Spider’s Web

AgathaChristie
Spider’sWeb
NovelisedbyCharlesOsborne
Contents
Chapter1
CopplestoneCourt,theelegant,eighteenth-centurycountryhomeofHenryand…
Chapter2
Clarissa’sannouncementproducedadifferentreactionfromeachofher…
Chapter3
‘Hmm.Smashingbun,’saidPippawithhermouthfull,as…
Chapter4
MissPeakehadbynowdiscardedherboots,andwas…
Chapter5
ClarissaandSirRowlandhadhardlybeengonemorethan…
Chapter6
AssoonasOliverCostellohadleftwithMissPeake,Pippa…
Chapter7
Atthegolfclub,HugowasbusilycomplainingaboutClarissa’s…
Chapter8
Fifteenminuteslater,Clarissawasstillinthedrawing-roomand…
Chapter9
ThethreemengreetedClarissa’sannouncementinsilence.SirRowland…
Chapter10
Theolderofthetwopoliceofficers,astocky,grey-haired…
Chapter11
Thefourfriendsexchangedguiltilyfurtiveglances.ClarissaandSir…
Chapter12
TheInspector’sannouncementwasgreetedbyMissPeakewitha…
Chapter13
Tenminuteslater,thingsweresomewhatquieter,forMissPeake…
Chapter14
TheInspectorclosedthehalldoorbehindClarissa,thenwent…
Chapter15
ConstableJones,standingatthelibrarydoor,called,‘MrWarrender,please.’
Chapter16
TheConstableopenedthelibrarydoor,calling,‘SirRowlandDelahaye.’
Chapter17
TheConstablecamebackintotheroom,holdingthedoor…
Chapter18
Clarissawassilentforafewmoments.Then,lookingthe…
Chapter19
AfewmomentslaterElgincameintothedrawing-roomto…
Chapter20
Startled,Clarissajumpedtoherfeet.‘Pippa!’shecried.‘What…
Chapter21
MissPeake,lookingextremelystartledatClarissa’saccusation,seemedfor…
Chapter22
Clarissa’sscreamwasansweredimmediately.SirRowlandcameinswiftly…
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Chapter1
CopplestoneCourt,theelegant,eighteenth-centurycountryhomeofHenryandClarissaHailsham-Brown,setingentlyundulatinghillycountryinKent,lookedhandsomeevenatthecloseofarainyMarchafternoon.Inthetastefullyfurnishedground-floordrawing-room,withFrenchwindowsontothegarden,twomenstoodnearaconsoletableonwhichtherewasatraywiththreeglassesofport,eachmarkedwithastickylabel,one,twoandthree.Alsoonthetablewasapencilandsheetofpaper.
SirRowlandDelahaye,adistinguished-lookingmaninhisearlyfiftieswithacharmingandcultivatedmanner,seatedhimselfonthearmofacomfortablechairandallowedhiscompaniontoblindfoldhim.HugoBirch,amanofaboutsixtyandinclinedtobesomewhatirascibleinmanner,thenplacedinSirRowland’shandoneoftheglassesfromthetable.SirRowlandsipped,consideredforamoment,andthensaid,‘Ishouldthink–yes–definitely–yes,thisistheDow’forty-two.’
Hugoreplacedtheglassonthetable,murmuring‘Dow’forty-two’,madeanoteonthepaper,andhandedoverthenextglass.AgainSirRowlandsippedthewine.Hepaused,tookanothersip,andthennoddedaffirmatively.‘Ah,yes,’hedeclaredwithconviction.‘Now,thisisaveryfineportindeed.’Hetookanothersip.‘Nodoubtaboutit.Cockburn’twenty-seven.’
HehandedtheglassbacktoHugoashecontinued,‘FancyClarissawastingabottleofCockburn’twenty-sevenonasillyexperimentlikethis.It’spositivelysacrilegious.Butthenwomenjustdon’tunderstandportatall.’
Hugotooktheglassfromhim,notedhisverdictonthepieceofpaperonthetable,andhandedhimthethirdglass.Afteraquicksip,SirRowland’sreactionwasimmediateandviolent.‘Ugh!’heexclaimedindisgust.‘RichRubyport-typewine.Ican’timaginewhyClarissahassuchathinginthehouse.’
Hisopiniondulynoted,heremovedtheblindfold.‘Nowit’syourturn,’hetoldHugo.
Takingoffhishorn-rimmedspectacles,HugoallowedSirRowlandtoblindfoldhim.‘Well,Iimaginesheusesthecheapportforjuggedhareorforflavouringsoup,’hesuggested.‘Idon’timagineHenrywouldallowhertoofferittoguests.’
‘Thereyouare,Hugo,’SirRowlanddeclaredashefinishedtyingtheblindfoldoverhiscompanion’seyes.‘PerhapsIoughttoturnyouaroundthreetimesliketheydoinBlindMan’sBuff,’headdedasheledHugotothearmchairandturnedhimaroundtositinit.
‘Here,steadyon,’Hugoprotested.Hefeltbehindhimforthechair.
‘Gotit?’askedSirRowland.
‘Yes.’
‘ThenI’llswiveltheglassesaroundinstead,’SirRowlandsaidashemovedtheglassesonthetableslightly.
‘There’snoneedto,’Hugotoldhim.‘DoyouthinkI’mlikelytobeinfluencedbywhatyousaid?I’masgoodajudgeofportasyouareanyday,Roly,myboy.’
‘Don’tbetoosureofthat.Inanycase,onecan’tbetoocareful,’SirRowlandinsisted.
JustashewasabouttotakeoneoftheglassesacrosstoHugo,thethirdoftheHailsham-Browns’guestscameinfromthegarden.JeremyWarrender,anattractiveyoungmaninhistwenties,waswearingaraincoatoverhissuit.Panting,andobviouslyoutofbreath,heheadedforthesofaandwasabouttoflopintoitwhenhenoticedwhatwasgoingon.‘Whatonearthareyoutwoupto?’heasked,asheremovedhisraincoatandjacket.‘Thethree-cardtrickwithglasses?’
‘What’sthat?’theblindfoldedHugowantedtoknow.‘Itsoundsasthoughsomeone’sbroughtadogintotheroom.’
‘It’sonlyyoungWarrender,’SirRowlandassuredhim.‘Behaveyourself.’
‘Oh,Ithoughtitsoundedlikeadogthat’sbeenchasingarabbit,’Hugodeclared.
‘I’vebeenthreetimestothelodgegatesandback,wearingamackintoshovermyclothes,’Jeremyexplainedashefellheavilyontothesofa.‘ApparentlytheHerzoslovakianMinisterdiditinfourminutesfifty-threeseconds,weigheddownbyhismackintosh.Iwentallout,butIcouldn’tdoanybetterthansixminutestenseconds.AndIdon’tbelievehedid,either.OnlyChrisChattawayhimselfcoulddoitinthattime,withorwithoutamackintosh.’
‘WhotoldyouthatabouttheHerzoslovakianMinister?’SirRowlandenquired.
‘Clarissa.’
‘Clarissa!’exclaimedSirRowland,chuckling.
‘Oh,Clarissa.’Hugosnorted.‘Youshouldn’tpayanyattentiontowhatClarissatellsyou.’
Stillchuckling,SirRowlandcontinued,‘I’mafraidyoudon’tknowyourhostessverywell,Warrender.She’sayoungladywithaveryvividimagination.’
Jeremyrosetohisfeet.‘Doyoumeanshemadethewholethingup?’heasked,indignantly.
‘Well,Iwouldn’tputitpasther,’SirRowlandansweredashehandedoneofthethreeglassestothestillblindfoldedHugo.‘Anditcertainlysoundslikeherideaofajoke.’
‘Doesit,indeed?YoujustwaittillIseethatyoungwoman,’Jeremypromised.‘I’llcertainlyhavesomethingtosaytoher.Gosh,I’mexhausted.’Hestalkedouttothehallcarryinghisraincoat.
‘Stoppuffinglikeawalrus,’Hugocomplained.‘I’mtryingtoconcentrate.There’safiveratstake.RolyandIhavegotabeton.’
‘Oh,whatisit?’Jeremyenquired,returningtoperchonanarmofthesofa.
‘It’stodecidewho’sthebestjudgeofport,’Hugotoldhim.‘We’vegotCockburn’twenty-seven,Dow’forty-two,andthelocalgrocer’sspecial.Quietnow.Thisisimportant.’Hesippedfromtheglasshewasholding,andthenmurmuredrathernon-committally,‘Mmm-ah.’
