Intrigue at the Hall

By Irena Nieslony

Eve and her new partner, Rory, leave Crete to spend Christmas at a luxury hotel in England. The hotel turns out to be owned by an old friend and client of Eve’s, Rachel Fisher. Before long, strange things start happening—attacks, prowlers rambling down secret passageways in the night, and disappearances. Did a guest pass out or did she get hit over the head? Can Eve once again solve the mysteries and have a happy New Year with Rory?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belgrave House
• Release date: Nov 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781947812390

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rory took Eve’s hand as the plane took off. She smiled and tried not to tremble. This was a big step they were taking in their relationship. They were actually going to England to spend Christmas together. She looked down and saw Crete being left behind. Was she doing the right thing?

Both she and Rory were widowed, but Eve still held a torch for David, her late husband. She had thought he was the love of her life and although it had been 2 years since he had died, she still missed him and couldn’t understand why she had such a strong attraction to Rory. Of course, Rory was very handsome, he was tall and he was considerate. To top it all, he did make her shiver all over whenever he kissed her. Perhaps it was time to move on and just keep David as a happy memory.

Rory had arranged this trip, both booking the flights and the hotel. He hadn’t even told Eve where in England they were going. Yes, they had decided to go halves on the trip, but he had wanted to surprise her with the venue. He said it was a wonderful place and somewhere she would love. Eve had agreed to it, deciding to trust his judgement. Now, however, she was a little worried. For a start, would she like the hotel and in addition whereabouts was it? She liked to stay in London when she visited England, but she wasn’t totally opposed to staying somewhere else as long as it was near the bright lights of the city. She wondered why Rory was keeping it a secret. Perhaps it was a very romantic venue and he wanted to surprise her.

So, you’re still not going to tell me where we’re going? she asked.

I suppose I could do now. I just thought this place would be right up your street. I stayed there a couple of times on business when I lived in England and thought it was very impressive. It’s called Oakfield Hall and is owned and run by actress, Rachel Fisher.

Never! I don’t believe it. I managed her for about 12 months before I came to live on Crete. I didn’t realise that she had changed her career path. I thought she was still working as an actress. I saw a series with her in it not that long ago.

She is still an actress, but she inherited the Hall and decided to turn it into a hotel. I’m surprised you haven’t heard about it. There was a murder there and someone tried to kill Rachel as well. It sounds like she’s had a very difficult time, but she’s come through it. We were lucky to get in as they were almost fully booked for Christmas.

Oh, my goodness, I didn’t know that all these things had happened. How exciting, though obviously not for Rachel. I can’t believe that somebody tried to murder her. She’s such a lovely person.

I thought you might like to go there because it has such an interesting history. I didn’t know you knew Rachel, but I think I’m in a win-win situation.

I’m sure I will love it and it’ll be so nice to catch up with Rachel. I wonder if there’ll be a murder while we’re there, Eve said excitedly.

Rory laughed. I don’t suppose there will be, Eve, even though it’s the sort of place you would expect a murder to take place. It has a magnificent staircase and there are even secret passageways. I bet it will be decorated beautifully for Christmas.

It sounds wonderful. I haven’t really enjoyed Christmas since David died, but I think I might have a good time this year.

Inside, however, Eve was still a little tense. So far, she and Rory had just kissed even though they’d been together for over 2 months. She didn’t know if she was ready to take their relationship to the next level and so far, Rory seemed happy with things as they were. She wondered if he had he booked a double room or two singles? She wanted to ask him, but was nervous. She’d wait until they arrived at the hotel when she could see for herself.

