The Minstrel & The Beagle (The Midnight Minstrel Mysteries Book 1) by Lila K. Bell

Author:Lila K. Bell [Bell, Lila K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Raven's Quill Press
Published: 2019-04-24T22:00:00+00:00

9

After being witness to Roger’s grief — and feeling no small amount of guilt that I’d stuck my finger into the wound — I was in great need of a scone, complete with cream and jam. Which was convenient, considering my next stop was the tea room.

I took advantage of the walk back to town to shake off the weight of my conversation with Roger, losing myself in the sounds of the busy-for-a-small-town streets and the tantalizing aromas of the restaurants as they geared up for the lunch rush.

Roger and Barnaby might have fallen out, and Jeremy might have his reasons not to like the man, but so far Roger Hardwick was the only person who’d actually shown regret that Coleman was dead.

I thought about how sad that was, that a life could be stolen with no one left behind to grieve for the loss. If my parents were suddenly taken from me, I like to think I would at least be able to shed a few tears for them. We might have our differences, but they did keep me alive until I was old enough to do it for myself. I had to give them credit for that.

I reached Jennifer’s Tea Room and was pleased to discover it almost empty. Not great for Jennifer, of course, but I had no doubt that by afternoon each table would be full. Her high tea luncheons were to die for. She had these chocolate-lavender cupcakes that — anyway.

I settled for ordering a scone with a cup of tea and waited for Jasper to make an appearance. Usually he served as cook, but when it was quiet like this, he’d come out and serve as well. It was a smart way to keep costs down, and he benefited by the extra tips.

It took fifteen minutes, but he finally emerged with my lunch, and my stomach leapt with joy at the sight.

“This is the high point of my day,” I said, my mouth watering at the scent of blueberry and vanilla.

“I do have that effect on the ladies,” Jasper said with a charming smile. No wonder he and Jeremy got along. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you,” I said. Then I waited a beat before adding, “Actually, yes.”

My acting lessons in high school hadn’t been for nothing.

Jasper paused beside the table and looked down at me, his expression open and friendly.

“I just wanted to offer my sympathies. I know you’re a friend of Jeremy’s, so I’m sure his father’s death must have come as a shock to you, as well.”

“Uh, yeah,” Jasper said, my offering clearly taking him by surprise. “Absolutely. He was a decent guy. Always treated me well, anyway.”

“How is Jer holding up?” I asked. “I popped in on him yesterday, but I don’t think he’d really processed anything yet. I’m sure he regrets not being there with his dad that night. I understand he was at the Historical Society Gala with you?”

“I wouldn’t really say with me,” Jasper said.

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