‘Well?’SirRolandqueried.‘Haveyoudecidedwhatthefirstoneis?’
‘Don’thustleme,Roly,’Hugoexclaimed.‘I’mnotgoingtorushmyfences.Where’sthenextone?’
Heheldontotheglassashewashandedanother.Hesippedandthenannounced,‘Yes,I’mprettysureaboutthosetwo.’Hesniffedatbothglassesagain.‘Thisfirstone’stheDow,’hedecidedasheheldoutoneglass.‘ThesecondwastheCockburn,’hecontinued,handingtheotherglassbackasSirRowlandrepeated,‘NumberthreeglasstheDow,numberonetheCockburn’,writingashespoke.
‘Well,it’shardlynecessarytotastethethird,’Hugodeclared,‘butIsupposeI’dbettergothroughwithit.’
‘Hereyouare,’saidSirRowland,handingoverthefinalglass.
Aftersippingfromit,Hugomadeanexclamationofextremedistaste.‘Tschah!Ugh!Whatunspeakablemuck.’HereturnedtheglasstoSirRowland,thentookahandkerchieffromhispocketandwipedhislipstogetridoftheoffendingtaste.‘It’lltakemeanhourtogetthetasteofthatstuffoutofmymouth,’hecomplained.‘Getmeoutofthis,Roly.’
‘Here,I’lldoit,’Jeremyoffered,risingandmovingbehindHugotoremovehisblindfoldwhileSirRowlandthoughtfullysippedthelastofthethreeglassesbeforeputtingitbackonthetable.
‘Sothat’swhatyouthink,Hugo,isit?Glassnumbertwo,grocer’sspecial?’Heshookhishead.‘Rubbish!That’stheDow’forty-two,notadoubtofit.’
Hugoputtheblindfoldinhispocket.‘Pah!You’velostyourpalate,Roly,’hedeclared.
‘Letmetry,’Jeremysuggested.Goingtothetable,hetookaquicksipfromeachglass.Hepausedforamoment,sippedeachofthemagain,andthenadmitted,‘Well,theyalltastethesametome.’
‘Youyoungpeople!’Hugoadmonishedhim.‘It’sallthisconfoundedginyoukeepondrinking.Completelyruinsyourpalate.It’snotjustwomenwhodon’tappreciateport.Nowadays,nomanunderfortydoes,either.’
BeforeJeremyhadachancetoreplytothis,thedoorleadingtothelibraryopened,andClarissaHailsham-Brown,abeautifuldark-hairedwomaninherlatetwenties,entered.‘Hello,mydarlings,’shegreetedSirRowlandandHugo.‘Haveyousettledityet?’
‘Yes,Clarissa,’SirRowlandassuredher.‘We’rereadyforyou.’
‘IknowI’mright,’saidHugo.‘Numberone’stheCockburn,numbertwo’stheport-typestuff,andthree’stheDow.Right?’
‘Nonsense,’SirRowlandexclaimedbeforeClarissacouldanswer.‘Numberone’stheDow,two’stheCockburn,andthree’stheport-typestuff.I’mright,aren’tI?’
‘Darlings!’wasClarissa’sonlyimmediateresponse.ShekissedfirstHugoandthenSirRowland,andcontinued,‘Nowoneofyoutakethetraybacktothedining-room.You’llfindthedecanteronthesideboard.’Smilingtoherself,sheselectedachocolatefromaboxonanoccasionaltable.
SirRowlandhadpickedupthetraywiththeglassesonit,andwasabouttoleavewiththem.Hestopped.‘Thedecanter?’heasked,warily.
Clarissasatonthesofa,tuckingherfeetupunderher.‘Yes,’shereplied.‘Justonedecanter.’Shegiggled.‘It’sallthesameport,youknow.’
Chapter2
Clarissa’sannouncementproducedadifferentreactionfromeachofherhearers.Jeremyburstintohootsoflaughter,wentacrosstohishostessandkissedher,whileSirRowlandstoodgapingwithastonishment,andHugoseemedundecidedwhatattitudetoadopttoherhavingmadefoolsofthemboth.
WhenSirRowlandfinallyfoundwords,theywere,‘Clarissa,youunprincipledhumbug.’Buthistonewasaffectionate
‘Well,’Clarissaresponded,‘it’sbeensuchawetafternoon,andyouweren’tabletoplaygolf.Youmusthavesomefun,andyouhavehadfunoverthis,darlings,haven’tyou?’
‘Uponmysoul,’SirRowlandexclaimedashecarriedthetraytothedoor.‘Yououghttobeashamedofyourself,showingupyoureldersandbetters.ItturnsoutthatonlyyoungWarrenderhereguessedtheywereallthesame.’
Hugo,whobynowwaslaughing,accompaniedhimtothedoor.‘Whowasit?’heasked,puttinganarmaroundSirRowland’sshoulder,‘Whowasitwhosaidthathe’dknowCockburn’twenty-sevenanywhere?’
‘Nevermind,Hugo,’SirRowlandrepliedresignedly,‘let’shavesomemoreofitlater,whateveritis.’Talkingastheywent,thetwomenleftbythedoorleadingtothehall,Hugoclosingthedoorbehindthem.
JeremyconfrontedClarissaonhersofa.‘Nowthen,Clarissa,’hesaidaccusingly,‘what’sallthisabouttheHerzoslovakianMinister?’
Clarissalookedathiminnocently.‘Whatabouthim?’sheasked.
Pointingafingerather,Jeremyspokeclearlyandslowly.‘Didheeverruntothelodgegatesandback,inamackintosh,threetimesinfourminutesfifty-threeseconds?’
Clarissasmiledsweetlyasshereplied,‘TheHerzoslovakianMinisterisadear,buthe’swelloversixty,andIdoubtverymuchifhe’srunanywhereforyears.’
‘Soyoudidmakethewholethingup.Theytoldmeyouprobablydid.Butwhy?’
‘Well,’Clarissasuggested,hersmileevensweeterthanbefore,‘you’dbeencomplainingalldayaboutnotgettingenoughexercise.SoIthoughttheonlyfriendlythingtodowastohelpyougetsome.Itwouldhavebeennogoodorderingyoutogoforabriskrunthroughthewoods,butIknewyou’drespondtoachallenge.SoIinventedsomeoneforyoutochallenge.’
Jeremygaveacomicalgroanofexasperation.‘Clarissa,’heaskedher,‘doyoueverspeakthetruth?’
‘OfcourseIdo–sometimes,’Clarissaadmitted.‘ButwhenIamspeakingthetruth,nobodyeverseemstobelieveme.It’sveryodd.’Shethoughtforamoment,andthencontinued.‘Isupposewhenyou’remakingthingsup,yougetcarriedawayandthatmakesitsoundmoreconvincing.’ShedriftedovertotheFrenchwindows.
‘Imighthavebrokenabloodvessel,’Jeremycomplained.‘Afatlotyou’dhavecaredaboutthat.’
Clarissalaughed.Openingthewindowsheobserved,‘Idobelieveit’sclearedup.It’sgoingtobealovelyevening.Howdeliciousthegardensmellsafterrain.’Sheleanedoutandsniffed.‘Narcissus.’
Assheclosedthewindowagain,Jeremycameovertojoinher.‘Doyoureallylikelivingdownhereinthecountry?’heasked.
‘Iloveit.’
‘Butyoumustgetboredtodeath,’heexclaimed.‘It’sallsoincongruousforyou,Clarissa.Youmustmissthetheatreterribly.Ihearyouwerepassionateaboutitwhenyouwereyounger.’
‘Yes,Iwas.ButImanagetocreatemyowntheatrerighthere,’saidClarissawithalaugh.
‘ButyououghttobeleadinganexcitinglifeinLondon.’
Clarissalaughedagain.‘What–partiesandnightclubs?’sheasked.
‘Parties,yes.You’dmakeabrillianthostess,’Jeremytoldher,laughing.
Sheturnedtofacehim.‘ItsoundslikeanEdwardiannovel,’shesaid.‘Anyway,diplomaticpartiesareterriblydull.’
‘Butit’ssuchawaste,yourbeingtuckedawaydownhere,’hepersisted,movingclosetoherandattemptingtotakeherhand.
‘Awaste–ofme?’askedClarissa,withdrawingherhand.
‘Yes,’Jeremyrespondedfervently.‘Thenthere’sHenry.’
‘WhataboutHenry?’Clarissabusiedherselfpattingacushiononaneasychair.
