No Clue at the Inn (Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery Book 13) (32 page)

BOOK: No Clue at the Inn (Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery Book 13)
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"Well, I suppose Baxter can wait another minute or two." She started to move away, then added, "But I warn you, my husband has a nasty temper that is sure to explode if he's kept waiting too long."

"Gotcha, Mrs. B. . . . er . . . Baxter. Won't be more than a minute or two, I swear."

She watched him sprint for the kitchen steps, wondering what he'd say when he discovered Mrs. Chubb and Gertie back at their posts. She felt a little lift of her spirits when she envisioned telling them her good news. Perhaps, once this was all over, it would be a good Christmas after all.

At Cecily's request, the entire staff assembled in the ballroom late that afternoon. Having forgotten her invitation to Phoebe and Madeline, Cecily spent a few minutes
recounting to them everything that had happened, then invited both her friends to join her for her official announcement.

Although Phoebe pestered her with questions, Cecily refused to tell either her or Madeline what the announcement would be, and they had to be content with joining the anxious group in the crowded ballroom.

Cecily was pleased to see a Christmas tree had been placed in two of the corners, which Madeline promised would be decorated in time for Christmas Eve. She had suggested leaving off the candles this time, but Cecily insisted that the tradition be followed as usual. Except the ceremony would now be held in the ballroom instead of her beloved library.

As she and Baxter took the stage, the chattering spectators fell silent. Cecily stepped to the center, and looked down on the sea of faces in front of her. She spoke briefly about Jeanette, announcing that her murderer had been apprehended, and asking everyone to remember the young maid this Christmas and pray for her soul.

Then she called upon Mrs. Chubb, Gertie, and Samuel to join her on the stage. She introduced them, explaining to the rest of the staff, amid a great deal of cheering and clapping, that the three new members were permanent.

Gertie left the stage grinning from ear to ear, while Samuel gave the crowd a jaunty wave. As for Mrs. Chubb, she marched off with her head held high, as befitting her esteemed position as housekeeper of the Pennyfoot Country Club.

When everyone had quietened down, Cecily turned to her husband. "Do you want to tell them, or shall I?"

"No, my love," he said with a smile. "This was your
idea and you deserve the entire stage. Enjoy this moment." He walked off and left her alone.

She faced the crowd, who once again waited in silent expectation. "I have one more announcement to make," she said, smiling down at them. "In view of the fact that Mr. Sandringham will not be returning for a while, I have accepted the position of manager of this establishment, until such time other arrangements are made. With the help of my husband, and you, my wonderful staff, I hope to make the Pennyfoot Country Club the most favored resort on the southeast coast. I look forward to working with you all, and I wish every one of you a very happy Christmas."

Cheers rang out again, and Cecily smiled when she saw Mrs. Chubb and Gertie hug each other in delight. Things had all worked out rather nicely after all, she thought as she walked off the stage to join her husband. It was going to be a good Christmas.

Later, as she and Baxter stood in the warm kitchen accepting the congratulations of an excited Gertie and Mrs. Chubb, she really felt as if they had come home again.

After answering their questions as best they could, leaving out the fact that Baxter had gambled away their house, they joined everyone in a glass of hot cider punch, celebrating the return of the Pennyfoot staff.

"I never would have thought that Lady Lucille would have killed poor Jeanette," Mrs. Chubb said, her cheeks glowing from the effects of the cider. "She looked like such a delicate creature. As if one sneeze would knock her off her feet."

"Just goes to show," Gertie said, smacking her lips in
enjoyment, "you never can tell with them toffs." She glanced at Cecily. "What's going to happen to them all?"

Cecily dabbed her mouth with a serviette. "According to the inspector, Lionel Fitzhammer and Lady Lucille will be charged with murder. Sir John will have to stand witness, I'm afraid. It will be hard on him. I imagine both he and Percy Chatsworth will lose their seats on the Bench."

"It's the bloody wives I feel sorry for." Gertie wiped her mouth on her sleeve. "That Mrs. Peebles lost her husband, Mrs. Fitzhammer's old man will be in jail, and Mrs. Chatsworth's will be out of a job. Not a very good Christmas for any of the buggers, is it."

"Well, by this afternoon they will all have left." Cecily put down her glass and stood up. "I must talk to the men who are working on the library. They have promised to have most of the mess cleared up by Christmas Eve, though I'm afraid it will be a while before we can use the library again."

"We're just glad you got out of there alive," Mrs. Chubb said with feeling. "Thank Gawd Mr. Baxter went looking for you."

In a rare public show of affection, Baxter placed an arm about her shoulders and pulled her close. She looked up at him, warmed by the love glowing in his eyes. For a while she had thought she might lose that devotion, and the prospect had terrified her. One never knew how much one had until one was in danger of losing it.

"Here, here." Samuel lifted his glass. "Right now I'd like to make a toast. To the staff of the Pennyfoot, and our new manager."

"Yeah," Gertie said, raising her glass. "It'll be just like old times!"

Everyone raised their glasses at once and chorused, "Just like old times!"

Cecily blinked back tears. "It is, indeed, like old times. I'm so happy we are all together again. Happy Christmas, everyone. And God bless you all."

Author Bio

Kate Kingsbury is the national best-selling author of over sixty books. Her work has appeared on many bestseller lists and her books have sold all over the world. She lives on a golf course in Oregon with her husband, and a rat terrier who thinks she’s Great Dane. You can find her website at
www.doreenrobertshight.com
and if you “like” her Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Kingsbury/51478828226
where she keeps her fans updated with all the latest news, she will be delighted to answer your comments.

THE FIRST TWELVE PENNYFOOT HOTEL BOOKS

ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE KINDLE!

The Pennyfoot hides many secrets and its downstairs staff keeps a tight lip, even when the Edwardian aristocrats are dallying with damsels in the boudoirs, or gambling in the card rooms hidden below the floorboards. Should now and then someone fall prey to a dastardly murderer, however, it is up to Cecily Sinclair to restore order before Scotland Yard steps in and shuts down her infamous seaside hotel. Eccentric characters, mysterious guests and downstairs staff shenanigans add to the merriment of your visit to the Pennyfoot Hotel.

Room with a Clue

Do Not Disturb

Service for Two

Eat, Drink, and Be Buried

Check-Out Time

Grounds for Murder

Pay the Piper

Chivalry is Dead

Ring for Tomb Service

Death with Reservations

Dying Room Only

Maid to Murder

No Clue at the Inn

Fall in Love with Another Fantastic Mystery Series by Kate:

The Manor House Mystery Series, Available on Kindle!

A BICYCLE BUILT FOR MURDER

FOR WHOM DEATH TOLLS

DIG DEEP FOR MURDER

PAINT BY MURDER

BERRIED ALIVE

FIRE WHEN READY

Watch for this new series by Kate Kingsbury, written as Rebecca Kent:

THE BELLEHAVEN HOUSE MYSTERIES

It is the height of women’s suffrage in Edwardian England, and Meredith Llewellyn, headmistress of Bellehaven House Finishing School, has her hands full trying to turn rebellious, over-priviliged tomboys into graceful and accomplished young ladies. Her task is decidedly complicated by the ghosts of murder victims who insist on her helping them bring their killers to justice. Watch the fun as Meredith does her best to keep her ghost-sleuthing a secret from her wayward charges, while trying to convince her fellow teachers that she’s not insane.

High Marks for Murder

Finished Off

Murder Has No Class

BOOK: No Clue at the Inn (Pennyfoot Hotel Mystery Book 13)
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