Superfluous Women by Carola Dunn

Author:Carola Dunn [Dunn, Carola]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466847415
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

NINETEEN

Daisy reached the Saracen’s Head at teatime. Edward the Boots informed her that Miss Sutcliffe was in the parlour.

“Oh, good. Please tell her I’ll join her shortly. Is Mr. Fletcher in?”

“No’m. He went to the p’lice station, him and Mr. Piper. That ’tec that was in the snug, he’s there today.”

Bother, Daisy thought crossly. It would be much more difficult to find out what was going on at the police station. She thanked Edward and went upstairs for a wash and brush-up, pondering Ernie Piper’s unexpected arrival. Then she headed for the ladies’ parlour.

A welcome fire burned in the grate. Isabel sat by it, alone, paging in a desultory way through a gardening magazine.

“Daisy!” She tossed the magazine onto the nearest table. “I’m glad you’re back. I’m feeling like a leper in here. Women I’ve seen at the shops, who’ve never appeared to notice my existence, keep peering in and instantly recognising me as connected with the murder. And going away again.”

“Never mind. Don’t let them stop us ordering tea. I’m parched.” She rang the bell. “I’ll tell you about what the rector and I found out, as soon as I’ve wetted my whistle.”

Sally came. “Edward said you’re back, Mrs. Fletcher. Tea?”

“Yes, please, Sally.”

“We’ve got lots in for tea, so it may be a little bit. The ladies are all going in the dining room, though. You’ve got it nice and peaceful here.”

“They’re all talking about us, aren’t they, Sally?” Isabel asked.

“About the murder, miss, yes. I’m listening out for anything about Mrs. Gray, being as I know Mr. Fletcher needs more information. That Sergeant Piper, madam, do you know him?”

“Oh yes, I regard him as a good friend. He’s staying here?”

“That he is. Seemed like a nice young man.”

“He is. And not married.”

“Oh, madam, that’s not what I meant at all,” Sally said, rosy-cheeked. “I’ll fetch your tea, ladies.”

Daisy waited till the door closed to say with a laugh, “Ernie’s made quite an impression there!”

“Do you really…” Isabel fell silent as the door opened again.

Two women came in—all the way in, and closed the door behind them. As the pair came over Daisy recognised Mrs. Turnbull.

“May we join you, Mrs. Fletcher?”

“Please do. This is Miss Sutcliffe.”

“Mrs. Barnes,” the rector’s wife introduced her companion.

Everyone murmured, “How do you do.”

“I met your husband last night, Mrs. Fletcher,” said Mrs. Barnes, “and Miss Chandler also. Your mutual friend, I believe?” She looked from Daisy to Isabel.

“As is Miss Leighton, of course,” Mrs. Turnbull added. “Miss Sutcliffe, I must apologise for not having called at Cherry Trees. I was away when you moved in and then I got swamped with catching up. I’m afraid the three of you are going through a time of troubles.”

“That’s one way of putting it!” said Isabel.

“If there’s anything I can do to help or advise…”

“I don’t suppose you have any influence over Mrs. Hedger? The cleaning lady?”

“None whatsoever,” the rector’s wife admitted tartly. “She’s not an Anglican.”

“But I doubt the Congregational pastor can help you either,” said Mrs.

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