Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton

Author:Nancy Atherton
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Mystery, Adult
ISBN: 9780670022434
Publisher: Viking Adult
Published: 2010-12-10T00:00:00+00:00

Thirteen

I called Willis, Sr., on my way to Anscombe Manor to let him know that I’d routed Elspeth Binney from her observation post.

“Thank you,” he said. “I will maintain a state of heightened vigilance nonetheless. Individuals who own binoculars may be inspired to imitate the observant Mrs. Binney.” He paused before saying meditatively, “I begin to think we were wrong to emphasize my client’s need for anonymity. The mystery surrounding him has done nothing but stimulate the villagers’ curiosity.”

“It doesn’t take much to stimulate the villagers’ curiosity,” I said dryly, “but you’re right. We’d have been better off if we’d told them that your client is”—I picked a name out of thin air—“Tim Thomson, a taxidermist from Topeka. Even they couldn’t get excited about a guy who stuffs dead animals for a living.”

“Perhaps you could drop a few hints to that effect? ” Willis, Sr., suggested.

“I could,” I said, “but it doesn’t really jibe with the story we’ve already established. Why would a taxidermist from Topeka insist on anonymity?”

Willis, Sr., answered without a moment’s hesitation. “Mr. Thomson has chosen to revise his last will and testament in a private and remote setting because he does not want his adult children—two wastrel sons and an ungrateful daughter—to learn that he has disinherited them. Will that do?”

“Absolutely,” I said, bedazzled by his inventiveness. “You have a knack for improvisation, William.”

“I have, alas, handled many similar cases in my time,” said Willis, Sr. “It required very little imagination to superimpose them on our taxidermist.”

“Where are Sally and Henrique?” I asked. “Since you’re speaking freely, I assume they’re not with you.”

“Lady Sarah and Señor Cocinero are enjoying a friendly game of billiards,” he replied, “but I believe they will retire shortly for a siesta.” He heaved an exasperated sigh. “I am not entirely convinced that they will retire to separate rooms.”

“They will,” I said reassuringly. “It’s been a tiring day for both of them, and there comes a time in everyone’s life when napping is more important than canoodling.”

“I hope devoutly that you are correct,” he said. “I beg your pardon, Lori, but I am required elsewhere. Mrs. Donovan wishes to discuss the dinner menu with me. Such as it is.”

The thought of not having to partake in a meal consisting of badly cooked pig parts cheered me greatly as I turned into Anscombe Manor’s curving drive.

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