The Peculiar Case of Agnes Astor Smith by Constance Barker

Author:Constance Barker [Barker, Constance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Constance Barker
Published: 2018-02-16T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Isabella had a rather smug expression when Agnes and I approached her, and I had the inkling of a feeling that she felt as if the older woman were eating a slice of humble pie. I didn’t know how I was going to cope with both of their large personalities for the duration of the trip, but much to my surprise, Agnes was all smiles as we approached the tour guide.

“Yes, Isabella, was it?” Agnes began with the ever so charming smile she used to get her way. Isabella considered me from the corner of her eye, her lips curled into a sly smile.

“I guess my reputation precedes me. That, or my name tag,” she said, tapping the piece of plastic fixed to her t-shirt. I considered her with a quirk of my brow, parting my lips to speak. “I usually don’t wear it, but upper management has been in a tizzy lately. Apparently I’ve been dawdling too much,” she paused, smirking at me. “Perish the thought.” I could sense that Agnes was torn between irritation at the tour guide’s cocky attitude, and amusement at how easily flustered I was.

“Right, right, of course. Our little Miss Bean has a way of drawing people out of their shell, isn’t that right, dear?” Agnes smiled, her expression saccharine sweet as she pinched my cheek. If she expected the tour guide to be put off by the comment, we were both surprised when Isabella simply shrugged instead of biting out a retort.

“Can’t argue that point. I take it you’re not just here to chat, though,” she hummed, tapping her fingertips on her forearm. Agnes’ expression tensed slightly, and I couldn’t help but giggle at how serious she was.

“Abigail, please, we’re trying to make a good impression,” the older woman hissed. Isabella pushed away from the wall she was leaning against, stepping towards us with an undeniable swagger in her step. I averted my eyes, feeling strange for how blatantly Agnes and I were staring at the tour guide.

“Miss, you don’t have to worry about the whole first impression thing. Your little Bean here has that part covered. If you need help with something, I’m all ears. It’ll just have to wait five minutes or so, because I have to at least pretend to be professional until my next break,” she chuckled breathily, gesturing vaguely towards the wall across from her. “In the meantime, can I interest you in this fascinating rock?” She said with a smirk, only serving to ruffle the older woman’s feathers. I hid a smile behind my hand, patting Agnes on the shoulder.

“I know plenty about these so called rocks, young lady. I’ve studied this area extensively for years,” she bit out, and Isabella raised a brow with a smile.

“Eons, I’d imagine,” she said casually, her eyes filled with mischief. Agnes squawked, completing the bird-like image of herself.

“Come on, you two. Can’t we just agree to get along for the sake of...,” I trailed off, realizing I still had no idea what we were here for.

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