Part 12 (2/2)

”d.a.m.ned nosy woman!”

Lucinda grinned, then schooled her features to impa.s.sivity as they reached the upper corridor.

”All the rooms be the same.” Blount swung open the nearest door.

Without waiting to be asked, he crossed to open the shutters.

The sunlight played ~on. a dreary scene. Yellowing whitewash flaked from he walls; the ewer and basin were both cracked. The bedclothes Lucinda mentally consigned to the flames without further thought. The furniture, however, was solid--oak as far as she could tell. Both the bed and the chest of drawers could, with a little care, be restored to acceptable state. Pursing her lips, Lucinda nodded. She turned and swept out of the door, past Harry Lester, lounging against the frame.

He straightened and followed her along the corridor. Behind them, Blount shot out of the room and hurried to interpose himself between Lucinda and the next door.

”This room's currently taken, ma'am.”

”Indeed?” Lucinda wondered what sort of patron would make do with the sad amenities of the Green Goose.

As if in answer, a distinctly feminine giggle percolated through the door.

Lucinda's expression grew coldly severe.

”I see.” She shot an accusing glance at Blount, then, head high, moved along the corridor.

”I'll see the room at the end, then we'll return downstairs.”

There were no further revelations; it was as Mr Mabberly had said--the Green Goose was sound enough in structure but its management needed a complete overhaul.

Descending once more to the hall, Lucinda beckoned Sim forward and relieved the lad of the bound ledgers he'd been carrying. Leading the way into the back par lout she was pleased to discover the table and chairs dusted and wiped. Setting her ledgers on the table before the chair at its head, she placed her reticule beside them and sat.

”Now, Blount, I would like to examine the books.”

Blount blinked.

”The books?”

Her gaze steady, Lucinda nodded.

”The blue one for in comings and the red one for expenditures.”

Blount stared, then muttered something Lucinda chose to interpret as an a.s.sent and departed.

Harry, who had maintained his role of silent protector throughout, strolled across to shut the door after him.

Then he turned to his aunt's unexpected acquaintance. ”And now, my dear Mrs Babbacombe, perhaps you would enli ten me as to what you're aboutg' gh .

Luc~nda resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose at him-- he was, she could tell, going to be difficult.

”I am doing as I said--inspecting this inn.”

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