High Marks for Murder (A Bellehaven House Mystery Book 1) (11 page)

If she'd intended to shock Sylvia she certainly succeeded. The young woman's cheeks burned, and she tossed her head with a vindictive glare at the source of her discomfort. "I might have expected that sort of vulgar remark from you, Miss Cross. Then again, I suppose one should take into consideration and make allowances for your unfortunate background."

Meredith uttered a sound of protest, while Felicity strode across the room and shoved her nose up close to Sylvia's face. "You know nothing about my background," she snarled, "so I'll thank you to refrain from making deprecating remarks that have no substance whatsoever."

Sylvia took a step backward, though her triumphant expression made Meredith wonder uneasily just how much the woman did know about Felicity's past.

"Dratted woman," Felicity muttered, after Meredith had succeeded in ushering her and Essie into the hallway. "What do you suppose she knows about my background, anyway?"

"Probably nothing." Meredith glanced uneasily at her friend. "More than likely it was nothing but a wild shot in the dark."

"I'm not so sure. After all, it's in the school records that
I was in service for five years before you hired me. Easy enough for her to read it."

"Those records are private and locked in my desk. In any case, it is nothing to be ashamed of, considering you were forced into servitude after your father threw you out into the street, penniless and with nowhere to go."

Felicity snorted. "That monster. All because I wouldn't marry that ugly, fat crony of his. Not that I had any interest in marrying anyone after what my father did to me all those years. I swore when I left that no man would ever touch me again."

"I know." Meredith linked her arm through Felicity's and started leading her to the main doors. "I'm sorry that this business with Sylvia has brought up all those dreadful memories. Still, I can't believe she knows anything about your past. It's not a matter of public record."

"Maybe. But the fact that I served time in jail certainly is a matter of public record. Perhaps that's what she was referring to with that odious comment."

"Many women of high standing have served time in jail for protesting," Meredith reminded her. "Again, it is no cause for shame. It is the government who should be ashamed of incarcerating and torturing women for having the courage to stand up for what is right."

Felicity gave her a rare smile. "Well said, sister. I couldn't agree more."

Essie, who had followed them silently down the corridor, spoke up. "It is nobody's business what has taken place in someone's past. That is a personal issue, and should not be a matter of record at all."

"Yes, well, not all of us have your pristine background." Felicity reached the door ahead of them all and dragged it open. "Be thankful you have nothing to hide." Fortunately,
she barged out the door in her usual rambunctious manner and missed Essie's expression.

Meredith couldn't help wondering what Felicity would say had she known that Essie had demons of her own to hide, and that apart from those directly involved in the scandal, the sordid facts were known only to Meredith.

She had no time to ponder the question, since the moment she stepped out into the fresh air Felicity pounced on her.

"Now pray tell us why you have asked us out under these gray skies when the bell will ring any minute to summon us to the dining hall."

"It is a little chilly out here." Essie pulled her lacy shawl closer about her shoulders. She looked a little pale, though Meredith was inclined to believe Felicity's unintentional mention of her past was the cause of her discomfort.

"I wanted to talk to you about Kathleen," Meredith announced, when she considered they had walked far enough from the steps to avoid being overheard.

"About the memorial garden?" Felicity nodded. "I suppose we should decide where we're going to put it Have you talked to Tom about getting the plants? He'll have to dig the flower beds, of course. Better to get Davie to do that. Have you decided where to put it? Somewhere in the woods, I should think, where it's sheltered. I—"

"Felicity." Meredith halted and stood in front of her. "I want to talk about Kathleen's murder."

Felicity frowned, while Essie uttered a little moan of dismay.

"Kathleen is dead and buried," Felicity said sharply. "Let her rest in peace, Meredith, for heaven's sake."

"That's exactly my point." Meredith glanced over her
shoulder to make sure no one was about. "Kathleen is not at peace. Nor will she be, until her murderer is apprehended."

"I don't see how we can do anything about that. Whoever killed her has long ago made his escape and could be anywhere by now."

"I don't think so. In fact, I'm quite sure that whoever killed Kathleen is still somewhere on these grounds and is, in fact, someone connected to the school."

