Read The Clue is in the Pudding for Free Online Page B

dampen the Christmas spirit for everyone.”
    Baxter paused and looked her in the eye. “I just hope it isn’t the dratted curse popping up again.”
    Cecily felt a twinge of anxiety and laced her fingers in her lap. “I’m sure whatever happened to Mr. Armitage was caused by some illness. I just hope it isn’t contagious.”
    Baxter’s eyebrows shot up. “Good Lord! I hadn’t thought of that. That would be worse than if he’d been murdered.”
    Cecily fanned her face with her hand. “Please, Hugh, don’t even mention that word. I refuse to think that we have another killer on our hands.”
    A tap at the door snatched her attention away from her husband. “Come in!”
    Kevin appeared in the doorway, a frown marring his pleasant features. “I’m finished with my examination.”
    “Do please come in, Kevin.” Cecily got up from the chair and hurried over to him. “Tell us, please, what was the cause of Mr. Armitage’s death?”
    Kevin walked into the room and gave Baxter a wary nod. “Well, I can’t be certain until I’ve done a further study in my surgery, but all symptoms appear to point toward a case of severe poisoning.”
    Cecily gasped, one hand over her mouth. “Food poisoning?”
    Kevin shrugged. “It’s hard to say at this point. I may know more later. If I have something more definite, I’ll give you a ring.”
    “Dear God.” Baxter strode over to his wife and put a hand on her shoulder. “Please inform us of the results as soon as possible. If it is food poisoning we will need to take steps right away.”
    Cecily raised her hand to cover her husband’s. “Mr. Armitage has taken all his meals in the dining room. If it is food poisoning, then the rest of my guests will be affected.”
    Kevin frowned. “Has anyone else complained of feeling ill?”
    “Not as far as I know.”
    The doctor glanced at Baxter. “You have both taken the same meals as your guests?”
    Baxter nodded. “I feel quite well.” He squeezed Cecily’s shoulder. “How about you, my dear?”
    “Perfectly well, thank you.” Cecily felt a glimmer of hope.
    “That’s a good sign.” Kevin turned toward the door. “I’ve asked two of your footmen to assist me in removing the body. I’ll ring you the minute I know more.”
    “Thank you, Kevin.” Cecily accompanied him to the door. “We will see you in any case at the carol-singing ceremony, I believe?”
    “Wouldn’t miss it. Our nanny will be taking care of Angelina while we attend the evening. Madeline and I are looking forward to it. Where is she, by the way?”
    “I believe Madeline is in the library. She wanted to add a few things to the Christmas tree.”
    “Then I shall look for her there.” Cecily smiled as he gave her a quick salute, then closed the door behind him.
    Baxter stood with his back to the fire again, watching her with a frown on his face. “What if it is food poisoning?”
    “Then we have a lot more to worry about than Mr. Armitage’s death.”
    Baxter let out a mournful sigh. “Just when I was beginning to hope we had escaped the curse this year.”
    Cecily joined him at the fire. “Cheer up, my love. At least we don’t have to hunt for a murderer, and so far no one else appears to be ill, so let’s hope that Kevin finds the answer and that it has nothing to do with food poisoning.”
    Baxter looked hopeful. “I suppose he could have eaten something else that didn’t come from the kitchen.”
    Cecily sat down and reached for her needlework bag beside her chair. “I can’t imagine what it would be. I don’t think Mr. Armitage left the premises at all since he arrived late yesterday. I saw him in the building several times myself.”
    “Ah well, we shall know as soon as Prestwick rings. Then perhaps we can stop worrying about it.”
    Until then , Cecily thought, as she deftly threaded an embroidery needle, she was going to worry a great deal .
    *   *   *
    “Food poisoning?” Gertie almost dropped the tray of soup