Murder at Mullings by Dorothy Cannell

Author:Dorothy Cannell [Cannell, Dorothy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Severn House Publishers
Published: 2014-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

The prospect of a wedding is not invariably greeted with foreboding. A year and a half later, shortly after New Year in 1932, Dovecote Hatch was taken mildly by surprise, although generally pleasantly so, when Miss Madge Bradley’s engagement to Cyril Fritch was announced in both The Times and the county newspaper. It might have been seen as an unlikely coupling in some circles, given the difference in their social positions: she a gentlewoman residing in spacious comfort at Mullings; he responsible for the bookkeeping at Craddock’s Antiquarian Bookshop as well as the Stodmarsh estate a few evenings a week. Regina Stodmarsh had not countenanced Ned’s request that he be employed full-time. Mr Fritch lived with his widowed mother in a modest house in Tweed Lane around the corner from the Dog and Whistle, and although not creating much notice previously, he had been viewed sympathetically because of her dominating ways.

George Bird could have done with two extra pairs of hands at the Dog and Whistle on the evening after word spread. The regulars were more than ready for any good news from Mullings. The taproom, though packed to the elbows, was less smoky than usual because few were inclined to stop talking or listening long enough to fish in their pockets for pipes or cigarettes. There was much back and forthing over the odds of Lady Stodmarsh allowing Fritch to move in after the wedding.

Pulling yet another pint, George counted his blessings. It being winter when visitors were rare, he didn’t have to waste time fobbing off questions from strangers about the ornamental hermit. George was pleased for Fritch. Who would have thought events would turn out so well for such a timid bloke? Things hadn’t started well for him here – applying for a teaching job he didn’t get and having to make do with one at Craddock’s, which couldn’t pay half as much.

George thought back to the letter Jim had written about his former grammar school teacher moving to the area and asking him to do what he could to befriend Fritch. He hadn’t been successful in doing so – the man’s painful shyness had prevented that – but all’s well that ends well. It was nice for him and Miss Bradley, who deserved a second chance at love after going through the pain and humiliation she had suffered. George’s mind lingered on Jim between every drink served and the accompanying chats. The lad still hadn’t achieved the degree of success he’d hoped for with his paintings, but his financial situation had recently been relieved somewhat. He’d been offered bed and board by an elderly lady he’d got to know from her coming into the restaurant where he worked. It was no surprise that she’d taken to Jim in a big way, him being such a kindly, pleasant lad. He’d refused the offer at first – didn’t like the idea of scrounging off anyone, did Jim – but she’d persuaded him she wanted the security of having a man living in the house.

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