An Anniversary to Die For Read Online Free Page A

and single,” Jerry said. “Susan, this food is sensational. How come you never told us about this place?”
    “To tell the truth, we hadn’t been here for thirty years. I don’t know why,” Jed answered for his wife.
    “I suppose we spend so much time at the Hancock Inn that we don’t search out other inns.” Susan turned to her husband. “Did you see Charles during the toast?” she asked, referring to the owner of the Hancock Inn.
    “Yes, he looked like he was having a sensational time. He’s with one of the best-looking women in the room.”
    “She’s beautiful. I didn’t catch her name when he introduced us, but she looks familiar.”
    “She works for him. She’s probably served us a hundred times and we didn’t even notice her.”
    “Just shows what a low-cut dress will do for you.”
    “Guess so. Uh-oh, it looks like Constance Twigg is heading over here. I hope nothing’s wrong.”
    But Constance had a smile on her face. “Mr. and Mrs. Henshaw, I don’t mean to interrupt your evening, but I wanted to make absolutely sure everything is to your satisfaction.”
    “Everything is a lot better than satisfactory,” Jed answered. “Everything is wonderful. I don’t know about our guests, but I’m having a sensational time.”
    “A man should enjoy his second honeymoon,” Constance Twigg said and then blushed.
    From behind her came a twitter. Alvena peered around her sister, eyebrows raised above pale blue eyes, a blush on her wrinkled face. “Oh, Constance, the things you say.”
    Constance stood up even straighter. “Don’t be silly, Alvena. I was speaking of the party, of course.”
    Jed stood up and took the situation in hand. “In fact, I’m having a wonderful time. The food is delicious, and the inn is beautiful.”
    “Oh, well then you can just write that very thing on our guest satisfaction survey. You’ll find a copy in your room. We do depend on our guests to help us improve our service. And we love getting compliments,” Alvena said, smiling happily.
    “But I’m afraid we can’t take all the credit for this party. Your wife picked out the menu and the decorations,” Constance said.
    “But you hired the chef and, of course, dear Mother designed the deck,” Alvena said.
    “Your mother designed this?” Susan asked. “I wondered who was responsible. It’s just fabulous—all the different levels. And it’s fantastic that it was built around the trees.”
    “Dear Mother loved trees,” Alvena said quietly. “She used to take us for long walks in the woods around here and . . .”
    “The Henshaws are not interested in tales of our quaint childhood,” Constance interrupted. “And if you don’t have anything else to say . . .”
    “I do,” Alvena insisted. “I’m here to ask the Henshaws what they would like us to do with their gifts.”
    “Oh, just put them in our room. I don’t think we should open them in front of our guests,” Susan answered.
    “Good idea,” Jed said. “We’ll open them later. I was wondering what we were going to do after our guests left.”
    Alvena squealed and scurried off.
    “She’s turned into such a foolish old woman. Suppose it’s because she never married,” Constance said, watching her sister’s back. Then she turned toward Jed and Susan. “I’d better check on the desserts. If you need me for anything, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
    “Thank you,” Susan said. After the sisters had gone, she turned to her husband. “You knew that would embarrass her!”
    “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
    “I thought your invitation specifically said no gifts.” Susan’s mother was working hard to ignore any sexual undercurrent to the conversation.
    “Yes, but you know how people are,” Claire said.
    “I hope you don’t mind gifts. Kath shopped for weeks to pick out ours,” Jerry said, wiping his mouth.
    “And it’s waiting at your house,” Kathleen added. “I didn’t want you to worry about getting it home.”
    “To say