Death by the Thames (The Flora Maguire Mysteries) by Anita Davison

Author:Anita Davison [Davison, Anita]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2024-03-17T00:00:00+00:00

Flora pursed her lips as she held her sapphire pendant up to her throat, her head tilted to assess the effect in her dressing table mirror. Frowning, she returned the item to the box.

‘Are you sure it’s a good idea having Sally watch this Buchanan chap while he’s at the concert, Flora? Is she agreeable to the plan?’ Bunny joined her in the bedroom, his skin pink from his bath while rubbing his damp hair vigorously with a towel.

‘I thought I had explained,’ Flora sighed. ‘She’s going to sit in the café opposite for the evening. How dangerous can that be? She and Abel will look to all the world like a courting couple having supper. They won’t alert anyone’s suspicions and if Mr Buchanan is innocent, they will just have enjoyed a pleasant evening.’

‘I suppose so.’ He lowered the towel and frowned at her reflection. ‘Not wearing the sapphire one? It’s my favourite.’

‘It’s not quite the right shade of blue.’ Flora looked down at the deep turquoise silk of her dress.

‘I’ll bow to your superior taste.’ He discarded the towel and shrugged into a clean shirt. ‘You didn’t answer my question about Sally being agreeable to this plan.’

‘Sally’s excited about it,’ she said, in case Bunny thought she had forced her maid to cooperate against her better judgement. ‘And more willing when I suggested she take Abel with her.’

‘I gather you’re paying for their supper?’ Bunny laughed.

‘And the hackney fare there and back. It’s the least I could do.’

‘I’ll wager five shillings she takes the omnibus so she can pocket the difference.’ One perfectly arched right eyebrow lifted slightly.

‘I won’t take that bet, as I am likely to lose. Sally is enterprising.’ A light knock came at the door prompting Flora to hold up a finger in warning to be discreet as she went to open it.

‘I’m ready to go, Missus.’ Sally slapped her gloved hands together. ‘Abel’s waiting for me on the area steps.’ Smart and pretty in her best outdoor coat buttoned to the neck, she had arranged a pert felt hat jauntily on her wild curls.

‘Here’s a prospectus for St Philomena’s.’ Flora handed her a pamphlet she had placed close to hand in readiness. ‘There’s a photograph of Mr Buchanan on page six. Do you think you could pick him out in a crowd from that?’

‘Nice looking man.’ Sally held the page at arm’s length, squinting, her chin tucked in. ‘Shouldn’t be difficult.’

‘Make sure you and Abel are there well before the performance to lessen the chances of missing him. If he speaks to anyone going in or coming out, I need to know what they look like. Especially if you see Swifty again, but under no circumstances are you to approach him.’

‘Cor, this feels like a proper investigation. Do I get paid extra?’

Bunny’s amused chuckle reached her from inside the room.

Flora threw him a look, grasped Sally by the arm and eased her into the hall, pulling the door to. ‘No, but you can have whatever you like for supper.

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