What did the bees know?

Suspect: Mrs. Hazel Carruthers, Housekeeper

Age: Various reports. Unconfirmed.

             She has been the housekeeper at Welford Hall for only six months and already made an enemy of the "toplofty" butler. There is no love lost between the two head members of staff and Carruthers has been heard to say that she will "swing for that butler one of these days". He's accused her of deliberately killing off the bees in one of her ladyship's hives, as well as eavesdropping at doors and stealing wine from his cellar. But Lady Isolda wanted to give Carruthers — a widow with impeccable references from her former life in service— another chance. Thus the butler has not been able to get rid of the housekeeper he despises.

            Not yet, in any case.

          

Little is known about Hazel Carruthers, other than small snippets she has shared with other staff, such as her unhappy childhood in the workhouse. And most of her stories they don't fully believe, for she's told so many of them and seldom the same one twice. Now she's gone off— with no notice— to visit her sister-in-law in Cleethorpes. At least, that's where she's gone according to one version she told.

            She's unpredictable and tends to do whatever she wants, much to the butler's steadily building rage. If she fails to return, he's certainly one who will celebrate heartily.

            But her association with Welford Hall and its inhabitants is not yet over. She just might be plotting her return, a prank, and a little bit of vengeance.

            Carruthers may, or may not have killed off one of Lady Isolda's hives, but she definitely has a bee in her bonnet about something.

            Find out what on February 20th. Pre-order now!

 

(Image used here: The Fur Jacket by Joseph DeCamp 1910)