Death at Twilight: A 1920s Murder Mystery (Mrs Mortimer Mysteries Book 6) by Elizabeth Oakey

Author:Elizabeth Oakey [Oakey, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

Roland returned with the candle, by which time all was as it should be – and I looked appropriately absorbed in the topmost sheet.

‘You were involved in the chapel renovations?’ I asked.

‘Oh yes, absolutely. It was my father-in-law’s special project, and I tried to show as much interest as I could. Catholic heritage as well, of course. Important to know one’s background; the lives that have been lost, the privileges won.’

The young man was certainly toeing the party line, given what he had said earlier about divine intervention. Very astute.

‘And were these drawn up recently?’ I asked, although the date was written at the bottom of the sheet. They had been done a week ago.

‘I took Anthony – Mr Russell – to a local architect to see whether there were structural changes that were required to ensure that the rebuild lasted longer than ninety years.’

‘And to design you a home too, I see.’ I flicked the page over to reveal the plan underneath.

‘That was something Celia and I had discussed with her father,’ he said, rolling the paper up and jamming it into his bag. And that was when I noticed the silver-topped cane that his father-in-law had used when he’d sauntered around the herb garden, along with a couple of unopened letters on the mantelpiece. They were addressed to Anthony Russell – and I felt like a fool.

‘Roland… what are you doing in Anthony Russell’s room?’

His cheeks flushed a deep red, and I saw him glance at the door, as if afraid that his father-in-law would walk in at any minute. ‘I – I was merely here to pick up these plans.’

‘The plans to the house in Chelsea?’

‘Well, they wouldn’t be of interest to Adrian and the others, and I didn’t want them to muddy the waters.’

‘Do the rest of the family know about this idea?’ I asked.

‘It was my father-in-law’s choice to make and I don’t see why they shouldn’t be happy for it to go ahead, in time – and now is not the time. It’s nothing more than a pied-a-terre… and good business sense actually.’

‘And this is something that has been settled financially?’ I asked. ‘Has it been included in Anthony Russell’s will?’

‘I have no idea what’s in Mr Russell’s will,’ he replied. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should like to visit my wife to ensure she’s well after the dreadful evening we have had.’ Glancing at his wristwatch, Roland added, ‘Besides, it’s surely time to retire – it’s been a long night.’

I was shunted out of the room, ahead of him, and as he emerged, Roland looked this way and that to see if we had been observed. He left Anthony’s room, the plans in his hand and, with a light knock, he entered Celia’s room.

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