No Clue at the Inn (Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery Book 13) Read Online Free

insubordinate staff. I certainly don't intend to, and I sincerely hope that you will not stand for it, either. Not only is the Pennyfoot's reputation at stake, but ours, as well. If Edward has allowed the standards to deteriorate, then itwill be in everyone's best interests to restore some sense of decorum." He paused in front of her, a scowl marring his handsome features. "And you promised you wouldn't call me Bax."
    She rose. "Only when we are not alone. Calm down, dearest, it's not like you to become so agitated over something so trivial."
    He started to say something, but she laid her fingers on his mouth. "Jeanette reminds me of Gertie when she first started at the Pennyfoot. You must remember how sullen and rebellious she was? Always cursing and complaining?"
    To her relief a smile tugged at his lips. "I remember only too well. I despaired of her ever losing that stubborn insolence."
    Cecily laughed. "To be perfectly honest with you, I don't think she ever did. She just tempered it somewhat when she was in our presence."
    Baxter folded his arms around her. "No doubt you are right. I wonder if life is treating her well. And Mrs. Chubb, for that matter."
    Cecily pulled back to look up at his face. "Well, we shall very soon find out. I've invited them all as guests for the Christmas Season and they have accepted. Gertie, Ross and the twins, and Mrs. Chubb. They should arrive tomorrow."
    Baxter did his best to look unaffected by the news, but his eyes gleamed with pleasure. "Why didn't you tell me?"
    "I did mention it, actually. You weren't listening to me. It will make our duties here much more pleasant when we're surrounded by old friends."
    "I'm sure they will be ecstatic to find themselvesguests in the very establishment where they once waited on people. A refreshing turnabout of events, I would say."
    Cecily hugged him. "Then you are pleased?"
    He dropped a kiss on her nose. "I am pleased, my love. This was a good idea."
    "Then you'll be even more happy to know that Samuel, Doris, and Daisy will also be here, though Doris might be a little late in arriving since she has theater engagements."
    "Well, you have been busy." He moved away from her, and wandered over to the windows that overlooked the grounds. "Our former staff—all back as guests. It will be good to see everyone again. Though I hope they arrive soon. It looks as if it might snow."
    She went to stand beside him. "Everything appears to be much the same out there."
    "Yes, though the lawns seem a little ragged, and the topiaries need trimming."
    Cecily sighed. "They never did do as well after poor John Thimble died. I wonder if the roof garden is still there. We need to take a tour of the place as soon as we've talked to Miss Bunkle."
    Baxter sniffed. "Odd sort of woman, didn't you think? Looks like a good meal would do her good, and did you see that knitting needle stuck in her hair?"
    "Yes, I did wonder about that myself." Cecily went back to the dressing table and sat down in front of the huge mirror. "I'll have to ask her what she thought of the late manager, Barry Wrotham."
    "I was hoping you'd wait a day or two before concerning yourself about him."
    "I'd intended to wait until tomorrow, at least." Cecily began pulling the long pins from her hat. "But thatwas before Jeanette uttered that interesting comment about someone having 'done him in,' to use her quaint expression."
    Baxter groaned. "I might have known you'd pounce on that. I shouldn't have to warn you about taking the word of a housemaid as fact."
    "Quite right, darling. But since Edward, also, was under the impression that Barry Wrotham's death was not an accident, it does raise some questions, don't you think?"
    "Questions that, no doubt, you will do your utmost to have answered," Baxter said dryly.
    Cecily smiled. "As you would say, indubitably."
    He came and stood behind her, looking gravely at her reflection in the mirror. "You promised me you would not do anything impulsive without