Essie whimpered, her hand covering her mouth, while Felicity shook her head. "Bosh, Meredith. You really must get rid of these fanciful ideas—"

"They are not fanciful, Felicity." Meredith folded her arms in defiance. "Someone connected to this school killed Kathleen and everyone here is in danger until we find out who did this dreadful deed and why. The fact that I can see Kathleen's ghost and you can't doesn't alter the facts. We must uncover the killer's identity as quickly as we possibly can, or there might very well be another tragedy committed on the grounds of Bellehaven."

"Then why don't you ask Kathleen who killed her, since you appear to have this remarkable ability to converse with her?"

Meredith sighed. "I didn't say I could converse with her. I can barely see her. She fades in and out like the moon passing between the clouds. All I can do is watch her signals and try to interpret them."

Felicity's expression was of pure skepticism. "What kind of signals?"

For answer, Meredith pointed at the building, then clasped her hands and brought them down hard, as Kathleen had done.

Essie uttered a squeak of dismay, while Felicity's face remained impassive. A long pause followed, while she appeared to struggle with conflicting thoughts.

"Very well," she said finally. "I'm still not convinced, but obviously you feel strongly enough about this to believe you saw Kathleen's ghost. Since I doubt that we shall have any peace until this matter is resolved, I will endeavor to help you find Kathleen's killer."

"Thank you." Thrilled with her victory, Meredith turned to Essie. "I'll understand if you would prefer not to participate in this venture. Your nerves are not strong, and this could be quite an ordeal for you."

Essie's eyes stared back at her, full of fear and uncertainty. "I am more afraid of a killer being allowed to run loose among us. I should like to help in anyway that I can to see him locked away where he cannot harm any more of us."

"Then it's settled." Meredith smiled at her friends in satisfaction. "We are officially on the trail of Kathleen's killer." She turned toward the flower beds, though no cloud hovered there that she could see. "Never fear, Kathleen. We will find him, so that you may rest in peace at last."

"Amen," Essie said softly.

A moment later Felicity muttered, "Oh, all right. Amen from me, too."

Meredith felt another surge of triumph. She had won the support of her dear friends, and she was certain now that Kathleen's killer would be brought to justice. After all, three heads were better than one, were they not?

"So where do we start?" Felicity demanded, as the three of them walked back into the school. "Do you have any idea where to begin looking for this nefarious monster?"

"Not much, I'm afraid," Meredith admitted. "I have a
vague idea that the flower beds are involved, since Kathleen chooses to appear there, and she keeps pointing at the flowers, though I must confess, I don't know why."

Felicity sniffed. "Not a terrible lot to go on, is it."

"Perhaps it has something to do with Tom," Essie offered.

Felicity sniffed again—loud enough to be a snort this time. "Tom wouldn't have the strength to lift that branch, much less bash Kathleen over the head with it."

Essie whimpered, and Felicity turned on her. "If you insist on making that noise every time one of us mentions the murder, you'll be more hindrance than help."

"I'm sorry." Essie's lower lip trembled. "I just don't have the stomach for all this violence. Perhaps I should stay out of your way after all."

"Nonsense." Felicity took her arm and pulled her toward the dining hall. "This is a golden opportunity for you to acquire a tougher constitution. By the time we have solved this dilemma, you will no doubt find yourself a much sturdier person, and be the better for it."

Meredith had a few qualms on that score, but said nothing. She knew how badly Essie wanted to be accepted as an equal, and her constant struggle to attain that was sometimes agonizing to see.

Essie, however, had to make her own way and conquer her fears. The best way to achieve that was to include her, even if the venture might prove daunting. No one knew that better than Felicity. She had faced and conquered her own fears, and knew the rewards. Then again, she was made of much sterner stuff. Meredith could only hope Essie survived whatever might lay in store for them, without losing her mind altogether.

The teachers separated during the main midday meals,
each taking a table to supervise the young ladies and hopefully teach them manners.

On this day Meredith happened to be seated close to the tomboy Penelope Fisher, and seized the opportunity to speak with her as everyone was dismissed from the table.

