Aunt Bessie Joins (An Isle of Man Cozy Mystery Book 10)

by Diana Xarissa

“It’s going well,” Mark whispered to her as they passed one another in one of the rooms.

  “The door to Carolyn’s room isn’t open,” Bessie told him. “I’d almost rather it stayed shut, but Carolyn will be upset when she finds out.”

  “One of the staff locked all the rooms while we were getting ready, at least the rooms that can be locked. When Henry unlocked everything just before we opened, he didn’t realise that room was finished. I’ll have someone get it opened as soon as I can, but it isn’t really a high priority for me right now.”

  Bessie hid a smile. If she were in Mark’s place, it wouldn’t be a priority for her, either. “Maybe Carolyn won’t notice,” she suggested.

  Mark shrugged. “She seems to be spending her evening with Michael. Last time I saw them, they hadn’t left the courtyard.”

  With that in mind, Bessie headed towards the courtyard. It took her a while to get there, as she knew many people and they all wanted to stop her and congratulate her on the event. When she finally reached the large outdoor space, it was nearly empty. Henry was hard at work, clearing up rubbish and collecting glasses. Laura was standing near the entrance, watching for late arrivals. A man was behind the corner bar, idly polishing glasses and watching his only two customers. Carolyn and Michael were standing very close together and talking quietly.

  “’Christmas at the Castle’ seems to be a success,” Bessie said as she reached the couple. “I’ve heard nothing but compliments from the guests.”

  “Have a glass of wine,” Michael suggested. “Surely you’ve earned one.”

  Bessie smiled and nodded at the man behind the bar.

  “Red or white?” he asked.

  Bessie couldn’t have cared less. “White,” she said, as that was what Michael and Carolyn were drinking.

  “We were worried about you,” she said to Michael as she took the glass from the bartender.

  “Carolyn was telling me,” Michael replied. “I didn’t realise I had to account for all of my movements to your committee.”

  Bessie flushed. “We probably overreacted,” she admitted. “But Mr. Hart’s murder is still on everyone’s mind. Since we’ve no idea who killed him or why, I think we’re all worried about everyone who is involved with ‘Christmas at the Castle.’”

  “And yet here we are at the grand opening,” Michael said, waving his drink. “If the police were worried about it, they wouldn’t have let us carry on, surely.”

  Bessie shrugged. “I’m just glad you turned up safe and sound.”

  “If a little bit drunk,” the man said, laughing.

  “Maybe you should have a walk around the castle,” Bessie suggested. “The lights on the trees are much more effective now that it’s dark outside. We were always working in daylight. I’ve never seen it quite like this.”

  Michael shrugged. “I’m enjoying the courtyard,” he told Bessie. “And the company.” He waved his glass again, this time towards Carolyn. She giggled.

  “It is nice and quiet out here,” she agreed. “Or it was.” She gave Bessie a pointed look.

  “We were sorry you missed the press conference,” Bessie said to Michael, ignoring Carolyn.

  “Couldn’t be helped,” Michael told her. “I tripped on the castle steps on my way in, you see. Tore the knee in my trousers. I had to go home and change. I couldn’t possibly have stayed like that for tonight.”

  “Mark has more press events coming up, in the lead up to the auction on Christmas Eve. I’m sure you’ll be able to get lots of publicity for your charity anyway,” Bessie told him.

  “What time does all of this finish?” Carolyn demanded. “I’m getting quite bored.”

  “You should go around the castle and talk to the guests,” Bessie suggested. As a committee member, it was what she should have been doing all night.

  “Or we could get out of here,” Michael said in a low voice. “We could go back to my flat and relax.”

  “Is that a proposition?” Carolyn asked, giggling.

  “It’s whatever you want it to be,” Michael told her with a wink.

  “I need to get back to our guests,” Bessie said stiffly. She put her almost untouched glass of wine on the bar and turned to walk away.

  “Oh, Bessie, don’t mind us,” Carolyn called after her. “We’re just playing.”

