Page 89 of Fire Must Burn

‘I’m certain I was,’ Iris whispered back. ‘By two of the men and one of the women. Let’s stick together this weekend.’

‘Our hostess has vanished,’ observed Gwen.

‘Back to the kitchen for the washing up,’ speculated Iris. ‘It’s a small staff here.’

‘Let’s go give our compliments to the cook,’ suggested Gwen. ‘See if we can speak with her.’

But they were met at the door to the kitchen by Pam, who was pushing a trolley into the dining room to collect the dessert plates.

‘May I help you, ladies?’ she asked.

‘We wanted to meet and thank the kitchen staff,’ said Gwen. ‘See where the magic happens.’

‘I’m sorry, but Mrs Dorter doesn’t permit the guests in there,’ said Pam. ‘She’s very protective of her recipes.’

‘Of course,’ said Gwen. ‘Would she be able to come out for a moment?’

‘I’m afraid not,’ said Pam. ‘After-dinner clean-up is a busy time, I’m afraid, and she is very particular. I will pass your compliments on. Will there be anything else?’

‘Not at the moment,’ said Gwen. ‘Thank you.’

They went back to the game room. Two of the men were playing billiards. Gwen eyed the table speculatively.

‘Step away,’ whispered Iris, noticing her. ‘We don’t want any lemon games getting us kicked out before we find out anything.’

‘A pity,’ said Gwen. ‘I’m pretty sure I could take them. It would pay for the trip. Well, in that case, what say we turn in? I’m exhausted by both the travel and the unwanted male attention, and I don’t see us making any further progress this evening.’

‘Agreed,’ said Iris. ‘Fresh air and beetling in the morning.’

‘You’re really going to be doing that?’

‘How often do I get the chance nowadays? Will you be joining me?’

‘Will there be mud involved?’

‘Oh, yes.’

‘No thanks. Come back and wake me for breakfast.’

They headed back to their room. The cool air coming through the window was refreshing. They changed into their nightdresses and turned out the lights. Iris looked out of the window. There was a new moon, so the stars were more visible, especially now that the two of them were away from the lights and smoke of London. Other tiny lights emanated from the meadow.

‘Look, Gwen,’ she said. ‘Glow-worms! Lampyris noctiluca, the fires that shine at night. So pretty!’

‘Why do they glow?’ asked Gwen, coming to look over her shoulder.

‘For the same reason we do,’ said Iris. ‘To attract mates. The females are the brighter ones.’

‘Naturally,’ said Gwen.

They watched and listened. An owl hooted somewhere in the distance. Then their reverie was interrupted by some amorous noises from the room adjacent to theirs.

‘I believe some other species have attracted mates,’ commented Gwen. ‘I’m going to turn in.’

‘You can sleep through that?’ asked Iris.

‘It’s not my first time in a country inn,’ said Gwen, settling into her bed. ‘I don’t think I’ll have any problem. Goodnight, Iris.’

‘Goodnight, Gwen,’ returned Iris, getting into her own bed.