Manor House 03 - For Whom Death Tolls Read Online Free PDF Page A

would, seeing as how they are in the same unit."
    "I think it's a little more than that, isn't it, Polly?" Elizabeth asked gently.
    Polly nodded miserably.
    "Would you like to tell me about it?"
    Elizabeth listened carefully as Polly described the scene down at the Tudor Arms.
    "So you didn't see Sam after the fight, then?"
    "No, m'm, I didn't. But I know my Sam would never do nothing like killing someone. I just know he wouldn't, that's all."
    Elizabeth leaned back in the chair and sighed. "I hope you're right, Polly. I'd hate to think that you were involved with someone who could get you into a lot of trouble."
    Polly straightened her shoulders as if she were ready to take on the world. "Yes, m'm."
    Sensing that the young girl had nothing useful to add,Elizabeth changed the subject. "Well, let's get on with the work, then. I'd like to get these taken care of before Mr. Forrester arrives."
    She sorted through the invoices, wondering what was so important that Earl Monroe couldn't have waited until he got back to the Manor House that evening to tell her.
    She didn't have too much time to worry about Earl, since Brian Forrester arrived shortly before eleven, taking her away from the task of making arrangements to tour the cricket pavilion. Since the pavilion had been out of use for so long, she was concerned about the state of the establishment. If they were going to have a cricket match in the next week or two, no doubt there would be some pretty drastic cleaning to be done.
    When Martin announced the arrival of her visitor, she was somewhat irritated at being disturbed.
    It didn't help when Martin muttered out of the side of his mouth as he opened the door of the library, "Bit of a pompous ass, madam, if you ask me."
    "No one did, Martin," she reminded him. "Ask Violet to send up some coffee and biscuits, please."
    "Yes, madam." Martin's expression suggested that Violet's coffee was far superior for the likes of Brian Forrester, but he had the good grace not to voice his opinion.
    Elizabeth fixed a smile on her face and swept into the room, while Martin announced in his quavery voice, "Lady Elizabeth Hartleigh Compton. Mr. Forrester, your ladyship."
    A thick-set man rose from his chair and turned to face her. She couldn't help noticing the raw redness of his cheeks and nose, suggesting that the man had a strong attachment to alcohol. His sandy hair was sprinkled liberally with gray, and his light blue eyes seemed to disappear beneath heavy, drooping lids.
    His pale gaze was quite insolent as it lingered overher from head to toe, leaving her with the unpleasant feeling of having been violated in some way. "It's a great pleasure to meet you, your ladyship," he said, giving her an old-fashioned bow that seemed only to ridicule her.
    "Mr. Forrester. Nice of you to come."
    "Nice of you to invite me, your ladyship. Very nice home you have here. Very nice. I especially like the dark paneling." He threw out his hand in an expansive gesture. "Very effect—" He broke off with a wince and rubbed his shoulder.
    Elizabeth felt compelled to ask, "Something wrong?"
    Forrester shook his head. "Slight sprain, that's all. I was moving some furniture for one of the old-agers. Old age creeping up on me as well, I suppose."
    His loud laugh irritated her, and she said quickly, "I understand you want to escort a tour of my home."
    "That's right, Lady Elizabeth. That
is
the right title, is it not?"
    Elizabeth inclined her head in graceful acknowledgment. "So, when can we expect you, and how many?"
    Forrester rubbed his pudgy hands together. "Ah, well, I have a busload of elderly people just dying to see your beautiful home, your ladyship. Just dying. You'll like our old-agers. Terrific group of people they are. So grateful for everything I do for them. Makes it a pleasure to take them out. That it does, indeed."
    The unexpected revelation surprised her. "You take them out often?"
    "As often as I can. I like to get them out of London now and then.