  Bessie didn’t bother to reply. She was nearly back to the castle entrance when she heard Carolyn yell.

  “Richard? What are you doing here?”

  Bessie turned and walked back to the bar, where Richard Teare was smiling humourlessly at his wife.

  “I was invited,” he told her. “It’s the grand opening and I thought it would be interesting to see exactly what you’ve been doing for the last month or so.” He turned and looked at Bessie. “Bessie Cubbon, you look beautiful tonight.”

  Bessie smiled and offered her hand. As the man shook it, she studied him. He was tall, with broad shoulders. His expensive suit had clearly been made for him. His hair was silver grey and his brown eyes, when they met Bessie’s, looked both tired and angry.

  “Richard, it’s lovely to see you again. Let me take you on a tour,” Bessie suggested.

  “I think that’s a job for my devoted wife,” he growled. “Come on, darling, show me around.”

  “I’m too tired,” Carolyn said. “Let Bessie do it. She knows far more about it all than I do, anyway.”

  “I don’t believe that. After all the hours and hours that you devoted to the site, you must know every inch of it,” Richard said mockingly.

  “I’m going back to my hotel,” Carolyn said. “Bessie can show you around or you can just go home and stop being silly.”

  “Silly? What’s silly about wanting to see what my wife has been doing for the month?” Richard asked. “I thought you liked it when I showed an interest in your little projects.”

  “I’ll walk you to your hotel,” Michael offered. “I’ve had enough ‘Christmas at the Castle’ for today.”

  Richard turned and looked the man up and down. “I do hope you aren’t serious,” he said sharply. “I know my wife has had a few drinks, but she isn’t about to fall into bed with someone like you because of it.”

  Michael flushed. “I was just offering to escort her to her hotel, nothing more.”

  Richard chuckled. “Yes, of course,” he said. “Just remember that I control the purse strings in our house. My darling wife isn’t in a position to buy expensive presents for her little diversions and she isn’t going to convince me to make a huge donation to your charity, either.”

  “I was just trying to be helpful,” Michael said through gritted teeth.

  “Don’t argue over little old me,” Carolyn simpered. “I’m sure Michael’s intentions were honourable,” she told her husband. “He’s kind and sweet, really.”

  “And far too young for you, dear,” Richard said.

  Carolyn’s face reddened. “You know I’m devoted to you,” she said.

  Richard laughed. “I know you’re devoted to my money,” he said. “I don’t think you care about me in the slightest.”

  “There you all are,” Mary’s voice floated across the courtyard. “You’re missing all of the fun.”

  She and Natasha crossed over to the bar and Mary smiled brightly at everyone. “Ah, Richard, how wonderful that you were able to make it. Come and see what we’ve done. I’m sure you’ll be impressed,” she said, taking Richard’s arm.

  “I thought I would have Carolyn show me around,” he said.

  “Oh, leave her here to relax,” Mary replied. “She worked hard all day to get the last room finished. She’s earned a break and a glass of wine.”

  Bessie sighed with relief as Mary pulled Richard away into the castle.

  “He’s very handsome,” Natasha remarked with a sly smile.

  “And he’s very married,” Carolyn snapped at her.

  “Maybe I should walk you to your hotel before he gets back,” Michael suggested to Carolyn.

 
“I don’t know,” she replied. “I think maybe I should stay and see what he thinks of it all.”

  “Mary and I can look after him,” Natasha said. “He’ll be in very good hands.”

  Carolyn narrowed her eyes at the younger woman. “You need to keep your hands off my husband,” she hissed.

  “I hope you aren’t implying that I would chase after a married man,” Natasha said angrily. “There are plenty of men out there; I don’t have to chase after yours.”

  Carolyn didn’t reply, she just stared hard at Natasha. After a moment, Natasha laughed and turned her attention on Michael.

  “Maybe you could buy a girl a drink?” she said, winking at him.

  “I’d be happy to,” he said. “There’s a great little pub just across the road.”

  Natasha laughed again. “I think I’ll settle for a glass of wine here for now,” she said. “But the night is still young.”

