Read Never Laugh as a Hearse Goes By: A Penny Brannigan Mystery for Free Online

take it upon herself to ask Hywel Stephens, the accountant, about that, she pulled the puffy white duvet over her, closed her eyes and drifted blissfully into a much longed for nap.
    An hour later, somewhat refreshed but a little groggy, she splashed some cold water on her face and then checked her to do list. The warden! She must speak to him about an important last-minute request from the bishop before the reception started. She hurried down the hall in the direction of his office. She opened the door that separated the bedroom wing and entered the open space at the top of the stairs. As she did so, the door to the warden’s office opened and a couple emerged, followed by the warden himself.
    “Wonderful to see both of you again,” Graham Fletcher said to the departing couple, “and we’ll catch up some more at the reception, I’m sure. I hope you enjoy the conference. Do let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your stay here at the Library more comfortable.”
    With smiles all round, the couple left and he ushered Minty into his office.
    “Might I just go over a few last minute details with you, Warden?” she asked. “The bishop wants me to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
    *
    As Thomas and Bronwyn strolled down the green-carpeted hall to their bedroom after their short meeting with their old friend, Bronwyn looked at her husband.
    “Didn’t he look exactly like the cat that got the cream?” she said. “I’ve never seen a man so pleased with himself.” “He may have got the cream,” Thomas replied, slipping his arm around his wife’s waist and pulling her closer to him, “but I was the lucky one. I got you.”

 
    Nine
    “Bishop, I wonder if I might have a word?”
    The bishop sighed and raised a hand to his temple. “Not a good time, Minty,” he said, glancing at the document in her hand. “Pamela and I arrived later than I wanted to and our guests are about to arrive. I’ll need to circulate. I’m sure it’s important, but whatever it is you want to tell me, it’ll have to wait.” He gestured at the paper. “We can discuss that later. There’ll be plenty of time.”
    “Yes, of course. It’s just that…”
    “My wife will be down in a minute, so if you wouldn’t mind just making sure everything is under control until she gets here,” the bishop interrupted, eyeing the door. “Oh, look, there’s, er…”
    “Oh, that’s Reverend Thomas Evans and his wife, Bronwyn. From Llanelen,” Minty supplied helpfully, after glancing at the doorway. “I saw them a few minutes ago coming out of the Warden’s office.”
    “Yes, of course it is.” The bishop stepped forward.
    “Thomas,” the smiling bishop said in the warmest voice he could muster, extending his hand. “And Bronwyn, do, please, come right in. Welcome. How nice it is to see you. So glad you could make it. How are things in Llanelen? Well, I hope. Still busy with the coffee mornings? The others will be here in a moment, I’m sure.”
    And then, in the way of social events, the Gladstone Room suddenly seemed filled with people and the polite buzz of party chatter. Introductions were made, hands were shaken, kisses were given and received, old acquaintanceships were renewed, and news and gossip exchanged. But genuine smiles were rare and faded quickly and after the initial greetings, silences hung heavy, and what conversation there was seemed forced. The atmosphere seemed charged with reluctance and formality as if everyone found it all rather heavy going and could think of lots of other places they’d rather be and things they’d rather be doing.
    A Library staff member passed amongst them, offering glasses of wine, followed by another server who held a tray of elegant canapés. Minty circulated from little group to little group, making introductions where necessary and exchanging a pleasant word or two with everyone.
    “Ah, Miss Russell, have you met my wife, Bronwyn?” Thomas Evans introduced the two