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“I support fair wages and conditions, Frank, but I’d be careful playing games with my uncle, particularly over a point like this. He has to accommodate guests’ needs or risk the hotel falling behind the times.”
If he jutted his chin any further, he’d topple forward. “I’ll do as my conscience dictates, Miss Fox.”
I left him with his conscience and entered the hotel. Peter had been conversing with guests but made his excuses and approached me. “Harmony was just here. She wants to see you in the staff parlor before you go shopping with Miss Bainbridge.”
“That’s today? Drat. Have you seen Floyd?”
“He left an hour ago.”
“Is Mr. Hobart here?”
“In his office.”
“I need a quick word with him. If Harmony can meet me in a few minutes, I’ll go to the parlor after I talk to him.”
He went to find Harmony while I headed to Mr. Hobart’s office.
One end of the entrance foyer used to lead to the offices for the senior staff, as well as their private accommodation and sitting room. When the new restaurant was installed on the ground floor of the neighboring building, the wall had been knocked through to create an entrance so that hotel guests didn’t have to walk outside. The renovation resulted in the loss of some of the offices. To recreate an office for each senior staff member, their private quarters were converted. Since Peter and Mr. Hobart both lived off site, the change only affected the housekeeper, Mrs. Short, and steward, Mr. Chapman. They had been temporarily housed in the residence hall along with most of the other staff, but I wasn’t sure if they still lived there.
Mr. Hobart’s kindly face creased with his welcoming smile. “Miss Fox, what a pleasure. I hear you and Harry have been investigating together this morning.”
“News travels fast.”
“Goliath informed me a few minutes ago. It’s his day off today, so when I saw him here, I became curious. Apparently, Miss Cotton has him working for you.”
“Just a little sleuthing task. Speaking of which, Harry and I need to go to the polo tomorrow.”
“You can’t get in without vouchers.” He pulled the telephone closer. “Is it just the two?”
“Flossy will probably be upset if she’s not included. And since Harry and I need to poke around, she’ll need a companion or she’ll be on her own. I’ll ask Miss Hessing to join us.”
“Four vouchers.” He rested his hand on the receiver before lifting it off the hook. “I’ll make it five. Mrs. Hessing doesn’t let her daughter out of her sight, lately.”
“You can get them without Floyd’s help on such short notice?”
He gave me a look to say I ought to know better.
I left him to perform the miracle of acquiring five vouchers to the Elms Polo Club for the following afternoon’s event, and headed for the staff parlor. Harmony, Victor and Goliath were already there. Harmony wore her maid’s uniform, but Victor and Goliath were dressed in ordinary clothes.
“This won’t take long,” she said as she glanced at the clock. “Which is fortunate, because you have to change before you meet Miss Bainbridge.”
I looked down at my day dress of steel-blue cotton offset with a V-shaped panel on the bodice to show the white blouse beneath. “There’s nothing wrong with this outfit.”
“It’s too plain.”
“For shopping?”
“For going out with Miss Bainbridge. You don’t want to look dowdy next to her. I’ve laid out the gold dress with the turquoise embroidery on the collar and hem, and matching hat.”
“Turquoise?” Goliath asked.
“A fancy word for green,” Victor clarified.
Harmony rolled her eyes. “It’s between blue and green, like the shallows of a pristine sandy bay in the tropics.”
We all stared at her.
“So I’m told,” she added. “Victor, give Miss Fox your report.”
