Nooks & Crannies Read Online Free PDF

suitcase next to him. “But if it don’t turn out, luv,” he murmured to himself, “I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you to the mess.”
    He stepped out of the booth and Tabitha remained hidden, not daring to peek. Masking herself behind thick velvet, she heard the man drop his suitcase at the front desk, indicating that they should hold it for him.
    â€œWhen will you be back?” the attendant asked.
    â€œHard to say. Sooner rather than later, I hope. Haven’t had a proper holiday in fifteen years.”
    But who was the man? A newly engaged newspaper man looking for gossip to sell to finance a wedding? That must be it, she decided. The countess having guests was sure to be quite a big deal, and nobody had gotten an interview yet. But if the money didn’t come through, he planned to jilt the unlucky lady? Adults, Tabitha decided, had an enormous capacity for cruelty. But then again, so did children. Cruelty, she supposed, was one of those skills that ripened with age, but could be learned and executed quite well during any of life’s stages.
    As soon as the man was gone and his business firmly decided, Tabitha wondered whether working for a newspaper might be a satisfying, mystery-solving type of profession. It hadn’t nearly the prestige of being an Inspector, but perhaps females (even one who happened to be an orphanage washer girl) might have a better chance of securing such a position.

    Several hours later Mr. and Mrs. Crum primped and prepped each other in the art of fine conversation, with the order that Tabitha remain quiet. Mr. Crum wore a high, wing-collared shirt, waistcoat, frock coat, and top hat, and had also purchased an elegant black cane. Mrs. Crum wore an ankle-length skirt and long, tunic-like jacket that required a straight-line corset she forced Tabitha to squeeze her into. “It’s the latest style,” she kept grunting. She fidgeted with her new broad-brimmed evening hat, which featured an entire stuffed hummingbird in addition to several large feathers.
    â€œWe’re wanted in the foyer. Come along,” said Mr. Crum, tapping his feet.
    Tabitha straightened her clothing. Mrs. Crum had bought her a black, knee-length dress in a shop for servants’ clothes, saying it was cheaper than mud, due to an odd stain on the front. “Don’t complain. They gave me this apron to cover it. Put it on. And you can wear your school sweater on top.”
    With her shabby shoes, the too-big dress, too-tight sweater, and the odd gray apron hanging down, she looked more like a scullery maid than a guest. But the apron’s pocket was handy for holding her mouse, and a small sweater hole would give Pemberley sufficient air, so she didn’t say a word. She’d managed to pin her hair back on both sides, which helped a bit.
    I still look ridiculous, Tabitha thought.
    â€œYou look ridiculous,” observed Mr. Crum. “We want her to look poor enough to be humble, but not that humble.”
    Mrs. Crum sighed, as though having to purchase an excess of poverty for Tabitha had been a terrible burden. “You’ll get the sympathy vote, that’s for certain.”
    â€œLet’s go, then.” Mr. Crum picked up the trunk he and Mrs. Crum were sharing.
    Tabitha lifted her carpetbag and followed her parents down the hallway precisely at a quarter to three. At the last moment, she’d fastened the tiny bittern pin to the edge of her dress collar to look a bit festive. Tabitha fancied the pin was good luck. Good luck needed for what, she hadn’t the slightest idea.
    The newspaperman in the telephone booth had been curious about the children, which was reason enough to believe that something very interesting could occur during the weekend ahead. Six children chosen to visit Hollingsworth Hall, seemingly at random, was apparently a story worthy of poking about for details. And from reading Inspector Pensive novels, Tabitha knew