Free 03 Murder by Mishap by Suzanne Young

“I see what you mean, and yes, I’d rather confess to them myself. Even if Virginia hasn’t already said something to them, I’d rather they hear an apology from me before any more time goes by.”
    “Do you think Virginia wouldn’t mention it?”
    “She might not. Out of loyalty to me, I suppose.”
    “Have you asked her?”
    “No. We haven’t talked about it specifically. I think she’s been waiting for me to bring up the subject. I haven’t wanted to talk about it until I get it all sorted out in my head. Do you know what I mean?”
    “Yes, I think I do. Do you want to practice your approach before we leave for the nursing home?”
    “I don’t think so, but thanks for the offer. I have so many different thoughts spinning around in my head, I’ll probably wait to see how the conversation goes once we get there. It may all depend on how frail or how alert Cherisse is. According to Virginia, she’s been declining fairly rapidly lately, but mostly physically, not mentally. If her mind isn’t wandering and if she remembers who I am, I think I’ll begin by saying I wanted to visit her and break the silence that has existed for so many years. I’ll say that Virginia told me only recently about Cherisse’s failing health. What do you think?”
    “Sounds like a good way to start,” Edna agreed. “Will you wear the pin when you speak to her?”
    “That would be rubbing it in, don’t you think?” Peg frowned at Edna. “You know I have better manners than that.”
    “Just checking, since you’re wearing it at the moment.”
    “I brought a little box to put it in until …” Peg hesitated before continuing, “or if , I decide to show it to her. As I said, it all depends on her condition and what sort of reception I get.”
    Edna noticed the waiter approaching and reached for her wine glass in a silent gesture to Peg that they were about to be interrupted. Large, shallow bowls of hot, pink and cream soup were placed before them and after a brief conversation with the waiter that “no, they were fine for now and didn’t need anything further at the moment,” the two women were alone again. Neither spoke until they had tasted the bisque. Both agreed it lived up to and probably exceeded their expectations.
    “I wonder how freshly chopped basil would taste on this,” Peg said.
    “Thyme is more common in lobster dishes.” Edna took a small spoonful and rolled it around on her tongue, trying to imagine it with basil. “Hmmm. I think the jury will remain out on your suggestion. I’ll try it next time I have lobster. I might also try rosemary or even a bit of lemon grass.”
    “Better yet, try it with hot rosemary bread, right out of the oven.” Peg’s eyes glowed with the thought she’d conjured up.
    “Speaking of herbs,” Edna hesitated for a second or two as she put her spoon down. “What do you know about your gardener?”
    “ Goran ? What should I know?” The edges of Peg’s mouth began to lift. “He’s good at plowing up the lawn. He digs holes and puts plants where I tell him to. And, as you so lasciviously pointed out yesterday, he looks good doing it.”
    Edna couldn’t help laughing, but then became serious. “But what do you really know about him? Where does he come from, and what made him decide to take up gardening? What sort of gardener doesn’t know the difference between mint and lemon balm?”
    “I assume Stephen checked his references.” Peg looked down at the brooch as she unpinned it from her dress, avoiding Edna’s eyes.
    “That’s another thing,” Edna said, not able to keep the annoyance from her voice. “Why did Stephen hire him when he’s never done anything like that before? Does he even know how to conduct an interview for household help?”
    At that, Peg did look up at Edna, a smile playing around her lips. “Just because Goran doesn’t know everything there is to know about gardening, doesn’t make him an evil man.” Suddenly, she couldn’t