The Body in the Garden by Katharine Schellman

Author:Katharine Schellman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

CHAPTER 17

Lily stayed in bed late the next morning. She had kept to country hours since returning to London, rising well before noon. But a ladies’ card party, followed by a very late supper, had kept Lily from seeing her bed until three o’clock in the morning. When, around seven, she was briefly roused by the sound of Anna laying the fire, she rolled over and pulled a pillow over her head, all thoughts of murder and intrigue banished by the allure of a few more hours’ sleep.

At half past ten she woke again and, ringing for her maid, asked for breakfast on a tray. “And plenty of tea,” she added, one arm over her eyes.

“Is your head all right, ma’am?” Anna rearranged the pillows so her mistress could sit more comfortably.

Lily sighed, though the sound came out more like a growl. “Mrs. Windermere delights in being just to the right side of fast and doing whatever shocking thing comes into her head. She brought out her husband’s whiskey last night, and nothing would do for Serena but that we must share in every toast.” Lily rubbed her head. “I admit it was fun at the time, but I am not convinced it was worth it. There was no gainsaying Serena, though.”

“Her ladyship does have a most forceful personality,” Anna agreed, twitching the curtains so the sun was not shining so directly into the room.

“Thank you, and yes, she does. Especially when it comes to Sally Windermere. Serena suspects she was one of Lord Walter’s paramours, you know, before they were married. And she refuses to let the woman best her at anything.” Lily moaned softly. “Or to best me, it would seem.”

The corners of Anna’s lips quivered, but she offered no comment on her employer’s state other than to say, “I believe Mrs. Carstairs has a sort of concoction that is supposed to help these situations. My cousin Jeremy swears by it. Shall I ask her to make it up for you?”

“Will it taste foul?” Lily asked plaintively. Catching sight of Anna’s smile, she sighed. “Never mind, of course it will taste foul. I shall try it anyway. Anything must be an improvement. I cannot imagine what gentlemen see to recommend this feeling!”

“You did say you had fun last night, ma’am. I think that’s most of the draw.”

“Not worth it,” Lily said firmly. “Though the charades were the most amusing thing I have ever heard.”

“Did they happen after the whiskey had been brought out?”

“Long after. So perhaps I do see the appeal after all.” Lily frowned in mock-severity as Anna giggled. “None of your cheek now, Anna, but go and fetch my breakfast and whatever miracle brew Mrs. Carstairs can manage on such short notice. And have Carstairs send up the papers as well.”

“La Belle Assemblée or the Ladies’ Journal?”

“La Belle Assemblée and also the Times.”

“The Times?” Anna looked surprised.

Lily understood. She had once stayed abreast of political issues to help further Freddy’s career, but since his death she had not shown much interest in the events of the day.

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