Shades of Earl Grey Read Online Free Page B

ceiling. The rain had completely abated and now there was just darkness and roiling clouds overhead.
    Drayton saw her staring up at the ceiling and followed her gaze. “Do you think the roof just gave way?” he asked.
    â€œI suppose it did,” she said slowly, still staring upward. “It was an old greenhouse, after all. From before, when the Lady Goodwood used to raise their own orchids and camellias to pretty up the rooms and create centerpieces for the dining room.” Theodosia paused, thinking. “Maybe it was hit by lightning. There was that enormous flash.”
    â€œIt was positively cataclysmic,” agreed Drayton.
    Theodosia put her hand on the back of a wooden chair, dragged it across the sodden carpet until it was positioned directly beneath the jagged hole in the glass roof. She put one foot on the upholstered seat cushion. “Drayton, give me a boost up, will you?”
    Drayton stared at her as though she’d lost her mind. “Good heavens, Theodosia, just what do you think you’re going to accomplish?”
    â€œI want to take a look at this greenhouse ceiling.”
    â€œYes, I assumed as much. What I don’t understand is why. ”
    â€œStop acting like a parliamentarian and just help me, would you?”
    Drayton steadied the chair with one hand, extended his other hand to help Theodosia as she climbed up. “Don’t I always?” he muttered, affecting a slightly pompous attitude.
    â€œDarn,” said Theodosia from above.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI can’t really see anything. I’m not up high enough.”
    â€œGood. Then kindly hop down before you break your neck.” Drayton moved to assist her and glass crunched underfoot. “This is dreadful,” he declared. “Like walking on the proverbial bed of nails.”
    â€œYou folks okay?” called a voice from across the room.
    Drayton and Theodosia spun on their heels to find an older man in a gray jumpsuit staring at them. By the looks of the man’s outfit, he was one of the inn’s janitors.
    â€œWe’re fine,” said Theodosia. “You’re from maintenance?”
    â€œYup,” he nodded. “Harry Kreider, at your service.”
    â€œWould you by any chance have a ladder, Mr. Kreider?” asked Theodosia. “I’d like to take a peek at this ceiling.”
    â€œYou from the insurance company or something?” he asked.
    â€œNo,” she replied. “Just very curious. I was a guest here tonight.” She raised a hand, indicated Drayton. “We were both guests.”
    Harry Kreider cocked his head, assessing her request. “Certainly was a terrible thing,” he said. “I was sitting home watching reruns of NASCAR racing on TV when they called and told me the roof collapsed on some poor man.” He paused. “You ever watch NASCAR?”
    â€œNo,” said Drayton abruptly and Theodosia rolled her eyes at him.
    â€œYeah, I s’pose I could get you a ladder,” the janitor said slowly, scratching at his jowly cheeks with the back of his hand. “Storage closet’s just down the hall. Be back in a moment.”
    â€œThank you,” said Theodosia. “We really appreciate it.”
    â€œWhat is this about?” asked Drayton as they waited for the janitor to return with a step ladder. “What exactly are you looking for?”
    â€œNot sure,” said Theodosia.
    â€œWell, you’re up to something. ”
    There was a clunk and a thwack as the janitor angled a twelve-foot ladder through the double doors, scraping them slightly. He eased the ladder in on its side, then, when he’d caught his breath, set the ladder up directly beneath the gaping hole.
    â€œI’m sorry about this,” Drayton said to the janitor.
    â€œNo problem. Got to rig up a temporary patch for this hole anyway. Can’t have the rain coming in again. Whole place’ll be damp by morning