Page 82 of Murder on the Brighton Express
She released Floyd’s arm and stormed up the stairs to the fourth floor where she spun around, hand on hip. “I don’t know what you mean.”
Floyd’s chuckle began low in his chest, growing louder until it finally bubbled out of him. “She doesn’t like it because when she was little and waded in up to her knees, something brushed against her leg. She screamed until her voice gave out. Everyone came running to rescue her. Father had to carry her out of the water like a baby. It turned out to be seaweed.”
“Somethingdidbrush against my leg, and itwasn’tseaweed. It swam away.” She sniffed. “I don’t see the point of sea bathing anyway. If I want to get wet, I can have a bath.”
I told her I would make her go in with me next time. “The best way to get over your fear is to tackle it head-on.”
“I am quite happy to live with my fear, if it means I get to keep all of my toes.”
Floyd and I burst out laughing. After pouting for a few moments, Flossy joined in.
Mrs. Scoop’sreport on the wedding was everything I’d hoped it would be. She was effusive in her praise of every detail, from the suppliers to the venue and its decorations. Uncle Ronald was particularly pleased with the lines that said the event was ‘beyond compare’, and that the Mayfair Hotel was ‘worthy of its reputation for faultless luxury’. He was so pleased that he even praised Floyd. The bonus he gave Harmony was very welcome, but it was his promise to let her manage future events that left her smiling for days afterward.
As I sat in the staff parlor with Harmony, Victor, Goliath and Frank, I had to explain how I’d manipulated Mrs. Scoop into giving her glowing review. I made a point of telling them that I’d simplyrequestedshe be favorable in exchange for exclusivity. I hadn’t demanded it.
“She wanted to maintain her integrity and print the truth as she saw it. Although I did stipulate that she had to mention each of the suppliers by name.”
“A stipulation that paid off,” Harmony said. “They agreed to lower their prices and Mrs. Hessing paid them this morning.”
“Just in time before she checks out,” Goliath added.
Frank grunted. “Good riddance. She smacked my leg with her walking stick the other day when I didn’t open the door fast enough for her.”
It wasn’t just Mrs. Scoop’s social pages that had us poring over the latest edition ofThe Evening Bulletin. Ruth Price’s picture on the front page had been a little confronting when I first saw it, but the full-page article that accompanied it had me riveted. It gave the facts surrounding her murder, and the solving of it, mentioning Armitage and Associates on several occasions. My name was not in it, as I’d requested. The publicity should be good for Harry.
The remainder of the article was a heartfelt tribute to Ruth, the smart, vibrant young woman robbed of a bright future. The article read as though it had been written by someone who admired her greatly and knew her well. I didn’t recognize the name in the byline, however.
Also left out of the article were the names of the other suspects. The Pridhursts would be relieved. Earlier that day, I’d met with Lady Pridhurst and Odette with the intention of returning the money they’d given me to bribe Mrs. Scoop. I’d informed them that I’d used other means to ensure their secret was safe, at least from Mrs. Scoop’s pages. Lady Pridhurst insisted I keep the money.
Odette also informed me that she’d spoken to Mr. Holland and admitted everything. Mr. Holland was still considering his options, which I didn’t think boded well for a happy future together, but I refrained from commenting.
Peter poked his head around the parlor door. “Miss Fox, you have a visitor. Shall I send him in?”
“I’ll come out,” I said rising.
I filed out of the parlor along with the other staff, who headed off to their respective areas of the hotel after their short break. I signed to Victor to wait a moment, however. Once the others had left, I asked him how everything was with Harmony.
“I haven’t seen much of her lately,” he said. “She’s been busy.”
“Has that caused problems between you?”
“No. I just miss her.”
I smiled. “You should tell her that.”
“Regarding our discussion at the Ouse Valley Viaduct, I want you to know I’ve decided not to say anything to Harmony about the next stage of our relationship. I like things the way they are, and I think she does, too. Talking about next stages will ruin everything.”
“If it makes you both happy, then you should maintain your own pace.”
We parted ways, he heading to the kitchen and me to the foyer where I wasn’t surprised to see Harry waiting for me. He had a copy of the latest edition ofThe Evening Bulletinunder his arm. He showed me the front page and pointed to one of the lines that mentioned his agency.
“I believe I have you to thank for this.” His gaze softened and he leaned in. For a breath-stealing moment, I thought he would kiss me right there in the foyer. “So, thank you, Cleo,” he murmured. “The publicity has already led to inquiries.”
I drew in a steadying breath to help gather my wits. “You did play a major part in solving the murder, Harry, so you deserve it. Anyway, I asked Mrs. Scoop to mention you, not this person.” I looked closer at the byline. “C.E. Meyers.”
“I had an inkling who it might be, so I telephonedThe Evening Bulletinand spoke to Mrs. Scoop. She confirmed my suspicion.”
“Who is it?”
