The Connicle Curse Read Online Free Page B

fretting girl we’d seen that morning pushed through the swinging door balancing a large silver tray. She had been quite beside herself earlier in the day and appeared little better now. Her face was ashen and she was clearly in some disarray. As she set the tray in front of Miss Porter I noticed that the girl’s hands were trembling, leaving me with nothing but pity for the poor thing.
    â€œYou remember Mr. Pendragon and Mr. Pruitt,” Miss Porter said as she leaned over and began preparing our tea.
    â€œAye,” she answered at once, her eyes flitting down as she gave a well-practiced curtsy.
    â€œThey’re here at the behest of Mrs. Connicle. We must give them every assistance.”
    â€œYes, Miss Porter.” Letty nodded, her eyes still on the floor.
    â€œThank you, Letty.” The young girl took several steps back before giving another quick curtsy and fleeing the room. “You must forgive her. She is the newest member of the staff and is only just sixteen. Her mother is the Connicles’ cook, Edna Hollings. She’s been with them from the beginning. Almost twenty years now.”
    Colin flashed another smile. “We’ll need to speak with her. Has Mrs. Hollings been with the Connicles the longest?”
    â€œNo. That would be their driver, Randolph. Randolph’s been with the Connicle family since Mr. Connicle was just a boy. When Mr. and Mrs. Connicle married, Randolph’s services were a gift to them from Mr. Connicle’s father.”
    â€œA gift, you say?! How very provocative,” Colin muttered, his poorly veiled disapproval not lost on Miss Porter as she averted her gaze with the thinnest of smiles. “And who else works in the household?”
    â€œThere is a couple, Alexa and Albert, who joined the staff about two years ago. They’ve been here the shortest if you don’t count Letty. Alexa is the scullery maid and Albert is the groundskeeper.”
    â€œAlexa and Albert . . .” Colin repeated thoughtfully. “I would suspect those aren’t their birth names.”
    â€œWhy, Mr. Pendragon”—Miss Porter looked startled—“how-ever could you know that?”
    â€œI assume Alexa is short for Alexandrina, our dear Victoria’s given name, making it too great a coincidence to have a married couple on-staff named after our sovereign and her late consort.”
    â€œHow very astute.” Miss Porter grinned. “I’m afraid I don’t actually know their given names. I’ve heard them, but like everyone else found them quite unpronounceable, which is why Mrs. Connicle lent them those. They’re not British, you see. They’re from the Kingdom of Dahomey in French West Africa.”
    â€œAh yes.” Colin nodded solemnly. “I believe the French claimed that as their own just last year.”
    â€œAfter a brutal two-year war,” I pointed out.
    He tossed me a patient smile. “And what war isn’t brutal?” I opened my mouth to respond before realizing he was entirely correct. “Is there anyone else on-staff?” Colin continued.
    â€œNo, sir. That’s all of us.”
    He settled back on the sofa with his tea held close. “At the risk of being a nuisance, I should very much like to speak with the staff tonight. We shan’t trouble them but a few minutes each.”
    Miss Porter acquiesced at once. “Shall I assemble everyone?”
    â€œIndividually would be best. I find people far more willing to speak their minds when given the opportunity to do so in private.”
    â€œCertainly,” she said, and once again I could see the stress and anxiety lingering just beneath her movement and words.
    The moment she stepped from the room I turned to Colin, who was already on his feet checking out a series of photographs atop the mantel. “She seems a bit unsure of herself,” I said.
    â€œShe’s too young to be running a household on her