Free Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Cake by Emily Brightwell Page A

cake into his mouth and then took a huge bite of the scone.
    Luty’s eyebrows shot up and she gave Mrs. Jeffries and Mrs. Goodge a knowing grin. Seeing the glance that passed between the two women, Hatchet poked his employer in the ribs.
    Betsy, a surprised expression on her pretty face, glanced at Smythe, who shrugged ever so faintly. Wiggins finally looked up from his plate, with a puzzled expression. “’Ow come it’s gone all quiet?” he asked.
    Mrs. Jeffries decided she’d best do something. The situation was getting more and more awkward by the minute. “We’re all enjoying the nice sunshine,” sheexplained brightly. “Would anyone care for a slice of sponge?”
    “I would,” Witherspoon said, handing his plate to Mrs. Jeffries. He glanced at Lady Cannonberry. “Er, I’m rather tied up at the moment, but I would so like to take you for ride in the country soon. We want to take advantage of the weather while we can.”
    “I should love that, Gerald,” she began enthusiastically.
    “That would indeed be nice,” Morris interrupted. “Do let us know when you’re free.” He smiled and rose to his feet. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Lady Cannonberry and I are off to the Natural History Museum.” He reached over and helped her to her feet.
    “Thank you for the tea,” Ruth said, her expression uneasy. “It was lovely.” She gave the inspector one long, meaningful look and then allowed Morris to lead her off toward her own home at the far end of the communal gardens.
    Witherspoon didn’t take his eyes off them. But even with his attention firmly diverted, his fingers managed to grab the plate full of sponge cake that the housekeeper handed him. He forked the cake in his mouth without blinking, his attention completely focused on the retreating man and woman. Finally he sighed. “I’m so glad she’s come home,” he said.
    “We are too,” Mrs. Jeffries said stoutly. “And we’re so glad you found the time to join us for tea this morning. Now, sir, do tell, what have you been up to today? You know how fascinated all of us are by your investigations.”
    Witherspoon nodded absently. His gaze was still fixed on the huge four-story brick home at the far end of the garden.
Her
home. “Yes, thank you,” he muttered. “I’d love another scone.”
    Mrs. Jeffries smiled softly. She felt rather sorry for her dear inspector. The poor man was so obviously wrestling with the demons of jealousy he wasn’t even listening. “Right, sir. Another scone.”
    Mrs. Goodge looked outraged, but she managed to reach for his plate without smacking his fingers. She’d never seen anyone stuff himself so full of food. What was wrong with the man? If he kept eating at this rate, she’d not have enough provisions to feed her sources this afternoon.
    “Me too.” Wiggins started to take a scone but stayed his hand when the cook glared at him. “Uh, maybe I’ll not.”
    “Inspector.” Luty raised her voice quite a bit to get his attention.
    Blinking, he came out of his daze and turned to look at the American woman. “I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?”
    “Yes, sir, I was,” Luty said. “I was jes’ wonderin’ if you wouldn’t mind tellin’ me a bit about this here murder you’ve got. You know how Hatchet and I like hearin’ about all your investigations.”
    “Oh well, of course.” He smiled proudly. “Uh, let me see, I suppose Mrs. Jeffries has told you some of the details.” He picked the scone up in his fingers and took a bite.
    “She sure did.” Luty leaned toward him and dropped her voice. “What I want to know is what were ya up to this morning? Did ya catch the killer yet?”
    “Not quite,” the inspector replied. “Actually, I’ve only just got started. But we’re making progress. We confirmed this morning that the victim didn’t go to his office yesterday afternoon. We spoke to his partner. Fellow named Henry Alladyce. Alladyce claimed that Roland Ashburyhad no intention of