Magnolia in Bloom: Inspector Hadley Mysteries, #3

By Laura Walker

In Magnolia in Bloom, Inspector Hadley travels to Italy to investigate a peculiar situation with his ex-fiancée, Aida Sanderson.

At Magnolia Villa, he becomes immersed in a mysterious case involving Madam Du Farge's family and their potential involvement in her poisoning. Will Hadley be able to solve the case and put an end to the dangerous family feud?

Meanwhile, can he rekindle his relationship with Aida Sanderson or will the oppressive atmosphere at the villa drive them farther apart?

Magnolia in Bloom is a 1920s mystery and the third book in the Inspector Hadley Mysteries.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Walker
• Release date: Jul 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223513520

Laura Walker

Laura Walker grew up in the Derbyshire Dales. She now lives with her husband in Staffordshire. She has been writing since childhood and specialises in ya romance, regency romance and mystery novels.

Book preview

Chapter One

In his apartment at Ratterbridge Square in London, Inspector Hadley frowned at the letter he turned over in his hand. It had arrived that morning and the post mark was from Italy.

Who do I know in Italy? I assume Aida is in Brussels, though it looks like her handwriting. . . No, it can't be from her. She abandoned me at the altar. She would be too proud to write to me.

He shrugged. There was nothing for it. He had to open it if he ever wanted to know whom it was from. Tearing open the envelope, he scanned to the end of the letter.

Your dearest, Aida.

Hadley stared. What is she playing at?

Sitting back at the kitchen table, he read the entire contents.

'Mikey, something dreadful is happening. Madam Du Farge is very sick and she believes she's being slowly poisoned. I'm not certain if her fears are well founded, but I need your help. Please come to me. I have enclosed the address at the top of this letter.'

The letter was short and urgent, and he mulled over it with puzzled wonder.

What was she doing in Italy? Why was she writing to the man she'd jilted at the altar last week? She sounded like she still thought of him as her fiancé too.

As far away as Italy was, he needed to find out.

Turning to the address, he read, Magnolia Villa, Tuscany, Italy.

Sounded intriguing. If she was really being poisoned, his help was required. As the thought struck him that Aida could also be in danger, he sprang up and dashed to the telephone to make the necessary arrangements.

AIDA WAITED AT AN OUTSIDE table at the Café Doce Amaro in Florence. Boredom made her watch bikes coming and going from in front of the café's three long windows that opened out like a balcony door with a table in front of each of them.

She struggled to concentrate on the menu. Madam Du Farge's accusations about Berty had played with her mind. She was glad to get away from the Villa Magnolia for a while and she hoped seeing Mikey again would help clear up the matter. Fear clouded her brow as she wondered if he would still be angry with her for showing him up when she accidentally jilted him at the altar.

The smartly dressed waiter in a white tuxedo arrived with his notepad, which forced her to make a decision. She hastily scanned the menu and picked out what she thought Mikey would like before handing the folder to the waiter.

Her eyes danced around the city looking for some sign of her fiancé, but all she saw was unfamiliar faces.

WHEN HADLEY'S BOAT docked in Florence, the motion sickness made him nauseous and he stopped on a nearby bench to recover. When he felt like himself again, he made the most of the capital's recognised Renaissance art and architecture by taking a walk around the city. He saw Michelangelo's 'David' statue, Botticelli's works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo basilica.

Then, he went to find Aida.

He found her waiting at an outside table of the Café Doce Amaro, where they'd arranged to meet. He watched her from a distance. A white parasol shaded part of her face. She wore a low waist primrose sundress. It seemed an age since he'd seen her last, though it had only been a few months. He was glad they'd cleared up the misunderstanding about her departure.

As he approached with his hands in the pockets of his pale blue, lightweight trousers, his fair hair brightened by the sun, she rose from the table and threw herself in his arms, sobbing on his shoulder.

Is it as bad as that? he asked, lifting her chin with his finger.

Every bit. I thought I would never see you again. I'm so livid at Mama for failing to pass on my message.

A cloud passed over Hadley's pale skin. I've suffered too. I thought you'd jilted me again.

Her lips drooped. I'm sorry. I should never have trusted Mama with that message, but I was desperate. Madam Du Farge needed me here. I would do anything for her.

He took her by the shoulders. You said as much in your letter.

They sauntered to the table where the waiter was delivering their coffees.

I ordered for you. I know how you like your coffee, Aida said, settling at the table.

He sat opposite, taking a sip of the reddish/brown liquid. You've got it down to a tee.

She smiled.

They glanced at the diverse natural landscape that encompassed the rugged Appenine mountains, the suns rays casting a warmth over their skin. The aroma of coffee beans filled their nostrils.

They caught up on what had happened since they parted, then arranged to meet at Hadley's hotel the following morning.

So, what's the story with Madam Du Farge? Hadley asked as they stood on the cobbled street before they separated

She glanced over her shoulder. It might be nothing, but she's pretty certain someone is trying to poison her. She's been ill for months. I've never seen her so upset.

HADLEY SAT ON THE BED in his hotel room, which overlooked the beautiful Tuscan coast. An overwelming sense of how lucky he was to have won the heart of a woman like Aida washed over him. He thought of rearranging their marriage so they could be joined together in this beautiful part of the world.

Dressing complete, he stood up, fastening his cuffs. There was a knock at the door and, after he'd called out, Enter, Aida arrived in the room.

You look amazing, as usual. Lady's maid or not, he whispered in her ear.

You would say that if I was dressed in sackcloth, she answered, looking down at her flimsy cyclamen sleeveless dress with a flower belt.

I believe I would.

She kissed him and then Hadley went to answer the door to the porter, who called to inform them the car to convey them to Pisa, so they could see the famous leaning tower, waited outside.

Aida had never seen the infamous tower, although she'd been to Tuscany frequently, but she mainly visited the theatre, where, along with her family, she had seen many famous operas, including the self-titled Aida. She had stayed with Signora Du Farge as a young girl, but she had been there solely to concentrate on her lessons, seeing little of the sights.

Are you ready? Hadley asked, when the porter had left.

I am, Aida said, collecting her handbag.

They spent the best part of a day in Pisa, being delighted with the sights and atmosphere of the city and dining at one of the best restaurants that overlooked the river.

The next evening, they spent at the opera where they watched a rendition of Puccini's La Boheme, Aida delighting in the performance of 'Your