Knitting And Murder (Julia Blake Cozy Mystery Book 9) Read online

  Knitting and Murder

  A Julia Blake Cozy Mystery

  Chapter 1

  Julia Blake looked over at her colleague, Cain Andrews, as he cleaned the living room window of their client’s home. He must have felt her staring at him because he turned his body ever so slightly away from her gaze. Julia shook her head at him. She hadn’t known Cain long, but she knew him well enough to know something was on his mind. He’d been quiet all morning, and she’d caught him several times gazing into the distance with a little smile on his face.

  Their client, Ivy Samson came into the living room carrying a tray of tea things. She placed it on the low table in front of the sofa and said to Julia, “Has he said anything to you yet? Has he explained that soppy look on his face?”

  Julia put down the delicate ornament she’d finished dusting and looked over at the elderly woman. She’d been cleaning for Ivy since she’d first set up her cleaning business. Julia knew Ivy didn’t really need her services, and her house hardly needed any cleaning. Like a lot of her older clients, Julia knew Ivy liked her and Cain’s company, she liked to have a good gossip with them. Julia charged her older clients a lower rate as it didn’t seem right to charge the full amount when there wasn’t much work to do.

  Ivy waved her hand in the direction of the tea tray. “I’ve made us a cuppa. There’s some cake. And before you go on about calories and silly stuff like losing weight, I’ve used a new recipe with dates instead of sugar. You’ll have a slice, won’t you, Julia? If it tastes terrible, let me know. I won’t be offended.” With a groan, Ivy lowered herself into a comfy armchair.

  Julia put her duster down and smiled over at Ivy. She was touched by her consideration. She made her way over to the sofa and settled herself into it. “Shall I pour the tea?”

  Ivy rubbed the knuckles of one hand and winced. “If you don’t mind, love. My joints are playing up again. I’ve run out of those cod liver oil tablets. I was supposed to go to the chemist but I completely forgot.”

  “I can pick some up for you. Is it the same brand as before? I might get some for myself.” Julia poured three cups of tea. She pushed one towards Ivy. Julia shot a look at Cain. The young man was standing as still as a statue and staring out of the window.

  Julia shared an amused look with Ivy. “He’s been like this all morning. One minute, he looks as if he’s bursting to tell me something. And the next minute, he’s staring into space. I wish he’d hurry up and tell me what’s wrong with him.”

  Ivy gave Julia a thoughtful look. “I think I know what’s wrong with him. Cut the cake. The sound of clattering plates might bring him out of his stupor.”

  Julia proceeded to cut the cake. She said loudly, “This cake looks delicious, Ivy. And it smells wonderful.” She passed a plate to Ivy.

  Before Ivy had even picked up the plate, Cain said, “Cake? Did someone say cake?” He blinked rapidly as if he’d just woken up. “Oh, hiya Ivy. I didn’t see you come in. Did you mention cake?”

  Ivy chuckled and nodded towards the tea tray. “It’s time for a break, lad. Come and have a sit down. Then you can tell us what’s on your mind.”

  Cain tucked his duster into the front pocket of his cleaning apron and gave an exaggerated shrug. “There’s nothing on my mind. Nothing at all. Nothing’s bothering me. Not a tiny little thing.” He took a seat next to Julia and looked down at the cake in front of him. He gave a heavy sigh and picked the cake up. “I might only be able to manage one slice today, Ivy. I’ve lost my appetite.”

  Julia said, “Then don’t eat any. Put the cake down.”

  Cain’s brow wrinkled. “But that would be rude. You shouldn’t refuse food. I can manage one slice.” He took a huge bite of the cake and nodded in approval. When he’d swallowed the bit in his mouth, he said, “Ivy, I might be able to manage a second piece after all. It’s lovely.”

  Ivy smiled at him. Julia noticed the twinkle in Ivy’s eyes. What was she up to? Julia took a bite from her slice of cake and settled back on the sofa. Ivy would soon say what was on her mind. Julia took a bite of the cake. It was delicious.

