Quilt Trip: A Southern Quilting Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

wondering if I could have a word with you after supper.”
    “Of course,” murmured Holly, knitting her brows in confusion.
    This was greeted by silence until Dot Giles said in her jolly voice, “You’re right, Holly. They’re both important. As for jobs—they sure are tough, aren’t they, Winnie? And nobody is grateful for your service. Yessiree, it used to be that you could work for the same company for thirty years and get the gold watch at your retirement party. Sure isn’t the same, is it? No loyalty these days.” She clicked her tongue. “Such a pity!”
    Beatrice got the distinct impression that Dot was making a point of some kind.
    Meadow took a big bite of her sandwich, apparently not picking up on any of the negative vibes at the table. Miss Sissy glared balefully at her empty plate, and then peered hopefully at Colton Bradshaw’s. He had been picking at his food throughout the meal and had eaten only a few bites.
    Unlike Meadow, Posy was sensitive to the tension in the air. She sighed with relief when supper was finally declared over and they retired to their rooms for the night.
    •   •   •
     
    “Well, it’s a little musty in here, but it’s home,” said Meadow, turning down her covers. “Do you think we should open the windows for a few minutes to air out the room?”
    “Meadow, we’ll freeze to death if we do. It’s cold enough in this room already,” said Beatrice.
    “Once we pile all the quilts on, we’ll be nice and cozy,” said Meadow firmly. “Our room alone has almost ten quilts in it . . . plenty to keep us warm. Did you see this quilt? Isn’t it lovely?”
    All the quilts were lovely, actually. Muriel was clearly an adept quilter and apparently came from a long line of gifted quilters. The quilt that Meadow was pointing out was an excellent example. Although the colors were faded from time, red strawberries still popped on a creamy background. The fruit waved on delicate green stems.
    Meadow was continuing. “Yessiree, I think we’re in fine shape in this room. Except for that moose head on the wall over there. I’m thinking about throwing a quilt over the thing so it will stop gawking at me.”
    “At least we ended up with a flashlight. Even though it’s a pretty pitiful excuse for a flashlight.”
    “What’s nice about having a flashlight is that we can turn it on and off at a moment’s notice,” said Meadow. “We don’t have to fumble around with matches first.”
    “I hope it doesn’t immediately run out of batteries,” said Beatrice. And with that, the flashlight sputtered into darkness.
    Beatrice sighed. “Shoot. I should have knocked on wood.”
    “Yes, you should have. Heaven knows there’s plenty of heavy Victorian furniture to knock on. Oh, well. We were about to turn in anyway. Maybe we’ll win the lottery for the candles tomorrow night,” said Meadow.
    “I’m hoping we’ll be out of here by then!” Beatrice hesitated. “I think I should go to the bathroom once more before I go to sleep. I can feel my way out.”
    “Well, be careful. This is no time to break a hip.”
    No, it wasn’t. Beatrice carefully felt her way to the door and opened it to head for the small hall bathroom.
    As she stepped into the hall, she heard sobbing coming from downstairs, but she couldn’t see who was crying. Beatrice heard a steady-sounding Muriel saying, “Are you all right, Holly?”
    And finally Holly was able to stutter out, “No. No, I’m really not. Look, I need to turn in and get some sleep.”
    Muriel gave a dry laugh. “I’m tired, too, but I haven’t slept for weeks. I’m sure tonight won’t be any better with a houseful of guests. But I do have a sleeping pill that the doctor prescribed for me for when I really need to have a night’s sleep. I’ll take that tonight.”
    They both began to head up the stairs. Beatrice quickly stepped into the bathroom to avoid an uncomfortable encounter.
    •   •   •
     
    Beatrice slept