Fire When Ready (Manor House Mystery) Read Online Free PDF

New opportunities. A chance for Sitting Marsh to grow and prosper."
    Elizabeth sighed. "I'm afraid that's the problem. The older people don't want things to change. They like things the way they are."
    McNally gave her a probing glance. "Is that how you feel, your ladyship?"
    "I want what's best for my people." Elizabeth glanced up at the unsightly building. "I have to be honest, Mr. McNally. Right now, I'm not sure what that is."
    "Well, it'll work out, you'll see." McNally rubbed his hands together. "Just wait until we get cracking on the production lines and the workers start bringing home those big paychecks. That'll change their minds in a hurry."
    Elizabeth had her doubts on that score. A good many of the villagers considered money the root of all evil. But she kept her counsel for now. Time would indeed tell. And perhaps McNally was right. Perhaps new life was exactly what Sitting Marsh needed to bring it out of the dark ages and into a bright new future.
    After bidding the Scotsman farewell, she made her way across the car park to where she'd left her motorcycle. As she approached, she saw the stocky figure of Captain Wally Carbunkle waving to her. She headed toward him, her heartsinking when she saw Rita Crumm standing at his side. She wished now she'd pretended not to notice Wally's greeting. Fortunately, the rest of Rita's entourage appeared to have dispersed, no doubt anxious to get back to the security of their homes.
    Wally pulled his sea captain's cap from his head as she approached. He'd trimmed his normally bushy white beard and mustache and looked quite dapper. Rita seemed a little uneasy, her gaze darting everywhere except at Elizabeth when she paused in front of them.
    "Your ladyship," Wally said, "that was a dandy speech. Got me right here." He jammed a thumb in his chest. "Very stirring. Aye, indeed."
    "Thank you, Captain." Elizabeth did her best to ignore Rita, who was fidgeting with her gloves, pulling them on and off. "I hope I managed to ease some of the concerns of the villagers."
    "Oh, I reckon you did at that." Wally beamed. "I've been trying to do a bit of that, myself, you know. Since I'm the new night watchman for the factory."
    Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. "You're working for Mr. McNally?"
    Wally puffed out his chest. "That's right, your ladyship. Mr. McNally needed someone for the job and I volunteered. After all, we can't be too careful now, can we. Very dangerous stuff going on in this establishment. McNally needs someone responsible to watch over it at night."
    "Yes, indeed," Elizabeth murmured. "But I was under the impression you'd retired."
    "From the sea, m'm, yes, I have." He leaned toward her and winked. "But now I'm getting married, I'm going to need a little extra, so to speak. I have to keep my bride in the manner to which she's been accustomed."
    "Well, that shouldn't be too difficult," Rita said huffily.
    Ignoring her, Wally smiled at Elizabeth. "Speaking of which, your ladyship, seeing as how Priscilla and me are taking the plunge, I was wondering if you'd do us the honor of attending our little ceremony. I know my little lady would be very happy to see you there."
    "I'd be delighted to come to your wedding," Elizabeth said warmly. "Just give Polly all the details. I shall look forward to it."
    "Thank you, Lady Elizabeth. Priscilla will be very pleased."
    "Is it going to be a big wedding?" Rita asked loudly.
    Wally started as if he'd forgotten she was there. "What? Oh, no, Mrs. Crumm. Not at all. Just a few close friends and relatives, that's all."
    Rita smoothed her gloves on again. "I see." She glanced slyly at Elizabeth. "I hope you didn't take anything I said this morning personally, your ladyship."
    "Of course not, Rita," Elizabeth said pleasantly. "You were stating your opinion, to which we are all entitled."
    "Exactly." Rita tossed her head back, nearly dislodging the floppy felt hat she wore. "After all, I have only the best interests of the people at