Chapter Twenty-five #3
I gaped at him in astonishment. “It was very much that bad. This was supposed to be a family Christmas celebration. You and Robert weren’t even here for most of it.
” I held up my hand to tick off all the various problems on my fingers.
“Instead of snow, we had a gale. We found a dead body. Christine was helping Dr. Bertram with tissue tests, for heaven’s sake.
” I wrinkled my nose at the thought. “We all came far too close to being poisoned. And rather than partaking in the joys of the season, the children were dragged into a murder investigation.”
“So, just an ordinary week, hmm?”
I sent him a glare. “Don’t even try to jest.”
“The children were writing their story,” George said gently.
“Nevertheless, I fear they’ve had a very disappointing holiday.”
“Well, we shall be here for another week.”
“Perhaps we can make it up to them,” I mused.
George placed his cup and saucer on the window seat, stood, and clapped his hands until he had everyone’s attention.
“There is some debate on a topic on which I can claim no expertise. Since I was away for three days, I must turn to those of you who stayed here to enlighten me.” He spread his hands.
“Tell me, how is this family Christmas celebration working out?”
“This is the best Christmas ever!” Gregory had abandoned the window and was back under the tree.
Fiona gasped. “Gregory, come out from there this instant.”
“It is the best Christmas,” Rose echoed her cousin while throwing her arms around Cloud’s neck.
“When we set out from London, I was afraid it might be a little dull,” Christine said. “But it has turned out to be”—she glanced at Dr. Bertram—“very exciting.”
Lissette grinned. “I had fun over the past few days, but today is even better.”
“Surely you can’t be serious?” I gaped as I looked around the room. “All of you have enjoyed yourselves?”
There was a rousing cheer, most of the volume coming from the children.
“Can we do this again next Christmas?” Gregory, who had finally pulled himself out from under the tree, asked the question, which was quickly seconded by Grace and Rose.
“I shall be delighted to host everyone if Frances is agreeable,” Fiona said with a smile, putting me on the spot.
I looked at George, who held up his hands defensively. “This time, I think it only fair to let you decide, my dear.”
As if there were any decision to be made. “If everyone wishes to come back next year, I shall be happy to accept your invitation, Fi.”
The room grew noisy again, and George joined me on the window seat. “Shall we warn them that we can’t guarantee another corpse next year?” I asked him. “Will that be a problem, do you think?”
He slipped an arm around me and pulled me closer.
“They are not the ghouls you think them,” he said with a laugh.
“It wasn’t the murder, but the investigation, they enjoyed.
A family project of sorts. They all had the pleasure of participating in some way.
And a good thing they did, as I understand Ellis was of no help at all. ”
I considered his words. “Though I was frustrated with the constable’s lack of action, he did give me the confidence to tackle the investigation myself.
” I shook my head in wonder. “And you are right. Everyone helped. Fiona provided information about the villagers. Lissette was the first one to think of poison. And it was the children’s decision to have someone unrelated, like the Ghost of Christmas Present, as their killer that made me consider Dotty Digby as a suspect.
What’s that phrase? ‘Out of the mouths of babes’? ”
“That is precisely what I was thinking when they read their story.” He twisted his lips in a grimace. “Quite the twisted tale for two nine-year-old girls and a ten-year-old boy, wouldn’t you say?”
“It is, and I suppose they learned that from these past few days investigating Dr. Penhollow’s murder.
” I took a cautious glance at George. “They were not as involved in the investigation as you might think. Well, Rose was a bit more involved than I’d like.
And by the way, what are we to do about Cloud? ”
George glanced at Rose. “She’s quite in love with him,” he said. “I suppose we must welcome Cloud to the family.”
From our private little corner, I gazed out at all the beloved people in this room. Our family. Each of them had the capacity to drive me to distraction, yet I would move mountains, if necessary, for any of them.
“I noticed that Rose didn’t kill off our characters at the end of her story,” I said.
“I can’t get over the fact that she made us the heroes. Do you think she really sees us that way?” I heard wonder in George’s voice.
“Perhaps, but we should revel in it now, for she is likely to alter that opinion over the years.” I snuggled farther into his arms. Our family was bound to change, as would our lives, but this feeling? This would never change for me.
“Happy Christmas, Frank,” I said.
I could feel his smile against my cheek. “Happy Christmas, Georgianna.”