I had no idea who I danced with but my feet were sore by the time most of the guests left in the wee hours of morning. The few left standing scattered about the drawing room and patio. I retreated to the library where I collapsed on the couch and kicked my shoes off. I loved high heels but they were hell to dance in. My hand cradled a steaming mug of coffee. I wasn't sure where Jake had disappeared. He hadn’t been on the dance floor. Someone had opened the window to the library, and a cool breeze cleared the stuffy room.
Hudson came in and headed for the open window. It was the first time I had seen him all night. He latched the window and closed the heavy drapes.
“Hello, Hudson,” I said from the depths of the couch.
He turned stiffly, like his neck was bothering him. “Miss Marlowe, I didn't see you. Did you enjoy the wake?”
“I have to say, it was the best I've ever attended. Albert's family and friends are a lively bunch.”
He smiled, stopping before me. “Mind if I join you? I need to catch my breath.”
I patted the seat, and he sat down with a deep sigh.
“You did a splendid job of orchestrating the affair.”
“Thank you, Miss Marlowe. Might I use you for a reference when the time comes?” He smiled with the twinkle in his eye.
“You're joking, of course. You won't have any trouble finding employment. Hasn't Opal invited you to take over at her ranch?”
His face clouded over. “No. I'm afraid I'm not cut out for the American West. I feel rather more comfortable in civilized society, and, of course, she hasn't asked.”
Hudson's proper English facade did not invite questions. However, my impertinence couldn't resist asking, “What will you do?”
A few moments passed before he ventured a reply. The soft light from the end table lamps nestled between us. The room smelled of leather and books. It was peaceful sitting with Hudson. I was developing a fondness for the old boy.
At last, he said, “I'm thinking of retiring. I'm getting on in years, you know, and butlering isn't what it used to be. I'm afraid I'm terribly old fashioned. Modern young people don't have the respect for the profession that the older generation had.”
“Retirement sounds like a great idea. Would you stay in the area?”
“I’ll return to England. I own a small cottage in Cornwall that was in my family. It will make a perfect place to spend my old age. I do rather miss England, you see.”
“It sounds lovely. I've been to Cornwall. The sea views are breathtaking.”
“Yes.” His chin slumped to his chest, and he sat staring at the Persian carpet, maybe lost in the sea view from his cottage. His eyes closed, and we sat in silence. The last few days had caught up to him, and I had no intention of disturbing his repose.
I gazed about the room thinking what a shame to redo this conservative old library. That was a heretical statement coming from someone who always jumped at the chance to spruce things up. Bookshelves covered three walls. A gas log fire turned down low made a pleasant contrast to shadows hugging the far sides of the room.
Hudson’s eyes fluttered open, and he sat up. “Goodness, I'm sorry to have imposed on you, Miss Marlowe.” He rose. “Now I must see to my duties and look in on the hired staff to make sure everything gets put up properly and laid out for breakfast. You'll excuse me?”
I nodded and smiled. “I enjoyed our interlude, Hudson, and I certainly wish you well. If you need that reference, I'll be glad to oblige.”
He nodded and walked stiffly out.
I finished my coffee. Turning off the end table lamps, I stretched out on the couch, meaning to close my eyes just a few minutes. I was still there when the sun rose. Someone had draped a hand knitted afghan over me. I squinted to see the time. Nine A.M. I snuggled back under the cover, fully intending to go back to sleep since it was one of the things I do best and enjoy so much. As fortune would have it, I heard footsteps come to a stop by the couch. I ventured to open one eye.
“Rest well, Fiona?” Jake asked. He placed a fragrant mug of coffee on the stand beside my head.
I sniffed the air in appreciation.
“Amazingly well.” I coughed and put my arm over my eyes as he opened the drapes. “That light is awfully bright.”
“The day's half over. If you want a ride, you better get up. Breakfast is laid out in the dining room, if you're feeling a bit peckish, as the English say.”
I grunted my way into a sitting position. Jake sat down on the end of the couch and checked me over.
“You don't look half bad when you wake up.”
“Thanks. My dates always say that. How did the mission turn out? Get any good dope?”
“Matter of fact, I did. I got to speak to some of Albert's colleagues and family while you were dancing the night away.”
“Sharing any secrets this morning?”
“None.”
“I got to talk to a few folks myself. We have to exchange notes. Might I add, you don't look bad yourself for staying up all night. Your suit isn't wrinkled.”
He covered a huge yawn with his fist. “All in the line of duty. Opal and I had a long conversation before she finally called it a night.”
“You already had breakfast?”
“Yeah, around six A.M. I did a little work on the Internet, chasing down leads. C'mon, get some breakfast. It's quite a spread. Then I'll take you back to your car.”
I sipped on the coffee, not quite ready to bolt into the day. I have a diesel engine. It takes me a while to warm up. “Allow me to finish my coffee. It was sweet of you to bring me a cup. I want to hear who you talked to.”
“Not here,” he said.
“Geez, Jake, you act like the room is bugged.”
Then it struck me. It was. That's why Jake kept telling me to shut up. I'm quick. I wondered if Jake was the bugger. The realization on my face made him smile. Smug but a smile.
“All right, will you please get off my divan, so that I might rise?”
He stood and offered me a hand.
Breakfast was laid out on a buffet replete with silver service and lace tablecloth. I loaded up on eggs Benedict, sausage, bacon, toast, fresh pineapple, and more coffee. Jake had a round of sausage and scrambled eggs.
Cody, the nephew, was sitting at the dining room table, and we joined him.
“Good morning,” he said, chirping like an annoying canary. “Here sit by me.”
He removed the Washington Post from the seat next to him.
I plopped into the seat and winced.
“Too much to drink?” he asked.
“It's my feet. I haven't danced that much in years.”
“One of the cousins was the deejay. She's great, isn't she?”
“I'll say. Where are you from, Cody?”
“Southeast Oregon. My family has a ranch there.”
“So you're a rancher.”
“Yes, ma'am. I got a degree in range management at Oregon State University. I help at Aunt Opal's ranch.”
“Your aunt is quite a woman.”
“She is, but she needs to retire. I keep telling her that but she thrives on ranch work.”
“What's on the agenda for today?”
“The lawyer. The will's going to be read, but some of the family aren’t going to like what they hear.”
“Why's that?”
“Uncle Albert left his money to charity.”
“What? How do you know that?”
“Opal told me.”
I turned to Jake who had finished his second breakfast.
“Did you know this?”
Jake burped creatively behind his napkin and said, “Yup, I knew that.”
“You didn't tell me.”
“Just found out this morning.”
Cody leaned around me toward Jake. “That’s why she hired Jake.”
I looked at Jake again. “I thought no one in the family knew you were hired.”