A ship may bob, safe at harbor, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t experienced the wide world—or won’t again.
Shading my eyes with one hand, I surveyed the flotilla of yachts and sailboats and skiffs anchored at the Beaufort, North Carolina, docks. When people questioned my decision to become an innkeeper in this historic waterfront town, I always told them I was like those vessels—quiet and settled at the moment, but still ready to sail off on a new adventure whenever I chose.
The morning sun swam in a sky streaked with ribbons of pink and amber. Although I’d have preferred to linger, I needed to leave the boardwalk and hike the few blocks to my home. It was early morning—time for my workday to begin.
As the owner of Chapters, a local bed-and-breakfast, I wanted to be present before any guests came down for breakfast. It was one reason I always rose early. We served breakfast until ten, and if I didn’t fit in my daily walk before our seven o’clock start, I tended to get distracted and skip it altogether.
I strode up the narrow sidewalks, batting aside some low-hanging tree branches without thinking. I’d made this trek often enough to know when to avoid a slap in the face. Reaching Ann Street, I turned left, passing a row of tree-shaded homes. As always, my pace slowed as I admired the beauty of my neighborhood, where simple but elegant eighteenth-century houses were interspersed with mid-nineteenth-century cottages and gingerbread-encrusted Victorians.
Chapters bed-and-breakfast was one of the oldest homes in Beaufort. With a single triangular gable and white clapboard siding, it featured covered porches on both the main and upper levels. The shield-shaped historic designation plaque near the delft-blue front door proclaimed that the house had been built in 1770. This was true, although one could quibble about the rambling addition that had been added at a later date. The addition was deep enough to be separated from the picket fence enclosing the English garden only by a flagstone patio, but it was also narrow enough to render it invisible from the front. Many of our guests were shocked when they drove around to the parking lot and realized the house’s true size. In fact, if I’d collected a dollar for every time someone said, “It’s so much bigger than it looks from the street,” I’d have amassed a tidy sum.
As I circled around the house to reach the staff entrance to the kitchen, I noticed that the wax myrtles that lined the side of the house had reached a height that would soon shadow the kitchen windows. They’d need a good pruning in the fall. I mentally added this to my never-ending list of chores as I pushed open the back door and stepped into the bed-and-breakfast’s large kitchen.
Alicia Simpson, Chapters’ sixty-two-year-old housekeeper and cook, stood at our commercial gas range, dubiously eyeing the fish she held over a cast-iron frying pan. “Now, I ask you—who eats this for breakfast?”
Although drawn by the aroma of strong coffee mingled with the tangy scent of black tea, I halted my progress across the kitchen. “Come on, you’ve done this sort of thing before. I’m sure Great-Aunt Isabella hosted some literary events that focused on British authors.” I stepped back to avoid the splatter of grease as Alicia dropped the fish into the pan. “Besides, this being a Josephine Tey celebration, we need to serve a full English breakfast at least once. The guests expect that sort of thing.”
“But why this abomination?” Alicia, who was shorter than me by a good five inches, turned and lifted her arm to wave another kippered fish in my face.
“You’ve had smoked salmon on bagels before. It’s not that different,” I said, while Alicia turned away again, muttering about “dang fool notions.”
I crossed to one of our long work counters and lifted a silver cloche off a white ceramic serving platter. Inhaling the smoky aroma of cooked sausage and bacon, I glanced over at a foil-covered plate. That was probably the fried tomatoes. “All that’s left to do is the eggs?”
“And the toast. And finish frying up these dang fish,” Alicia said, squaring her plump shoulders. Her dark hair, streaked with gray the color and texture of steel wool, was caught up in a hairnet studded with multicolored plastic gemstones.
I smiled. Alicia always claimed that even though she was just a housekeeper and cook, that didn’t mean she had to abandon all sense of style.
Although, I thought, Alicia Simpson is hardly just an anything. After running the bed-and-breakfast for over three decades—the first thirty-five years for my great-aunt and the last one for me—I suspected she was just as much an attraction as Chapters’ literary-themed guest rooms and extensive library.