Jeremylookedathersteadily.‘Ican’timaginewhyyouevermarriedhim,’hereplied,pluckinguphiscourage.‘He’syearsolderthanyou,withadaughterwho’saschool-kid.’Heleanedonthearmchair,stillobservingherclosely.‘He’sanexcellentman,Ihavenodoubt,butreally,ofallthepompousstuffedshirts.Goingaboutlookinglikeaboiledowl.’Hepaused,waitingforareaction.Whennonecame,hecontinued,‘He’sasdullasditchwater.’
Stillshesaidnothing.Jeremytriedagain.‘Andhehasnosenseofhumour,’hemutteredsomewhatpetulantly.
Clarissalookedathim,smiled,butsaidnothing.
‘IsupposeyouthinkIoughtn’ttosaythesethings,’Jeremyexclaimed.
Clarissasatononeendofalongstool.‘Oh,Idon’tmind,’shetoldhim.‘Sayanythingyoulike.’
Jeremywentovertositbesideher.‘Soyoudorealizethatyou’vemadeamistake?’heasked,eagerly.
‘ButIhaven’tmadeamistake,’wasClarissa’ssoftlyutteredresponse.Then,teasingly,sheadded,‘Areyoumakingimmoraladvancestome,Jeremy?’
‘Definitely,’washispromptreply.
‘Howlovely,’exclaimedClarissa.Shenudgedhimwithherelbow.‘Dogoon.’
‘IthinkyouknowhowIfeelaboutyou,Clarissa,’Jeremyrespondedsomewhatmoodily.‘Butyou’rejustplayingwithme,aren’tyou?Flirting.It’sanotheroneofyourgames.Darling,can’tyoubeseriousjustforonce?’
‘Serious?What’ssogoodabout“serious”?’Clarissareplied.‘There’senoughseriousnessintheworldalready.Iliketoenjoymyself,andIlikeeveryonearoundmetoenjoythemselvesaswell.’
Jeremysmiledruefully.‘I’dbeenjoyingmyselfagreatdealmoreatthismomentifyouwereseriousaboutme,’heobserved.
‘Oh,comeon,’sheorderedhimplayfully.‘Ofcourseyou’reenjoyingyourself.Hereyouare,ourhouse-guestfortheweekend,alongwithmylovelygodfatherRoly.AndsweetoldHugo’sherefordrinksthiseveningaswell.HeandRolyaresofunnytogether.Youcan’tsayyou’renotenjoyingyourself.’
‘OfcourseI’menjoyingmyself,’Jeremyadmitted.‘Butyouwon’tletmesaywhatIreallywanttosaytoyou.’
‘Don’tbesilly,darling,’shereplied.‘Youknowyoucansayanythingyouliketome.’
‘Really?Youmeanthat?’heaskedher
‘Ofcourse.’
‘Verywell,then,’saidJeremy.Herosefromthestoolandturnedtofaceher.‘Iloveyou,’hedeclared.
‘I’msoglad,’repliedClarissa,cheerfully.
‘That’sentirelythewronganswer,’Jeremycomplained.‘Yououghttosay,“I’msosorry”inadeep,sympatheticvoice.’
‘ButI’mnotsorry,’Clarissainsisted.‘I’mdelighted.Ilikepeopletobeinlovewithme.’
Jeremysatdownbesideheragain,butturnedawayfromher.Nowheseemeddeeplyupset.Lookingathimforamoment,Clarissaasked,‘Wouldyoudoanythingintheworldforme?’
Turningtoher,Jeremyrespondedeagerly.‘YouknowIwould.Anything.Anythingintheworld,’hedeclared.
‘Really?’saidClarissa.‘Supposing,forinstance,thatImurderedsomeone,wouldyouhelp–no,Imuststop.’Sheroseandwalkedawayafewpaces.
JeremyturnedtofaceClarissa.‘No,goon,’heurgedher.
Shepausedforamomentandthenbegantospeak.‘YouaskedmejustnowifIevergotbored,downhereinthecountry.’
‘Yes.’
‘Well,Isupposeinaway,Ido,’sheadmitted.‘Or,rather,Imight,ifitwasn’tformyprivatehobby.’
Jeremylookedpuzzled.‘Privatehobby?Whatisthat?’heaskedher.
Clarissatookadeepbreath.‘Yousee,Jeremy,’shesaid,‘mylifehasalwaysbeenpeacefulandhappy.Nothingexcitingeverhappenedtome,soIbegantoplaymylittlegame.Icallit“supposing”.’
Jeremylookedperplexed.‘Supposing?’
‘Yes,’saidClarissa,beginningtopaceabouttheroom.‘Forexample,Imightsaytomyself,“SupposingIweretocomedownonemorningandfindadeadbodyinthelibrary,whatshouldIdo?”Or“SupposingawomanweretobeshowninhereonedayandtoldmethatsheandHenryhadbeensecretlymarriedinConstantinople,andthatourmarriagewasbigamous,whatshouldIsaytoher?”Or“SupposingI’dfollowedmyinstinctsandbecomeafamousactress.”Or“SupposingIhadtochoosebetweenbetrayingmycountryandseeingHenryshotbeforemyeyes?”DoyouseewhatImean?’ShesmiledsuddenlyatJeremy.‘Oreven–’Shesettledintothearmchair.‘“SupposingIweretorunawaywithJeremy,whatwouldhappennext?”’
Jeremywentandkneltbesideher.‘Ifeelflattered,’hetoldher.‘Buthaveyoueverreallyimaginedthatparticularsituation?’
‘Ohyes,’Clarissarepliedwithasmile.
‘Well?Whatdidhappen?’Heclaspedherhand.
Againshewithdrewit.‘Well,thelasttimeIplayed,wewereontheRivieraatJuanlesPins,andHenrycameafterus.Hehadarevolverwithhim.’
Jeremylookedstartled.‘MyGod!’heexclaimed.‘Didheshootme?’
Clarissasmiledreminiscently.‘Iseemtoremember,’shetoldJeremy,‘thathesaid–’Shepaused,andthen,adoptingahighlydramaticdelivery,continued,‘“Clarissa,eitheryoucomebackwithme,orIkillmyself.”’
Jeremyroseandmovedaway.‘Jollydecentofhim,’hesaid,soundingunconvinced.‘Ican’timagineanythingmoreunlikeHenry.But,anyway,whatdidyousaytothat?’
Clarissawasstillsmilingcomplacently.‘Actually,I’veplayeditbothways,’sheadmitted.‘OnoneoccasionItoldHenrythatIwasterriblysorry.Ididn’treallywanthimtokillhimself,butIwasverydeeplyinlovewithJeremy,andtherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit.Henryflunghimselfatmyfeet,sobbing,butIwasadamant.“Iamfondofyou,Henry,”Itoldhim,“butIcan’tlivewithoutJeremy.Thisisgoodbye.”ThenIrushedoutofthehouseandintothegardenwhereyouwerewaitingforme.Aswerandownthegardenpathtothefrontgate,weheardashotringoutinthehouse,butwewentonrunning.’
‘Goodheavens!’Jeremygasped.‘Well,thatwascertainlytellinghim,wasn’tit?PoorHenry.’Hethoughtforamoment,andthencontinued,‘Butyousayyou’veplayeditbothways.Whathappenedtheothertime?’
‘Oh,Henrywassomiserable,andpleadedsopitifullythatIdidn’thavethehearttoleavehim.Idecidedtogiveyouup,anddevotemylifetomakingHenryhappy.’
Jeremynowlookedabsolutelydesolate.‘Well,darling,’hedeclaredruefully,‘youcertainlydohavefun.Butplease,pleasebeseriousforamoment.I’mveryseriouswhenIsayIloveyou.I’velovedyouforalongtime.Youmusthaverealizedthat.Areyousurethere’snohopeforme?DoyoureallywanttospendtherestofyourlifewithboringoldHenry?’
Clarissawassparedfromansweringbythearrivalofathin,tallishchildoftwelve,wearingschooluniformandcarryingasatchel.Shecalledout,‘Hello,Clarissa’bywayofgreetingasshecameintotheroom.
‘Hullo,Pippa,’herstepmotherreplied.‘You’relate.’
Pippaputherhatandsatchelonaneasychair.‘Musiclesson,’sheexplained,laconically.
‘Oh,yes,’Clarissaremembered.‘It’syourpianoday,isn’tit?Wasitinteresting?’
‘No.Ghastly.AwfulexercisesIhadtorepeatandrepeat.MissFarrowsaiditwastoimprovemyfingering.Shewouldn’tletmeplaythenicesolopieceI’dbeenpractising.Isthereanyfoodabout?I’mstarving.’
