Chapter Two, Episode Forty-Two - Where the Mystery Lies - Situationally Theirs

Where the Mystery Lies

They found a quiet corner in the back garden of the restaurant. Studying the menus, their conversation fell silent. The burgers looked delicious and sounded even more delicious. Gruyere cheese, bacon and arugula on a thick, juicy beef hamburger. Dez was hungry, but her thoughts were really not on food. “What are you having, Em?” She looked up at her sister. “Probably just a Caesar salad - but with double prawns. You’re having the burger, aren’t you?” She smiled across their little table. Dez always toyed with different meals and always ordered a burger. She did look a bit troubled though. “Is there anything wrong? I mean besides this surprise that Jeremy sprung on us?” Her sister folded her menu and set it aside. “Just thinking about what I’d want to do out at the Estate for three whole weeks.” What she said was true, but not the whole truth. She had planned to stay out Em’s plans and Martha’s plans as much as possible, but she hadn’t counted on Jeremy. Now she was smack in the middle. So, she might just as well dive into it. 

“How are you coming with……what was it you were doing? Something about doing something for the staff? How’s that going?” Trying to sound causal, Dez stumbled over her words. She didn’t want Em to guess she was digging for information.

“Well, I have Mr. Winston - he’s the money guy for the Estate - I have him looking into all the pensions and salaries and what can be increased. I’ve looked over the work rosters and they seem to be in order. It’s not like it was before Michael died. Staff run off their feet with our parties and dinners and overnight guests. Martha having to call in extra help at the last minute. Cook working her culinary magic for whomever I brought home. Now, everyone has settled into a pretty flexible and fair routine.” They were interrupted by the perky young waiter. “Ready to order?! Any questions?” She had her pencil and order pad out. “You go ahead Dez, I’m not quite ready but will be.”

“I’ll have the Gruyere burger, please. - and let’s see…..fries. I haven’t had a good burger and fries for a long time. Your turn, Em.” 

“Yes, I’ll have a Caesar salad with prawns. Extra prawns. And ginger tea please. Dez, do you want something to drink?” 

“I’ll just have this water. Coffee later.”

Miss Perky flounced off to put in their orders. “What were we talking about, Dez? Oh yes, you asked how my plans were going. Well, I’ve done what I can do, but I want it done. Mr. Winston tells me to be patient. But now Jeremy has tossed a pebble in my pond!” She took a drink of ice water, sat back and sighed, shaking her head.

“You are in a spot, Em. He only gave us a few details and really no time line. Just ‘Pack your suitcases and it’ll be a second honeymoon.’ Just ask your money guy if he can move things along, that something’s come up and you’ll need any changes sooner. By the way, do you know when Brigitte’s coming back? She could help with any loose ends if there’s an overlap in the timing issue.” Dez hadn’t heard much information that would help her make her own plans. And that would be only after she talked with Martha. She needed someone to talk with, sort out her thoughts. “Here’s our lunch, Em.” Miss Perky arrived balancing hamburger with a crispy pile of fries and the Caesar salad - extra prawns. Her precarious cargo was delivered first to Dez and then to Em. “Is there anything else I can get you?! I’ll just go and get your tea, ma’am!” She flounced off again before the sisters could say anything. 

~~~~~

“Oh, that was so good.” Dez was eating the last of her fries. “I didn’t realize how hungry I really was.”

“Or maybe finally sitting in a restaurant being served made everything taste so good. Don’t tell Cook I said that. She’ll think we’re being ungrateful for her attentions and good food.” Em had two prawns left. She always saved one or two til last. “Brigitte. You were asking when she’s back. I’m not sure but I think it’s next week. Yes, she could be a big help. But because she’s one of the staff I’m trying to surprise, I’d have to let her in on everything……..I wonder what happened to my tea. Did it get busy in here or have we just been forgotten…..Oh, here she is.”

Miss Perky arrived with a colourful pot of tea in one hand and a tall thermos of coffee in the other. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get your tea, ma’am!” Turning to Dez she poured coffee in her waiting mug. “Now that you’re finished your lunch, I brought you coffee! Anything else, ladies?! Will that be separate bills?!” Before either sister could say anything, she flounced away.

They both laughed aloud. “She’s an interesting young lady. Right?!” Dez mimicked her.

“Dez, cut it out. Don’t make fun. But you’re right - she is an interesting young lady.” Emelina poured her tea. “What do you really think about staying out at the estate? I know Jeremy thought that’s what had to happen, but what do you think?”

“Well, I’m not sure it really is needed, but sounds like a good idea for a bit of a vacation…..sort of…….So, we really haven’t solved anything, except having a good lunch, Em.” 

“But it was good to talk it all out. I’m glad you mentioned Brigitte - it might be awkward, but necessary to let her in on things. She may be glad to know that her three mentors - that’s what she calls them - are being honoured and cared for.” Emelina began gathering up her things. Dez had already stood and was looking around for their waitress. “I suppose if we stand up, we’ll get her attention.”

Miss Perky finally returned with their bills. “Take your time, ladies and have a good day!” She flounced away.

“Every solution to every problem is simple. It’s the distance 

between the two where the mystery lies.”

~ Derek Landy, Skulduggery Pleasant