  The bartender poured wine for Natasha and she moved to stand close to Michael. Carolyn sipped her drink while glaring at the pair of them. Bessie wanted to head back into the castle, but she worried about leaving the unhappy little group behind. The last thing they needed during the grand opening was a huge altercation, and with tensions as high as they were, it seemed like that could happen at any moment.

  “Do you think we should close the bar?” Henry whispered to Bessie as he passed used glasses to the bartender.

  “Mark wanted drinks available until the end of the night,” Bessie said. “He thought people might like to stop for another glass of wine before they leave. It’s meant to be a party, after all.”

  “Doesn’t feel too festive with that lot bickering,” Henry grumbled.

  Bessie patted his arm. “You’re doing a wonderful job. Don’t you worry about anything.”

  “I can’t help but worry,” he replied. “I keep thinking someone’s going to find a body somewhere.”

  Bessie shook her head, even though she’d had the same feeling. “It’s going to be fine,” she insisted. “Even better once we get Carolyn and Richard out of here.”

  “Preferably not together,” Henry muttered.

  People were beginning to leave now and Bessie wasn’t surprised to find that Mark had been correct. A number of guests stopped at the bar on their way out to have a quick drink before heading home.

  “It was wonderful,” one of Bessie’s friends told her. “I’d have loved to see the whole castle decorated, not just a few rooms.”

  “Maybe next year,” Bessie replied. “We started planning far too late to do any more than what we did.”

  She was so busy chatting with guests that she didn’t notice Richard’s return until he spoke to her.

  “You’re to be congratulated,” he said. “It’s much nicer than I imagined it would be.”

  Bessie smiled at the oddly worded praise. “Thank you. Carolyn worked very hard, you know.”

  “Carolyn flitted around and got in the way and whenever there was real work to be done, brought in hired help,” he corrected her. “I know my wife and her, um, limitations, shall we say.”

  “We couldn’t have done it without her,” Bessie replied truthfully. Carolyn’s paid staff had done a great deal of the work over the last month.

  “Is Carolyn involved with that young man, then?” he asked.

  “You mean Michael Beach? I hardly think so.”

  “He’s only after her money and position in Manx society,” Richard said. “Although Carolyn doesn’t seem to mind being used if she also gets what she wants.”

  Bessie bit back a dozen retorts. “Maybe you two should have a holiday somewhere,” she suggested after a moment.

  “I’m too busy with work at the moment to even consider that. I was thinking maybe we should simply go our separate ways.”

  Bessie tried not to look as shocked as she felt. “I’m sure that would devastate Carolyn.”

  “Maybe I’m just tired of being used myself.”

  “Bessie, what are you and my darling husband chatting about?” Carolyn asked in an artificially light tone.

  “Just telling her how much I enjoyed the display,” Richard said.

  Carolyn wound her arm through her husband’s. “You should be telling me that,” she pouted. “I worked hard, too.”

  “I’m sure you did, dear,” he said, patting her hand.

  “I have a hotel room all booked and paid for,” she said to the man in a loud whisper. “Why don’t we both go back there and celebrate a successful grand opening together.”

  “I’d rather sleep in my own bed, thank you,” he replied stiffly.

  “Did you enjoy the display?” Natasha asked Richard as she joined them.

  “I did, very much,” he replied. “I understand you were instrumental in fine-tuning every room. You did an excellent job. Perhaps we could talk about you doing some work for me.”

  “I’m in charge of the decorating in our house,” Carolyn said angrily.

  “I’m thinking of redecorating my offices in Douglas,” Richard told her.

  “We just did those last year,” Carolyn snapped back. “Christo did them for you. They’re perfect.”

  “They’re totally lacking in functionality,” Richard replied. “One conference room looks like a prostitute’s bedroom, full of soft couches with pillows and curtains and drapes everywhere, and the other one looks like a doctor’s surgery, all stark white and stainless steel surfaces and hard plastic chairs. I feel like every time I have a meeting I have to chose between seducing my clients or trying to stick a knife in them.”

