Read Straw in the Wind for Free Online Page A

married to men who adore them. By the way, we’ve been invited to the official opening of Nick Thornton’s new emporium, followed by supper, next week.’
    â€˜Will we attend? I’ve heard so much about them from you that I’ve been longing to meet them.’
    â€˜Then we’ll go. We’ve been invited to stay overnight so will be comfortable. I want you to buy yourself a new gown for the occasion.’
    â€˜What about the agency?’
    â€˜We won’t be open for business until next week, when my investigators arrive. I’m about to put a notice in the window to that effect, but I already have enough work lined up to keep them busy.’ He handed her the key. ‘After you, Celia.’
    When they crossed the road and let themselves in, Celia said, ‘I know you won’t have lace curtains, but I still think your clients would appreciate some privacy. Could we have some half curtains at the downstairs office windows? At least that would shield them from prying eyes. Gold would be pleasant; it would go with the lettering and with the fittings. You could always draw them back if you need more light.’
    â€˜Hmmm . . . I might compromise on dark green.’
    â€˜Then we’d look like a funeral parlour. Light green,’ she said firmly, knowing that she’d already won the argument.
    He laughed as he fixed the notice to the door. ‘You’ll be wanting a plant in a pot next.’ She’d already given it consideration if her expression was anything to go by.
    She said, ‘The sisters were involved in that child stealing case you had, weren’t they?’
    â€˜That was Seth Hardy, Charlotte’s husband. It turned out to be all above board, though the boy’s grandfather took some convincing. Unfortunately, he died a year or so after the case was settled and the custody was sorted out. Edgar Wyvern is one of the trustees to the boy’s estate.’
Poole­­
    Thornton’s Emporium was in the main shopping street and covered the sites of what were once several small shops. Inside the main door was a small, crowded foyer. Behind, a staircase leading to the upper floor served to accommodate a brass band.
    Refreshments were set out. Bunting had been hung. Savouries, sweetmeats, punch and lemonade were being served by waiters bustling about with trays.
    Celia could see why her brother admired the sisters, especially the younger one. Marianne Thornton, blue-eyed and petite, her face framed by dark hair, kissed Adam’s cheek. When they were introduced, Celia found herself being embraced too. Marianne linked arms with her. ‘What a lovely gown; that lavender shade is so soft and pretty. Adam has told us so much about you. You must come and meet my husband . . . you won’t mind if we abandon you for a short time, will you, Adam?’
    Nicholas Thornton was tall, black-eyed and handsome, and had recently retired from being a sea captain after being shipwrecked.
    â€˜Nicky, my darling man, this is Adam’s sister, Celia.’
    His arm went around his wife’s waist. Gently he pulled her against his side and grumbled in her ear, ‘Aria, my love, haven’t I told you that it’s undignified to call me Nicky in public?’
    Marianne giggled. ‘You wretched creature, that tickles, and you are totally undignified, that’s one of the reasons I adore you.’
    A roguish grin came her way. ‘Hello, Celia. I’m pleased Adam brought you. It’s about time. I was beginning to wonder if he considered us worth meeting.’
    Her eyes widened. ‘I assure you, Mr Thornton, Adam has great respect for you.’
    â€˜Stop being such a wicked tease, Nick,’ Marianne scolded him. ‘You thought no such thing.’
    Nick chuckled, took Celia’s hand in his and bore it to his lips. ‘Has Aria taken you round the emporium yet?’
    â€˜Lor, Nick, Celia has only just stepped over the