Foxden Hotel (The Dudley Sisters Saga Book 5) by Madalyn Morgan (ebook reader ink txt) 📕

light. Arrangements of daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and azaleas filled boat-shaped vases on the window ledges. Long-stemmed arums skirted the altar like a floral petticoat and the familiar sweet fragrance of lavender polish and vanilla candles filled the air.

The Crucifix stood opposite the pulpit and was decorated with dark blue Sea Holly thistle, and Milk and Scotch Cotton thistle. The thorny bunches were held in place by coloured raffia wound around the Cross’s simple plain oak plinth. At the foot of the Cross was a basket of eggs, which had been painted in bright colours by the children of St. Leonard’s Sunday School.

The sisters took their seats. There were no rules as to where anyone in the congregation sat for Sunday, or any other service at Mysterton Church, but the Dudley family had been worshiping there - and sitting in the same seats - for so many years that the front pew was unofficially reserved for them.

The Church was full. It always was at Christmas and Easter. Mysterton Church was where Lily and Tom Dudley were married, the Dudley siblings were christened, where Margot and Bill and Bess and Frank were married, and where their father Tom Dudley’s funeral service was held. That was a year ago, but it felt like yesterday, Bess thought. She still missed her father, all her sisters did. He had been a calming influence and the voice of reason to the sisters.

When the service had finished, Bess walked down the footpath, leaving Frank talking to the Vicar. ‘Always willing to give,’ Bess heard Frank say, ‘but I can’t stop now, I need to get back to the hotel, I’m on duty shortly. Call in one morning and have a cup of tea with us, and we’ll sort something out.’

‘By the look on the Vicar’s face he’s after money again,’ Bess said, when Frank caught her up.

‘Does he ever want anything else?’ Bess put her arm through Frank’s and together they stepped up their pace.

Back at the hotel, Bess’s sisters and brothers-in-law went to the bar where the men drank pints of beer and the women coffee. The family had sandwiches while the guests dined. Later, when they had the dining room to themselves, Margot stood up and, looking every bit as radiant as the bonniest of expectant mothers, said, ‘Bill and I have some news. We’re having a baby.’

Claire and Ena congratulated their sister, kissing her and then kissing their brother-in-law. Mitch and Henry left their seats and, after kissing Margot, shook Bill’s hand.

When Margot’s sisters had finished asking questions - How far along are you? When is the baby due? Do you want a girl or a boy? - and had returned to their seats, Bess waved to Sylvie, the waitress who had been attending them. Sylvie left the dining room immediately, returned a couple of minutes later, and waited in the corridor with the door open.

When Bess saw her, she jumped up. ‘Margot? Bill? Close your eyes and don’t open them until I tell you to.’ Bess motioned to Frank to close the curtains and turn out the lights, and then called Sylvie in. As the waitress began her slow walk from the door to the dining table, Bess said, ‘You can open them now.’

‘Oh my goodness.’ Margot cried, as Sylvie put an iced cake on the table in front of her and Bill. Written on top in lemon icing were the words Congratulations Margot and Bill. And In the middle of the cake were two lighted candles - one pink and one blue.

‘Blow the candles out,’ Claire shouted.

‘Make a wish,’ added Ena.’

‘Which shall I do first?’ Margot asked, taking a deep breath.

‘Blow and wish at the same time,’ Bess said, and Margot blew until both candles were extinguished. “Hooray!” her sisters shouted, cheering and applauding.

Bess looked along the table at Claire and Mitch, and Ena and Henry, they had stopped cheering and were staring at the door. She followed their gaze. Sergeant McGann and Constable Peg were standing in the doorway. McGann flicked on the lights.

Frank looked over his shoulder and, seeing the two policemen, stood up immediately, followed by Bill and then Mitch. ‘We’re in the middle of a family celebration, Sergeant McGann, this had better be important.’

‘Oh, it is, Mr Donnelly.’

‘Then tell us what it is you want, so we get back to enjoying ourselves?’

‘You’re what I want, Mr Donnelly. I want you to come to the station for an interview.’

‘What? I’m afraid you’re going to have to wait until tomorrow. Now if you don’t mind, it is Sunday afternoon and this is a private party.’

‘In that case,’ Sergeant McGann said, ‘Frank Donnelly, I am arresting you on suspicion of murder.’

CHAPTER SEVEN

‘Murder?’ Bess leapt out of her chair. ‘That’s ridiculous!’ Her sisters left their seats and joined Bess, standing behind her in a protective semi-circle.

‘Frank wouldn’t hurt a fly,’ Margot said.

‘He’s a gentle giant,’ added Ena.

‘Where’s your proof?’ Claire asked.

‘Yes!’ Bess said. ‘Don’t you need proof before you can cart an innocent man away?’

Looking at Bess with a bored expression, Sergeant McGann puffed out his chest and ignored their protests.

‘The sergeant is obviously talking about the murder of David Sutherland,’ Bess said to her sisters, taking in her brothers-in-law. ‘But, Sergeant,’ she said, looking daggers at McGann, ‘you are right off the mark accusing my husband of killing that pathetic excuse for a man, because he didn’t leave the hotel on New Year’s Eve. And there are twenty or more people who will swear to that.’

‘Six of them are here in this room,’ Bill said.

Bess looked at Henry, her eyes pleading for him to say something to help Frank, but he shook his head and lowered his gaze.

‘Even if I did go out,’ Frank said, putting an arm around Bess, ‘I have physical proof that