19
“Ah, that’s much better,” Ruby sighed, rubbing her forearms. She stretched out her hands in front of the crackling fire in the drawing room.
“Mrs Bramble’s a dab hand at putting together a spiffing early tea.” Pixley leaned back in the sofa and munched on a triangular sandwich.
“Those scones were delicious. And that raspberry jam was heavenly.” Ruby leaned against the fireplace, peeking into the box of cigarettes on the mantel as if they might hold the missing pearls. “Shame we couldn’t talk Mr Clavering into joining us. I wonder how Fina is getting on. It’s a pity to leave her alone in the village, but she’s much more likely to get on with the local people than we are.”
“Yes, I’m sure she’s chatting away in some cosy teashop with them all right now. Or buying a present for the youn
