British Manor Murder Read Online Free PDF Page A

frantically hailing the earl.
    â€œIs he hurt?” he asked as she drew closer.
    â€œI’m afraid so,” said the woman. “I think he may be beyond help.”

Chapter Three
    â€œO h d-d-dear,” stammered Perry, whose face had gone quite white. “Not the general. This is terrible, and what bad timing. . . .”
    â€œI really need you to come,” said the woman, who Lucy thought bore a strong resemblance to Perry. She was obviously upset and seemed to be physically struggling against the desire to grab Perry and drag him away.
    â€œOf course, of course.” Perry was once again doing his little dance around Lucy and Sue and the suitcases. “Duty calls,” he told them, “but if you continue on just a little way, through that door, you’ll find yourselves in the family kitchen. Sally should be there and she can show you to your rooms. I must apologize.”
    â€œNo need,” said Sue. “This is an emergency and you’re needed elsewhere.”
    â€œI’ll get back to you as soon as I can,” he promised, before dashing away along the passage and following the woman.
    â€œThat sounded bad,” said Lucy, fearing the worst as they resumed their trek. “I hope the general’s all right.”
    â€œThey did seem awfully upset,” said Sue.
    â€œI wonder if the general is a relative, perhaps an elderly uncle or something.”
    â€œOld people do tend to fall a lot.”
    â€œAnd they break their hips,” added Lucy. “Wouldn’t that be an awful beginning to our visit?”
    â€œDefinitely not optimal,” agreed Sue as they reached the door at the end of the corridor. She reached for the knob, which turned easily, and opened it, blinking a bit at the bright sunshine that was a sudden contrast to the dimly lit hallway.
    The two friends stepped inside and looked around, discovering a room that a shelter magazine would label a great room—a combination dream kitchen and cozy family room. The cabinets were obviously custom, the stainless steel refrigerator had double doors and was at least six-feet wide, the countertops were marble, the floor was stone, and a huge cream-colored Aga stove stood in a repurposed fireplace. Noticing the large pine dresser crammed with blue and white china, Lucy practically swooned.
    Beyond the kitchen area was a comfortable seating area where two large sofas and several easy chairs covered in flowery chintz were arranged so that sitters could choose to view the fireplace, the flat-screen TV, or the paved terrace outside the large French doors. A number of throws and assorted pillows were arranged on the furniture, promising complete ease and relaxation. Two large labs, one black and one yellow, were sprawled on the sofas, taking full advantage of the arrangement.
    â€œWow,” said Sue. “I didn’t expect this.”
    â€œWe’re not at Downton Abbey, that’s for sure,” said Lucy. “Mrs. Patmore would kill for this kitchen.”
    â€œThere’s no Mrs. Patmore, and not even poor overworked little Daisy,” said Sue. “Or Sally, for that matter.”
    Waking from their naps, the dogs yawned then set their eyes on the two intruders. Eager to pet them, Lucy approached the nearest, the yellow dog, but stopped in her tracks when the dog fixed his eyes on her and began growling.
    â€œNot friendly,” she said, retreating a few steps. When the black Lab also curled up its lip and growled, she decided discretion was the better part of valor and scurried over to the kitchen area where she joined Sue behind the large island. “What should we do?”
    â€œThose dogs are making me nervous,” said Sue, who was not an animal lover.
    â€œI don’t like the look of them, either. We can’t stay here.” Lucy was beginning to think the trip was a mistake.
    â€œMaybe we can help Perry with the general,” said Sue.
    â€œWhat can we