Lord James Harrington and the Autumn Mystery by Lynn Florkiewicz

Author:Lynn Florkiewicz [Florkiewicz, Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-09-20T04:00:00+00:00

Crowds spilled out of the theatres and onto the streets of London. As people passed one another, snippets of conversations could be heard about plays they’d seen, films enjoyed and restaurants either visited or yet to drop into. The evening was dry, but chilly, and a number of couples huddled outside bustling pubs, watching the traffic. Black cabs buzzed alongside red double-decker buses and bicycles weaved between them. A policeman, wearing his traffic band, took control of the queues building up along Shaftesbury Avenue.

James steered his group to The Salisbury in Covent Garden. It was a lively pub that his father had frequented because of his wartime friendship with the landlord. Built at the end of the nineteenth century, it was a triumph of gleaming mahogany, etched glass, bronzed nymphs and art nouveau light fittings.

He caught the landlord’s eye then nudged Beth and the Merryweathers in the direction of the far window, where they found a small round table and four stools.

The landlord lifted the bar shelf and, throwing a tea towel over his shoulder, greeted them both. ‘Lovely to see yer, your Lordship.’ He bowed to Beth. ‘Lady Harrington and guests. Haven’t seen you in an age.’

‘Rarely come up these days,’ said James. ‘How’s your father?’

The landlord winced. ‘Died last year. Heart attack we think, but his body was tired. I think he was ready to go.’

James expressed his condolences. Their respective fathers had both served in the Great War and an unlikely friendship had been forged between the two of them. Much like his friendship with Bert; some people were able to cross the classes and mix easily. The landlord leant on the bar.

‘What can I get yer?’

‘Two gin and tonics and two whisky and gingers.’

‘Coming right up.’

‘D-did you say B-Bert was joining us?’ said Stephen.

‘Yes,’ said James. ‘I believe he has more dress-material for the ladies.’

‘That’ll be for the wedding.’ Anne clasped her hands together and beamed at Beth. ‘I do so love a wedding.’

As the drinks arrived, Stephen told James that Dorothy Forbes had joined the sewing group for the bridesmaid dresses and that Rose and Lilac Crumb were tasked with decorating the church. Although the December wedding was a couple of months away, James complimented everyone on their organisation and particularly picked out Stephen for his delegation skills.

‘You certainly seem to know how to handle those Snoop Sisters, Stephen. I think you’re the first to have been able to integrate them into the community.’

‘M-many a lost sheep s-simply needs to feel loved.’

‘Oi, oi,’ came Bert’s familiar greeting. He called out for a pint of IPA and dragged a stool across. ‘And ’ow was The Mousetrap?’

‘Wonderful,’ said Beth, ‘although none of us guessed the end and the cast have sworn us all to secrecy.’

Bert pushed his cap back. ‘That’s why Agatha’s the best.’ He pushed a large package across to James. ‘Material.’

James secured it between him and Beth. ‘How much do we owe you?’

‘Nothin’ Jimmy boy. Call it a wedding present for GJ and Cath.’

‘But what

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