Clarissagottoherfeet.‘Didn’tyougettheusualbunstoeatinthebus?’sheasked.
‘Ohyes,’Pippaadmitted,‘butthatwashalfanhourago.’ShegaveClarissaapleadinglookthatwasalmostcomical.‘Can’tIhavesomecakeorsomethingtolastmetillsupper?’
Takingherhand,ClarissaledPippatothehalldoor,laughing.‘We’llseewhatwecanfind,’shepromised.Astheyleft,Pippaaskedexcitedly,‘Isthereanyofthatcakeleft–theonewiththecherriesontop?’
‘No,’Clarissatoldher.‘Youfinishedthatoffyesterday.’
Jeremyshookhishead,smiling,asheheardtheirvoicestrailingawaydownthehall.Assoonastheywereoutofearshot,hemovedquicklytothedeskandhurriedlyopenedoneortwoofthedrawers.Butsuddenlyhearingaheartyfemalevoicecallingfromthegarden,‘Ahoythere!’,hegaveastart,andhastilyclosedthedrawers.HeturnedtowardstheFrenchwindowsintimetoseeabig,jolly-lookingwomanofaboutforty,intweedsandgumboots,openingtheFrenchwindows.ShepausedasshesawJeremy.Standingonthewindowstep,sheasked,brusquely,‘MrsHailsham-Brownabout?’
Jeremymovedcasuallyawayfromthedesk,andambledacrosstothesofaashereplied,‘Yes,MissPeake.She’sjustgonetothekitchenwithPippatogethersomethingtoeat.YouknowwhataravenousappetitePippaalwayshas.’
‘Childrenshouldn’teatbetweenmeals,’wastheresponse,deliveredinringing,almostmasculinetones.
‘Willyoucomein,MissPeake?’Jeremyasked.
‘No,Iwon’tcomeinbecauseofmyboots,’sheexplained,withaheartylaugh.‘I’dbringhalfthegardenwithmeifIdid.’Againshelaughed.‘Iwasjustgoingtoaskherwhatveggiesshewantedfortomorrow’slunch.’
‘Well,I’mafraidI–’Jeremybegan,whenMissPeakeinterruptedhim.‘Tellyouwhat,’sheboomed,‘I’llcomeback.’
Shebegantogo,butthenturnedbacktoJeremy.‘Oh,youwillbecarefulofthatdesk,won’tyou,MrWarrender?’shesaid,peremptorily.
‘Yes,ofcourseIwill,’repliedJeremy.
‘It’savaluableantique,yousee,’MissPeakeexplained.‘Youreallyshouldn’twrenchthedrawersoutlikethat.’
Jeremylookedbemused.‘I’mterriblysorry,’heapologized.‘Iwasonlylookingfornotepaper.’
‘Middlepigeon-hole,’MissPeakebarked,pointingatitasshespoke.
Jeremyturnedtothedesk,openedthemiddlepigeon-hole,andextractedasheetofwriting-paper.
‘That’sright,’MissPeakecontinuedbrusquely.‘Curioushowoftenpeoplecan’tseewhat’srightinfrontoftheireyes.’Shechortledheartilyasshestrodeaway,backtothegarden.Jeremyjoinedinherlaughter,butstoppedabruptlyassoonasshehadgone.HewasabouttoreturntothedeskwhenPippacamebackmunchingabun.
Chapter3
‘Hmm.Smashingbun,’saidPippawithhermouthfull,assheclosedthedoorbehindherandwipedherstickyfingersonherskirt.
‘Hello,there,’Jeremygreetedher.‘Howwasschooltoday?’
‘Prettyfoul,’Pipparespondedcheerfullyassheputwhatwasleftofthebunonthetable.‘ItwasWorldAffairstoday.’Sheopenedhersatchel.‘MissWilkinsonlovesWorldAffairs.Butshe’sterriblywet.Shecan’tkeeptheclassinorder.’
AsPippatookabookoutofhersatchel,Jeremyaskedher,‘What’syourfavouritesubject?’
‘Biology,’wasPippa’simmediateandenthusiasticanswer.‘It’sheaven.Yesterdaywedissectedafrog’sleg.’Shepushedherbookinhisface.‘LookwhatIgotatthesecond-handbookstall.It’sawfullyrare,I’msure.Overahundredyearsold.’
‘Whatisit,exactly?’
‘It’sakindofrecipebook,’Pippaexplained.Sheopenedthebook.‘It’sthrilling,absolutelythrilling.’
‘Butwhat’sitallabout?’Jeremywantedtoknow.
Pippawasalreadyenthralledbyherbook.‘What?’shemurmuredassheturneditspages.
‘Itcertainlyseemsveryabsorbing,’heobserved.
‘What?’Pipparepeated,stillengrossedinthebook.Toherselfshemurmured,‘Gosh!’assheturnedanotherpage.
‘Evidentlyagoodtuppenny-worth,’Jeremycommented,andpickedupanewspaper.
Apparentlypuzzledbywhatshewasreadinginthebook,Pippaaskedhim,‘What’sthedifferencebetweenawaxcandleandatallowcandle?’
Jeremyconsideredforamomentbeforereplying.‘Ishouldimaginethatatallowcandleismarkedlyinferior,’hesaid.‘Butsurelyyoucan’teatit?Whatastrangerecipebook.’
Muchamused,Pippagottoherfeet.‘“Canyoueatit?”’shedeclaimed.‘Soundslike“TwentyQuestions”.’Shelaughed,threwthebookontotheeasychair,andfetchedapackofcardsfromthebook-case.‘DoyouknowhowtoplayDemonPatience?’sheasked.
BynowJeremywastotallyoccupiedwithhisnewspaper.‘Um’washisonlyresponse.
Pippatriedagaintoengagehisattention.‘Isupposeyouwouldn’tliketoplayBeggar-my-neighbour?’
‘No,’Jeremyrepliedfirmly.Hereplacedthenewspaperonthestool,thensatatthedeskandaddressedanenvelope
‘No,Ithoughtyouprobablywouldn’t,’Pippamurmuredwistfully.Kneelingonthefloorinthemiddleoftheroom,shespreadouthercardsandbegantoplayDemonPatience.‘Iwishwecouldhaveafinedayforachange,’shecomplained.‘It’ssuchawastebeinginthecountrywhenit’swet.’
Jeremylookedacrossather.‘Doyoulikelivinginthecountry,Pippa?’heasked.
‘Rather,’sherepliedenthusiastically.‘IlikeitmuchbetterthanlivinginLondon.Thisisanabsolutelywizardhouse,withatenniscourtandeverything.We’veevengotapriest’shole.’
‘Apriest’shole?’Jeremyqueried,smiling.‘Inthishouse?’
‘Yes,wehave,’saidPippa.
‘Idon’tbelieveyou,’Jeremytoldher.‘It’sthewrongperiod.’
‘Well,Icallitapriest’shole,’sheinsisted.‘Look,I’llshowyou.’
Shewenttotheright-handsideofthebookshelves,tookoutacoupleofbooks,andpulleddownasmallleverinthewallbehindthebooks.Asectionofwalltotherightoftheshelvesswungopen,revealingitselftobeaconcealeddoor.Behinditwasagood-sizedrecess,withanotherconcealeddoorinitsbackwall.
‘Iknowitisn’treallyapriest’shole,ofcourse,’Pippaadmitted.‘Butit’scertainlyasecretpassage-way.Actually,thatdoorgoesthroughintothelibrary.’
‘Oh,doesit?’saidJeremyashewenttoinvestigate.Heopenedthedooratthebackoftherecess,glancedintothelibraryandthencloseditandcamebackintotheroom.‘Soitdoes.’
‘Butit’sallrathersecret,andyou’dneverguessitwasthereunlessyouknew,’Pippasaidassheliftedthelevertoclosethepanel.‘I’musingitallthetime,’shecontinued.‘It’sthesortofplacethatwouldbeveryconvenientforputtingadeadbody,don’tyouthink?’
Jeremysmiled.‘Absolutelymadeforit,’heagreed.
Pippawentbacktohercardgameonthefloor,asClarissacamein.
Jeremylookedup.‘TheAmazonislookingforyou,’heinformedher.
‘MissPeake?Oh,whatabore,’ClarissaexclaimedasshepickedupPippa’sbunfromthetableandtookabite.
Pippaimmediatelygottoherfeet.‘Hey,that’smine!’sheprotested.
