few of your recipes. Mrs. Whitaker is desperate for her husband to get well.”

Her explanation made more sense, but it was still alarming. “You ought to have promised no such thing.”

While my broths and blancmanges were likely the reason ailing staff recovered, in spite of Mrs. Bywater’s patent medicines, I could not guarantee to cure a bad illness or a poisoning.

“Nonsense. Your cooking will do him a world of good,” Cynthia said resolutely. “And it would get you into the house, where you can do some sleuthing. I’ll go with you, if you’d like.”

Cynthia whirled, ready to rush to the Whitaker house on the moment, but I forestalled her.

“Better that I go on my own,” I said quickly. “Besides, Mr. Thanos is counting on you.”

Cynthia came to a stop, her skirt swinging. “That is a point. I say, I am sorry, Mrs. H. I thought you’d welcome an entrée into the lion’s den.”

“I do welcome it.” I softened. “I had been looking for a way in. You startled me, is all. I can at least ease the man’s suffering a little and perhaps his wife’s anxiousness too.”

“Excellent. Well, I’m off.” Cynthia managed to sneak a scone off a plate before she strode out the door.

Today was Friday, and I had no business leaving the kitchen, but I would have to contrive some excuse. My next afternoon out was not until Monday, which this year was also Christmas Day.

Mrs. Bywater had hinted I should stay home to ensure that Christmas dinner went off without trouble, but I had stood firm. If I gave way in this one instance, Mrs. Bywater would try her best to deprive me of more days out. One must stick to one’s principles. Besides, I’d be mad to give up the chance to spend Christmas afternoon with Grace.

I went through the recipes I’d created to aid with digestion and wrote out a few neatly in my notebook. The Whitakers’ cook might not be able to read, which meant I’d have to tell her the recipes, or demonstrate them. Many cooks couldn’t read at all but had prodigious memories for ingredients and their measurements. But if she could read, I’d leave the pages with her.

Mrs. Bywater found my excuse for me. She didn’t come to the kitchen herself, but sent Mrs. Redfern down after luncheon with a message for me.

“The mistress received a note from Mrs.

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