Murder at Waldenmere Lake (The Iris Woodmore Mysteries) by Michelle Salter

Author:Michelle Salter [Salter, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2023-03-20T16:00:00+00:00

‘You’re late.’

‘I saw Mr Laffaye on my way. He asked me to give you this.’ I handed Elijah the rolled-up paper. ‘He said he’s still working on the other matter you enquired about.’

I waited for him to untie the ribbon and unroll it, but he placed it in his drawer without looking.

‘Can I spend some time working on an article for Juliet?’

‘If it will keep you quiet. Shut the door on your way out.’

His mood didn’t improve and the door of his den stayed closed for most of the day. When I poked my head in to say I was going home, he just grunted in reply. I was glad to find George waiting outside.

‘You look like you could do with cheering up,’ he observed.

I pulled a face. ‘Elijah’s been in a foul mood all day. I could have done with his help with a difficult article, but he’s barely said a word to me.’

George finished his cigarette and we began to stroll down Queens Road.

‘What have you done to upset him?’

‘Nothing. He just gets like this sometimes.’ I knew the war had left Elijah with his own demons, even if I wasn’t sure what they were. I guessed he was also fretting over Horace.

‘Forget about him. Let’s go and see what’s happening at our favourite building site.’

‘Not this evening. I’m going home.’

‘Why?’ He looked disappointed.

‘I want Ben and Alice to spend some time alone together.’

‘Ah.’ He thought for a moment. ‘Is that such a good idea?’

‘Alice’s father has started asking questions about the time she spends with us.’

We dawdled alongside Grebe Stream. I noticed George had slowed his pace, but I suspected it was to prolong our walk rather than because his leg was hurting.

‘Surely she’s allowed some friends?’ he said.

‘Not male ones.’

‘Then is it wise for her to be seen alone with Ben? I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes if her father found out. And from what you’ve said, he might take it out on Alice.’

‘But she can’t stay shut up in the hall forever.’ I thought of her determined expression that morning. ‘She’s finally started to stand up for herself but she needs to know how Ben feels before she talks to her father about him.’

George sighed. ‘He’s in love with her but he knows better than to do anything about it. Ben’s a decent bloke. And a sensible one. He’s not in the same class as a colonel’s daughter.’

‘They could run away together?’ I wasn’t sure this was a good idea, though I was afraid that if Alice didn’t act soon, the moment could be lost forever.

He shook his head. ‘Do Ben and Alice strike you as the types who’d run away? Up sticks and leave their families behind?’

‘No,’ I admitted.

‘That’s the kind of thing you and I might do.’ He gave me a wicked grin.

I laughed.

His expression became serious. ‘You know I said I was saving up, so I could travel? I might just have enough. I could be leaving here soon.’

My heart sank but I kept my voice light.

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