British Manor Murder by Leslie Meier Page A

open to the public.”
    â€œI know, but that doesn’t seem to matter to Aunt.”
    Perry frowned. “She can have the Chinese room. It’s closed anyway while the bed curtains are restored.”
    â€œShe’s not going to like that,” said Desi. “Can’t you offer some treat to placate the old thing?”
    â€œHave some folks in for dinner? Let her play the grande dame,” suggested Perry. “We could use the big dining room, if we timed it right. The house closes at six and we could eat at eight. That would give the staff time to clear away the ropes and carpet savers, and reset the table with the second-best china.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea. She detests eating here in the kitchen,” said Poppy. “I’ll invite the vicar and his wife. They’re always available on short notice. We’ve got Lucy and Sue, and there’s Willoughby and Winifred.” Poppy counted people on her fingers. “I need one more man.”
    â€œQuimby!” exclaimed Perry.
    â€œAnd we’ll get a couple gardeners to play footmen for the night.”
    â€œOh,” chimed in Sue, “we met the nicest fellow today, by the name of Geoff. We got lost in the maze and he came to help us. When we found the body, he took over.”
    â€œDishy Geoff,” said Poppy, determined to steer clear of any topic as disagreeable as the discovery of a body. “Hearts were broken throughout the county when his engagement was announced. With a wedding coming, I’m sure he’ll be glad for a bit of extra cash.”
    Lucy was struck by Poppy’s smooth direction of the conversation and wondered if she was simply determined to limit the discussion to amusing topics or whether she knew more about the dead man than she wished to reveal. Certain that Flora had recognized the description of the young man, Lucy suspected that Perry thought so, too.
    â€œWill we have to dress?” asked Desi.
    â€œDinner jacket will do,” said Poppy, getting a groan from Desi.
    â€œThis will be a treat,” said Sue. “Dressing up for a formal dinner at Moreton Manor.”
    Not so much, thought Lucy, biting her lip. She didn’t have anything to wear, and she wasn’t at all sure she wanted to stay with people who regarded a young man’s death as nothing more than an awkward inconvenience.
    â€œDo you have plans for tomorrow?” asked Perry. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to neglect you, as I’m rather involved with the exhibition.
    â€œNever fear,” said Sue. “Lucy and I are perfectly capable of amusing ourselves. In fact, I was thinking of exploring Oxford. It’s not far, is it?”
    â€œNot at all far, twenty minutes or so,” said Poppy. “We can have someone drive you. Just give a call when you’re ready to come back.”
    â€œGreat,” said Lucy, who had noticed Perry placing a basket of bread on the kitchen island. “Shall I set the table?”
    â€œI think I’ll just set the grub here on the island, buffet style, if that’s okay with everyone?”
    â€œFine with me,” said Sue.
    Desi was opening a cupboard and counting out plates. “Shall I call Flo?”
    â€œShe’ll come if she wants to,” said Poppy with a sigh. “It’s better not to force the issue. At least, that’s what the therapists tell me. Flora knows when we eat dinner.” Poppy looked up as Gerald arrived, stomping his muddy feet on the doormat. “Did you have a rumbly in your tumbly, dear?”
    Lucy was tempted to say he’d had a bit of a tumbly in the rumbly , but thought better of it and bit her tongue. Sue, however, caught her eye and gave a mischievous smile and Lucy found herself giggling.
    â€œSomething funny?” demanded Gerald, who had advanced to the island and was emptying the wine bottle into his glass.
    â€œIt’s just the way you English people have