I covered the bacon and sausage before leaning back against the soapstone counter to survey the kitchen. Bright and airy, with a twelve-foot-high beadboard ceiling, it was one of my favorite rooms in the house. My great-aunt had remodeled the original space when she’d converted her home into a bed-and-breakfast, adding commercial-grade appliances and other features that enhanced the kitchen’s functionality. But she’d thankfully retained its traditional style. Plain white cabinets, many with mullioned glass fronts, were fitted with black iron hardware. Light spilling from the large windows set into the pearl-gray walls sparkled off the bright-white subway-tile backsplash and stainless-steel appliances and sinks. A pair of French doors led to a large pantry that housed metal shelving, a standing freezer, and our commercial-grade dishwasher.
“When is Damian supposed to arrive to start dinner?” I asked, mentally bemoaning the complexity of the War of the Roses–themed dinner party I’d planned to honor mystery author Josephine Tey’s most famous story, The Daughter of Time. Of course, I’d adjusted the menu to accommodate modern tastes—no one wanted peacock or swan today—but we were serving boar roasted with baked apples as one of the entrées.
“Not soon enough, I wager.” Alicia flipped the fish in the frying pan before turning to me. She swept her metal spatula through the air like a rapier. “He tends to overestimate his ability to multitask, if you ask me.” She thrust the spatula in my direction. “And it doesn’t help when you have him cooking such complicated nonsense. Boar, for goodness’ sake. Who serves boar?”
“Richard the Third probably did, which is why it fits our theme for tonight.” I bit my lower lip, considering the cost of the meat, which I’d had to order in from a specialty provider. Hopefully, our freelance chef, Damian Carr, hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d claimed he could handle such a unique menu.
“Well, I just hope no one chokes on a bone from those pike,” Alicia said.
“I bought them already filleted.”
“Maybe, but that’s a fish with more bones than a cat has whiskers, and the bones are just about that thin, too.” Alicia deftly scooped the final kipper from the pan and flipped it onto a pile of fish already layered on a serving plate. “Knowing how fast he likes to work in the kitchen, I’m not trusting Damian to check those fillets as carefully as he should.”
“I’ll look them over before he cooks them. But we’d better focus on breakfast right now. I hear stirrings in the dining room, which means at least some of our guests have already come downstairs.”
Alicia slapped the spatula against one palm. “Well, after the ruckus they made last night, that bunch from Virginia can wait.”
I straightened and stepped away from the counter. “What ruckus? I didn’t hear anything.”
“No, you wouldn’t have. It happened before you got back from that party for your friend Julie.” Alicia shook her head. “I almost had to say something, especially since that other lady, Ms. Rowley—the one with the yacht—complained.”
“The Delamonts were making too much noise?” I frowned. The family—bookdealer Lincoln Delamont, his wife Jennifer, and their sixteen-year-old daughter, Tara—were three of the six guests staying at Chapters for the week. “Was Tara playing her music too loud?”
“No, it was the parents. Fighting like hens scrapping over a last kernel of corn.”
“Really? What about?”
Alicia shook her head. “Didn’t hear much. Just a lot of yelling. And before I could drag myself up the stairs to tell them to pipe down, the whole thing apparently blew over. Anyway, they got quiet, so I just left it alone. Although”—she turned back to the range—“I did pick up a word or two. Something from the missus about cheating, which doesn’t surprise me, given that fellow’s flirtatious behavior.”
“Oh?” I mulled this information, which fit with Lincoln Delamont’s aggressively charming persona and well-groomed good looks.
A little too well groomed for my taste, I thought, experiencing a pang as a vision of my late husband’s tousled hair and lazy smile flashed through my mind. “I guess not all is well with that marriage. Too bad, when they have a child …”
I closed my lips to silence my next words as that child bounded into the kitchen, the dining room door slamming behind her.
“Any coffee yet?” Tara Delamont asked, popping a pair of earbuds out of her ears.
She was all legs and arms and wide chestnut eyes. A girl just this side of beautiful. A shore she will soon reach, I thought, when she grows into that tall, slender frame.
“That’s served along with breakfast,” Alicia said, without turning away from the range.
“But I just want coffee.” Tara’s lower lip jutted out.
I’d dealt with enough teenagers to know arguing over this topic was a waste of time. “On the counter,” I said. “Mugs are in the cabinet above the percolator.”
Tara grimaced as she stared at the silver urn. “That’s different.” She glanced back at me over one narrow shoulder. “So what, you just use that tab or something?”
“Yes, it’s just like a water cooler,” I said, hoping she’d experienced one of those. “We do have a single-cup coffee machine, if you prefer using that.”
“Nah, this is fine.” Tara grabbed a white ceramic mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee from the percolator. “It’s pretty cool, actually.”
