PH02 - Do Not Disturb Read Online Free PDF Page B

are many diseases in that part of the world that are strange to us. It could have been some form of malaria, such as that which caused James’s death.”
    Phoebe looked abashed. “Oh, I do beg your pardon, Cecily. I think this might be painful for you. Shall I change the subject?”
    Cecily had already decided to do just that. “I have something to tell you that should interest you. You have a secret admirer.” She bit into the Battenburg, enjoying the almond flavor of the marzipan.
    A look of astonishment blanketed Phoebe’s face, andcolor swept over her cheeks. “I do? And who might that be, pray? Not that dreadful Colonel Fortescue, I hope. The man is quite deranged, of course. I would suspect he could be dangerous if he weren’t so completely ignorant. Then again, ignorance often can be just as dangerous as—”
    “Phoebe,” Cecily quietly interrupted, “it’s not Colonel Fortescue.”
    Phoebe snatched up her serviette from her lap and dabbed at her lips, then began violently fanning her face. “Then … who?”
    “Our new guest at the Pennyfoot. Sidney Rawlins.”
    Phoebe gave a small shriek, instantly muffled by her serviette. Her eyes looked wide and horrified above the white cloth, and the feathers on her huge hat trembled.
    Cecily calmly went on eating her cake.
    After a moment Phoebe lowered the cloth. “That man?” She’d uttered the word as if he were lowest of all animals.
    Surprised, Cecily wiped her fingers on her serviette. “You know him?”
    “Of course not. Nor do I wish to. I just happened to be in the lobby when he booked in. The man looks like a … a … Bohemian.” There was no doubting the disgust in her voice.
    Amused, Cecily nodded. “Yes, well, he is an artist.”
    “I knew it! With all that hair and those dreadful clothes …” Phoebe shook her head. “My dear, you really should be more careful who you allow on your premises. The man most likely never bathes. He must positively reek .”
    “Not that I’ve noticed.” Cecily took a slice of chocolate roll, reminding herself to forgo dinner that evening. “Anyway, he requested that Baxter arrange an introduction to you.”
    Phoebe’s expression of sheer horror was a delight to watch. “I presume that Mr. Baxter refused and put the man in his proper place?”
    “Actually, Baxter said he’d oblige.”
    A strange gurgling sound came from Phoebe’s throat.“You know, of course, that heathen is merely after my money.”
    “You don’t have any money.”
    Phoebe shot an alarmed glance around in case someone might have overheard. Leaning forward, she whispered fiercely, “He doesn’t know that.”
    Leaning forward also, Cecily whispered, “Then tell him.”
    “I can’t. I can’t have people know that the Carter-Holmeses are not quite as wealthy as they appear to be. Such a disgrace. It would kill Algie.”
    Cecily didn’t have the heart to tell Phoebe that her financial condition was common knowledge in the small village. Fortunately the villagers minded their own business and were much too concerned with their own lives to pay much heed to Phoebe’s futile attempts at grandeur.
    “Then tell Baxter you have no wish to be introduced,” she said, still in a whisper.
    “Why can’t you tell him?”
    Louise’s face suddenly appeared between them, producing a startled yelp from Phoebe.
    “Excuse me,” Louise murmured. “I apologize for interrupting, but there’s the little matter of the bill. Which one of you ladies will be taking care of it?”
    Cecily reached for it. “Thank you, Louise. You can leave it with me.” She could feel Phoebe’s penetrating gaze from across the table. She hoped Louise hadn’t noticed it. Phoebe’s curiosity could be quite intimidating when one was on the receiving end of it.
    She made a mental note to warn Baxter about Phoebe’s reaction when she got back to the hotel. Perhaps it would be more prudent to discourage the artist from pursuing an introduction to her. Though