Mrs. Lillywhite Investigates Books 1-3 by Emily Queen

Author:Emily Queen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: british mystery collection, Emily Queen, 1920s mysteries
Publisher: Willow Hill Books
Published: 2023-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“COME ON, ROSIE,” FREDERICK whined. “We can talk about alibis and opportunity just as easily in the park as we can at home. I can’t stand sitting inside in this sweltering heat.”

The weather had turned balmy, the heat rising up to strangle and stifle. Rosemary had to admit that an afternoon spent down by the riverbank sounded lovely, and hoped it would help clear her head so that they could solve this crime and get on with their much-needed holiday.

Vera and Desmond tossed in their lot with Frederick, and even if Rosemary hadn’t wanted to go, she wouldn’t have gone against the majority.

“Certainly, I’m game. I’m somewhat at a loose end until I get a call back from Max, anyway. Ask Wadsworth to tell the cook to pack us a picnic while Vera and I change our clothes,” Rosemary instructed.

“Yes, ma’am,” Desmond answered and headed off towards the kitchen to do Rosemary’s bidding.

Vera followed Rosemary upstairs, where they both changed into cool summer dresses with floppy hats that would keep the sun out of their eyes. By the time everyone was ready to go, the picnic basket packed and a blanket tucked under Frederick’s arm, the macabre feeling of being surrounded by death had lifted, and the foursome was in high spirits.

They enjoyed picking their way through the throngs of Londoners who had also been seduced to the riverbanks for a reprieve from the heat. Umbrellas festooned the landscape, children in various states of cleanliness ran amok, and couples perched along the banks to dangle their toes in the cool water.

“Here, I’ve found us a spot,” Desmond called from a shaded spot beneath a tree.

Beneath its leafy branches, several stone tables were set with chess pieces, pairs of players sitting quietly and focusing on their next move. Grunts of annoyance punctuated the relative quiet that enveloped the space, and finally, one elderly man swept his hand across the board, spilling knights and rooks onto the grass.

“Never again, Reginald,” he said to the man sitting across from him as he gathered himself together, albeit at a slower pace than his level of irritation indicated. Rosemary watched him bustle off, leaning on his cane, and tried to hold back a snort of laughter.

The man he’d been playing with, Reginald, merely grinned as his friend retreated, and looked to Rosemary’s group with a smile in his eyes. “He says that every time he loses, which happens frequently. He’ll be back tomorrow, I guarantee it.” He winked, then rose and made his way across the park in the opposite direction.

“Anyone fancy a match?” Desmond asked, hopefully.

Rosemary couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on his face, half a pout and half a challenge, that reminded her of their childhood together. Suddenly, she felt at ease with Desmond and allowed the trepidation she’d been feeling regarding seeing him again begin to dissipate. Rosemary realized it was becoming easier to let go of her worries and considered it a sign that her heart was beginning to heal.

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