tapped her gold amulet. “His picture is in this locket. It’s a talisman symbol, the Shri Yantra for luck, money, and success. The goddess of wealth, Mahalakshmi, resides in it.”
“We saw Frankie’s grave at the graveyard,” Judith said as perspiration began to drip down her forehead and neck. “Your husband’s, too. So many people buried there died young.”
“Master Wass foretold my husband’s death and the cause,” Kate said quietly. “I begged Eanruig not to hunt that day, but he ignored me. He often did,” she added bitterly. “A bullet went through his eye.”
“How awful!” Judith exclaimed, reaching for her purse, which seemed even heavier in the overheated sunroom. She took out a handkerchief and wiped her brow. “Was he shot by a stranger?”
“No, alas,” Kate replied. “His close friend, Gabe Montgomery, fired the gun by accident. It drove him mad. He’s been institutionalized.”
“A double tragedy,” Judith murmured, taking another swipe at her forehead. “How many children do you have, Mrs. Gunn?”
“Do call me Kate.” She smiled at Renie. “Serena does. I had difficulties conceiving in the early years of our marriage, but eventually I had ten. To my sorrow, Louie died young, even younger than Frankie. My twin daughters Joan and Vicki died at birth. I almost died, too.” She looked away as her eyes glistened with tears. “That’s why,” she said softly, “I’d do anything for the ones who are still with me.”
“Goodness,” Judith gasped, “you’ve had your share of troubles.”
“The world is a troubling place,” Kate murmured. “We merely pass through. Perhaps you noticed my other children buried near Frankie.”
“We didn’t read all the markers,” Judith admitted.
“I’ll take flowers this week,” Kate said, more to herself than to the cousins. “The past few days have distracted me.” She looked up. “Ah—here’s Beth. The silver service was made by Cellini. My mother was Italian.”
“It’s stunning,” Judith said, admiring the intricate craftsmanship.
“Ah,” Renie said weakly.
Judith realized that her cousin hadn’t uttered a peep in the last few minutes. One look at Renie told Judith why: she was sweating profusely and wore a dazed expression. The sunroom was exacting a high price on Renie, but there had to be a reason for her sacrifice.
“Lovely,” Judith declared as Beth poured tea and passed around the scones, butter, jam, and marmalade. “We’ve enjoyed your preserves at Grimloch. You must be very fond of your son-in-law Philip.”
“He’s an astute businessman,” Kate said. “Isn’t he, Beth?”
“Brilliant,” Beth said, passing the sugar, cream, and lemon. “He’s a workaholic. It’s very hard to get him to take an occasional break. I warn him to slow down. He’s reached a point in his life where he can well afford to enjoy himself. People aren’t going to stop drinking whiskey.”
Kate smirked. “Of course not. But your Philip needs to seek broader horizons. It’s what tells him he’s still alive.”
“Mummy…” Beth gave her mother a warning look.
“Yes, yes,” Kate said, holding up a hand. “I’ll be quiet.”
“You must show our guests some of your orchids before we go,” Beth said. “I should be getting back to Grimloch with Mrs. Flynn and Mrs. Jones.”
“Of course,” Kate agreed, getting up. “Bear in mind, orchids don’t all bloom at the same time. There are basically two types…”
Holding their teacups, Judith and Renie followed Kate in a daze of heat and humidity. It was difficult to focus on the exotic blooms, despite their beauty. Ten minutes later, Judith felt as if she might pass out. Fortunately, Beth came to the rescue.
“Sorry about the tropical atmosphere,” she said after they got in the Daimler. “Mummy’s circulation is poor, so she doesn’t notice it, and I’ve spent so much time in Spain that I can tolerate it for a short while.”
“Your mother’s interesting,” Judith said. “She’s serious about the astrology thing, I gather.”
“Very,” Beth replied. “She got into it early on, when she was trying to get pregnant. I’ll admit some of the astrologers’ predictions have been rather uncanny.”
“I noticed,” Judith said, “you didn’t mention the dustup at Hollywood House.”
“What dustup?” Renie asked, still fanning herself with her hand.
“Later,” Judith murmured.
“Just as well I didn’t say anything about it,” Beth said, slowing for the turn to St. Fergna. “Mummy loves conflict. You’d have been in for endless speculation if I’d brought the subject up.”
“I see,” Judith said, though it occurred to her that Kate’s opinions might be interesting. “Beth, could you drop us off in the village? We have to change our money. We’ll call Gibbs later to collect us.”
“He should have his car back by midafternoon,” Beth said. “There’s the bank, just up ahead.”
“Great,” Judith said as Beth pulled into the car park. “Will you be around for dinner this evening?”
“I don’t know,” Beth replied, “it’s up to—” She was interrupted by a cell phone’s ring. “That’s mine. Go ahead, I should answer.”
Renie got out of the backseat, but Judith was still struggling with her heavy purse when she heard Beth let out a gasp.
“That’s daft!” she exclaimed. “What could Chuckie possibly know?”
