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

  “I don’t appreciate the sarcastic tone in your voice, Julia. Henrietta never uses such a tone. If you must know, Daughter, we got talking straight away about our knitting projects. It was during our chat that she mentioned the wine thing. She’s been making it for years and has hundreds of bottles stashed away in her cellar. When I asked what people thought about her wine, she said that only her and her sister had tasted it. I think she was a bit embarrassed about admitting she didn’t have many friends.”

  Cain butted in, “That’s why she goes to the knitting classes, isn’t it, Ray? And you told Henrietta to bring a bottle to the next class, didn’t you, Ray?”

  “I did. I told her I like a good glass of wine and I’d be happy to taste some of her produce.”

  Julia shook her head as she drove along.

  Dad continued, “Henrietta was delighted and said she would bring a selection with her to the next class. It wasn’t just me who partook of the lovely drink at the next class, some of the other members did too.”

  “Not me,” Cain interjected. “I was busy talking to …” Julia saw his cheeks redden and he looked out of the window.

  Julia said, “And what did you think of the wine?”

  “By heck! It was the best wine I’ve had in years. I don’t know how long it had been fermenting in her cellar, but it was strong stuff. I was straight to sleep that night.” He lifted up the plastic carrier bag that he’d brought with him. “Henrietta said she wanted to try making some fruit wine so I offered to pop to the market and get some blackberries and raspberries. I told her I’d pay for the fruit.” He chuckled again. “I bet she’s going to work some magic on these berries.”

  Julia had a sudden thought. “Does Mum know you’re doing this.”

  “I told her, but whether she listened to me or not is another matter. She had that look on her face, that one where you think she’s listening to you, but her mind is elsewhere. She was marking homework at the time.”

  “Did you wait for her to be marking homework before mentioning Henrietta and her wine?”

  “Now, Julia, don’t take that tone with me. Why are you so annoyed? I’m not taking advantage of Henrietta Cartwright. She was more than delighted to give everyone a bottle, or two, of her wine. To be honest, I think she thoroughly enjoyed talking to new people. From what I’ve heard, she and her sister have had a rough time growing up.”

  “Oh?” Julia replied. “What have you heard about her and her sister?”

  Cain tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Have you forgotten already what Ivy told us about them?”

  Julia threw him an irritated look over her shoulder. “I was just wondering if Dad knew anything different. I’m just curious, that’s all.”

  “Curious is another word for nosy,” Dad pointed out. “No, I didn’t ask about her private business. But I did tell her about you pressing your nose to their railings every time we passed by.”

  “Did you add that you’d told me they were princesses?”

  “I did. I wish I hadn’t because this sad look came into her eyes and she had to excuse herself for a moment. Don’t you be talking about that tonight, Julia.”

  “I won’t. I’m looking forward to meeting her, and her sister.” Julia stopped on the road outside Cartwright Manor. She stared at the beautiful building.

  Dad said, “Why don’t you park in the driveway? I’m sure they won’t mind.”

  “I’ve wanted to walk through those impressive iron gates for years. Driving through wouldn’t be the same.” She looked over at Dad and gave him a small smile. “I feel nervous. What if it’s all run-down and horrible inside? What if the sisters make us use the tradesmen’s entrance and insist we take our shoes off?”

  Dad tutted. “You’re over thinking this. Henrietta is a lovely, thoughtful woman. And I’m sure her sister is just the same.” He reached for the door handle. “We’re going in. You can stay here and stare at the house all night if you want.”

  Julia rapidly released her seat belt and got out of the car. She retrieved her newly-bought knitting bag from the boot and then followed Dad and Cain up the impressive driveway. She couldn’t help but slow down as she walked. She looked left and right at the immaculate gardens. Not a weed in sight. They must have a gardener. Surely. Unless they did it all themselves? She took in the beautiful flowers in the borders and caught a whiff of something delicate. She sighed happily. She could walk up and down this driveway all night. She jumped as someone nudged her.

  Dad’s eyes twinkled as he looked at her. In a low voice, he said, “Are you ready to go inside?”

