Mistletoe Mystery (16 page)

When she had finished, there was a rapturous round of
applause and calls for an encore. Philly refused gracefully. The song had
stirred up disturbing emotions in her, remembering her godmother, and the few
precious moments they shared together.

As if Matt understood, he started playing one of the
livelier songs from
Oliver
, gesturing Puck, who had taken off the Santa
suit, to join him in a rousing chorus of
Consider Yourself.

Philly looked across to Mr. Scattergood. He was not exactly
smiling, but he was wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. He looked back at
Philly and raised a thumb, still not smiling, but nodding. She had made him
content, but in a very emotional way.

Scanning the room, to watch everyone join in the song
playing, Philly saw Mrs. Cunningham sat in a corner with her husband. She
seemed pensive again, involved in a discussion with her husband that clearly
disturbed them both. The reverend stroked his wife’s hair, and although Philly
was not much of a lip reader, she sensed he was saying, ‘Try not to worry about
it, darling.’

It was an hour later that Philly, Meg and Mrs. Cunningham
went upstairs to sort out Room One ready for the midnight feast.

“Are you alright, Mrs. Cunningham?” asked Meg when they were
at the top of the stairs. “You seem tired. Are you sure you want to do this?”

“What? Oh yes, dear. I’m fine. I just don’t have the energy
I used to have. But I think Philly’s idea is wonderful.”

“Well if it gets too much for you,” said Philly, “You let me
know.  There isn’t much to do. I want to check the radiator mostly.”

Philly opened the door and went in, to be met by a severe
blast of cold coming from the window. The curtain were drawn, but blowing open.
Flicking on the light, she took a few steps forward.

“Careful!” said Mrs. Cunningham, grabbing her arm.

Philly stopped short. On the floor in front of the window
was a pile of broken glass.