‘Greedything,’Clarissamurmuredasshehandedoverwhatwasleftofthebun.Pippaputitbackonthetableandreturnedtohergame.
‘FirstshehailedmeasthoughIwereaship,’JeremytoldClarissa,‘andthenshetickedmeoffformanhandlingthisdesk.’
‘She’saterriblepest,’Clarissaadmitted,leaningoveroneendofthesofatopeerdownatPippa’scards.‘Butwe’reonlyrentingthehouse,andshegoeswithit,so–’ShebrokeofftosaytoPippa,‘BlacktenontheredJack,’beforecontinuing,‘–sowehavetokeepheron.Andinanycaseshe’sreallyaverygoodgardener.’
‘Iknow,’Jeremyagreed,puttinghisarmaroundher.‘Isawheroutofmybedroomwindowthismorning.Iheardthesesoundsofexertion,soIstuckmyheadoutofthewindow,andtherewastheAmazon,inthegarden,diggingsomethingthatlookedlikeanenormousgrave.’
‘That’scalleddeeptrenching,’Clarissaexplained.‘Ithinkyouplantcabbagesinit,orsomething.’
Jeremyleanedovertostudythecardgameonthefloor.‘Redthreeontheblackfour,’headvisedPippa,whorespondedwithafuriousglare.
EmergingfromthelibrarywithHugo,SirRowlandgaveJeremyameaningfullook.HetactfullydroppedhisarmandmovedawayfromClarissa.
‘Theweatherseemstohaveclearedatlast,’SirRowlandannounced.‘Toolateforgolf,though.Onlyabouttwentyminutesofdaylightleft.’LookingdownatPippa’scardgame,hepointedwithhisfoot.‘Look,thatgoesonthere,’hetoldher.CrossingtotheFrenchwindows,hefailedtonoticethefierceglarePippashothisway.‘Well,’hesaid,glancingoutatthegarden,‘Isupposewemightaswellgoacrosstotheclubhousenow,ifwe’regoingtoeatthere.’
‘I’llgoandgetmycoat,’Hugoannounced,leaningoverPippatopointoutacardashepassedher.Pippa,reallyfuriousbynow,leanedforwardandcoveredthecardswithherbody,asHugoturnedbacktoaddressJeremy.‘Whataboutyou,myboy?’heasked.‘Comingwithus?’
‘Yes,’Jeremyanswered.‘I’lljustgoandgetmyjacket.’HeandHugowentoutintothehalltogether,leavingthedooropen.
‘You’resureyoudon’tminddiningattheclubhousethisevening,darling?’ClarissaaskedSirRowland.
‘Notabit,’heassuredher.‘Verysensiblearrangement,sincetheservantsarehavingthenightoff.’
TheHailsham-Browns’middle-agedbutler,Elgin,cameintotheroomfromthehallandwentacrosstoPippa.‘Yoursupperisreadyintheschoolroom,MissPippa,’hetoldher.‘There’ssomemilk,andfruit,andyourfavouritebiscuits.’
‘Oh,good!’Pippashouted,springingtoherfeet.‘I’mravenous.’
ShedartedtowardsthehalldoorbutwasstoppedbyClarissa,whotoldhersharplytopickuphercardsfirstandputthemaway.
‘Oh,bother,’Pippaexclaimed.Shewentbacktothecards,knelt,andslowlybegantoshovelthemintoaheapagainstoneendofthesofa.
ElginnowaddressedClarissa.‘Excuseme,madam,’hemurmuredrespectfully.
‘Yes,Elgin,whatisit?’Clarissaasked.
Thebutlerlookeduncomfortable.‘Therehasbeenalittle–er–unpleasantness,overthevegetables,’hetoldher.
‘Oh,dear,’saidClarissa.‘YoumeanwithMissPeake?’
‘Yes,madam,’thebutlercontinued.‘MywifefindsMissPeakemostdifficult,madam.Sheiscontinuallycomingintothekitchenandcriticizingandmakingremarks,andmywifedoesn’tlikeit,shedoesn’tlikeitatall.Whereverwehavebeen,MrsElginandmyselfhavealwayshadverypleasantrelationswiththegarden.’
‘I’mreallysorryaboutthat,’Clarissareplied,suppressingasmile.‘I’ll–er–I’lltrytodosomethingaboutit.I’llspeaktoMissPeake.’
‘Thankyou,madam,’saidElgin.Hebowedandlefttheroom,closingthehalldoorbehindhim.
‘Howtiresometheyare,servants,’ClarissaobservedtoSirRowland.‘Andwhatcuriousthingstheysay.Howcanonehavepleasantrelationswiththegarden?Itsoundsimproper,inapagankindofway.’
‘Ithinkyou’relucky,however,withthiscouple–theElgins,’SirRowlandadvisedher.‘Wheredidyougetthem?’
‘Oh,thelocalRegistryoffice,’Clarissareplied.
SirRowlandfrowned.‘Ihopenotthatwhat’s-its-nameonewheretheyalwayssendyoucrooks,’heobserved.
‘Cooks?’askedPippa,lookingupfromthefloorwhereshewasstillsortingoutcards.
‘No,dear.Crooks,’SirRowlandrepeated.‘Doyouremember,’hecontinued,nowaddressingClarissa,‘thatagencywiththeItalianorSpanishname–deBotello,wasn’tit?–whokeptsendingyoupeopletointerview,mostofwhomturnedouttobeillegalaliens?AndyHulmewasvirtuallycleanedoutbyacoupleheandhiswifetookon.TheyusedAndy’shorseboxtomoveouthalfthehouse.Andthey’venevercaughtupwiththemyet.’
‘Oh,yes,’Clarissalaughed.‘Idoremember.Comeon,Pippa,hurryup,’sheorderedthechild.
Pippapickedupthecards,andgottoherfeet.‘There!’sheexclaimedpetulantlyasshereplacedthecardsonthebookshelves.‘Iwishonedidn’talwayshavetodoclearingup.’Shewenttowardsthedoor,butwasstoppedbyClarissawho,pickingupwhatwasleftofPippa’sbunfromthetable,calledtoher,‘Here,takeyourbunwithyou,’andhandedittoher.
Pippastartedtogoagain.‘Andyoursatchel,’Clarissacontinued.
Pipparantotheeasychair,snatcheduphersatchel,andturnedagaintowardsthehalldoor.
‘Hat!’Clarissashouted.
Pippaputthebunonthetable,pickedupherhat,andrantothehalldoor.
‘Here!’Clarissacalledherbackagain,pickedupthepieceofbun,stuffeditinPippa’smouth,tookthehat,jammeditonthechild’shead,andpushedherintothehall.‘Andshutthedoor,Pippa,’shecalledafterher.
Pippafinallymadeherexit,closingthedoorbehindher.SirRowlandlaughed,andClarissa,joiningin,tookacigarettefromaboxonthetable.Outside,thedaylightwasnowbeginningtofade,andtheroomwasbecomingalittledarker.
‘Youknow,it’swonderful!’SirRowlandexclaimed.‘Pippa’sadifferentchild,now.You’vedonearemarkablygoodjobthere,Clarissa.’
Clarissasankdownonthesofa.‘Ithinkshereallylikesmenowandtrustsme,’shesaid.‘AndIquiteenjoybeingastepmother.’
SirRowlandtookalighterfromtheoccasionaltablebythesofatolightClarissa’scigarette.‘Well,’heobserved,‘shecertainlyseemsanormal,happychildagain.’
Clarissanoddedinagreement.‘Ithinklivinginthecountryhasmadeallthedifference,’shesuggested.‘Andshegoestoaveryniceschoolandismakinglotsoffriendsthere.Yes,Ithinkshe’shappy,and,asyousay,normal.’
SirRowlandfrowned.‘It’sashockingthing,’heexclaimed,‘toseeakidgetintothestateshewasin.I’dliketowringMiranda’sneck.Whatadreadfulmothershewas.’
‘Yes,’Clarissaagreed.‘Pippawasabsolutelyterrifiedofhermother.’
Hejoinedheronthesofa.‘Itwasashockingbusiness,’hemurmured.
Clarissaclenchedherfistsandmadeanangrygesture.‘IfeelfuriouseverytimeIthinkofMiranda,’shesaid.‘WhatshemadeHenrysuffer,andwhatshemadethatchildgothrough.Istillcan’tunderstandhowanywomancould.’
‘Takingdrugsisanastybusiness,’SirRowlandwenton.‘Italtersyourwholecharacter.’
Theysatforamomentinsilence,thenClarissaasked,‘Whatdoyouthinkstartedherondrugsinthefirstplace?’