  Julia pressed her lips together and nodded at him.

  Dad went on, “When we go in, try and act like a normal person. Don’t be squealing, or yelling, or running up and down the hall touching things. I don’t want you getting thrown out. Promise?”

  Julia said, “I promise.”

  The huge front door was opened and Julia stepped into Cartwright Manor. She immediately broke her promise.

  Chapter 5

  Dad muttered, “What did I tell you about squealing?”

  Julia muttered back, “It was only a little one. I couldn’t help it. Look at this place. It’s amazing.” She took in the huge hall and the enormous staircase. Five people could easily walk up those stairs side-by-side. If they wanted to. And look at that grandfather clock! It must be over a hundred years old. Julia heard some faint noise at her side but didn’t pay it any attention. Look at the portraits! And look at those vases on the delicate-looking tables. Blimey. The experts from Antiques Roadshow would have their work cut out for them here. She frowned as that annoying noise sounded in her ear again.

  The annoying noise was coming from Dad. He hissed, “Julia! Will you close your mouth and stop staring at everything! Henrietta has said hello to you twice.”

  Julia’s mouth snapped closed. She didn’t realise it was open. She turned to look at the elderly woman at her side. Henrietta was small and as delicate-looking as one of her tables. She was wearing a tweed skirt, a lilac coloured twin-set and a thin row of pearls. Her grey hair was piled expertly on her head in a style that must be from forty, or even fifty, years ago.

  Henrietta’s eyes twinkled as she smiled at Julia. She held out a pale hand and said, “You must be Julia. Ray’s told me so much about you. I’m very impressed with your business acumen. I’d never be able to set up and run my own successful business like you have. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Julia.”

  Julia took Henrietta’s small, cool hand and resisted the urge to curtsy. Shyness suddenly came over her and all she could manage was, “Hello. I like your house.”

  Henrietta released a most ladylike tinkle of a laugh and released Julia’s hand. “Yes, it is lovely, thank you. I’m afraid it’s too big for Blanche and me but we wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else. Do come through to the drawing room. Blanche is eager to meet you.” Henrietta seemed to glide across the polished floor as she moved to the left of the hall.

  Dad nudged Julia and said, “It’s quite impressive, isn’t it?”

  Julia nodded as she followed Dad and Cain to the left. Her cleaner’s eyes had picked up some small things as she’d surveyed the room. There was a fine layer of dust on the portraits and ornaments, and the rugs showed several stains that needed treatment. If the Cartwright sisters employed a cleaner, then that cleaner wasn’t doing a good job. Julia reminded herself she was here as a guest and that she’d have to keep her cleaning opinions to herself.

  She walked into the drawing room and came to a stop. This room was even more impressive than the hall and stairs. The lighter colour scheme in here accentuated the beauty of the antique furniture and fittings. It was like walking into a National Trust home. She quickly scanned the room and couldn’t find anything modern, not even a telephone or television. Her cleaning mind wouldn’t rest and she picked up on the accumulated dust on the skirting boards. She gave herself a mental shake. The cleaning here was absolutely none of her business.

>   A woman called out her name and Julia looked over to the side of the room where an elderly woman had a hand raised in her direction. It was evident she was Blanche Cartwright. She looked like her sister but was slightly taller, a bit heavier, and had darker hair. She was wearing a similar outfit of a tweed skirt and a twin-set. Blanche’s twin-set was dark brown. She was wearing pearls too.

  Julia walked over to her and took Blanche’s outstretched hand. A lovely fragrance wafted towards her. It was lily-of-the-valley. Julia couldn’t help but smile and said to Blanche, “Hello. You’re wearing the same perfume that my grandma used to wear.”

  Blanche returned her smile. “I’ve worn it for years. You must forgive my sister and me, we’re very old-fashioned and set in our ways. We must seem so dreadfully outdated to you. Henrietta has told me all about you, Julia. We must get to know each other. I’d have loved to set up my own business when I was younger, but I never had the confidence.” She released Julia’s hand and tilted her head towards her. “But first, I must ask you something important.”

