Murder in the Highlands (A Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mystery) by Dawn Brookes

Author:Dawn Brookes [Brookes, Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oakwood Publishing
Published: 2022-05-31T04:00:00+00:00

18

An announcement from Captain Sturgeon interrupted the awkward moment between Grace and Edna.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re just making our approach alongside Aldourie Castle. If you move over to the port side, that’s the left for you landlubbers, you’ll get a fine view of the castle and its grounds. I’ll slow right down so you can take some photos before we head on to Loch Ness. Aldourie Castle’s the only habitable castle on the shores of the loch. If you like the look of it, they take private bookings should you fancy hiring a castle for a wee stay.”

Grace took her opportunity, politely excusing herself during the captain’s announcement.

“Staying in a castle, eh? Right up your street, Marge,” said Edna.

Marjorie ignored the dig. “I would have been more interested in eliciting further information about our list of suspects from Grace had you not frightened her off.”

“Me too,” said Frederick.

“And I would have liked to talk to the lady some more. She’s an interesting woman,” said Horace. “Has a wealth of knowledge about the area, land management and all sorts of things.”

“Not to mention the good looks and the Lamborghini,” Edna retorted, arms folded. “You’re so gullible. It’s not genuine, you know, all that enthusiasm for your stories. Besides, I didn’t drive her away, and if I did, she shouldn’t be so precious.”

“You all but accused her of being a killer,” interjected Frederick.

“I did not! Still, there’s no doubt she’s a suspect on Marge’s list. And as my dear cousin is intent on playing detective again, I thought I’d help her get on with it. No point pussyfooting around. All I did was ask what she was doing out so early near the scene of the crime – if it was a crime. I don’t see why she should take offence unless she’s got something to hide.”

“For your information,” Frederick said. “Grace was out early checking on a red deer stag that’s been highly successful in ruts over the past few seasons. He has quite a harem to protect. That’s what she was doing out so early. Apparently, the rut starts a few hours after dawn and a few hours before dusk. She wanted to check on his condition before coming on the boat trip.”

“Why didn’t she just say so?” queried Marjorie.

“I expect the poor woman didn’t like our Edna’s tone,” said Horace, stroking his chin. “You have a way with words.” He looked at Edna.

“Humph. I don’t know why you’re all ganging up on me. I only asked what Marge was wondering.” Edna pouted.

“It’s not what you say. It’s how you put it,” said Marjorie. “Never mind that now. Let’s take a glance at this castle the captain’s been raving about before we move onto the open water.”

“Good idea,” said Horace.

Marjorie suspected the sparkle in his eyes and the jaunt in his step as he leapt up and sauntered outside had more to do with Grace Brown-Jones than a Scottish castle.

“I’ll stay here so we don’t lose the seats. It’ll be far too cold out there once we arrive at Loch Ness and I wouldn’t want Marjorie to catch a chill.

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