"Someone mentioned they saw you crying last Saturday evening," she said, as the young girl filed past her. "I do hope it wasn't anything serious. Did someone upset you?"

The girl looked about to burst into tears right then and there. "Yes, Mrs. Llewellyn. There's been a death in my family," she said, her voice breaking. "My mother sent me a letter to tell me Grandmama had passed away."

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Frustrated at yet another end to the trail, Meredith nevertheless felt a deep sympathy for the child. "I imagine you would like leave to go to the funeral."

Tears spilled down the girl's cheeks. "I would dearly love to go. My parents will not allow me to attend. They say it is important I finish my studies here."

"I'm so sorry." Meredith touched the young girl's arm. "I can imagine what a disappointment that must be."

Penelope muttered her thanks and slipped away.

As Meredith was about to follow her, she caught sight of Amelia Webster among a group of young women filing toward the door. The girl sharply turned her head, but Meredith had no doubt she had been watching her exchange with Penelope. Idle curiosity, no doubt.

She forgot Amelia as Felicity drew her aside the minute she stepped out into the hallway. "I've been thinking," she said. "When Essie suggested Kathleen's killer might be the gardener I dismissed it at once, but it occurred to me later that perhaps that assistant of his had something to do with it. Never did like that lad. Very shifty if you ask me."

"He's shy, that's all," Meredith murmured.

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to find out where he was on Saturday night."

Meredith didn't answer. She was thinking about the last time she saw Davie, slinking away through the trees, sobbing. Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a word with him.

Just then she heard her name called, and looked up to see Sylvia hurrying toward them.

"Here comes Miss Nuisance," Felicity muttered. "Wonder what bee she has in her bonnet now."

Meredith had no chance to respond as Sylvia reached them, her face flushed from exertion. "I've been looking all over for you, Meredith," she said breathlessly. "One of the drawers in my desk is locked and there doesn't appear to be a key to it anywhere."

Meredith frowned. "It wasn't like Kathleen to lock her drawers. There must be a key to her desk somewhere. I'll have Mrs. Wilkins look for it."

"Thank you. I'd appreciate that." Acting as if Felicity was invisible, she sped off, leaving Meredith to deal with her friend's righteous indignation.

"Did you see that?" Felicity stared after the flying figure in disgust. "Totally ignored me, as if I were no more than a mere speck of dust."

"She did seem to be in rather a hurry." Meredith sighed. "I suppose I'll have to ask Mrs. Wilkins to search for the missing key. Though it could be anywhere. All of Kathleen's personal property has been sent on to her family. The key to her desk could well have gone with it."

"Well, there's no need to worry. I can open the dratted drawer for Miss Prissy."

Meredith glanced at Felicity in concern. "You're not thinking of attacking it with a hammer, I trust?"

"Good Lord, no. I leave those kind of tactics to Reggie. He loves to beat the blazes out of everything. It was his handiwork that caused the water pipe to leak. The brace had come loose and instead of screwing the bracket back in place he wacked it with a sledgehammer. Put a split right around the pipe, the fool."

"Oh, dear. Well, I wouldn't want to damage the drawer. Perhaps we can get a locksmith to open it."

A group of students drifted toward them and Felicity leaned closer, lowering her voice. "If Kathleen locked that drawer, there must be something in it she didn't want anyone to see. Am I right?"

"Perhaps, but—"

"Then we need to open it ourselves, when no one else is around." She clicked her tongue. "Don't look at me like that, Meredith. I can open that drawer and no one will ever know I've touched it."

Meredith widened her eyes. "How—"

"Don't ask." Felicity paused, waiting for the students to pass before whispering fiercely, "My time in prison wasn't totally wasted, you know. I picked up some interesting skills while I was in there." She pulled back. "They come in handy at times."

"Indeed." Meredith smiled. "I can't wait to find out what other talents you acquired."

Felicity grunted, but the look on her face closely resembled that of a cat having stolen a tasty morsel from the dinner table. She started down the corridor, and Meredith hurried after her. They would have to wait until the close of classes that afternoon, but now she couldn't wait to find out what Kathleen had hidden away from prying eyes.