‘Ithinkitwasherfriend,thatswineOliverCostello,’SirRowlanddeclared.‘Ibelievehe’sinonthedrugracket.’
‘He’sahorribleman,’Clarissaagreed.‘Reallyevil,Ialwaysthink.’
‘She’smarriedhimnow,hasn’tshe?’
‘Yes,theymarriedaboutamonthago.’
SirRowlandshookhishead.‘Well,there’snodoubtHenry’swellridofMiranda,’hesaid.‘He’sanicefellow,Henry.’Herepeated,emphatically,‘Areallynicefellow.’
Clarissasmiled,andmurmuredgently,‘Doyouthinkyouneedtotellmethat?’
‘Iknowhedoesn’tsaymuch,’SirRowlandwenton.‘He’swhatyoumightcallundemonstrative–buthe’ssoundallthewaythrough.’Hepaused,andthenadded,‘Thatyoungfellow,Jeremy.Whatdoyouknowabouthim?’
Clarissasmiledagain.‘Jeremy?He’sveryamusing,’shereplied.
‘Ptscha!’SirRowlandsnorted.‘That’sallpeopleseemtocareaboutthesedays.’HegaveClarissaaseriouslook,andcontinued,‘Youwon’t–youwon’tdoanythingfoolish,willyou?’
Clarissalaughed.‘Don’tfallinlovewithJeremyWarrender,’sheansweredhim.‘That’swhatyoumean,isn’tit?’
SirRowlandstillregardedherseriously.‘Yes,’hetoldher,‘that’spreciselywhatImean.He’sobviouslyveryfondofyou.Indeed,heseemsunabletokeephishandsoffyou.ButyouhaveaveryhappymarriagewithHenry,andIwouldn’twantyoutodoanythingtoputthatinjeopardy.’
Clarissagavehimanaffectionatesmile.‘DoyoureallythinkIwoulddoanythingsofoolish?’sheasked,playfully
‘Thatwouldcertainlybeextremelyfoolish,’SirRowlandadvised.Hepausedbeforecontinuing,‘Youknow,Clarissadarling,I’vewatchedyougrowup.Youreallymeanagreatdealtome.Ifeveryou’reintroubleofanykind,youwouldcometoyouroldguardian,wouldn’tyou?’
‘Ofcourse,Rolydarling,’Clarissareplied.Shekissedhimonthecheek.‘Andyouneedn’tworryaboutJeremy.Really,youneedn’t.Iknowhe’sveryengaging,andattractiveandallthat.Butyouknowme,I’monlyenjoyingmyself.Justhavingfun.It’snothingserious.’
SirRowlandwasabouttospeakagainwhenMissPeakesuddenlyappearedattheFrenchwindows.
Chapter4
MissPeakehadbynowdiscardedherboots,andwasinherstockingedfeet.Shewascarryingaheadofbroccoli.
‘Ihopeyoudon’tmindmycominginthisway,MrsHailsham-Brown,’sheboomed,asshestrodeacrosstothesofa.‘Ishan’tmaketheroomdirty,I’veleftmybootsoutside.I’djustlikeyoutolookatthisbroccoli.’ShethrustitbelligerentlyoverthebackofthesofaandunderClarissa’snose.
‘It–er–itlooksverynice,’wasallClarissacouldthinkofbywayofreply.
MissPeakepushedthebroccoliatSirRowland.‘Takealook,’sheorderedhim.
SirRowlanddidashewastoldandpronouncedhisverdict.‘Ican’tseeanythingwrongwithit,’hedeclared.Buthetookthebroccolifromherinordertogiveitacloserinvestigation.
‘Ofcoursethere’snothingwrongwithit,’MissPeakebarkedathim.‘Itookanotheronejustlikethisintothekitchenyesterday,andthatwomaninthekitchen–’Shebrokeofftoadd,bywayofparenthesis,‘Ofcourse,Idon’twanttosayanythingagainstyourservants,MrsHailsham-Brown,thoughIcouldsayagreatdeal.’Returningtohermaintheme,shecontinued,‘ButthatMrsElginactuallyhadthenervetotellmethatitwassuchapoorspecimenshewasn’tgoingtocookit.Shesaidsomethingabout,“Ifyoucan’tdobetterthanthatinthekitchengarden,you’dbettertakeupsomeotherjob.”IwassoangryIcouldhavekilledher.’
Clarissabegantospeak,butMissPeakeploughedonregardless.‘NowyouknowIneverwanttomaketrouble,’sheinsisted,‘butI’mnotgoingintothatkitchentobeinsulted.’Afterabriefpauseforbreath,sheresumedhertirade.‘Infuture,’sheannounced,‘Ishalldumpthevegetablesoutsidethebackdoor,andMrsElgincanleavealistthere–’
SirRowlandatthispointattemptedtohandthebroccolibacktoher,butMissPeakeignoredhim,andcontinued,‘Shecanleavealistthereofwhatisrequired.’Shenoddedherheademphatically.
NeitherClarissanorSirRowlandcouldthinkofanythingtosayinreply,andjustasthegardeneropenedhermouthtospeakagainthetelephonerang.‘I’llanswerit,’shebellowed.Shecrossedtothephoneandliftedthereceiver.‘Hello–yes,’shebarkedintothemouthpiece,wipingthetopofthetablewithacornerofheroverallasshespoke.‘ThisisCopplestoneCourt–YouwantMrsBrown?–Yes,she’shere.’
MissPeakeheldoutthereceiver,andClarissastubbedouthercigarette,wentovertothephone,andtookthereceiverfromher.
‘Hello,’saidClarissa,‘ThisisMrsHailsham-Brown.–Hello–hello.’ShelookedatMissPeake.‘Howodd,’sheexclaimed.‘Theyseemtohaverungoff.’
AsClarissareplacedthereceiver,MissPeakesuddenlydartedtotheconsoletableandsetitbackagainstthewall.‘Excuseme,’sheboomed,‘butMrSellonalwayslikedthistableflatagainstthewall.’
ClarissasurreptitiouslypulledafaceatSirRowland,buthastenedneverthelesstoassistMissPeakewiththetable.‘Thankyou,’saidthegardener.‘And,’sheadded,‘youwillbecarefulaboutmarksmadewithglassesonthefurniture,won’tyou,MrsBrown-Hailsham.’Clarissalookedanxiouslyatthetableasthegardenercorrectedherself.‘I’msorry–ImeanMrsHailsham-Brown.’Shelaughedinaheartyfashion.‘Ohwell,Brown-Hailsham,Hailsham-Brown,’shecontinued.‘It’sreallyallthesamething,isn’tit?’
‘No,it’snot,MissPeake,’SirRowlanddeclared,withverydistinctenunciation.‘Afterall,ahorsechestnutishardlythesamethingasachestnuthorse.’
WhileMissPeakewaslaughingjoviallyatthis,Hugocameintotheroom.‘Hello,there,’shegreetedhim.‘I’mgettingaregulartickingoff.Quitesarcastic,they’rebeing.’GoingacrosstoHugo,shethumpedhimontheback,andthenturnedtotheothers.‘Well,goodnight,all,’sheshouted.‘Imustbetoddlingback.Givemethebroccoli.’
SirRowlandhandeditover.‘Horsechestnut–chestnuthorse,’sheboomedathim.‘Jollygood–Imustrememberthat.’WithanotherboisterouslaughshedisappearedthroughtheFrenchwindows.
Hugowatchedherleave,andthenturnedtoClarissaandSirRowland.‘HowonearthdoesHenrybearthatwoman?’hewonderedaloud.
‘Hedoesactuallyfindherveryhardtotake,’Clarissareplied.ShepickedupPippa’sbookfromtheeasychair,putitonthetableandcollapsedintothechairasHugoresponded,‘Ishouldthinkso.She’ssodamnedarch!Allthatheartyschoolgirlmanner.’
‘Acaseofarresteddevelopment,I’mafraid,’SirRowlandadded,shakinghishead.
Clarissasmiled.‘Iagreeshe’smaddening,’shesaid,‘butshe’saverygoodgardenerand,asIkeeptellingeveryone,shegoeswiththehouse,andsincethehouseissowonderfullycheap–’
‘Cheap?Isit?’Hugointerruptedher.‘Yousurpriseme.’
‘Marvellouslycheap,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Itwasadvertised.Wecamedownandsawitacoupleofmonthsago,andtookitthenandthereforsixmonths,furnished.’
‘Whomdoesitbelongto?’SirRowlandasked.