  Julia tilted her head too. “Yes?”

  Blanche said quietly, “Are you a knitter?”

  “I am, but I’m not a very good one. I can’t even remember how to cast on.”

  Blanche clasped her hands together. “Oh! Thank goodness for that. I thought I was going to be the only one. I can barely hold a pair of knitting needles properly, never mind going through the confusing motions of winding yarn around them. Julia, we must sit together when this knitting class starts. I couldn’t bear to have an expert sitting next to me, clicking away furiously. I’d be so embarrassed at my feeble attempts.”

  Julia raised her knitting bag. “I didn’t even have a knitting bag. I had to go out and buy this one today, along with a pack of knitting needles.”

  Blanche’s face lit up. “I did the very same thing! And I’ve bought the very same bag. Look.” She reached behind a chair and lifted an identical bag. “Julia, I can see that we are going to become close friends. I may even tell you my deepest, darkest secrets!”

  Chapter 6

  Blanche didn’t get the chance to divulge any of her deepest, darkest secrets because other members of the knitting class arrived. Blanche laid a hand on Julia’s arm and said, “Please excuse me, I must welcome our other guests. I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to have so many people in the house. This house has been quiet for far too long.” She gave Julia a smile and walked towards the doorway where a couple of awe-struck women were standing.

  Cain came to her side. Julia couldn’t miss the nervous look on his face. He said, “You haven’t forgotten about Kayla, have you?”

  Julia couldn’t resist teasing him and replied, “Who?”

  Cain’s eyes widened. “Kayla? I told you all about her earlier.”

  “I’m only joking. You need to calm down, Cain. I can see the sweat on your forehead and it’s not an attractive look.” Julia turned her attention towards the doorway. “Has she arrived yet?”

  Cain took a pressed handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his forehead. “No. I’ll let you know when she’s here.”

  “Who are those people by the door? I think I recognise the woman with the short blonde hair. I’m sure I’ve seen her face somewhere.”

  “That’s Denise Kemp. You’ve probably seen her on posters around town. She runs a hair and beauty salon.”

  “Oh, yes. It’s that fancy one on the high street. I’ve never been in, it looks too expensive for me.” Julia looked closer at Denise Kemp. “She certainly looks after herself. Do you think she’s older than me?”

  “It’s hard to tell with all that make-up on.” Cain’s nose wrinkled. “I’m not sure I like that much make-up on a woman. Wait until you see Kayla. She’s a natural beauty.” Cain looked anxiously around the room. “I hope she turns up. She sent me a text to say she would.”

  “You never told me you had her number. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

  Cain’s cheeks coloured and he gave her a small smile. “Yes.”

  Julia hoped for Cain’s sake that he wouldn’t be blushing all night. She could see how nervous he was. And she hoped Kayla was worthy of his attentions. Cain had become like a third child to her and she was very protective of him.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by Denise Kemp, who appeared in front of them. “Hello again, Cain. And you must be Julia. Your dad goes on about you all the time!”

  Julia was taken aback by the deep, gravelly voice that came from Denise. It sounded like a smoker’s voice. A little part of Julia was relieved that this perfect-looking woman had at least one vice. “Hello. I was just saying to Cain that I recognised you from your posters.”

  Denise let out a deep laugh. “Yes. I’m everywhere! It’s my husband’s idea. He’s in charge of marketing. If it were up to me, I’d just get on with my business and hope for the best. But, Selby, that’s my hubby, says we have to market. Otherwise people would never find us.”

  Julia nodded. “I’m not very good at marketing. I tend to get clients by word-of-mouth. I’ve walked past your salon many times but I’ve never been in.”

  Denise grimaced. “You’re not the only one to say that. I think our look is too upmarket but Selby insists on it being like that.” She gave Julia a quick look-over. “Tell you what, why don’t you call in for a consultation? We offer all sorts of hair and beauty treatments. Although, I can’t see that you need anything doing. You’ve got lovely skin and I love the thickness of your hair.”

  Julia felt her cheeks warming up. She and Cain could heat up the room at this rate. She muttered a thank you.

