Who'll Kill Agnes? by Lea Chan Read Free Book Online Page A

salary in order that you maintain the proper public image. We have a family name to uphold.”
    Agnes appeared not to notice that Audrey seemed distracted as she ignored a statement that normally would have provoked a stronger reaction. Had Audrey been her normal self, she would have responded with a sharp retort cloaked in sweetness and gratitude, knowing that Agnes very seldom comprehended sarcasm.
    For her part, Agnes was irritated that her advice, which she thought should have been received thankfully and gracefully, had fallen on deaf ears.
    Penny entered next, dressed in the navy blue that Agnes had prescribed for Audrey. Her medium-length, curly brown hair was combed neatly, framing a pretty, heart-shaped face that, at the moment, displayed somber and perhaps fearful big brown eyes. Like Audrey, she appeared much younger than her fifty-one years.
    Although Agnes was seldom in tune to the emotions of her companions, she did notice Penny’s expression and demeanor as well as Audrey’s. She wondered if there had been an argument in the library. It was high time she put a stop to that little gathering, especially now that Bernadette had joined the family. She shuddered at the thought. Or perhaps she should join them for meditations and monitor her behavior. Bernadette should learn something from her before Agnes got rid of her .
    Lester bounced in interrupting her thoughts. “Good evening, good evening,” he announced cheerily, and asked, glancing around, “where are the newlyweds?”
    “Thank goodness you are all right, Lester dear. I thought perhaps I heard you coughing a few minutes ago.”
    Eyes dancing, Lester responded, “I feel great. Couldn’t be better.”
    “Well, you must take care of yourself, dear.”
    At that moment, Bernie strolled in indolently, wearing a bright floral-print short dress that was sleeveless and clung to her skinny figure. Her stringy blonde hair drifted listlessly about her face.
    “Really, Bernadette,” said Agnes, using the same tone with which she had admonished her sister, “that dress is inappropriate for dinner and you need to fix your hair.”
    Unlike Audrey, Bernie was her normal self and snapped back. “Oh, really? I like it and Kevin likes it and that’s all that matters,” she replied defiantly. She loved goading her mother-in-law, knowing that Agnes wouldn’t push too far for fear of alienating Kevin.
    “Now look at Penelope,” continued Agnes, “in her blue linen suit and silk blouse. She is dressed conservatively and that’s how you should dress.”
    “No kidding?” Bernie winked at Penny who gave only a glimmer of a smile.
    Lester broke in, “I think all the ladies of Henley House look magnificent,” nearly choking on his own laughter. He assumed that Penny and Audrey’s demeanor was due to the drawing and that they were taking it seriously. Nothing could have pleased him more, for the moment anyway.
    “I see nothing funny, Lester. I am merely giving my apparently much-needed expertise on evening wear.”
    Fortunately for the others, Kevin arrived, pecked his mother on the cheek, winked at Audrey across from him, and sat down, lightening everyone’s mood. “Sorry I’m late. Where’s the grub?”
    Not wanting to chastise her precious son, Agnes ignored his question and began her nightly ritual of asking each member of the household to state an accomplishment of the day. To Agnes this was the “genteel” way to begin dinner.
    As Mark served salads, she asked Kevin how his swim in the pool had been.
    “Great, Mom, great as always.”
    “Lovely, my dear, and Bernadette, what did you accomplish today?”
    “I bought this dress.” Since it was Sunday she had done no such thing but Bernie didn’t think twice about lying to her mother-in-law.
    Before Agnes could reprimand her, Lester, sitting at the opposite end from Agnes, between Bernie and Penny, piped in. “I made a toast to your health, dear Agnes. You know, you and Kevin ought to join us for