The Walters Case: A Markham Sisters Cozy Mystery Novella by Xarissa Diana

Author:Xarissa, Diana
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

When Janet got downstairs the next morning, she was surprised to find Edward cooking breakfast.

“What’s going on?” she asked Joan, who was sitting at the table with Bessie.

“I was telling Edward that I’m a bit nervous about the wedding and that, well, I haven’t been cooking all that successfully. He offered to make breakfast for everyone and I agreed.”

Janet stared at her sister for a full minute, unable to believe what Joan had just said. “Okay,” she said uncertainly.

Joan shrugged. “I’m getting married tomorrow,” she said in a low voice. “It simply isn’t possible.”

“It is possible, and it’s wonderful,” Edward said brightly. “Janet, my darling, can you manage some toast for everyone while I do the rest?”

Janet nodded and then got busy at the toaster. Bessie filled the silence by telling everyone about the lovely restaurant where she and Joan had had dinner the previous evening. When Bessie was done, Edward told them both about Howard Ashton’s birthday party.

“So whom do you suspect of being behind the theft?” Bessie asked when he was done.

“I had my suspicions, but now I’m less certain,” Edward told her. “There was a second incident last night, but this time it was at The Mill House. It’s possible that the thefts happened completely independently of one another, but that seems unlikely.”

“Maybe someone at The Mill House heard about what happened at Doveby Farm and it gave him or her the idea,” Bessie suggested.

“That’s possible,” Edward admitted. “Alison is doing all that she can to keep quiet about what happened, but it seems likely that people are talking about it anyway.”

“Tell us what happened at The Mill House, then,” Bessie said.

“I wish I could, but I haven’t heard the story from Robert yet,” Edward told her. “He’ll be here at nine to speak with me.”

“Will he chase me away if I try to stay to hear what happened?” Bessie asked.

“If he does, I’ll tell you everything he said after he’s gone,” Edward replied.

Bessie laughed. “My friends with the police back home are very careful about what they tell me.”

“But I’m not with the police,” Edward pointed out.

Robert arrived a short while later. Joan made tea and put out biscuits before excusing herself.

“I need to lie down,” she said.

Janet followed her out of the room. “Are you okay?” she demanded.

“I think so. I think it’s just cold feet, nerves, whatever. I’m getting married tomorrow and I’m pretty terrified, actually. Do you think Michael would mind if I cancelled the wedding?”

“Yes, I think he would mind a great deal. He loves you and he wants you to be his wife.”

Joan nodded. “Then I shall have to go through with it, I suppose,” she said grimly.

“I believe you’re meant to be happy and excited,” Janet told her.

Joan didn’t reply. Janet watched as she walked into her bedroom and shut the door.

“Is she okay?” Bessie asked when Janet returned to the kitchen.

“Nerves,” Janet replied. “I’m a bit worried that she might change her mind and cancel the wedding, though. I’ve never seen her behave this way.

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