“Everything old is new again,” I said, and smiled as Tara flashed me a grin.
A good kid. I hope she isn’t going to be too hurt by her parents’ problems. The knowledge that this was unlikely sobered me. I’d spent eighteen years as a high school teacher. I knew the damage family issues could cause in the lives of young people.
“Thanks,” Tara said as she left the kitchen, cradling her mug to her chest.
“Children these days.” Alicia cracked eggs into a large metal bowl. “It’s a wonder they don’t all grow up stunted, the way they eat. Or don’t,” she added, furiously whisking the eggs.
“They seem to survive somehow,” I replied, fluffing my short cap of hair. I knew better than to argue with Alicia on this subject. As on many others, I thought with a grin. “Anyway, I suppose I’d better greet the guests.”
I tugged the hem of my cranberry blouse down over my black slacks. After experimenting with wardrobe choices when I’d first taken over Chapters, I’d found that adopting an elegant simplicity was my best option. A flowing silk or linen-blend blouse paired with plain cotton or wool trousers was always my best bet. I needed to look put-together, but not too fussy.
Walking into the dining room, I called out “Good morning” and reminded myself to smile. Knowing guests liked a cheery hostess, I’d trained myself to smile more frequently. It wasn’t too difficult—I’d also learned to project a pleasant but tough attitude when I’d taught high school English. This was just a different mask.
“Hello,” said a tall, lean woman in her mid-thirties. She was seated at one of the three round tables in the dining room, wearing a tight tank top that showed off her well-toned arms. Her lightly tanned skin still held a sheen of perspiration from what I suspected was an early-morning run.
The husky man seated beside her was at least twenty years older. His cropped white hair gleamed in vivid contrast to his weathered face. Todd Rowley looked like someone who’d spent too much time in the sun, which wasn’t surprising, given his self-proclaimed love of sailing. “Good day, Ms. Reed,” he said. “I hear we have a full English breakfast today.”
“Yes, and it’s just about ready. But please, call me Charlotte. I may be the proprietor of Chapters, but we don’t stand on ceremony here.”
“Good, so you can call me Todd,” the man replied, with a broad smile.
“And Kelly,” the woman chimed in, tossing her long braid of golden-brown hair behind her shoulders.
I studied the couple for a moment. Todd Rowley was a fifty-seven-year-old entrepreneur who owned a lovely yacht named the Celestial, currently docked at the Beaufort harbor. His much younger wife—his third, if what I’d heard was true—had once been a track star and had, according to her comments at the previous evening’s cocktail party, almost made the U.S. Olympic team.
Almost. I examined Kelly’s intelligent face. She had a natural beauty that most would envy, but I detected a well of sadness in those lovely hazel eyes. As if her life was all about that “almost,” I thought, with sympathy. It was a situation I understood. I’d almost led a different life as well—filled with love, and children, and … I shook my head. No, I couldn’t dwell on such things.
“Had a good run this morning?” I asked brightly.
“Oh yes,” Kelly Rowley replied. “Surprisingly, the streets were uncrowded. I heard there was a major fishing tournament going on over in Morehead City and was afraid Beaufort would be packed full of visitors this week.”
“Oh, they’re here. They just tend to head over to the Big Rock tournament early. You’ll run into a lot more people later in the day, when they come back to their inn or hotel rooms,” I said, as a tall, lanky man entered the room. “Hello, Scott.”
“Hi.” The man ran his hand through his silver-threaded auburn hair. “How’s everyone this fine day?”
“Great,” Kelly said, flashing him a bright smile. “It’s Scott Kepler and you’re an author, right? I hope I remember that correctly from last night. I’m afraid I might’ve had one too many glasses of wine.”
“Nonsense,” said her husband. “I’m the one who was a bit tipsy, as I recall.”
“Yes, I’m Scott Kepler and a writer,” the new arrival said, laugh lines crinkling his brown eyes. “And I don’t recall either one of you being noticeably under the influence, so not to worry.”
“You’re not here for the Tey event, though,” Todd said, looking Scott up and down. “At least that’s what I thought you said.”
“See, you remember.” Scott tapped his temple with one finger. “No, I’m out in the carriage house. I rent that space from time to time to work on my book.”
“Something about pirates, isn’t it?” Kelly asked.