A few hours later, Eve and Rory were sitting in a taxi on their way to the hotel. The weather was dismal. The sky was grey and it was drizzling. It was a typical winter’s day in England. However, they had left Crete bathed in beautiful sunshine as it often was in December. It was still mild there and winter hadn’t reared its ugly head yet. January and February were usually the worst months on Crete. However, despite the weather, Eve was glad to be back home. Yes, despite living on Crete for quite a few years now, she still thought of England as her home. Sometimes she longed to be back for good, but when the sun was shining on Crete, and the beach was so inviting, she changed her mind. Rory had said he wanted to carry on living on Crete, just like David so that was a pull towards staying on Crete. When David had died, she had thought of moving back to England, but she had been in shock and couldn’t make any decisions. The hassle of moving all her things and her dog back to the UK made her feel tired so she hadn’t done a thing about it yet.

Eve said nothing as they drove towards the hotel in Buckinghamshire. She had been born in this county and memories came flooding back as she looked out of the taxi window. Her eyes started closing and soon she was fast asleep.

Eve, we’re here, Rory said, lightly shaking Eve.

Eve jumped. They were going down the driveway and Eve couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the mansion in front of her. It was all lit up with blue Christmas lights and looked beautiful. She felt tears welling up as she remembered when her house back on Crete always had Christmas lights all over it and spotlights projecting Christmas figures onto the house. However, David had done all of that. Since he had died, she hadn’t bothered at all with Christmas decorations even though it had always been her favourite time of year. However, looking at the house in front of her, she felt nostalgic and was excited to see the inside.

Rory and Eve went into the hotel and were confronted with what must have been a 15-foot Christmas tree, all decorated in white and lit beautifully. They went to the reception desk.

Good afternoon, my name’s Sarah. Can I help you?

Yes, we have a booking in the name of Macdonald for one week. We are really looking forward to spending Christmas here.

Hopefully you will enjoy it. We’ve gone all out on the decorations and we have a top chef working here.

Ιs Rachel here? Eve asked, not bothered by the girl’s small talk.

I’m afraid that she isn’t at the moment. Do you know her?

I was her agent before I emigrated.

Really, Sarah said. I’m a relative of hers and I’ve just finished drama school. I’m just working here to get a bit of money while trying to get auditions.

It’s a tough world out there, but if you’re half as good an actress as Rachel is, you’re sure to make it.

Thank you, Sarah said, blushing. My brother, Steve, will take you to your rooms.

Ah, another aspiring actor, Eve said.

"No, I’m in my last year at medical school. Also trying to earn a bit of money.’

Well, at least we know who to call if we feel ill, Eve said smiling.

Steve took Eve and Rory to their rooms which were beautiful. Steve told them that Rory’s was the Flamingo Room and it was decorated with pictures of flamingos. Eve was in The Orchid room which had pictures of orchids and there was one in a vase as well. Eve loved her room There was a Christmas tree in one corner and a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket on the table.

Eve didn’t know if she was happy or not that they were in separate rooms. However, they were here for a week and anything could happen. It was probably the best thing in the end. She didn’t have to make the decision of taking the relationship to the next level right away. She would know if there was a right time, but it wasn’t today.

You know what I would like now Rory, is a drink and a bit of relaxation in the bar before we get ready for dinner.

That sounds like a good idea, but don’t you want to have the champagne?

I’ll put it in the fridge, and we can have it on Christmas Day morning.

Another good idea. I am shattered so don’t want to drink too much. It’s been a long day, what with having to change planes in Athens.

Well, you have to accept that if you travel from Crete in the winter. Mind you I always change in Athens as I’m not keen on the charter flights. They’re always so cramped.

Rory smiled. Eve could be a bit of a snob sometimes.

She went into the bathroom and retouched her make-up and was then ready to go downstairs.

Eve sat in the bar while Rory got their gin and tonics. She was impressed by the surroundings. Rachel had done an excellent job and she was happy for her. She had both a successful career and a successful hotel. What could be better than having your fingers in two pots?

Another couple came into the bar. They smiled at Rory and Eve and Eve felt compelled to ask them to come and sit with them.

"Hello, my name’s Eve and this is Rory. We’ve come for Christmas.’

