Murder at the Cathedral
Page 13
His words were commonplace, but the man’s effect on Belinda was electric. She jumped to her feet, cheeks reddening. “It’s a-a pleasure, Sandy.” In the awkward pause that followed, Libby slipped her feet back into her shoes, stepped forward, and held out a hand. With a little start, as though recollecting her manners, Belinda said, “Let me introduce Xavier Papadopoulos. He’s a sort of distant cousin of mine.”
“And you’re the mother of our handsome groom, Mrs Forest.” He pronounced the name slowly, rolling it round his mouth as though tasting each syllable.
The back of Libby’s neck prickled with discomfort. “We’re delighted Robert found Sarah. She’s a lovely young woman.”
Unblinking, the man watched her face, his smile enigmatic. “Indeed.” After an unnerving pause, he seemed to lose interest. The snake-like eyes re-focused on Belinda. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to talk this evening, while the young people dance, Belinda.”
She cleared her throat. “I-I’ll look forward to it.” The lie was obvious.
Without another word the grey man left. He strolled through the marquee with slow, measured steps, his back ramrod straight. Heads turned as he passed, as though his personal magnetism sucked in everyone within range. Libby breathed out, suddenly tired. “Your cousin’s a most unusual person.”
Belinda’s head turned towards Libby, but her eyes were vague. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
Maybe she didn’t want to discuss the man. Instead, Libby made a suggestion. “Would you like an appointment? I’ll ask Max to come. He’ll help with your money worries. He’s something of a financial genius, and very discreet.”
Belinda let out a little gasp, grabbed her bag, and hurried towards the exit. “N-no thanks. Forget I said anything. It’s nothing really. I’ll talk to Mike and we’ll sort things out.” She threw the words over her shoulder a she hurried away.
Libby’s mind seethed with curiosity. Why had the arrival of Xavier Papadopoulos upset Belinda so? Was it just that she was worried about being overheard?
Libby doubted that was the reason for the woman’s change of heart. Instinct told her Belinda was frightened of Xavier Papadopoulos.
Next moment, she’d forgotten about Belinda Carmichael. The atmosphere in the marquee had changed, the gentle hubbub of cheerful conversation died away. Libby rose, confused, as an angry voice carried from the far end of the marquee. Libby couldn’t make out the words. Then, her son Robert was at Libby’s side. “Sarah’s aunt’s causing an almighty fuss. She’s saying her ring’s been stolen. Can you come and help sort it out?”
Libby closed her eyes. Everything had been going too smoothly. She’d known something would go wrong.
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Acknowledgments
A great many people have helped in the development of this book and I want to take the opportunity to say a really big thank you.
I’ve enjoyed many visits to Wells Cathedral, one of the must-see sights of Somerset, and I warmly recommend it to anyone on a trip to England’s West Country. One very special afternoon I met with Kevin Spears, the Librarian. Immensely generous with his time and expertise, Kevin introduced me to the magnificent collection of ancient and valuable chained and unchained books in the library, and helped me develop the unique murder method used in the story.
Murder at the Cathedral is entirely fictional and no one in the book bears any resemblance to people I met at the cathedral or elsewhere, except for the famous Wells Cathedral cat who is a real-life character called Louis. The irascible librarian in Murder at the Cathedral is most definitely not based on the endlessly kind and helpful Kevin Spears.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my ‘Inner Circle’ of VIP readers who helped immeasurably with reading, revising and editing the book. The word ‘verger’ caused much head-scratching, as Wells Cathedral staff use the old spelling ‘virger.’ However, so many readers flagged this spelling as unusual that I decided, with sincere apologies to Wells Cathedral, to use the more familiar version.
I’m very grateful to Chris, Pippa and Nick, my three children, for their unfailing support and uncomplaining willingness to read my stories, and my final huge thank you goes to my husband. Dave provides the wonderful photographs gracing the covers of the Exham on Sea books, along with plenty of tea, sympathy and kind encouragement.
Frances Evesham books
The Exham on Sea Mysteries:
Contemporary Cosy Crime Fiction
Murder at the Lighthouse 2015
Murder on the Levels 2016
Murder on the Tor 2016
Murder at the Cathedral 2017
Murder at the Bridge 2017
The Thatcham Hall Mysteries:
Victorian Fiction
An Independent Woman 2014
Danger at Thatcham Hall 2015
Free Kindle Ebook:
True Crime
Murder Most Victorian 2015
I’d love you to drop me a line.
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