The Xanders Case: A Markhams Sisters Cozy Mystery Novella by Xarissa Diana

Author:Xarissa, Diana
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Janet froze and looked desperately at Stuart. He sighed and then chuckled.

“I was just telling Janet about my plans for our wedding anniversary next month,” he said. “I don’t want to say anything more, except that the doctor has assured me that I’ll be well enough to travel by then.”

Mary frowned. “Next month? I was going to spend most of next month with Paul.” She glanced at Janet. “That’s my middle son. I don’t visit him as often as the other two, so I was hoping to go for a long visit this time.”

Stuart sighed deeply. “I know it’s partly my fault for not mentioning my plans to you, but I was hoping to surprise you. At least I took out the cancellation insurance so we won’t be out any money if I have to cancel.”

“You have to cancel,” Mary said flatly.

You don’t even know where he was going to be taking you, Janet thought but didn’t say. As Stuart was presumably making up the entire thing, it was probably best not to argue.

Mary took a deep breath. “But, darling, I was so worried about you,” she said, taking a step towards the bed.

Janet frowned. The words didn’t sound the least bit sincere.

“Really?” Stuart asked.

Mary flushed. “Of course. I’d have been here sooner, but I’ve been dealing with our insurance adjuster and a structural engineer and the police and the fire inspector and half a dozen other people. I didn’t get any sleep last night, either, of course, so I’m completely exhausted.”

“I suppose I was fortunate that I was unconscious for most of it,” Stuart said dryly.

“I wish I knew how you managed to sleep through everything that happened,” Mary replied.

“Yes, so do I,” Stuart said.

“Janet, it was nice of you to come to visit,” Mary said, giving Janet a look that clearly said “go away now.”

Janet smiled. “I was concerned about Stuart, obviously. Before you arrived, we were discussing where he could go when he gets released from hospital. I wasn’t certain where you were staying?” She made her statement a question.

“Oh, I’m staying with a friend, but she won’t have room for Stuart, too. He’ll have to make his own arrangements,” Mary replied.

“Will he?” Stuart asked.

Mary looked at him and then shrugged. “I wish I had better news for you, but for the moment, it appears we’re going to have to live apart for a short while. Maybe you could stay with your girlfriend.”

“If only I had one,” Stuart muttered.

“I was hoping to go away again in the next week or so,” Mary continued. “I was going to spend a few days with Philip before I went to visit Paul, you see. I’ve been told that I can’t leave until the police complete their investigation into the fire, though.”

“And your friend will let you stay with her until you’re allowed to go?” Janet asked.

Mary nodded. “She’s very kind.”

“I’ve told Stuart he can stay at Doveby House,” Janet said.

Mary turned red. “That would suit you both, wouldn’t it?” she asked harshly.

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