  Denise carried on, “The consultation’s free and if you do want any treatments, I can give you a special discount. And if you don’t want any treatments, you can have a good old look around the salon. I love a good nosy around, don’t you?”

  Dad suddenly appeared next to Julia and boomed out, “Now there’s a rhetorical question if ever I heard one!”

  Denise smiled and nodded towards the glass in his hands. “Hi Ray, I see Henrietta has started to ply you with drinks again. You’d better watch yourself, she’ll be leading you astray. You should hear some of the tales …” She abruptly stopped and the smile died on her lips. “Sorry about that. I hear a lot of gossip at my salon and it’s tempting to repeat it. I feel like a priest in the confessional box sometimes. What kind of wine is that, Ray? I could do with a glass myself. I’m not driving tonight.”

  Dad lifted the pale-coloured glass up. “It’s elderflower wine. I think this is the best one yet. It’s got a delicate, flowery taste but then there’s a lovely warming feeling as it travels down your throat. I’m not sure how strong it is. You’d better help yourself before it’s gone.” He took a sip and sighed with appreciation. “I’m not sure how much knitting I’ll be doing tonight.”

  Denise let out a gravelly laugh. “I think we should start a wine appreciation club, Ray. Show me to the wine.”

  Julia watched them both walk away. Where was Blanche? Would she think Julia rude if she asked her for a tour of the house? Would she allow her to take some photos?

  Cain tugged urgently at her sleeve and hissed, “Julia! It’s Kayla! She’s here!”

  Julia thought for a moment that his eyes were going to pop out. She turned her head and looked towards the doorway.

  Chapter 7

  Julia looked at Kayla Booth and felt a little stab of disappointment. She had been expecting a beautiful angel-like creature. Kayla Booth was just an ordinary-looking girl. She was petite with long, straight dark hair. Her head hung shyly as she was introduced to Blanche. Her gaze darted around the room as if looking for someone. Her face lit up when she found Cain.

  Julia glanced at Cain, who was still standing next to her. He had a manic beam on his face as he nodded an acknowledgement at Kayla. Julia whispered, “Don’t just stand there. The poor girl looks as if she needs rescuing.”

  Cain crossed the floor in two seconds. Julia watched the two young people as t
hey said hello to each other. They both displayed an awkward shyness and kept smiling and then looking away from each other. From her initial impression, Julia thought Kayla showed an interest in Cain. But if they were both as shy as each other, they would take forever to organise a date. Perhaps Julia could help them in some way.

  Henrietta clapped her hands together and announced, “Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence tonight. I know I speak on behalf of my sister when I say it’s a great honour to have you here. Please take a seat on one of our settees. They’re quite ancient and I’m afraid they may be a bit lumpy!”

  Julia watched as everyone walked towards the beautiful settees. It was funny how people called them different things. She always called hers a sofa. But there again, if she had four of the things like the Cartwright sisters did, she might give them the more fanciful name.

  Julia waited for Blanche to take a seat and then sat next to her. Blanche gave her a grateful smile and said, “I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to keep up the pretence of knitting. I’ve prepared some refreshments in the kitchen. I might use that as an excuse for leaving the room soon.” She gave Julia a conspiratorial smile and picked up her knitting bag.

  Julia picked her knitting needles up and attempted to cast on a few stitches. She gave up after a minute and looked around the room. There was a variety of people here and, at the moment, most were absorbed in their own knitting projects. There was a gentle hum of conversation which mingled well with the clicking of needles.

  Julia looked towards the sofa where Cain and Kayla were sitting. Cain’s cheeks were red again as he stared down at his knitting needles. Kayla looked at her needles but kept shooting little glances at Cain and them smiling to herself.

  Dad was sitting on a sofa next to Henrietta. His knitting bag was on the rug in front of him and Julia could see his knitting needles poking out of the bag. He was lifting his glass to the light and saying something to Henrietta. She laughed and her hands flew to her cheeks. She felt a rush of love for him. He always made people feel at ease with his easy chatter. He looked her way and winked at her.