  “But that’s exactly what you do,” Carolyn told him.

  “Perhaps, but one must be subtle about such things,” Richard replied.

  Bessie hid a smile by taking a sip of wine.

  “I really must see those rooms,” Natasha said. “They sound awful, and exactly like Christopher Hart.”

  “He did amazing and interesting things,” Carolyn said loudly. “Anyone can put a table and chairs in a room and call it a conference room. Christo gave everything he designed its own unique personality.”

  “Are you staying in Douglas?” Richard asked Natasha.

  “I am, yes,” she replied. “Actually, at the Seaside Hotel.”

  “Why don’t I give you a ride back to your hotel,” Richard suggested. “We can stop in my office on the way there and I can show you the rooms I want redoing.”

  “I’ll come, too,” Carolyn announced.

  “Don’t be silly, darling. You have a hotel room here for tonight,” Richard said.

  “I can cancel that,” Carolyn replied. “I didn’t know you were coming down, that’s all. Of course I’ll come home with you.”

  “You know I hate to waste money,” Richard told her. “I’ve paid for that hotel room. I want you to use it.”

  Carolyn stared at him for a moment and then tossed her head. “Of course, if that’s what you want. I’ll just have Michael walk me over there.”

  “Whatever you like,” Richard said, waving his hand as if he wasn’t interested.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the castle will be closing in thirty minutes. If anyone wants a last look around, now is your chance,” Mark announced from the centre of the courtyard.

  A few people headed back towards the castle entrance. Bessie decided to join them.

  “I know I’ve seen it a hundred times,” she said to no one in particular. “But I really want to see it again.”

  “I’d love to show you around again,” Natasha said to Richard. “I can point out some of the little changes I made.”

  “That sounds interesting,” Richard said. He offered the woman his arm and she took it with a satisfied smile.

  “Shall we?” Michael asked Carolyn as he rejoined the group. Carolyn nodded grimly and took Michael’s arm. The pair followed Natasha and Richard towards the castle entrance.

  Bessie followed more slowly.

  “May I join you?” Mary Quayle asked as Bessie crossed the courtyard.

&n
bsp; “Of course,” Bessie replied. “I feel like we need to keep an eye on those four,” she muttered as they entered the first room.

  “I know what you mean,” Mary whispered. “My children were less work when they were toddlers.”

  Bessie chuckled. Across the room, Natasha was whispering to Richard while Carolyn glared at her. Michael was talking to her, but she didn’t seem to be listening.

  The same pattern continued around the castle. By the time they reached the banquet room, Bessie had had enough.

  “I’m going home,” she announced to everyone.

  “There’s only my room left,” Carolyn said. “I do wonder what people have had to say about it.”

  “Unfortunately, the door has been locked all evening,” Mark said.

  Bessie hadn’t seen him come up behind them all, but she felt relieved when she saw him. Surely he could calm the volatile situation.

  “Locked? How did that happen?” Carolyn demanded.

  “We were concerned that some of the items you used for decorating might be valuable, so we locked the door while everyone was getting ready for this evening,” he explained. “Unfortunately, no one remembered to unlock it once everything got underway.”

  “Someone should lose their job over this,” Carolyn said darkly.

  “That would be me,” Mark replied. “You are, of course, free to share your thoughts with my supervisor at MNH.”

  “I didn’t mean you,” Carolyn replied. “Who was responsible for unlocking the door, exactly?”

  “As site supervisor, the ultimate responsibility was mine,” Mark said smoothly. “I was tied up at the front gate, but I should have come through and checked that everything was done before we opened. As I said, you can complain to my supervisor.”

  Carolyn flushed, but didn’t speak.

  “No one will be complaining about you,” Richard called from where he was whispering with Natasha. “You’ve done a good job with this whole thing. But if the room can be open now, let’s take a look.”

  Mark nodded. “I’ve brought up the key,” he told them.

  Mark crossed the room and walked down the short corridor to the room that everyone had worked so hard on decorating that day. He turned the key in the lock and then pulled the door open.