Candle for a Corpse by Marilyn Leach

Author:Marilyn Leach [Leach, Marilyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
ISBN: 9781611162523
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group
Published: 2012-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

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The next morning, what with excited packing, errands, and locking up, the threesome nearly missed the train. But once aboard, everyone relaxed. There was little conversation but a great deal of reading and watching the world zip past out the window. The countryside was refreshing. Yorkshire was picturesque, and when they rode past the berns that kiss the North Sea beaches, they were entranced. The sea was restless, and Berdie thought of the all those who called this part of England wild, ragged, or untamed. Those were the very qualities that drew her into the heartbeat of its wonder.

Departing the train, Berdie, Hugh, and Lillie inhaled the sea air with vigor. The wind was brisk as they scrambled to their hired vehicle. Hugh took the wheel while Berdie and Lillie drank in the stone fences, hedgerows, roaming sheep, and occasional homes that edged the narrow road to Nethpool House.

Upon approach, Berdie observed the baronial Arts and Crafts Hall with its plentiful turrets and private valley. She and Hugh had been here several times, but it was a first for Lillie.

When Hugh brought the vehicle to a stop in front of the hall-now-inn, no one had to be coaxed from the car.

“I’m gob smacked,” Lillie confessed and turned a slow spin. “I’m in a fairytale.”

“And you’re the princess,” Hugh offered, unpacking the bags from the boot.

Once inside, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Peach, the colorful owners, welcomed them.

“What’s on offer in the dining room this evening?” Hugh asked.

“Our specialty.” Mr. Peach smiled. “Tweed salmon and fresh grouse.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Berdie beamed and turned to Lillie. “People come from all round to dine at Nethpool, and it’s Michelin rated.”

“Just last night several people motored in from Edinburough,” Mr. Peach boasted.

Hugh hoisted a suitcase. “Well done. What say tea to the room in about twenty minutes?”

“I have fresh border cake with that, Reverend Elliott, and still warm.” Mrs. Peach was a perfect hostess.

Lillie insisted that she wanted the afternoon for a quiet lie in. But Berdie knew it was Lillie’s way of giving Hugh and Berdie time alone together, and she loved her friend all the more for it. They all agreed to meet in the dining room at half seven for the evening meal.

Hugh and Berdie arrived at the threesome’s reserved table a few moments early. It was easily spotted from the dining room entrance.

Pinecones woven into evergreen and holly wreaths scented the air. Polished red apples sprinkled with nuts in the shell exuded holiday cheer. The arrangements were accented with red and green tartan ribbons and bows. Large hurricane lamps brought a warm gleam to the polished wood that lined the walls. It came together to create a festive holiday touch to the rustic elegance of the room.

Berdie pulled the mysterious Livingston photo from her beaded evening bag that delightfully offset her midnight blue dinner dress. She handed the snap to her husband.

“Yes, that’s no doubt Holy Island,” he affirmed. “Of the four girls, Miriam looks oldest by far, mid-twenties perhaps. The youngest could be eleven, twelve.

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