Deception In Devon: Viviane's Adventures Mysteries, #2

Chapter 1

The Adventure Begins

Excitement grew within me as I exited the bus. It was my first trip across the pond to the United Kingdom as a solo traveler. I wanted to pat myself on the back. I knew women traveledsolo all the time, but this was a first for my sixty-year-old self.

Viviane Masters.

Woman of the world.

Retrieving the address from my purse, I looked at my notes, and with trepidation of thehills before me, slung my backpack over my shoulder. I reached for my carry-onsuitcase that I’d bought for my first housesitting adventure in Mexico. Pullingup the handle, I focused on my destination. It felt a bit silly to feel sogiddy about a trip most people took without a thought. My first trip to Mexicohad gone well, despite a few blips on the radar and that had given me thecourage to head to Europe.

My daughter, Renne, had not been happy.

Mom, what are you thinking? At least Mexico was only a few hours away. I don’t think this is a good idea. Her blond curls bobbed on her head as she set out to admonish me about my fool hardiness.

Renne, I’m not going to someplace crazy. I’m traveling to a first world country and theyspeak English. I think I’ll manage. I stifled a laugh. Since when had mydaughter taken on the role of caregiver with me being the child who needed guidance.

I don’t know. And living in someone’s home? Doesn’t that seem weird to you?

No. It sounds great. I loved my first housesit in Mexico and I know I’ll enjoy this one as well. It’s like staying at a new friend’s house.

But they’re not there! She twirled her hair with her finger, a nervous habit from childhood she’d never quite outgrown.

Even better! I’m going to be living like the lady of the manor. Look at the pictures.

I pulled out my computer and showed Renne the interior pictures as well as the photos of the pets I’d be caring for and the area where I’d be staying.

Two cats. It’sgoing to be tough work. I laughed.

I don’t know why I even bother. She fumed, and I caught a glimpse of a miniature me and how she’d be as a mother.

Ah, come here.

I gathered her up in an embrace and kissed her on top of her head. You know I wouldn’t do anything crazy.

I felt her body shaking, and she sniffed, I miss him. Still.

Tears sprung to my eyes. I miss him too, sweetie.

I knew that many women were widowed in their fifties or even earlier, but it had been a shock when my strong and healthy husband had died while out on a motorcycle ride with friends. It had been a long and difficult period of grief that followed. I’d thought of downsizing our large house and moving to an apartment closer to my daughter.

Yet it was when my friend, Cheryl, had recommended petsitting and housesitting that I felt the first break in the fog that had seemed to envelop me for the last few years. This was something I could do, and not only could do, but wanted to do. Bruce and I had often traveled and had planned to travel even more once he retired. Now he was gone, but he had left me with the means so that I didn’t need to worry about money.

I’d signed up on various housesitting platforms more on a whim than expecting anything to happen. Yet, after my first sit in Mexico, I’d been hooked on housesitting for traveling the globe by my preferred slower pace. When I’d received confirmation for a sit in London, I decided to spend some time in the beautiful area of Devon before the sit began. Planes, trains, and buses had finally brought me to this small coastal town in England.

Now here I was, and another new adventure awaited. I smiled and took in the scenery for amoment. This was my new philosophy—to allow myself the time to stop and enjoy the moment. In my youth, I’d been so busy with family life or getting ahead in my career, I was always rushing to the next thing. No more rushing. No more neglecting that inner voice. No more saying—tomorrow.

More! I shouted.

Then realizing I'd not thought about others, I looked around, hoping no one thought I was a crazy old woman.

You are a crazy, old woman! Why not embrace it? I snorted a chuckle.

No more apologies for being my one true self.

As I struggled with my bags, my mind traveled to the people I would be meeting. I'd picked a smaller bed and breakfast hoping to interact with others. Would the bed and breakfast include interesting characters—people from the area or those who'd traveled to Devon?

I wondered what stories would unfold, what secrets might be whispered over tea, what hidden tensions might simmer beneath the polite veneer of English hospitality. A gust of wind hit me and with it the faint sound of raised voices from somewhere up ahead, quickly hushed. Even in paradise, it seemed, not everything was as peaceful as it appeared. I adjusted my grip on my suitcase and smiled. Whatever lay ahead, I was ready for it.

Chapter 2

First Night Tensions

With a burst of energy, I plodded up the steep road to the bed and breakfast that would be my home for the next week. Readjusting the light pack, which now grew heavier with every trudging step, I reached the house’s entrance. It clung to the cliff face, both its signage and door were painted in a bright, cheerful blue. The door opened to reveal a pretty, thin woman in her twenties.

Oh, hello there. She opened the door open wider. I was on my way out. Fancy that. Looks like I came to the door in the nick of time. You must be knackered.

No. I’m Viviane— I realized my goof at what she’d meant. Yes, I’m tired. Thanks.

She beamed,Let me take that for you.

I gratefully handed over my carry-on bag, which she promptly took through another door into a landing area with stairs to my left going up and down with closed doors in front of me.

I’ll put this right here for now until we find out what room you’ll be staying in for your visit.

Thank you. I removed the backpack and rubbed my shoulders. I was still in good shape for having turned sixty a few months ago, but it was a relief to remove the extra weight. Okay, if I set this down here with my bag? It has my computer in it.

