Murder in the Chapel: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery (An Evie Parker Mystery) by Sonia Parin

Author:Sonia Parin [Parin, Sonia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

On the Case

There was a knock at the door, but no one came in. Millicent set her notebook down and went to answer it. Lowering her voice, she said, “Clare, I’ve told you, once you knock, you can come in, but only after making sure no one has said you couldn’t.”

“That’s precisely what I was doing. Waiting for a response and none came so I decided to count to ten before turning the doorknob.”

“Very well. What is it?”

“I was sent up to search for her ladyship. Is she here?”

“Don’t sound so impertinent.”

“But that’s the tone of voice you use?”

“Are you saying I sound impertinent? It’s my voice. I can’t alter it. And, yes, her ladyship is here.”

“Well, they’ve told me to tell her, although, I’m telling you first, but I’m sure I can trust you to pass on the information… They’ve said to tell her ladyship the police motor car is making its way here.”

“Why didn’t you say so instead of prattling on about knocking and whatnot. Thank you, Clare. We’ll be down momentarily.”

“Oh, my. You do have airs about you. Did you know? And don’t take exception to me saying so because you told me to tell you if I ever heard you speaking as if you have airs. Well, you just did.”

Evie heard a yelp and couldn’t even begin to imagine what Millicent had done to make Clare yelp.

Closing the door, Millicent said, “The police are here, milady.”

“Finally.”

“Since they will likely wish to speak with the guests first, I’ll stay here and get started on the letters.”

Thanking her, Evie went down to join the others.

Tom and Henry were already in the hall, ready to greet the police.

Edgar stood at the open door.

“I’m feeling on edge,” Henry Evans said. “Is this how it usually is?”

Tom and Evie nodded.

“We always wonder what sort of detective we’ll get.”

They heard a motor car come to a stop outside and a door opening and closing.

“There’s only one of them.”

“Are you complaining, Countess?”

The detective appeared at the door, removed his hat and coat and handed them to Edgar.

Evie was surprised by his youth. He couldn’t be older than thirty, she thought.

Tall, with broad shoulders, his brown hair was slightly ruffled by his hat. He looked relaxed and almost eager, his dark eyes dancing around the hall, taking it all in before looking at Henry, Tom and finally at Evie.

Henry Evans stepped forward and introduced himself.

“Ah, yes. I was told there was a detective here and a titled one at that. I’m Detective Inspector”

A squeal was followed by a firm command, which clearly fell on deaf ears.

Henrietta!

The sound of her steps was punctuated by further commands and a harsh reprimand. “Holmes, you naughty boy. No, Holmes. Stop that, at once, you disobedient rascal.”

The detective cleared his throat. “As I was saying, I’m Detective Inspector Holmes.”

Unaware of the arrival of the detective, Henrietta burst into the hall, saying, “Evangeline! Call off your unruly dog. It’s nipping at my heels, quite literally.” She came to a stop and only then noticed the detective.

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