Read 5 Check-Out Time for Free Online

husband’s personality, he would not have attempted something as foolhardy as balancing on a railing.”
    “From what I know of Sir Richard, I have to agree with her on that point.”
    “Neither was he drinking, according to his wife. In fact, Lady Lavinia was quite offended that I mentioned the possibility.” Cecily gazed up at the portrait of her own dead husband. “She assured me that he was incapable of consuming liquor. I found it touching that she so passionately jumped to his defense.”
    “I am quite sure you would have done the same thing, madam, had it been your husband.”
    Cecily gazed at the painted face of James for a long moment. “I would indeed. James and I had something very special. It saddens me a great deal to see that same devotion in the eyes of a new widow. I know how very painful and lonely these next months will be for Lady Lavinia.”
    Baxter’s voice sounded gruff when he answered. “Yes, madam. I fear you know only too well.”
    Summoning a smile, Cecily turned to look at him. “It does get easier, Baxter. Time takes care of a good many things.”
    He didn’t answer, but she saw sympathy in his eyes as helooked at her. Feeling a need to break the tension that still seemed to hover between them, she said brightly, “I think I will pay a visit to Michael this evening. I want to see for myself how he is faring as an innkeeper.”
    “I would be happy to accompany you,” Baxter said, moving to open the door for her. “I have a meeting scheduled with the chef, but I can postpone it. There are several matters I need to discuss with him. His breakages, for one. If he were not such an excellent cook, I should suggest sacking him. He has cost us a small fortune to replace the items he has damaged, not to mention the brandy he consumes.”
    Cecily crossed the floor to the door, her long cotton skirt billowing behind her. “Please don’t worry, Baxter. Have your meeting with Michel. I can have Samuel take me in the trap.”
    “I do worry, madam. The George and Dragon is no place for a lady to go unaccompanied.”
    Pausing in the doorway, she looked up at him. “Now that my son is the proprietor, Baxter, I think you can relax a little. I shall come to no harm.”
    “It isn’t so much your safety I’m concerned about, but your reputation.”
    She frowned, pretending to take offense. “Are you suggesting that my son would own an establishment of ill repute?”
    Baxter cleared his throat a little too loudly. “Not at all, madam. I assure you I was merely passing comment on the possible attitude of some of the customers.”
    “I hardly think that anyone is likely to look unfavorably upon a mother visiting her son.”
    “Quite so.”
    Not sure if she’d won the argument or not, Cecily decided to change the subject. “Do try not to be too hard on Michel. I know he has a problem or two, but he has done much to enhance the reputation of the Pennyfoot. A good chef is difficult to find in these parts, and Michel is very good.”
    “Yes, madam. As you wish.”
    She left, feeling a little put out and not quite sure why.
    “Aw right, aw right,” Gertie muttered, “keep your bleeding hair on. I’m going as fast as I can.”
    Mrs. Chubb heaved a massive sigh. Whatever she was going to do with this girl she just did not know. “I’ve told you three times, Gertie, to get that tray of silverware back into the dining room. Ethel will be having a pink fit, that she will. How is she going to get the tables laid in time for dinner if she doesn’t have the silverware?”
    “Ethel ain’t going to blooming know if it’s there or not.” Gertie picked up the tray and balanced it on her solid hip. “She’s in a bloody dreamworld lately, going around with that dopey look on her face. I don’t know what’s the matter with her, I don’t. Strewth, you’d think she’d be happy now that she’s finally got a blinking man to grab hold of.”
    Mrs. Chubb tutted in disapproval. She wasn’t about to