“Great,” Kelly said, flashing him a bright smile. “It’s Scott Kepler and you’re an author, right? I hope I remember that correctly from last night. I’m afraid I might’ve had one too many glasses of wine.”
“Nonsense,” said her husband. “I’m the one who was a bit tipsy, as I recall.”
“Yes, I’m Scott Kepler and a writer,” the new arrival said, laugh lines crinkling his brown eyes. “And I don’t recall either one of you being noticeably under the influence, so not to worry.”
“You’re not here for the Tey event, though,” Todd said, looking Scott up and down. “At least that’s what I thought you said.”
“See, you remember.” Scott tapped his temple with one finger. “No, I’m out in the carriage house. I rent that space from time to time to work on my book.”
“Something about pirates, isn’t it?” Kelly asked.
“Exactly. Soon to be a major best seller.” Scott arranged his elastic features into a humorous expression. “And if you believe that, I’ve got a pristine stretch of beach to sell you.”
Todd Rowley laughed. “Might take a pass on that. Sounds a bit dubious.”
Scott grinned as he took a seat at the adjoining table. “Smart man.”
“Good timing, Scott. Breakfast’s almost ready,” I said.
Alicia poked her head around the door. “A hand with the food if you don’t mind, Charlotte?”
I helped Alicia serve the platters of food before retreating to the kitchen again to allow the guests to eat without someone hovering over them. When I returned to the dining room a little while later, I noticed that the three guests had apparently enjoyed the breakfast, judging by the empty plates. Although they’d studiously avoided the kippers, which would undoubtedly please Alicia.
As I cleared the dirty plates and platters, another couple strolled into the dining room.
“Good morning,” said a short woman with a halo of curly dark hair framing her round face. “I hope we aren’t too late.”
“Oh no, we serve until ten,” I replied. “I’ll just tell Ms. Simpson to cook another batch of everything.”
“Sounds good.” The man following Jennifer Delamont into the dining room was of average height and build but exuded an air of confidence that made him appear taller.
Larger than life, I thought, with a wry smile. I managed a pleasant “Good morning” as Lincoln Delamont held out a chair for his wife. Lincoln’s blond hair, slicked back from his broad forehead, along with his fine-boned features and large, deep-set blue eyes, lent him the air of a middle-aged F. Scott Fitzgerald. I thought this was probably a calculation rather than a coincidence.
Kelly shoved back her chair and stood up. “Todd, we should be getting along if we want to tour some local sites before tonight’s party.”
“Oh, right,” Todd said, standing to join her. “I do want to check out the Maritime Museum and the Watercraft Center.”
“And the shops,” Kelly added, casting him a smile.
“Of course, and the shops.” Todd slipped one hand through his wife’s bent arm. “How could I forget the shops?”
“Let us know if you want a bag lunch to take along,” I said. “That’s part of your package deal. You can even put in an order and pick it up later if you wish.”
“Hostess with the mostess,” Lincoln said, giving me a wink.
I ignored him, irritated at his attempt to charm. “Just don’t forget that the War of the Roses party is tonight. Costumes are optional but encouraged, and we’ve planned a lovely homage to the fifteenth century in the menu.”
“Looking forward to it,” Todd Rowley said, as he escorted his wife to the door. “Ready, dear?”
“Absolutely. The shops await,” Kelly said with a smile, before they sailed out of the room.
Scott leaned back in his chair. “A costume party? Sounds like fun, but I have another engagement. Of course, to be honest, I’m not really a part of the Tey celebration, so I guess I can be forgiven for my absence.”
“Yes, you’re excused, but no one else.” I kept my tone light. I never wanted to force my guests to participate in an activity. Their payment for the event, which ran from Saturday to Saturday after a Friday evening check-in, included the dinner party, but if they wished to skip it, that was their choice. “We do have some local people attending the party, so there are plenty of participants even if you can’t come, Scott. Although you are welcome, of course.”
“I, for one, wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Lincoln said. “I have the perfect costume, which I certainly don’t want to waste.”
“Let me guess,” I said. “Richard the Third?”
