Read Malice at the Palace for Free Online Page B

next door and rapped on the knocker. The door was opened fiercely and a face topped with hair curlers peeping from a scarf glared at me. “If you’re another of them Jehovah’s Witnesses telling me I’m going to hell, then I’ll tell you where to put this . . .”
    â€œHello, Mrs. Huggins,” I said.
    She stopped and a look of utter horror crossed her face. She put her hand up to her mouth. “Blimey. Oh, your ladyship. I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you for a second there and them ruddy religious lot were here again yesterday. I don’t know what they want from the likes of me. I ain’t got no money to give them and that’s what they’re normally after, ain’t it?” She made a gesture to smooth back her hair, then remembered she was wearing curlers, which clearly embarrassed her even further. “Here to see your granddad, are you, then? He’s been a bit poorly the last few days, but I think he’s on the mend. I’m just making him a good Irish stew and dumplings to build him up.”
    â€œActually I believe Queenie is with you at the moment.”
    â€œShe is, your ladyship. Helping me out in the kitchen, and turning into a lovely little cook too. It was ever so good of you to spare her to look after her poor mum. I suppose you want her back now?” There was a note of hope in her voice.
    â€œThat’s right. If you think her mother is on the mend and you can spare her.”
    â€œWell, we have to let her go, don’t we, your ladyship? After all, you are her proper employer and it wouldn’t be right to make you have to look after yourself for longer than absolutely necessary. I expect it’s been hard for you, trying to get on without her.”
    â€œI’ve managed, Mrs. Huggins,” I said, “and if you really feel that her mother needs her longer, I’m sure I can survive—”
    â€œOh no, your ladyship,” she cut in. “Right is right. Queenie needs to go back up west to you. No doubt about it. Come on in, ducks—I mean, your ladyship.”
    I could see where Queenie got it from. She had never learned to call me by my correct title. I stepped into a dingy hallway.
    â€œQueenie!” Mrs. Huggins yelled in a voice that would do any sergeant major proud. “Come and see who’s turned up for you then. Come all the way out here for yer. Missing yer, she was.”
    This was going a little far, but I didn’t say anything as the kitchen door opened and Queenie came out. She was wearing the same outfit as the first time she came to be interviewed—a purple hand-knitted jumper that hugged her generous curves a little too tightly and a bright red skirt. Her face broke into a big smile when she saw me.
    â€œWhatcher, miss,” she said. “I ain’t half glad to see you. Can’t do without me no longer, eh?”
    â€œHello, Queenie,” I said. “Nice to see you too.”
    â€œWell, I won’t say I’m sorry to be leaving,” she said. “I like my family all right, but they’ve run me off me bloody feet. It will be good to get back to a bit of peace and quiet with you.”
    â€œI’ve come to retrieve you because I need help packing all my things. We’re moving out of the mews cottage.”
    Her moon face looked at me expectantly. “So are we off somewhere nice again? The Continent? America? You should have seen my neighbors’ faces down our street when I told them I’d been to Hollywood. They wouldn’t believe me, but I told them, ‘You can ask Lady Georgiana, what’s my mistress, then. And see her in the picture papers in Hollywood with her famous mum what’s a film star.’”
    â€œWe’re not going far this time. We’ll be staying at Rannoch House for the next few weeks.”
    â€œBy ourselves?”
    â€œNo. My brother and his family will be there with