“Exactly. Soon to be a major best seller.” Scott arranged his elastic features into a humorous expression. “And if you believe that, I’ve got a pristine stretch of beach to sell you.”
Todd Rowley laughed. “Might take a pass on that. Sounds a bit dubious.”
Scott grinned as he took a seat at the adjoining table. “Smart man.”
“Good timing, Scott. Breakfast’s almost ready,” I said.
Alicia poked her head around the door. “A hand with the food if you don’t mind, Charlotte?”
I helped Alicia serve the platters of food before retreating to the kitchen again to allow the guests to eat without someone hovering over them. When I returned to the dining room a little while later, I noticed that the three guests had apparently enjoyed the breakfast, judging by the empty plates. Although they’d studiously avoided the kippers, which would undoubtedly please Alicia.
As I cleared the dirty plates and platters, another couple strolled into the dining room.
“Good morning,” said a short woman with a halo of curly dark hair framing her round face. “I hope we aren’t too late.”
“Oh no, we serve until ten,” I replied. “I’ll just tell Ms. Simpson to cook another batch of everything.”
“Sounds good.” The man following Jennifer Delamont into the dining room was of average height and build but exuded an air of confidence that made him appear taller.
Larger than life, I thought, with a wry smile. I managed a pleasant “Good morning” as Lincoln Delamont held out a chair for his wife. Lincoln’s blond hair, slicked back from his broad forehead, along with his fine-boned features and large, deep-set blue eyes, lent him the air of a middle-aged F. Scott Fitzgerald. I thought this was probably a calculation rather than a coincidence.
Kelly shoved back her chair and stood up. “Todd, we should be getting along if we want to tour some local sites before tonight’s party.”
“Oh, right,” Todd said, standing to join her. “I do want to check out the Maritime Museum and the Watercraft Center.”
“And the shops,” Kelly added, casting him a smile.
“Of course, and the shops.” Todd slipped one hand through his wife’s bent arm. “How could I forget the shops?”
“Let us know if you want a bag lunch to take along,” I said. “That’s part of your package deal. You can even put in an order and pick it up later if you wish.”
“Hostess with the mostess,” Lincoln said, giving me a wink.
I ignored him, irritated at his attempt to charm. “Just don’t forget that the War of the Roses party is tonight. Costumes are optional but encouraged, and we’ve planned a lovely homage to the fifteenth century in the menu.”
“Looking forward to it,” Todd Rowley said, as he escorted his wife to the door. “Ready, dear?”
“Absolutely. The shops await,” Kelly said with a smile, before they sailed out of the room.
Scott leaned back in his chair. “A costume party? Sounds like fun, but I have another engagement. Of course, to be honest, I’m not really a part of the Tey celebration, so I guess I can be forgiven for my absence.”
“Yes, you’re excused, but no one else.” I kept my tone light. I never wanted to force my guests to participate in an activity. Their payment for the event, which ran from Saturday to Saturday after a Friday evening check-in, included the dinner party, but if they wished to skip it, that was their choice. “We do have some local people attending the party, so there are plenty of participants even if you can’t come, Scott. Although you are welcome, of course.”
“I, for one, wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Lincoln said. “I have the perfect costume, which I certainly don’t want to waste.”
“Let me guess,” I said. “Richard the Third?”
“Oh no.” A slow smile spread over Lincoln’s face. “That’s much too expected. No, I plan to represent his eventual adversary, Henry the Seventh.”
“Siding with the opposition—the House of Tudor against the House of York?” Scott stood up and tossed his napkin onto the linen tablecloth.
Lincoln sat back in his chair. “The Tudors won.”
“But even that line didn’t last,” Scott observed. “Still, your choice is unique, so good for you.”
Jennifer tapped her chin with one finger. “According to Tey, Henry was the villain who killed the young princes.”
Lincoln shrugged. “Who knows the truth of that story? Tey had her opinions, but nothing has ever been proven.”
“At any rate, I hope you’ll all have a good time tonight, virtually traveling back in time just as Tey’s Detective Grant did,” I said, as Alicia appeared with fresh eggs and other items and plopped them down in front of Lincoln and Jennifer.
“Full English breakfast,” she said. “Enjoy.”
Lincoln lifted his fork. “Thank you. Now, once more into the breach …”
I turned aside, swallowing a remark about the inappropriateness of his quote. Because, as far as I knew, no one was at war, or in any danger of death.
Of course, as later events soon proved, I was quite wrong in this assumption.