Murder at the Cave of Harmony: a 1920s cozy historical mystery (A Ginger Gold Mystery Book 26) by Lee Strauss

Author:Lee Strauss [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The warm, buttery scent of ginger biscuits greeted Ginger as she stepped into the kitchen of Hartigan House. The room, a haven of polished copper pots and spotless countertops, hummed with the comforting activity of domestic life. Mrs. Beasley, dressed in her crisp white apron, stood by the oven, removing a tray of perfectly baked biscuits with practiced ease. The golden hue of the treats matched the cosy light streaming through the casement windows.

“That smells heavenly, Mrs. Beasley,” Ginger remarked, pulling out one of the kitchen chairs and sitting down.

Mrs. Beasley, her round face beaming with pride, placed the tray on a cooling rack. “Mr. Pippins’ favourite biscuits, fresh and warm. Thought he could use a little cheer today.”

Boss, who had come to meet Ginger as soon as she had come home and had followed her into the kitchen, had his dark eyes fixed on the tray with a most hopeful look. Ginger laughed softly and leaned down to to scratch behind his ears. “Not for you, I’m afraid, Bossy. These are for Pippins.”

Mrs. Beasley packed a few biscuits into a small tin, sealing the lid with a firm press. “There you are, Mrs. Reed. I’m sure he’ll like them while they’re still warm.”

“Thank you,” Ginger said, taking the tin. “He’ll be thrilled, and I’ll be sure to tell him you made them especially for him.”

The air outside was crisp and cool as Ginger crossed the cul-de-sac to Witt House. Its brick facade, softened by ivy creeping along the edges, stood stately and serene in the waning afternoon light. She knocked lightly on the back door, which opened promptly to reveal Daphne, Felicia’s cheerful maid.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Reed,” Daphne said, stepping aside to let her in. “Are you here to see the mistress?”

“No, I’m here to visit Pippins.” Ginger held up the tin, a smile on her lips. “I’ve brought some ginger biscuits for him. Is he awake?”

Daphne nodded, her expression softening. “He’s in his room. A bit muddled today, but in good spirits.”

“Thank you, Daphne,” Ginger replied, making her way through the familiar halls to the small room off the kitchen where Pippins now resided.

The room was modest but cosy, with a neatly made bed, a soft armchair near the window, and a small table adorned with a photo of Pippins in his prime. In the photo, he stood tall and dignified in his butler’s uniform, his expression exuding pride and professionalism. Now, though, Pippins sat in the armchair with a blanket draped over his knees, his face serene. His cornflower blue eyes, peeking through folds of skin under bushy eyebrows, lit up when Ginger entered.

“Ah, Lady Gold!” he exclaimed, his voice warm and tinged with nostalgia.

Ginger’s heart twinged at the sound of her former title. She hadn’t been Lady Gold since remarrying, but to Pippins, those memories remained vivid.

“Pips,” she said affectionately as she handed him the tin. “How are you today?”

Pippins’ eyes twinkled as he opened the tin. “Ginger biscuits! My favourite. You’re spoiling me, my lady.

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