  Ivy put her head on one side and she studied Cain. “Yes, lad, I can see what’s wrong with you. It’s clear as day.”

  Cain’s cheeks coloured as he ate the last of his cake. He put the plate down. “I don’t know what you mean.” He tried to look away but he was caught in the intense stare coming from the old woman.

  Ivy suddenly slapped her hand on her knee and declared, “You’re in love! It’s written all over your face, young fella. Don’t deny it! You can’t fool me. I’ve been around the block more times than I’d like to admit.”

  Julia chewed on her cake and looked over at Cain. She didn’t know his cheeks could go that red. And look at him squirming in his seat. Poor lad. She reached for her tea, took a drink, and waited for Ivy to continue.

  Ivy did so, “Come on, Cain, you might as well admit the truth. You’re with friends now. You can tell us anything. Who is she? Where did you meet? Does she feel the same about you?”

  Cain’s shoulders dropped and a look of despair came over his face. “She’s called Kayla Booth. She’s beautiful. I can’t stop thinking about her.” He turned his face towards Julia and continued, “But there’s a problem and I really need your help. Julia, will you help me?”

  Chapter 2

  Ivy spoke for Julia, “Of course she’ll help you. Julia never says no to anyone. Tell us what the problem is. I might be able to help you too.”

  Cain said, “I’m not sure you can, Ivy, unless you want to come to my knitting class.”

  “Knitting class?” Julia and Ivy said in unison.

  “Yes, my knitting class. I’ve been going there for two weeks now. I go with your dad. We did tell you, Julia.” He gave her a hurt look.

  Julia tried to recall the conversation. It was possible Cain and Dad mentioned something to her. But they were always going to some sort of club or another. They’d become firm friends since Cain had started working for her and they spent a lot of time together.

  Ivy said, “Tell us more. Does Kayla go to this knitting class?”

  Cain smiled into the distance and said softly, “She does. She’s an expert knitter. She makes all these delicate-looking garments. She’s amazing. So talented. So beautiful.” He sighed happily.

  Julia nudged him in the side. “Come back to earth, Cain. Can you explain yourself a bit more quickly, please? We haven’t got all day.”

  Cain blinked and looked back at her. “Oh, right. I met Kayla at the first knitting class. It’s held at different places each week. I sat next to her and asked her about cable knitting. I’m really struggling with that. She explained it so well to me. She’s so amazing. So beautiful. So talented. Ouch!” He jumped as Julia prodded him again. “Anyway, we got chatting and I thought we were getting along well. When the class had finished, I asked your dad what he thought about Kayla, and did he think she liked me?”

  “And what did he say?” Julia asked, already suspecting what the answer would be.

  “He hadn’t noticed her. He’d been too busy talking to someone about buttonholes on a cardigan.”

  Julia nodded. “He becomes oblivious to everyone once he’s absorbed in something.” She gave Cain a pointed look. “Like someone else I know. Cain! If you keep staring out of the window, I’m going to throw the teapot at you. If you don’t mind, Ivy?”

  “Be my guest,” Ivy said. “Did you see Kayla at the next class?”

  “I did. We sat together again. Before we got to the class, I asked your dad to take notice of Kayla, and to look out for signs that show she might be in
terested in me. I found some information online about how to know if a girl likes you. I showed this to Ray and he said he’d look out for the signs.”

  “And?” Julia asked.

  “He forgot again. Someone had brought a pattern for a knitted hedgehog and Ray was discussing that with them. He was ever so sorry when we got back to the car. He said he’d try harder next time.” Cain put a hand on his skinny chest. “Julia, I can’t carry on like this. I need to know if she likes me. I need to know if I have a chance with her. Will you come to the next knitting class with me and scrutinise her?” He looked over at Ivy. “You’re welcome to come too. You’re good at getting information out of people.”

  Ivy rubbed her knuckles again. “I’m tempted, lad, but I haven’t picked up a pair of knitting needles in years. I don’t think it would be wise for me to do so now. If you find out where she lives, I could always follow her. As long as she doesn’t walk too fast.”