‘ItusedtobelongtoaMrSellon,’Clarissareplied.‘Buthedied.HewasanantiquedealerinMaidstone.’
‘Ah,yes!’Hugoexclaimed.‘That’sright.SellonandBrown.IonceboughtaveryniceChippendalemirrorfromtheirshopinMaidstone.Sellonlivedouthereinthecountry,andusedtogointoMaidstoneeveryday,butIbelievehesometimesbroughtcustomersoutheretoseethingsthathekeptinthehouse.’
‘Mindyou,’Clarissatoldthemboth,‘thereareoneortwodisadvantagesaboutthishouse.Onlyyesterday,amaninaviolentchecksuitdroveupinasportscarandwantedtobuythatdesk.’Shepointedtothedesk.‘Itoldhimthatitwasn’toursandthereforewecouldn’tsellit,buthesimplywouldn’tbelievemeandkeptonraisingtheprice.Hewentuptofivehundredpoundsintheend.’
‘Fivehundredpounds!’exclaimedSirRowland,soundingreallystartled.Hewentacrosstothedesk.‘GoodLord!’hecontinued.‘Why,evenattheAntiqueDealers’FairIwouldn’thavethoughtitwouldfetchanythingneartothat.It’sapleasantenoughobject,butsurelynotespeciallyvaluable.’
Hugojoinedhimatthedesk,asPippacamebackintotheroom.‘I’mstillhungry,’shecomplained.
‘Youcan’tbe,’Clarissatoldherfirmly.
‘Iam,’Pippainsisted.‘Milkandchocolatebiscuitsandabananaaren’treallyfilling.’Shemadeforthearmchairandflungherselfintoit.
SirRowlandandHugowerestillcontemplatingthedesk.‘It’scertainlyanicedesk,’SirRowlandobserved.‘Quitegenuine,Iimagine,butnotwhatI’dcallacollector’spiece.Don’tyouagree,Hugo?’
‘Yes,butperhapsit’sgotasecretdrawerwithadiamondnecklaceinit,’Hugosuggestedfacetiously.
‘Ithasgotasecretdrawer,’Pippachimedin.
‘What?’Clarissaexclaimed.
‘Ifoundabookinthemarket,allaboutsecretdrawersinoldfurniture,’Pippaexplained.‘SoItriedlookingatdesksandthingsalloverthehouse.Butthisistheonlyonethat’sgotasecretdrawer.’Shegotupfromthearmchair.‘Look,’sheinvitedthem.‘I’llshowyou.’
Shewentovertothedeskandopenedoneofitspigeon-holes.WhileClarissacameandleanedoverthesofatowatch,Pippaslidherhandintothepigeon-hole.‘See,’shesaidasshedidso,‘youslidethisout,andthere’sasortoflittlecatchthingunderneath.’
‘Humph!’Hugogrunted.‘Idon’tcallthatverysecret.’
‘Ah,butthat’snotall,’Pippawenton.‘Youpressthisthingunderneath–andalittledrawerfliesout.’Againshedemonstrated,andasmalldrawershotoutofthedesk.‘See?’
Hugotookthedrawerandpickedasmallpieceofpaperoutofit.‘Hello,’hesaid,‘what’sthis,Iwonder?’Hereadaloud.‘“Suckstoyou”.’
‘What!’SirRowlandexclaimed,andPippawentoffintoagaleoflaughter.Theothersjoinedin,andSirRowlandplayfullyshookPippa,whopretendedtopunchhiminreturnassheboasted,‘Iputthatthere!’
‘Youlittlevillain!’saidSirRowland,rufflingherhair.‘You’regettingasbadasClarissawithyoursillytricks.’
‘Actually,’Pippatoldthem,‘therewasanenvelopewithanautographofQueenVictoriainit.Look,I’llshowyou.’Shedashedtothebookshelves,whileClarissawenttothedesk,replacedthedrawers,andclosedthepigeon-hole
Atthebookshelves,Pippaopenedasmallboxononeofthelowershelves,tookoutanoldenvelopecontainingthreescrapsofpaper,anddisplayedthemtotheassembledcompany.
‘Doyoucollectautographs,Pippa?’SirRowlandaskedher.
‘Notreally,’repliedPippa.‘Onlyasaside-line.’ShehandedoneofthepiecesofpapertoHugo,whoglancedatitandpasseditontoSirRowland.
‘Agirlatschoolcollectsstamps,andherbrother’sgotasmashingcollectionhimself,’Pippatoldthem.‘Lastautumnhethoughthe’dgotoneliketheonehesawinthepaper–aSwedishsomethingorotherwhichwasworthhundredsofpounds.’Asshespoke,shehandedthetworemainingautographsandtheenvelopetoHugo,whopassedthemontoSirRowland.
‘Myfriend’sbrotherwasawfullyexcited,’Pippacontinued,‘andhetookthestamptoadealer.Butthedealersaiditwasn’twhathethoughtitwas,thoughitwasquiteagoodstamp.Anyway,hegavehimfivepoundsforit.’
SirRowlandhandedtwooftheautographsbacktoHugo,whopassedthemontoPippa.‘Fivepoundsisprettygood,isn’tit?’Pippaaskedhim,andHugogruntedhisagreement.
Pippalookeddownattheautographs.‘HowmuchdoyouthinkQueenVictoria’sautographwouldbeworth?’shewonderedaloud.
‘Aboutfivetotenshillings,Ishouldthink,’SirRowlandtoldher,ashelookedattheenvelopehewasstillholding.
‘There’sJohnRuskin’sheretoo,andRobertBrowning’s,’Pippatoldthem.
‘They’renotworthmucheither,I’mafraid,’saidSirRowland,handingtheremainingautographandtheenvelopetoHugo,whopassedthemontoPippa,murmuringsympatheticallyashedidso,‘Sorry,mydear.You’renotdoingverywell,areyou?’
‘IwishIhadNevilleDuke’sandRogerBannister’s,’Pippamurmuredwistfully.‘Thesehistoricalonesarerathermouldy,Ithink.’Shereplacedtheenvelopeandautographsinthebox,placedtheboxbackontheshelf,andthenbegantobacktowardsthehalldoor.‘CanIseeifthereareanymorechocolatebiscuitsinthelarder,Clarissa?’sheasked,hopefully.
‘Yes,ifyoulike,’Clarissatoldher,smiling.
‘Wemustbeoff,’saidHugo,followingPippatowardsthedoorandcallingupthestaircase,‘Jeremy!Hi!Jeremy!’
‘Coming,’Jeremyshoutedbackashehurrieddownthestairscarryingagolfclub.
‘Henryoughttobehomesoon,’Clarissamurmured,toherselfasmuchastotheothers.
HugowentacrosstotheFrenchwindows,callingtoJeremy,‘Bettergooutthisway.It’snearer.’HeturnedbacktoClarissa.‘Goodnight,Clarissadear,’hesaid.‘Thankyouforputtingupwithus.I’llprobablygostraighthomefromtheclub,butIpromisetosendyourweekendguestsbacktoyouinonepiece.’
‘Goodnight,Clarissa,’Jeremyjoinedin,ashefollowedHugooutintothegarden.
Clarissawavedthemgoodbye,asSirRowlandcameacrossandputhisarmaroundher.‘Goodnight,mydear,’hesaid.‘WarrenderandIwillprobablynotbeinuntilaboutmidnight.’
ClarissaaccompaniedhimtotheFrenchwindows.‘It’sreallyalovelyevening,’sheobserved.‘I’llcomewithyouasfarasthegateontothegolfcourse.’
Theystrolledacrossthegardentogether,makingnoattempttocatchupwithHugoandJeremy.‘WhattimedoyouexpectHenryhome?’SirRowlandasked.
‘Oh,I’mnotsure.Itvaries.Quitesoon,Iimagine.Anyway,we’llhaveaquieteveningtogetherandsomecoldfood,andwe’llprobablyhaveretiredtobedbythetimeyouandJeremygetback.’
‘Yes,don’twaitupforus,forheaven’ssake,’SirRowlandtoldher.
Theywalkedonincompanionablesilenceuntiltheyreachedthegardengate.Then,‘Allright,mydear,I’llseeyoulater,orprobablyatbreakfasttomorrow,’saidClarissa.
