PH02 - Do Not Disturb Read Online Free PDF

could. “Enjoy your teas, ladies, and have a pleasant afternoon.”
    Phoebe watched the rotund figure squeeze her way past the tables to the kitchen. “I don’t know how pleasant an afternoon it can be after that piece of news,” she murmured, one hand still clasping her throat.
    Cecily smiled as Louise began unloading the plates from her tray. “Come now, Phoebe, don’t dwell on it. Just look at these delicious little Viennese tarts, and that Swiss roll looks wonderful.”

    “I hope we have egg and cress today.” Looking more cheerful, Phoebe plucked a sandwich from the plate and examined it. “They were all gone the last time I was here.”
    “These are egg and cress, and those are salmon and cucumber,” Louise said, picking up the empty tray. “I’ll return in a short moment with your hot water. I’m afraid I forgot to put it on the tray.”
    She hurried off, and Phoebe looked after her in surprise. “Her manner is a little strange, don’t you think?” she murmured.
    Cecily had entertained the same thought, but she said mildly, “It’s most likely nerves. After all, everything here is strange to her.”
    “Well, it is most apparent that the woman is not accustomed to this kind of work. Not only did she forget the hot water, depriving us of our second cup of tea, but she also neglected to give us serviettes.”
    “I’m sure she will soon settle down. Now, while we’re waiting, why don’t we discuss the plans for the bazaar?”
    Phoebe launched into a rapid account of the latest details, rummaging in her large handbag until she found the list of duties to be performed.
    Cecily was examining the list when Phoebe muttered, “Well, it’s about time. Wherever has that woman been?”
    Feeling sorry for Louise, Cecily gave her a smile as she set the hot water down on the table. “I wonder if you’d mind fetching us both a serviette?” she said quietly.
    Louise looked flustered. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Mrs. Sinclair. Do please forgive me. I can’t imagine what I was thinking of.” She rushed off again, missing Phoebe’s raised eyebrows.
    “Well, really,” Phoebe murmured. “She is remarkably absentminded, though I can understand why Dolly hired her. The woman speaks very well indeed, and obviously she comes from a good family. Quite a treat to be waited on by someone well bred. There are so few places in Badgers End where one can be treated with the courtesy and respect due to upper-class patrons.”

    Cecily said nothing as Louise returned to the table once more and placed a folded serviette in front of each of them, then rushed off again.
    Phoebe tutted, and shook out the large square of white linen. Placing it on her lap, she reached for her sandwich. “I suppose one should feel sorry for the woman. If one is to be widowed, the best one can hope for is to be left with the means of support. Thank heavens I do not have to work for a living. Dear Sedgely would never rest easy in his grave.”
    Cecily refrained from pointing out that “dear Sedgely” deserved a restless eternity, having failed to leave a will when he’d died from a fall while hunting. The Carter-Holmes family, having long deemed Phoebe beneath their station, had promptly disowned her and her son. It was Algie’s meager salary as a vicar that kept their heads above water. Phoebe had seen not a penny from Sedgely’s estate.
    “Louise is a widow?” Cecily picked up a slice of Battenburg cake with the tongs and transferred it to her plate. She regretted the question immediately.
    Phoebe leaned forward, her pale blue eyes glistening with the triumph of sharing a piece of gossip. “Her husband was a scientist. Traveled all over the world, so I’m told. There’s something very mysterious about his death. He was in Central America, working on a science project, and was infected with this strange disease. No one seemed to know what it was. Can you imagine?”
    Feeling uncomfortable, Cecily murmured, “Well, I’m quite sure there