Death Comes to Kurland Hall Read Free Page A

hesitated. “Are you sure we can accommodate her?” He picked up the guest list from Robert’s desk and studied it. “If Mrs. Fairfax does stay here, we will need to alter the sleeping arrangements for one of the other guests. Did the rector offer any further accommodation?”
    â€œHe did, so there is no danger of anyone having to sleep in the stables,” Robert said. The clock chimed twice, and he glanced outside the window. “Mr. Stanford will be back soon, and his children are set to arrive this afternoon. Perhaps we should finish our work before that happens?”
    â€œYes, indeed, Major. Speaking of the stables, I was hoping to discuss the current management of them with you. . . .”

Chapter 2
    â€œA h, Lucy, there you are.”
    â€œGood afternoon, Father.” Lucy entered the hallway of the rectory and went to remove her bonnet and cloak.
    â€œWe have visitors in the drawing room.” He beckoned imperiously to her. “Mr. Thomas Fairfax accompanied them.”
    â€œThey must be the wedding guests we were told to expect.”
    Lucy smoothed down her skirts and followed her father into the drawing room. An unknown man bowed to her, but she hardly saw him, because sitting together on the couch were Miss Penelope Chingford, her mother, and one of her younger sisters.
    Her father smiled. “Mrs. Chingford and her daughters will be staying with us during the wedding festivities. I believe you made their acquaintance in London, Lucy.” He gave Mrs. Chingford a small bow. “I, of course, knew this lady when she was Miss Flood and a beautiful young debutante.”
    â€œOh, Mr. Harrington, you quite put me to blush!” cried Mrs. Chingford as she patted her cheek and fluttered her eyelashes. “I am surprised you remember me at all.”
    â€œHow could I forget such grace and charm?”
    Lucy managed to keep her smile in place as she studied Miss Chingford, who looked just as unimpressed with her parent’s antics as Lucy was. She turned her attention to the young man who stood slightly to the rear of the couch and was observing the ponderous gallantries of her father and Mrs. Chingford’s flustered replies with what looked like concealed amusement. He had brown hair and hazel eyes and an unremarkable face. His clothing was well made yet fashionably restrained, as befitting his status as a land agent.
    â€œMr. Fairfax?”
    He stepped forward to take her hand. “Miss Harrington. It is a pleasure to meet you at last. I believe you were instrumental in bringing me to Major Kurland’s attention.”
    â€œI wouldn’t quite say that, Mr. Fairfax, although I did pass your excellent references along to the major for his consideration.”
    â€œWell, I thank you. I am enjoying working here very much.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear it. Not many men can stand up to Major Kurland’s rather forceful personality.”
    He smiled then, which made her revise her opinion of his attractiveness. “The major says it is rather like dealing with you, which he assures me is a huge compliment.”
    She smiled back and heard a sharp cough to her right, which she attempted to ignore.
    â€œMiss Harrington!”
    With some reluctance, Lucy turned away from Mr. Fairfax and faced Miss Chingford. She looked remarkably pretty in a mauve pelisse and matching feathered bonnet.
    â€œMiss Chingford, I wasn’t aware that your slight acquaintance with Mrs. Giffin qualified you to be invited to her wedding.”
    â€œI hardly know Mrs. Giffin. My mother is distantly related to Mr. Stanford.” Miss Chingford lowered her voice. “We were supposed to be staying at Kurland Hall.”
    â€œI’m sure we can make you and your family very comfortable here. The bedrooms at Kurland Hall tend to be very drafty.”
    â€œI am well aware of that. Unlike you, I have stayed there.”
    Lucy gave her a sweet smile. “I do