Read Straw in the Wind for Free Online Page B

threshold. Besides, it’s not open until the mayor has done the speeches, the sandwiches and cake have been eaten, and everyone is prepared to spend their money. I’m going to buy that little box with the mother-of-pearl inlay.’
    â€˜You’re not supposed to spend the profits before we make any.’
    â€˜You can give it to me for a birthday present instead, then it won’t cost me a penny.’
    Amusement filled his eyes. ‘There’s something wrong with your logic.’
    â€˜I’m sure that
you’re sure
that you’re right, but one way or another that box is going to be mine. I want to introduce Celia to my sister. Can you see Charlotte anywhere?’
    Nick’s height gave him an advantage. ‘Charlotte is over by the fountain looking bored. Miss Stanhope has cornered her and is yapping like a fox terrier.’
    â€˜Oh, good, then we’ll rescue her.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘I’ll be checking up on you from time to time so behave yourself. Follow me, Celia.’
    He chuckled, and called after them as they sauntered away, ‘Don’t forget to let Celia get a word in edgeways.’
    â€˜Nick is such a dear,’ Marianne said, as they threaded through the crowd. ‘We have a son who looks just like him. It must be wonderful having Adam for a brother; he’s so sweet, and agreeable and he never looks bored when I chatter at him, though he probably is.’
    â€˜I hold a great deal of affection and respect for my brother. He stepped in to support my mother and myself when our father died.’
    â€˜I understand that you help him by keeping the books for his business. How clever of you. I wouldn’t know where to start.’
    â€˜Now his business is expanding I’m to have an office and a clerk to help out. It’s the least I can do, and I’m really looking forward to working outside the home.’
    â€˜Ah, there you are, Charlotte.’
    At the sound of Marianne’s voice Charlotte Hardy looked up. Celia’s first impression was that the woman had a guarded expression. Then she smiled, and her face puckered with mischief. ‘Marianne . . . you remember Miss Stanhope, don’t you?’
    â€˜Only too well,’ she said under her breath, then, ‘How could I forget her? How do you do, Miss Stanhope.’
    â€˜I was just saying how pleased I was to get an invitation as a special guest to the opening, Mrs Thornton. So kind, and unexpected,’ she gushed. ‘We’ve been panting to see the goods you have for sale. My sister said a ship came in and the entire cargo was for Thornton’s Emporium.’
    â€˜Yes. It’s been such an exciting time. My husband arranged the shipment of rare and exotic oriental artefacts. Aunt Daisy has her eyes on a sweet little silver and lapis lazuli card case. It’s awfully expensive and I meant to put it to one side, but we’ve had so much to do that I completely forgot until just now. Anyway, I thought I might buy it for Aunt Daisy’s birthday. I do hope it doesn’t sell before I can get there.’
    When Miss Stanhope’s eyes began to gleam Charlotte smothered a laugh behind her hand.
    â€˜Oh, isn’t that your sister Lucy by the door? I do believe she’s looking for you. She said to tell you she’d learned something important when I last saw her. Oh, and before you race off, Miss Stanhope, may I introduce Miss Chapman from London. She works for a detecting agency.’
    Miss Stanhope’s eyes rounded. ‘My goodness how terribly exciting, and such unusual employment for a woman. You must tell me all about it. Are you working on a case now?’
    â€˜Really, Miss Stanhope, you don’t expect Miss Chapman to discuss her cases. Just imagine . . . she might be investigating a skeleton in your very own closet.’
    Alarm chased across Miss Stanhope’s face, and she was gone before Celia could assure