Fall arrived overnight, with cooler temperatures blowing in from the North Coast. Mrs. Peabody was one of the first up and about. Humming softly, she lit the kitchen stove.
Outside, happy little birds chirped and flopped around in one of the estate’s many birdbaths as if they were ushering in Fall. She heard her husband whistling outside as he went about the morning watering of the flower beds.
With a contented sigh, she filled the kettle and added the grounds for coffee.
Early morning Mrs. Peabody’s favorite time of the day. The house was still asleep and the world was alit with golden light from the morning sun and the promise for a wonderful day spread from the edges of the countryside.
She had already finished her first cup of coffee by the time Mrs. Dixon came downstairs.
“It