  Julia smiled at the thought of Ivy following someone and asking them to slow down. She looked at Cain and said, “Of course I’ll come with you. I haven’t done any knitting for years, and I wasn’t very good at it then. But I’m sure I could manage a scarf. When’s the next class?”

  Cain’s face went from despair to elation in a flash. He sat up straighter. “Will you? Will you really? Oh, Julia! I can’t thank you enough. Ivy! Did you hear? Julia’s coming with me to the next class!”

  “I know, lad. I’m not deaf. But I might be if you keep shouting like that. Calm down and tell us when the next class is.”

  “It’s tonight at seven. Is that alright, Julia?”

  Julia sucked in her breath. “You know how hectic my social life is, Cain Andrews. You know I’m a social butterfly.” She caught the stricken look on his face and laughed. “I’m joking! Of course I can make it. Shall I pick you and Dad up? Where’s the class going to be?”

  Cain frowned and took his phone out. “It’s somewhere with a funny name. It’s the home of one of the older ladies. Hang on.” He looked at his phone and read something. “Cartwright Manor.” He jumped as both Julia and Ivy let out loud gasps. “What’s wrong? Do you two know that place?”

  Ivy leant forward in her chair and raised a finger in Cain’s direction. In a solemn voice, she said, “Cain, think carefully. Are you sure that’s the name of the house?”

  Cain nodded and held up his phone. “I made a note of it last week.”

  In the same solemn voice, Ivy went on, “What’s the name of the lady who goes to the knitting class?”

  Cain’s eyes narrowed as he thought about that. “It’s a really old-fashioned name. It’s something to do with chickens or turkeys.”

  Julia couldn’t contain herself. Her voice was unnaturally high as she burst out, “Henrietta? Is it Henrietta Cartwright? Please tell me it is!”

  Cain moved his body slightly away from Julia’s. “Yeah, that’s her name. She’s ever so posh. She wears pearls all the time. What’s all the fuss about?”

  Julia took a deep breath and said, “Henrietta, and her sister Blanche, are legends in this town. They live at Cartwright Manor at the far side of town. When I was little, I used to walk past it with Dad on the way to the park. It’s surrounded by fancy railings and I used to press my face against them hoping to see someone inside the big house. Dad told me for years that princesses lived inside. I’ve wanted to go inside that house for a long time.”

  Ivy said, “So have I. Tell me more about Henrietta. Did you talk to her?”

  Cain shrugged. “A bit. I don’t think there’s anything special about her.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, lad,” Ivy said. “Let me tell you about Blanche and Henrietta Cartwright, and the mystery that surrounds them.”

  Chapter 3

  Despite being love-sick, Cain helped himself to another slice of cake as he prepared to listen to Ivy. Julia was already on the edge of her seat, eager to hear what Ivy knew about the mysterious Cartwright sisters.

  Ivy looked from Cain to Julia, and back again. Satisfied she had their full attention, she began to speak, “I’m a few years younger than Blanche and Henrietta Cartwright. When I was a young girl, I used to see them driving around town in a big car with their dad. He always sat in the back with them as they had more than enough money for a chauffeur. Everyone would stop and stare as the car went past. The girls would keep their faces looking straight ahead and they never looked at the crowds gawping at them. The girls looked as if they’d come from another world. They wore beautiful dresses and their hair was always shiny. I was so jealous of them, I can tell you!”

  Julia said, “Do you know how they became so wealthy? My dad said it had something to do with the Industrial Age. I’m not sure I always believe my dad. He did tell me the ladies were princesses, but they’re not. Are they?”

  Ivy put her hands on her lap and smiled at Julia. “Not that I know of. They certainly acted like it when they were young. Your dad’s right about the Cartwright family getting money during the Industrial Age. Thomas Cartwright, that’s the name of the girls’ dad, made a lot of money through overseas trade. America was where he made most of his money. He was an astute businessman. But he was a cruel man. He accompanied the girls wherever they went. There was a mother but I only saw her once when the Cartwrights went to church one Christmas. I almost missed her. She was in black and walked behind the family. I mistook her for a shadow at first. She died when Blanche was about ten.”

