Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer

Author:Erica Ruth Neubauer [Neubauer, Erica Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 2020-01-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The next morning, I slept late—much later than I was used to sleeping. When I finally did crack open my eyes, I considered turning over again, but the sun was well and truly up and I decided I should be also. The mirror did me no favors as I splashed water on my face, and I considered hiding in my rooms for the day, simply for the chance to rest and think. It wouldn’t hurt to put a little distance between myself and Redvers either. I was beginning to rely too heavily on his companionship.

The pounding on my door shattered any hopes for a quiet day.

I threw on a light robe and answered it. Aunt Millie stood before me, bright and perky as a sunflower, fists on ample hips.

“Jane, I can’t believe you’re not out of bed yet! I thought for sure I would see you at breakfast. The dress people will be here very shortly. You’d best get yourself ready and I’ll meet you downstairs on the terrace.”

I couldn’t do much more than nod weakly, then went back inside to wash thoroughly and dress. I couldn’t believe Millie was so . . . awake, since I assumed she was up much of the night with Lillian. If Millie was this upbeat, Lillian must be feeling much better this morning.

I stumbled downstairs and found my aunt waiting for me. Cheerfully. It was almost enough to send me straight back to my room.

“Jane, you look very tired today.” Millie’s powers of observation were as sharp as ever.

“How is it that you don’t?” I slumped into a chair beside her. “Do I have time for breakfast?” My mouth cracked into such a wide yawn I could barely cover it.

“Probably not a proper meal—you slept very late, Jane—but I’m sure some coffee can be arranged for you while we wait.” She popped up and went to the desk, where I assumed she bullied the young man into obtaining coffee from the breakfast room. For once, I didn’t mind her heavy-handed methods.

“That’s all arranged.”

I smiled at her gratefully. “Thank you, Aunt Millie.” I yawned again. “And how is Lillian doing?”

“Lillian is feeling much better this morning, although she and Marie will be keeping quiet in Lillian’s room today. One really can’t be too careful. I’ll check in on them when we are through here.”

By the time my coffee had arrived, the dressmaker had also arrived and set up in a parlor off the hotel lobby. We were not the only guests who would be taking advantage of her services, but Millie had convinced her to come earlier in the morning to accommodate our appointment. We greeted the young woman at the parlor entrance and she introduced herself as Nenet.

“Welcome.” Nenet’s dark eyes sparkled as she closed the door behind us. Her long black hair was thick with natural wave and she let it hang loose down her back. She was a striking woman. “I’m so pleased you were referred to my shop. I

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.