You’re bound to have a lovely time, the woman said. The owner is a personal friend of mine. My name’s Mary by the way and this is Geoff.

Before anyone else had a chance to say anything Rachel came in. She looked straight at Eve and rushed up to her.

Eve, what are you doing here? I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you’d emigrated.

They hugged each other and then Eve spoke.

I have, but I’ve come over for the holidays. From what I’ve heard you’re doing well with your acting and also have this place as well. I love it and the Christmas decorations are beautiful.

Thank you. Things are going well now, but it wasn’t all good. I had a couple of horrible relationships. One of the men tried to kill me.

Oh no, you’re going to have to tell me more.

I will, but now I’ve got to get changed. I’ve had a tough day on set, my last before Christmas thank goodness. I’m glad to see you’ve met my best friend, Mary and her partner, Geoff.

‘Yes, we’re having a nice chat before dinner."

We’ll talk later then.

Rachel nodded.

So how do you know Rachel? Mary asked.

I was her showbiz agent before I went to live on Crete. I always had high hopes for her, and I’m pleased to see that she’s doing so well. I don’t know how she does it; both a successful career and a successful business.

Yes, it is amazing, considering the trouble she’s had with men.

It’s always the nice ones that get the rotten guys.

She went out with a couple of very handsome guys, but one tried to kill her and the other was just a nasty piece of work. He treated her terribly. Then she had a blossoming relationship with a police officer, and I know she really liked him, but he was sent to work up north and that was that.

Mary wondered if she had said too much, but it was too late. Still, Eve sounded an okay kind of person and had helped Rachel with her career. In addition, Rachel had seemed to be very happy to see Eve, so she hoped that Rachel wouldn’t mind.

Eve wasn’t sure what to say. She knew she had to talk to Rachel about what had happened. How come someone had tried to kill her? Was he behind bars? She hoped so. Was this another mystery she had to solve? There was so much hiding beneath the surface here and Eve suddenly became very excited.

Eve and Rory were sitting in the bar after having dinner when Rachel came and sat with them.

I’ve had so much to do. I’m sorry. I wanted to be with you earlier.

Don’t worry about it, Eve said. You seem to be really busy.

Yes, I’ve just finished my last program for the BBC and now I have Christmas here. All the rooms are booked. I have a party of eight so that’s 4 rooms, then there’s you and then there’s a party of four so that completes the hotel reservations. We also have lots of tables booked in the restaurant all over the Christmas holidays.

Eve suddenly felt depressed. Why on earth had she given up work? She had loved being a showbiz agent. Still, she hid her feelings as she didn’t want to put her problems on her friend nor on Rory.

I’m so pleased that everything is going well for you, Rachel.

Yes, work has been going fine. It’s a pity my personal life hasn’t gone the same way.

Why, what’s happened. I would have thought you would have a pick of lots of gorgeous men.

Eve decided to not let on that Mary had told her a bit about Rachel’s personal life.

You’d think so, Rachel smiled. I dated my Uncle George’s foster child, James and he tried to kill me on numerous occasions.

What? Why?

Uncle George left me this place, but James thought it should be his.

I presume he’s locked up.

He is, thank goodness, but who knows how long for? I dread him getting out. Then we had a murder here and I dated the victim’s son, Josh, who turned out to be a nasty piece of work. The detective in charge of both cases was lovely, though very shy. I really thought we might get something going, but he was sent up north so that was that.

Oh, I am sorry. Your luck must change soon.

I hope so. How about you two, how long have you been together?

Just a couple of months, Rory said. We’re both widowed.

Oh no, I am sorry.

Rory sensed that probably Rachel and Eve would like to have a private chat, but he couldn’t just get up and leave. Never mind, they’d have plenty of time to chat over the next few days.

The conversation drifted onto Rachel’s career and Eve was loving hearing all about it. It made her feel nostalgic and then again she felt like going back to that life.