Murder at the Castle by Frances Evesham

Author:Frances Evesham [Evesham, Frances]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: A cozy murder mystery whodunnit
Publisher: AinsleyAssociates
Published: 2018-03-06T06:00:00+00:00

A box of chocolates

Mandy's car in the drive was a welcome sight, when Libby returned to the cottage. The car belonged, officially, to the business, but it was Mandy's pride and joy. 'Mrs F, your fiancé said you'd be coming here.'

'My fian—? Oh, you mean Max.' Mandy always managed to make Libby laugh. This evening, there was something odd about her. It took Libby a moment or two to work out what was missing. 'Your hair!'

Mandy ignored the comment. 'I've got instructions to cheer you up. He's going to be away overnight. Apparently, he's chasing some leads to do with the stolen dogs and he doesn't want you left on your own. He's collected Shipley, so you don't need to go over to the big house, and I'm here as his – what's the word? – his proxy, bearing gifts.' She led Libby into the kitchen, where a bottle of Libby's favourite red wine was prominently displayed next to a giant vase of flowers and a box of chocolates. 'Those are another company's chocolates. It didn't seem right to bring you a box of your own.' Mandy giggled.

She insisted Libby sit down. 'The dinner's in the oven. Have a glass of this and spill all the beans.'

'You know I can't…'

'Mrs F. This is me. How many mysteries have we worked on together? You know I won't blab.'

'Well, apart from Max, you're the only one I tell real secrets to. I know you won't let me down. But first, why the change of style? No black lipstick? No white face powder? Ponytail hair? What's going on?'

'Well spotted. I've had a makeover. Not sure I care for it, really.' Mandy tugged at her demure shift dress. 'I've been to Steve's end-of-year concert in London. Only just got back. Thought I wouldn't embarrass him in front of his posh musician friends.' She let out a peal of laughter. 'Needn't have bothered. They're a right scruffy bunch, up at the College of Music.'

'Mad musicians, you mean?'

'You have no idea. Tomorrow, I'm getting back to normal. Steve said he hardly recognised me without my-er-my stuff.' Mandy and Steve had been together, barring quarrels, since Steve finished his studies at Wells Cathedral School. Things were clearly getting serious. 'He said he likes me grungy.' She settled in an armchair. 'Now, fill me in and I'll lend you the benefit of my medium-sized brain.'

Libby frowned. 'What did you mean, Max is chasing leads? What's he up to? Why didn't he ring?'

'You know what he's like. He was in a rush when I bumped into him. Said he'd ring you later, and not to worry.'

Max was notoriously bad at keeping Libby informed. He hated broadcasting his whereabouts, even to her. Still, maybe he was on to something. Perhaps he'd be back soon, bringing Bear.

'I hope he's taking care.'

'Course he is.'

A familiar knot of worry tied itself in Libby's stomach, but there was nothing she could do, except relate the events of the last couple of days to Mandy and wait to hear from Max.

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