Murder by Arrangement (Edna Davies mysteries Book 5) by Suzanne Young Page A

your
mind, dear?” Edna prompted.
    Starling’s focus
came back to the room and her brow creased. “Mary’s pretty serious about that
ghost of hers.”
    “Yes, I know.”
    “I don’t think
she’s had much sleep lately. She asked me if we could all stay with her
tonight. Made it sound like a game, but I think she’d really like someone in
the house with her. Knowing her, she’s dying to investigate. I’m surprised she
doesn’t want to do it alone. I thought she was braver than that.” Starling
looked at Edna questioningly as she absently stroked Benjamin’s back.
    “She might be
intimidated by the unknown in her old familiar surroundings,” Edna said,
returning the phone list to the basket. “I thought you might enjoy her theory
of the Colonial rebel in her old nursery. Did you tell her you’d join her
tonight?”
    Starling
laughed. “I was fascinated with her tale.” She then grew serious and shook her
head. “I would help her out, but I’m having dinner with Charlie tonight.”
    “Did she hear
the stomping again last night?”
    Starling nodded.
“Maybe I can go over tomorrow night.” A sudden twinkle came into her eyes. “I
wonder if Charlie would like to help.”
    Edna laughed.
“He just might.” She sobered then. “Tomorrow is Amanda’s last night here. I’ll
be driving her home Monday morning.” She paused and studied Starling
thoughtfully. “Unless you’re heading back to Boston on Monday and could drop
her off on your way?” She turned the thought into a question and then added,
“I’ll spend the night with Mary, but not while Amanda’s here. I may be selfish,
not wanting to share her, but it’s not often that I have her to myself, and
it’s an added bonus that you’re also here this weekend. As much as I sympathize
with Mary, her ghost can wait.”
    Starling smiled.
“I understand.” She paused for a minute as if reflecting before she continued.
“Sure. I can drive Manda-Panda home, but I’ll have to leave early. I’m opening
the studio on Monday. Gary is meeting with a new client in Marblehead, so I’m
watching the shop,” she said, mentioning her partner who occasionally worked on
commission to paint a landscape for someone who wanted to memorialize a house,
garden or favorite ocean view.
    “I’ll phone Mary
when we get back after lunch. I’m sure she’ll be fine during the day, and I’ll
make arrangements to stay with her some night next week.” Edna rose from her
chair as she heard Amanda bouncing down the stairs. “I feel certain what Mary’s
hearing is the old house settling. She may think she knows all the sounds, but
as wood dries and weather takes its toll, things shift and new noises crop up.”
She smiled at her daughter and changed the subject. “Right now, will you drive
or shall I?”
    When they got to
Lily’s house, Lettie was already waiting on the veranda. As she ran down the
steps, Lily appeared in the doorway, a shawl around her shoulders. She waved to
them. In the passenger’s seat, Edna waved back. After opening the car door for
her friend, Amanda scooted over and, once the girls were safely buckled up,
Starling put the car in gear and they were on their way.
    The wind was
stronger than Edna expected when they arrived at Point Judith. Roiling waves
crashed onto the gravel, sending salt spray over the rocks that edged the
parking lot. “Maybe this was a mistake. Shall we go someplace where there’s
more shelter?”
    She could have
saved her breath because the girls were already tumbling out of the back seat
and moving toward the wider stretch of beach beyond the lighthouse. Several
more cars were in the lot, but their inhabitants were content to stay inside
and watch the waves. Nobody seemed to be as adventurous as Amanda and Lettie.
    “I’ll go with
them,” Starling said, opening her door. “I’m guessing they won’t stay out in
this wind for long.”
    Edna looked out
to sea, enjoying the storm-tossed water and waves from the comfort