Murder at Hartigan House by Lee Strauss

Author:Lee Strauss [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Cozy, International Mystery & Crime, Amateur Sleuth, Private Investigators, Women Sleuths, Traditional, General
ISBN: 9781988677026
Google: MuaODgAAQBAJ
Amazon: B072BMM595
Publisher: La Plume Press
Published: 2017-06-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Everything came together for the soirée as planned. Though Ginger would have like to have renovated the entire house, she was pleased with the transformation of the drawing room over such a short time. The deep burgundies found in the upholstery and curtains were replaced with lighter shades of rose. The walls were painted and papered with themes of ivory, grey and mint-green. There were far fewer pieces of furniture and accessories, yet enough to house a gathering of this size comfortably. Lizzie had arranged the candle lighting to perfection while Mrs. Thornton’s addition of vases filled with her garden wildflowers added to the relaxed atmosphere, giving the room a light floral scent.

“Pippins,” Ginger said. “Would you mind putting on a record?”

Pippins nodded subtly. “Of course, madam.”

Soon the gramophone filled the room with the Paul Whiteman orchestra.

“Marvin,” Ginger said, calling out to her temporary waiter, “you look dashing in that uniform.”

It had been Ginger’s idea to employ Scout and his older cousin Marvin for the night. Pippins and Mrs. Thornton showed their disapproval and doubt in Ginger’s common sense with carefully worded and emotionally toned-down expressions of caution. Ginger had insisted that she trusted these boys and her loyal staff accepted her decision gracefully.

“Thank ya, madam,” the boy said. He was tall and lanky as many sixteen-year-old boys are. Ginger was pleased when Pippins had produced a suit in Marvin’s size, once worn by a previous footman.

“It’s your job to help Pippins with the drinks. Make sure the glasses are washed and dried.”

The kitchen buzzed with energy. Mrs. Thornton had Scout peeling vegetables. Ginger held in a smile that threatened to burst through as she watched him. Part of the job requirements was for Scout and Marvin to bathe. Marvin jumped at the opportunity. However Scout was quick to express his disapproval. Marvin dragged Scout into the bathing room, but his noises of dissent could be heard all the way down the hall.

“It smells scrummy, Mrs. Thornton,” Ginger said.

“Thank you, madam. I ’ope you and your guests enjoy it.”

“I hope it wasn’t too much for you?”

“Pfft. This is a small affair.”

There was a new face in the kitchen, a tall girl about Lizzie’s age, with dark hair and large eyes. She bobbed when she saw Ginger.

“Hello,” Ginger said. “Who might you be?”

“I’m Grace Duncan, madam.”

Mrs. Thornton spoke up. “You told me to go a’ead and take on ’elp, madam.”

“Of course. Welcome to Hartigan House, Grace.”

Everyone had accepted the invitation: Dr. Longden, Mr. Hayes, Monsieur and Madame Moreau, Lord and Lady Brackenbury, Mrs. Schofield and Alfred Schofield, and Inspector Reed. Lord Turnbull telegrammed to say he’d be bringing a guest. With Ginger, Haley, Felicia and Ambrosia they numbered fifteen.

Ginger double-checked her reflection in the full-length mirror in the foyer. The sheer gold and emerald Callot Soeurs evening dress she wore sparkled in the light of the chandelier. She accented this with a delicate jewelled headband containing a featured emerald that rested on her forehead, and several ropes of pearls around her neck.

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