  Cain said, “You said there was a mystery about the family. What is it?”

  Ivy flapped a hand at him. “Be patient, lad. I was getting to that. I was setting the scene, so to speak. So, as the girls became teenagers, they had no mother figure and only a domineering father figure. As was common with rich folk, the girls were sent to boarding school. And that was where the trouble began. Rumours flew around town that the girls went wild at boarding school. There were rumours of them hanging around with unsuitable boys.”

  Cain interrupted, “How do you know all this?”

  Ivy tapped the side of her nose. “I can’t reveal my sources. Let’s just say I had friends who worked at places where people talked freely.”

  “Where?” Cain asked. “The pub?”

  “No. The post office, the telephone exchange and the local hairdressers. Those are the places where you find out the good stuff. Anyway, getting back to the story, one of the girls made plans to elope with a local farmer’s boy. Everything went to plan until her father turned up and stopped them. The farmer’s boy was thrown into prison and the girl was made to leave boarding school. Her father actually locked her in her room for six months.”

  Another interruption came from Cain, “Which sister was it?”

  Julia shot him a look and said, “Be patient.” She turned to Ivy and said, “Which sister was it?”

  Ivy frowned. “That’s the mystery. No one knows for certain. Some say it was Blanche because she’s the oldest. And some say it was Henrietta because she was more of a flirt. And, before you ask which sister was locked up, listen to this. They were both locked up. Whichever sister was innocent pledged their support to the other one and said their father would have to lock her up too. Which he did, the miserable old so-and-so. But since that incident, the girls have been inseparable. Neither one has married, and neither one has left the house to live on their own. I’ve seen them out and about around town and they always smile politely at everyone they meet.” Ivy let out a heavy sigh. “It’s such a shame. I always felt they were prisoners in that house. Even when their father died, they never moved on.”

  Cain blinked back a tear. “That is a shame. I had no idea. Henrietta didn’t look sad at the knitting class. She was really happy and talkative. She said it was her sister’s idea to hold the next meeting at their house because they’d like to have company.”

  Julia felt her own eyes stinging. “I didn’t know all that, Ivy. I just thought they were wealthy people who liked to keep themselves to themselves. I wonder what happened to that
farmer’s boy?”

  “I’ve no idea. I don’t even know his name. He probably married someone who was considered more his kind. So, now you know the story. Or some of it. I’d love to know which sister was going to elope. And I’d love to know what the inside of their house looks like. Julia, do you think you could take some photographs for me?”

  Julia said, “I can try. That’s such a sad story. I always thought those ladies looked like the Baldwin sisters from The Waltons. Now they’ll remind me of them even more.”

  Cain said, “I love that show, I used to watch it with my gran. Wasn’t one of the Baldwin sisters unlucky in love too?”

  Julia gulped and nodded at him.

  Cain went on, “And didn’t they make some sort of illegal drink? Bootleg whisky or something?”

  Julia saw the glint of mischief in Cain’s eyes. “Yes. They called it The Recipe. Why are you grinning like that?”

  “I can’t tell you yet. I’ll have to let your dad tell you tonight. You’re going to laugh your socks off!”

  Chapter 4

  Julia did not laugh her socks off when Dad explained Cain’s earlier comment. It was early evening and they were driving towards Cartwright Manor. She glanced at Dad in the passenger seat and said, “Explain that again. I’m not sure I’m understanding you right.”

  Cain said from the rear seat, “It’s not hard to understand. Henrietta Cartwright makes her own wine and she’s been doing it for years. It’s all very legal.”

  Julia kept her eyes on the road. “Yes, I understand that part. I want Dad to explain again how he’s got himself involved in her wine-making activities.”

  Dad chuckled. “Henrietta’s a lovely woman. So genteel and with such lovely manners. We got on like a house on fire when we met at the first knitting class.”

  “Was that before or after she told you about her wine-making?” Julia asked.