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

consulting me."
    She gazed at his image, marveling yet again at the circumstances that had granted her a second fulfilling love in her life. "I promised, my love, and I shall do my best to keep that promise."
    "I wonder why that doesn't ease my mind."
    "Because you are such a worrier." She removed her hat, then rose and moved into his arms again. "I am not about to do anything that would jeopardize my life right now. I'm far too happy. Besides, I would imagine that in a day or two we shall learn quite a bit about the Pennyfoot's previous manager without any real effort on my part."
    "I am happy to hear that."
    "Besides, it's Christmas. Church bells, Christmas carolers, sleigh rides, candles on the Christmas trees . . . how can one be preoccupied with dark thoughts at such a joyousseason of festivities?" She moved away from him. "I had messages sent to Phoebe and Madeline, informing them that we would be arriving today. I'm anxious to meet them again. I want to ask them if they'll assist me with the decorations and the pantomime."
    "You plan to present a pantomime?" Baxter shook his head in wry amusement. You have a little over two weeks left before Christmas Day."
    "All the more reason to begin preparations right away. I have decided to try our hand at
Aladdin
. I heard that Doris performed in the pantomime last year, so she can play Aladdin and she will be a tremendous help. If she gets here on time, that is."
    "I trust you're not asking Phoebe to use that infernal dance troupe in your pantomime."
    "It wouldn't be a Pennyfoot presentation without them."
    "Of course. The tradition must go on. Even if it spells disaster."
    She laughed. "I have to admit, poor Phoebe had her share of disasters. Fortune tended to work against her at every turn. I can only hope—" She broke off as a sharp tap sounded on the door.
    "It's about time," Baxter muttered as he strode through the door into the sitting room. "I was wondering what that dratted lad had done with our luggage."
    There was a pause while Baxter opened the door then, from the sitting room, Cecily heard Jeanette's clear voice announce, "I've brought some tea and scones, Mr. Baxter. Miss Bunkle says Mrs. Baxter must be dying for a cuppa."
    Cecily hurried into the room as Jeanette carried theheavy tray over to a low table in front of a settee. "How thoughtful of Miss Bunkle," she murmured, seating herself on the green sateen couch. "Thank you, Jeanette."
    "Yes, m'm." The young girl turned to Baxter. "Raymond said to tell you that your luggage will be up in a short while. We've just had eight toffs arrive and he had to take care of them. He said to say he's sorry for the delay."
    Baxter nodded, his expression clearly stating his displeasure.
    Jeanette reached for the teapot, but Cecily raised her hand. "Thank you, but I can manage. I'm sure you have quite enough to do with guests arriving."
    "Yes, m'm, that we do. All eight of them arrived at once, they did. Toffs from London with their wives. Raymond says the men are belchers from Lincoln's Inn, whatever that means."
    "Not belchers," Baxter said shortly. "Benchers. They are barristers, the governing body of the Inns of the Court."
    Jeanette appeared unimpressed. "Oh, well, anyway, the ladies are all dressed up really fancy—"
    "Since everyone is far too busy to attend to our luggage," Baxter said, sounding pompous now, "perhaps your presence downstairs might be helpful."
    Jeanette gave him a cheerful grin. "Yes, sir. I'm on my way." She scurried over to the door, then apparently remembering she'd omitted a curtsey, turned and dipped her knees. "Oh, I nearly forgot, m'm. Miss Bunkle said you had a visitor. Since you'd only just arrived and everything, she asked the lady to come back tomorrow."
    Cecily uttered a small gasp of disappointment at the thought of missing one of her friends. "Oh, who was it, doyou know? Mrs. Carter-Holmes? No, she's Fortescue now, of course. Or was it Miss Pengrath, perhaps?"
    Jeanette shook her head.