Murder at the Bellamy Mansion by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter Page A

over. Finished!”
    “ But like Jon said, Melanie, what can you do?” I asked. “You don’t control Brian or the Chengs.”
    “ There is no other house in the area that can compare with the Bellamy Mansion, so finding them a similar house is out of the question. No, somehow, I’ve got to find a way to stop them.”
    “ Why don’t they buy some land and build a replica of the Bellamy?” Jon asked.
    “ You know, I suggested just that to Candi. But no, she has to have an authentic antebellum mansion.”
    “ Wait I minute,” I said. “You didn’t give Candi that beautiful blue jelly, did you?”
    Melanie shook her head. “I wasn’t about to present it to her at the party where it would get overlooked. I had planned to give it to her when we were alone.”
    “ What’s this about blue jelly?” Cam asked.
    “ It’s a hand blown glass jelly fish,” I said. “It’s gorgeous, Cam. And called ‘the Blue Moon.’ I hope you are going to keep it,” I told Melanie.
    “ I certainly do plan to keep it,” she replied. “I’ll find a bright sunny spot for it and feature it prominently. Maybe the garden room.”
    “ Good. Because I think we are united in our repulsion for the Chengs. Not only are they trying to manipulate a local problem to their advantage to buy a landmark property that would not otherwise be available, but they are enemies of the environment.” I told Jon and Cam about the contraband ivory and bigleaf mahogany.
    “ As incensed as we are, Jackie was even more livid. I doubt she will permit Brian to work with the Chengs.”
    “ From the greedy look on Brian’s face when he described his fat fees, I doubt she’ll be able to stop him,” Cam said.
    “ Cam, we’re delighted you’re back, but you didn’t explain how you . . . uhmmm, got away,” I told my new brother-in-law.
    “ Yes, Cam. How is your mother?” Jon said.
    What I really wanted to say was: How did you free yourself from the talons of the Dragon Lady? But I was raised well, so I kept my thoughts to myself.
    Cam offered us another drink. “No thanks. I’m driving,” Jon responded.
    “ I’m fine,” I said.
    Cam refilled his glass and returned to the sofa beside Melanie. After all, he was at home. And the subject of Nelda Cameron required fortification.
    “ Her cardiologist pronounced her fit as a fiddle,” Cam said. “She argued, naturally, and feigned chest pains. But all of the tests showed her heart was healthy. They discharged her.
    “ And I got on the horn and hired her a nurse. He’s about thirty-five and what you girls call a hottie!”
    Cam’s head fell back and he roared with laughter. “Thank god there’s no sexism in the nursing profession. This man was very qualified and highly recommended. Mother forgot all about me.” He snickered. “At least for the time being.”
    “ I’m just glad you’re home,” Melanie said, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You were missed, darling.”
    “ If you recall, I’m filming at the Bellamy Mansion in two weeks,” Cam reminded us.
    “ How could I forget?” I said. “I’ll be making my television debut on the special feature you’re producing for ‘Exploring North Carolina.’” “Exploring North Carolina” is a television show that runs on our PBS station, WUNJ-TV.
    “ I’m thinking about covering the belvedere restoration project as well,” Cam said. “I think our viewers would find it very interesting to see just how historic properties are restored.”
    “ Sure,” Jon said. “Let me know what you decide. We can work something out. How about playing golf in the morning? You up for that?”
    “ If it’s all right with Melanie,” Cam replied.
    Melanie nodded. “You boys play golf. Ashley and I will go to church. We need to check on Aunt Ruby and Binkie.”
    “ How did you like the courses in Pinehurst?” Cam asked Jon.
    “ Never got near them,” Jon laughed. “My insatiable bride kept me locked in our suite. Only let me out long enough