Death of a Hussy Read Online Free PDF Page A

speech of welcome. He studied her curiously, his eyes taking in the too-new tweeds, the heavy face, and the autocratic manner. He was forcibly reminded of a competent actress playing the part of a gentlewoman.
    There was something about her that disturbed him and as she came to the end of her speech, she drooped one eyelid at him in a definite wink. In that moment, he had an odd feeling that inside that fat tweed-covered body was a slim beauty who had put on some sort of middle-aged disguise for a joke.
    And then he realized he was being asked to make a speech.
    He climbed up on to the platform, his eyes resting briefly on Alison Kerr and then turning to Priscilla, who had joined her parents. His face lit up and he gave Priscilla a singularly sweet smile.
    He’s not bad, thought Alison, not bad at all. He had, she noticed for the first time, hazel eyes fringed with thick lashes.
    ‘Thank you all,’ said Hamish shyly. ‘You haff made me most welcome. I don’t know quite what to say. Och, just thank you all from the bottom o’ my heart.’
    Miss Monson began to play and Nessie and Jessie burst into their well-known rendering of ‘My Heart And I.’ When they had finished, Priscilla jumped to her feet. ‘Three cheers for Hamish,’ she shouted. And Hamish blushed as the cheers rang out and felt that awful lump in his throat. He wanted to get away and be by himself, but there was a welcome buffet luncheon laid out in the Lochdubh Hotel and more speeches, and so he forced himself to talk to everyone and try not to feel he did not deserve any of it.
    Priscilla came up to him and kissed him lightly on the cheek. ‘Stick it out a bit longer, Hamish,’ she whispered. ‘It’ll soon be over and then you can go home.’ Hamish looked at her with quick gratitude and then found he was beginning to enjoy himself.
    ‘Well, copper,’ said a throaty voice, ‘aren’t you going to thank me?’
    He looked down at Maggie Baird. He gave her a puzzled look and then his eyes began to dance with mischief. ‘Are you then the leader of the Lochdubh Mafia?’ he asked. ‘All thae crimes had poor Sergeant MacGregor not knowing whether he was coming or going.’
    Maggie gave a jolly laugh. ‘Someone had to think of something,’ she said. ‘You were very much missed and now I have met you, I can understand why.’
    ‘You are Mrs Baird,’ said Hamish. ‘You arrived after I left for Strathbane.’
    ‘Yes.’ Maggie became aware that Alison was tugging furtively at her sleeve, obviously hoping for an introduction, and she swung her great bulk a little way around so that Alison was shielded from Hamish. ‘I don’t know if I’ll stay long,’ went on Maggie airily, ‘but this little place amuses me for the moment.’
    ‘If you like peace and quiet, it’ll grow on you,’ said Hamish amiably. ‘I do not think I haff been introduced to this young lady.’ He looked over Maggie’s shoulder at Alison.
    ‘Oh, this is my niece, Alison Kerr. She’s just recovered from cancer which is why she looks a bit ratty.’
    Alison winced and Hamish said quickly, ‘You look chust fine to me, Miss Kerr. You must still be feeling awfy frightened. I mean, you must keep worrying that it might come back.’
    ‘Yes,’ said Alison gratefully. ‘It’s made me an awful coward, the fear, I mean. I’m frightened of my own shadow.’
    ‘Well, I suppose that’s as good an excuse as any,’ said Maggie nastily.
    ‘One o’ my cousins had an operation for cancer,’ Hamish went on as if Maggie hadn’t spoken. ‘He’s fine now. The fear goes away after a bit. It’s a bit like getting over the death of someone you loved.’
    Maggie gave a musical laugh and her blue eyes looked flirtatiously up into Hamish’s own. ‘Is this evening going to turn into a therapy session, or are you going to pay some attention to your saviour?’
    ‘Oh, aye,’ said Hamish with a grin. ‘I’m grateful to you, Mrs Baird.’
    Maggie put her hand on his arm. ‘And how