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

For most of them I'm the only person outside their homes who cares whether they live or die. Sad, isn't it?"
    Elizabeth had to agree. "Very sad. I'm glad that we can provide a respite for them."
    "Of course, if they could all meet you personally, thatwould really mean a lot to them, your ladyship. I'm sure they won't be any trouble."
    "Regretfully, Mr. Forrester, my duties prevent me from socializing with the sightseers. My private quarters will be off limits, I'm afraid, and I should warn you that the war office has billeted several American officers with us, which will mean the east wing is also out of bounds."
    Forrester's bushy eyebrows raised. "Americans? In the Manor House? Surely you can't be serious?"
    "Perfectly serious, Mr. Forrester. One has to make sacrifices nowadays. Providing accommodations for some of the heroes who are fighting our war in the skies is a small thing to ask, under the circumstances."
    "I'd say that having to put up with those loudmouthed, insolent troublemakers is asking far too much from a lady such as yourself. What in damnation is the war office thinking? Don't they have any respect for the aristocracy these days?"
    Elizabeth lifted her chin. "I can assure you, Mr. Forrester, the Americans are perfect gentlemen, and will have no adverse effect on your tour, apart from eliminating the east wing, that is." She longed to tell this obnoxious man that it was none of his business whom she entertained in her home, but good manners compelled her to refrain.
    Instead, she informed him, "A vast section of the Manor House will be open to you, however, and the gardens are quite beautiful, even at this time of year. Since your clients are elderly, I think they will find the experience strenuous enough as it is."
    "Well, I suppose you're right." Forrester glanced at his watch. "I don't like to push them too hard, you know. They enjoy these outings so much, they tend to overdo things sometimes. I just hope we don't run into any of the American chaps, though. Might get the old dears a little too excited."
    "I'm quite sure the American officers will be far toobusy trying to stay alive in the skies to interrupt your tour," Elizabeth said dryly. "Now, if you will just give me the date you wish to come, I'll have my secretary write out an invoice for you. Payment is due by the day of the tour."
    "Not to worry." Forrester pulled a checkbook from his jacket pocket with a flourish. "We'll be down next Saturday, if that's all right with you. Just tell me the amount and you'll have your money today."
    Elizabeth could feel her cheeks burning as she returned to the office. Martin was right in his estimation. Brian Forrester was a pompous ass. How she hated being beholden to a man like that. Still, he seemed to genuinely care about his elderly charges, and as she had told Violet several times already, they really did need the money.
    She sent Polly back with the invoice and an apology, saying her duties prevented her from returning that day. A few minutes later she heard the growl of a motorcar engine. Glancing out of the window, she saw, with relief, a black sedan retreating a little too fast down the driveway. At least she wouldn't have to deal with the man again.
    Violet would be conducting the tour, with the help of Polly, and no doubt Martin, who would be prowling in the background keeping an alert eye on everything. Martin might not be able to move too swiftly, but he could sound quite imperative when provoked.
    Thus satisfied that she had fulfilled her obligation to the cause, she spent the rest of the day wondering what it was that Earl Monroe was so anxious to tell her.
    Elizabeth had to wait until after dinner that evening before she had a chance to talk to Earl. She was seated on her white wicker divan in the conservatory, when Violet announced that the major wished to see her.
    Elizabeth was rather pleased with her timing. She hadbeen hoping that Earl might visit her while she was enjoying an after-dinner