Murder at the Mansion by Janet Finsilver Read Free Book Online

Lily. “This is Lily Wilson.”
    â€œWe met this morning,” I said and smiled at the woman in Victorian garb.
    â€œLily does many things here at Redwood Heights, as well as being our historian. If you have any questions about the mansion’s past, she’s the one to talk to.”
    I looked at Tina Smith, who was one of the group. “Thank you for the brochure. I enjoyed learning about Redwood Heights.” I turned to Hensley and said, “Tina and I met yesterday afternoon as I was getting ready to leave.”
    Hensley nodded and introduced the last person in the room, a pale, thin young woman with short blond hair. “This is Cindy Watson. She and Tina help with housekeeping and preparing food for the guests. They are attending a raw cooking food school.”
    â€œNice to meet you,” I said. “I’ve heard of raw cooking schools, but I don’t know much about them.”
    â€œTina and I’d be happy to share what we know. Let’s meet for coffee sometime.”
    â€œI’d like that,” I replied. “It’s nice meeting all of you. I look forward to getting to know you.”
    â€œWelcome,” Lily said.
    The others nodded in agreement.
    â€œThanks.” I turned to Hensley. “I opened four boxes in the carriage house. They contained books, Christmas ornaments, newspaper clippings, photos, and what appear to be some old legal documents. I think it’d be a lot easier to inventory them at my place. Is that okay with you?”
    â€œThat’s fine,” Hensley said.
    â€œI need to excuse myself,” Lily said. “The tour will be gathering shortly.”
    â€œI’ll go with you to see if Mrs. Porter’s there. As you know, she wants to go on it and was worried about her alarm not working,” I said.
    â€œThat’s an exquisite dress,” I commented as Lily and I walked to the lobby area.
    â€œIt’s a replica of a traveling dress Mrs. Brandon wore in a photograph.” Lily stroked the forest green velvet sleeves ending in fine black lace. “A friend of mine made it, paying close attention to detail.”
    â€œThe beading at the bodice must have taken hours.”
    â€œI’m sure it did. I really treasure it. I helped my friend Gladys when she was ill, and this was a thank-you gift.”
    We entered the registration area. Eight people were already assembled and three more arrived as we walked in. Lily moved to the front of the group of eleven people. I’d been told the maximum size was twelve. Sylvia hadn’t joined them yet.
    â€œWelcome, everyone. My name is Lily Wilson, and I’ll be leading the tour today. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them. There’s a sign-in sheet on the check-in counter.”
    Several people headed in that direction.
    Lily looked at her watch. “We’ll be starting at one o’clock, which is in five minutes.” She turned in my direction and said, “I’d like to introduce the manager of one of Resorts International properties, Kelly Jackson. She’s in charge of Redwood Cove Bed-and-Breakfast.”
    The members of the group smiled an acknowledgment.
    A short man in a denim shirt and khaki pants raised his hand.
    Lily smiled at him and asked, “Is there something you’d like to know?”
    He pointed to the entrance to the parlor. “What is that shield above the doorway?”
    â€œRedwood Heights was built by Reginald Brandon. That’s the family coat of arms,” Lily said. “There is an official Brandon crest on file. However, Mr. Brandon wanted to design his own to reflect life in the West. On his shield he chose to put the silhouettes of two rearing stallions, symbols of strength. Rifles instead of swords crossed over the top of them—the weapons of that era. Tall redwood trees filled in the area behind them and were the source of his wealth. You can see his motto for