Murder at the Highland Castle: An utterly addictive and gripping historical cozy mystery (A Miss Underhay Mystery Book 14) by Helena Dixon

Author:Helena Dixon [Dixon, Helena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781837900633
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2023-11-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Several guests were absent from the lunch table. Lady Barlas remained in her room, as did Ottilie. Romy put in a slightly late appearance, her face white and strained. She apologised as she took her seat at the table just as everyone was finishing their first course.

‘There is no need to apologise, my dear,’ Sir Rufus assured her, earning himself a sharp look from his wife.

Madam Fortina was silent throughout the meal, seated beside Donald. Kitty noticed that her scarf was now wound even more closely around her neck. There was no more news about the telephone lines or the power being reconnected.

Outside the castle the weather appeared grey and dull with no indication at present of a possible thaw. At least the wind appeared to have dropped and no further snow had fallen. Kitty would have dearly liked to have wrapped up and ventured outside for a closer look at the area where Lord Barlas had been found.

Given the thick layer of ice that glistened on the paths whenever a weak ray of winter sun forced its way through the cloud, she decided it would be prudent to remain indoors. At least for now, frustrating though it might be.

When lunch was concluded the party all drifted together to the drawing room where at least the fire made a cheerful blaze. The remaining gay decorations from Christmas seemed to make a hollow mockery of the events of Hogmanay. Festive cards with pictures of jolly robins and the tinsel-clad tree appeared out of place.

The ladies settled themselves on various chairs. Matt joined Kitty on the sofa and Sir Rufus was commandeered by Lady Smythe into assisting with a jigsaw. Donald stood near the Christmas tree looking glum, while Maxfield paced restlessly about the room. Lord Barlas’s dog watched him warily from his place near the hearth. Bertie lay beside him.

‘Dash it all, there must be something we can do!’ Maxfield turned on his heel and glared at his fellow guests.

‘What do you suggest?’ Sir Rufus asked. ‘The lines are down, there are snowdrifts that the horses cannot get through and the servants say a tree has fallen blocking the road to the village.’

‘Surely we can at least try. There are skis and snowshoes in the boot room. I can’t stay cooped up in here much longer,’ Maxfield said.

‘Are you proposing trying to get through to the village?’ Matt asked.

‘Yes, why not? At least if I’ve given it a go, I’ll feel as if I’ve done something. I’m going to see what I can find.’ Maxfield tilted his chin belligerently as if expecting Matt to argue with him.

‘Do you have experience in these kinds of conditions?’ Sir Rufus asked.

‘Enough to give it a bash,’ Maxfield said.

‘Then I’ll come with you.’ Donald’s unexpected agreement with Maxfield’s proposal took everyone by surprise.

‘Donald, are you certain about this? It sounds like madness.’ Lady Smythe gaped at him.

‘Maxfield is right, we owe it to Stephen to at least try. I’ve done a fair bit of winter sports.

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