The Clue is in the Pudding Read Online Free Page A

handle and found the door unlocked. Opening it just a little, she put her mouth close to the gap. “Sir? Can I get you anything?”
    This time, there was nothing but silence from inside the room.
    The last thing in the world Gertie wanted was to go inside. Yet something told her she had to take a look. Very slowly, she pushed the door open.
    The room was lit by an oil lamp, set really low. The awful stench coming from the bed nearly sent her outside again, but she couldn’t leave without making sure the guest was all right. He was lying on his side with his back to her, his knees brought up to his chin. “Sir?” She moved a little closer to the bed. “Mr. Armitage? Are you ill?”
    There was no movement, and she moved even closer, until her outstretched hand could reach the man’s shoulder. Heart pounding, she shook him. He rolled over onto his back, his eyes, fixed and sightless, telling her what she’d already feared.
    Archibald Armitage was quite dead.

CHAPTER
    2
    “Really, Cecily, I’m shocked that you would allow a stranger to conduct the carol singing. I know quite well that the ceremony is your very favorite part of the entire season, and to trust it to someone you hardly know is taking a serious risk, don’t you think?”
    Cecily looked at the woman seated across from her. Phoebe Carter-Holmes was, as usual, dressed to perfection. Her hat, the same deep blue as her velvet coat, swept across her shoulders, its brim laden with white doves and silver ribbons. A huge white feather curled across the crown of the hat, and diamond hat pins twinkled in the glow from the fireplace.
    Phoebe sat with her white gloved fingers pressed against her cheek, while her dainty feet, encased in white boots, rested on the fender. Her expression was one of extreme distaste, and Cecily knew why. Phoebe was put out because she had been replaced as director of the carol singers.
    “I have been assured that Cuthbert Rickling is a fine musician,” Cecily said, with just a tinge of reproof. “He is quite the gentleman, most accommodating, and has offered his services for our carol-singing ceremony free of charge, and I find that most generous of him.”
    “You don’t say.” Phoebe’s voice was thick with disdain.
    Cecily tried again. “It’s the first time we’ve had a chance to have the church choir. As you well know, Mr. Templeton, the former choirmaster, was always much too busy this time of year to attend our little ceremony. Much as we enjoy them, this will make a nice change from the usual village carol singers. While I truly appreciate you taking on the task of organizing everything, Phoebe, I thought that having Mr. Rickling here would give you more time to take care of your Christmas presentation. You have always been so rushed before.”
    Phoebe tossed her head, causing her hat to tilt over her eyes. Straightening it, she muttered, “I’ve always managed quite well.”
    “Yes, you have, but having a choirmaster conducting the church choir will make such a difference and now you will be able to relax and enjoy the ceremony.”
    Phoebe sniffed. “Freddie said he saw Mr. Rickling buying bottles of scotch in the bar. In my opinion, people affiliated with the church shouldn’t be indulging in spirits.”
    Cecily frowned. “He may well have bought them for Christmas gifts. In any case, were Mr. Rickling not of exemplary character, I doubt that your son would tolerate him, much less employ him to lead the choir in his church.”
    Phoebe uttered a scornful laugh. “My son has no perception of character. I have been appalled at times at his choice of acquaintances. One simply cannot judge a man based on Algie’s recommendation.”
    Given that the Reverend Algernon Carter-Holmes had a questionable relationship with men in general, Cecily could hardly blame Phoebe for mistrusting his opinion. “Nevertheless,” she said firmly, “I am quite satisfied that Cuthbert Rickling’s choir will give us an excellent