The Christmas Bell Mystery: A Standalone 1920s Christmas Mystery (Lord Edgington Investigates... Book 12) by Benedict Brown

Author:Benedict Brown [Brown, Benedict]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heathdene Books
Published: 2023-11-14T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

As heartwarming as this sight was, it didn’t compare to the transformation of Nathan Rivers. His sullenness had been erased, and he was no longer set on charming everyone with empty words – which was far more charming, in my opinion.

The cousins enjoyed their task so much that they soon talked about decorating other rooms in the house. My grandfather appeared for a glass of hot, sweet, spicy wine, and having moved Silas’s body to cold storage in the icehouse, P.C. Ted was convinced to have a snifter before he returned home to the tiny village nearby.

Lord Rivers had presumably finished his nap as he came downstairs with Mrs Stevans to inspect our handiwork. He wore a terribly serious expression as he regarded the now sparkling branches that were strewn with bells, beads and baubles.

“I suppose I am remiss in buying a tree in the first place.” He turned to his group of young relatives. “You have my apologies, children. It is a worthy addition to the house, and we shall open our presents here tomorrow as a family.” He turned to my grandfather. “And the party from Cranley Hall will be here with us. This may not be the Christmas any of us imagined, but we will put the sadness of today behind us and make the most of the season.”

If Lord Edgington was a benevolent Father Christmas figure, then the lord of St Audries Park was more like a tiny elf. And yet, there was something quite noble about him at that moment, and I sensed that he was doing what he could to unite the fractured group.

“I think that’s just wonderful.” Nathan’s transformation hadn’t lasted long, and he was using that same excessively slick voice as when I’d first arrived. “Thank you, Uncle Perry, for your hospitality and sense of occasion.”

Lord Rivers nodded, his face no longer quite so jolly.

Nathan spoke with sudden haste. “In fact, I was hoping I might speak to you in private. There are a few matters I would like to resolve before we begin the celebrations in earnest.”

“Not right now, boy. I must talk to Lord Edgington before dinner is served.”

Nathan was unrelenting, and it was surely apparent to all present that he was playing the inheritance game once more. “Of course, of course. I totally understand, but if you could just step into the library with me for a few minutes, I really won’t take up—”

His great-uncle really lost his temper then. “Did you not hear me?” Despite his frail body and diminished stature, his glare was still powerful and sliced right through the man. “I don’t wish to talk to you this evening. I’ve said all I have to say, and I’m not interested in going over the same ground once more.”

Whatever goodness had emerged from Nathan in the woods, it was now buried. His lip curled, and he looked as though he wanted to snarl and rip the man to pieces. Instead of insulting his prospective benefactor or landing a cuff on him, Nathan muttered bitterly and retreated from the room.

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