She nodded,That’s fine. I’m Ivy. Let me take you downstairs to Dianne.

I followed her down a short flight of steps to a large open doorway flanked with open wooden doors. In front of the doors, two cream Labradors lifted their chins from their beds, but otherwise, remained still.

Is it okay if I pet them?

Of course. You’ll be their new best friend.

I love animals. I bent down and let the yellow Labrador sniff my hand before petting him. Hello there, fella.

That’s Milo. He’s a sweetheart. Lola’s his mate. Huh, Lola?

Lola thumped her tail, but remained unmoved.

I scratched Milo behind his ears before moving over to the other bed and giving attention to Lola. Their tails thumped against the plaid dog beds as I stood up. See you later, guys.

Milo circled his bed and finally came to a resting position. Lola laid her head onher paws, soft brown eyes following me.

I raised up from my kneeling position and waved goodbye to them before Ivy showed me to a powder room tucked under the stairs. I washed my hands, and she escorted me into a lovely, large space decorated in a botanical theme.

The room’s primary feature included a cozy seating area with two Chesterfield sofas facing each other. On either side of a fireplace, overstuffed chairs in a floral chintz beckoned. Other chairs were scattered around the room. Bookcases lined the walls, and I instantly longed to settle into one of the chairs with a soothing cup of tea.

I took it all in and wished to linger, but Ivy beckoned me forward. This way, Ma’am.

We walked past the living area into a sunny conservatory where an older couple sat drinking tea in cushioned wicker chairs. The woman glanced at me from over her spectacles but didn’t speak. Conversely, the elderly gentleman rose to his feet at my approach. Please. Join us. He motioned to a vacant chair as a woman I gathered to be the owner approached.

Hello. I’m Dianne. Welcome to Kingswear House. Would you like a cuppa?

Yes, please. I sunk into a nearby cushioned chair, happy to be off my feet after what felt like days spent traveling. Dianne spoke to the young woman as she left.

Ivy, can you take Mrs. Masters’ bags to room eight, please?

Okay. I’ll do that before I— Ivy’s distracted attention forced me to turn toward where she was looking. A handsome man had entered the room. Something passed between the pair and I gathered that they knew one another. Certainly, he was old enough to be her father—most likely in his forties. Though I know that age differences didn’t seem to stop some relationships. Maybe he was just another guest staying at the inn.

Ivy. He nodded. Might I have a word?

Yes, Mr.Fielding. How may I help you?

My wife has a headache. Do you know where I might obtain some aspirin? I didn’t recall seeing a chemist in town.

I’m sure that we have some. If you’ll wait here—

I’m on my way out. Would you mind terribly taking it up to Mrs. Fielding?

Ivy clenched her jaw, Certainly, sir.

The air charged with electricity. What in the world was going on between those two? I realized someone was speaking, and I immediately swiveled back toward the couple sitting across from me.

I’m sorry. What did you say?

May I inquire if you are an American? The woman’s voice could cut glass with its formal tone.

Yes, that obvious, huh?

One doesn’t want to speak out of turn, does one? She didn’t wait for my response, but primly sipped her tea from her porcelain cup.

I had to clamp my lips together to stop from giggling like a young schoolgirl. People really used ‘one’ in their language here? I suddenly felt very much put in my place and could tell by her attitude that it wasn’t all that high on her list. Standing up, I shrugged out of my jacket and rose to place it on a nearby coat rack.

Dianne returned with a mahogany tray bearing all the accouterments for serving tea.

Feeling a bit on display as I went through the process of pouring the tea through a strainer, I added a bit of milk to my tea and picked up the saucer. Sipping from the teacup, I was well aware of being scrutinized and realizing that I’d come up ‘unworthy’ in the older woman’s eyes.

Are you on holiday? The man I assumed to be her husband waited until I’d set the cup back on the saucer.

Yes, I’llbe staying in London, but have heard wonderful things about Devon, so I wanted to visit. I plan to go see Greenway. I enjoy Agatha Christie’s books.

May I introduce myself to you? I am Alfred Bancroft and this dear lady is my wife, Margaret.

Nice to meet you. This place is awesome.

He smiled at me, but I could tell that Margaret had placed me in the ‘commoner’ arena with my language. I guess I should say ‘brilliant’ instead of awesome.

He laughed.I love hearing American euphemisms for words.

I sipped at my tea, aware that fatigue was encroaching. Are you here for vacation?

Margaret and I come here every year at this time. That’s how we met.

She eyed me over her cup. The tourists are normally gone for the year as the weather changes.

I almost felt admonished that I’d ruined their weekend by showing up. I guess that means I’ll have more space to roam. Maybe even check out the cliff walks.

Those walks can be dangerous alone. One would be well-advised not to go there, especially in bad weather. Margaret intoned. I came here as a youth until my acceptance into Oxford. The beauty can be deceiving, and with the hazards along the path, it can be quite treacherous.

Um, good to know. Thanks. I sipped at the tea as a sound from behind us caused me to turn my head. Another older couple had arrived. They approached our trio and went to one of tables in the conservatory.

Margaret set down