SirRowlandgaveheranaffectionatepeckonthecheek,andwalkedonbrisklytocatchupwithhiscompanions,whileClarissamadeherwaybacktothehouse.Itwasapleasantevening,andshewalkedslowly,stoppingtoenjoythesightsandsmellsofthegarden,andallowingherthoughtstowander.ShelaughedtoherselfastheimageofMissPeakewithherbroccolicameintohermind,thenfoundherselfsmilingwhenshethoughtofJeremyandhisclumsyattempttomakelovetoher.Shewonderedidlywhetherhehadreallybeenseriousaboutit.Assheapproachedthehouse,shebegantocontemplatewithpleasuretheprospectofaquieteveningathomewithherhusband.
Chapter5
ClarissaandSirRowlandhadhardlybeengonemorethanafewminuteswhenElgin,thebutler,enteredtheroomfromthehall,carryingatrayofdrinkswhichheplacedonatable.Whenthedoorbellrang,hewenttothefrontdoor.Atheatricallyhandsome,dark-hairedmanwasstandingoutside.
‘Goodevening,sir,’Elgingreetedhim.
‘Goodevening.I’vecometoseeMrsBrown,’themantoldhim,ratherbrusquely.
‘Ohyes,sir,docomein,’saidElgin.Closingthedoorbehindtheman,heasked,‘Whatname,sir?’
‘MrCostello.’
‘Thisway,sir.’Elginledthewayalongthehall.Hestoodasidetoallowthenewcomertoenterthedrawing-room,andthensaid,‘Wouldyouwaithere,sir.Madamisathome.I’llseeifIcanfindher.’Hestartedtogo,thenstoppedandturnedbacktotheman.‘MrCostello,didyousay?’
‘That’sright,’thestrangerreplied.‘OliverCostello.’
‘Verygood,sir,’murmuredElginashelefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.
Leftalone,OliverCostellolookedaroundtheroom,walkedacrosstolistenfirstatthelibrarydoorandnextatthehalldoor,andthenapproachedthedesk,bentoverit,andlookedcloselyatthedrawers.Hearingasound,hequicklymovedawayfromthedesk,andwasstandinginthecentreoftheroomwhenClarissacameinthroughtheFrenchwindows.
Costelloturned.Whenhesawwhoitwas,helookedamazed.
ItwasClarissawhospokefirst.Soundingintenselysurprised,shegasped,‘You?’
‘Clarissa!Whatareyoudoinghere?’exclaimedCostello.Hesoundedequallysurprised.
‘That’sarathersillyquestion,isn’tit?’Clarissareplied.‘It’smyhouse.’
‘Thisisyourhouse?’Histonewasoneofdisbelief.
‘Don’tpretendyoudon’tknow,’saidClarissa,sharply.
Costellostaredatherwithoutspeakingforamomentortwo.Then,adoptingacompletechangeofmanner,heobserved,‘Whatacharminghousethisis.Itusedtobelongtooldwhat’s-his-name,theantiquedealer,didn’tit?IrememberhebroughtmeouthereoncetoshowmesomeLouisQuinzechairs.’Hetookacigarettecasefromhispocket.‘Cigarette?’heoffered.
‘No,thankyou,’repliedClarissaabruptly.‘And,’sheadded,‘Ithinkyou’dbettergo.Myhusbandwillbehomequitesoon,andIdon’tthinkhe’dbeverypleasedtoseeyou.’
Costellorespondedwithratherinsolentamusement,‘ButIparticularlydowanttoseehim.That’swhyI’vecomehere,really,todiscusssuitablearrangements.’
‘Arrangements?’Clarissaasked,hertoneoneofpuzzlement.
‘ArrangementsforPippa,’Costelloexplained.‘Miranda’squiteagreeabletoPippa’sspendingpartofthesummerholidayswithHenry,andperhapsaweekatChristmas.‘Butotherwise–’
Clarissainterruptedhimsharply.‘Whatdoyoumean?’sheasked.‘Pippa’shomeishere.’
Costellowanderedcasuallyovertothetablewiththedrinksonit.‘ButmydearClarissa,’heexclaimed,‘you’resurelyawarethatthecourtgaveMirandathecustodyofthechild?’Hepickedupabottleofwhisky.‘MayI?’heasked,andwithoutwaitingforareplypouredadrinkforhimself.‘Thecasewasundefended,remember?’
Clarissafacedhimbelligerently.‘HenryallowedMirandatodivorcehim,’shedeclared,speakingclearlyandconcisely,‘onlyafteritwasagreedbetweenthemprivatelythatPippashouldlivewithherfather.IfMirandahadnotagreedtothat,Henrywouldhavedivorcedher.’
Costellogavealaughwhichborderedonasneer.‘Youdon’tknowMirandaverywell,doyou?’heasked.‘Shesooftenchangeshermind.’
Clarissaturnedawayfromhim.‘Idon’tbelieveforonemoment,’shesaidcontemptuously,‘thatMirandawantsthatchildorevencarestwopenceabouther.’
‘Butyou’renotamother,mydearClarissa,’wasCostello’simpertinentresponse.‘Youdon’tmindmycallingyouClarissa,doyou?’hewenton,withanotherunpleasantsmile.‘Afterall,nowthatI’mmarriedtoMiranda,we’repracticallyrelations-in-law.’
Heswallowedhisdrinkinonegulpandputhisglassdown.‘Yes,Icanassureyou,’hecontinued,‘Mirandaisnowfeelingviolentlymaternal.ShefeelsshemusthavePippatolivewithusformostofthetime.’
‘Idon’tbelieveit,’Clarissasnapped.
‘Pleaseyourself.’Costellomadehimselfcomfortableinthearmchair.‘Butthere’snopointinyourtryingtocontestit.Afterall,therewasnoarrangementinwriting,youknow.’
‘You’renotgoingtohavePippa,’Clarissatoldhimfirmly.‘Thechildwasanervouswreckwhenshecametous.She’smuchbetternow,andshe’shappyatschool,andthat’sthewayshe’sgoingtoremain.’
‘Howwillyoumanagethat,mydear?’Costellosneered.‘Thelawisonourside.’
‘What’sbehindallthis?’Clarissaaskedhim,soundingbewildered.‘Youdon’tcareaboutPippa.Whatdoyoureallywant?’Shepaused,andthenstruckherforehead.‘Oh!WhatafoolIam.Ofcourse,it’sblackmail.’
Costellowasabouttoreply,whenElginappeared.‘Iwaslookingforyou,madam,’thebutlertoldClarissa.‘WillitbequiteallrightforMrsElginandmyselftoleavenowfortheevening,madam?’
‘Yes,quiteallright,Elgin,’Clarissareplied.
‘Thetaxihascomeforus,’thebutlerexplained.‘Supperislaidallreadyinthedining-room.’Hewasabouttogo,butthenturnedbacktoClarissa.‘Doyouwantmetoshutupinhere,madam?’heasked,keepinganeyeonCostelloashespoke.
‘No,I’llseetoit,’Clarissaassuredhim.‘YouandMrsElgincangoofffortheeveningnow.’
‘Thankyou,madam,’saidElgin.Heturnedatthehalldoortosay,‘Goodnight,madam.’
‘Goodnight,Elgin,’Clarissaresponded.
Costellowaiteduntilthebutlerhadclosedthedoorbehindhimbeforehespokeagain.‘Blackmailisaveryuglyword,Clarissa,’hepointedouttohersomewhatunoriginally.‘Youshouldtakealittlemorecarebeforeyouaccusepeoplewrongfully.Now,haveImentionedmoneyatall?’
‘Notyet,’repliedClarissa.‘Butthat’swhatyoumean,isn’tit?’
Costelloshruggedhisshouldersandheldhishandsoutinanexpressivegesture.‘It’struethatwe’renotverywelloff,’headmitted.‘Mirandahasalwaysbeenveryextravagant,asyounodoubtknow.IthinkshefeelsthatHenrymightbeabletoreinstateherallowance.Afterall,he’sarichman.’
ClarissawentuptoCostelloandfacedhimsquarely.‘Nowlisten,’sheorderedhim.‘Idon’tknowaboutHenry,butIdoknowaboutmyself.YoutrytogetPippaawayfromhere,andI’llfightyoutoothandnail.’Shepaused,thenadded,‘AndIdon’tcarewhatweaponsIuse.’
Apparentlyunmovedbyheroutburst,Costellochuckled,butClarissacontinued,‘Itshouldn’tbedifficulttogetmedicalevidenceprovingMiranda’sadrugaddict.I’devengotoScotlandYardandtalktotheNarcoticSquad,andI’dsuggestthattheykeptaneyeonyouaswell.’
Costellogaveastartatthis.‘TheuprightHenrywillhardlycareforyourmethods,’hewarnedClarissa.
‘ThenHenrywillhavetolumpthem,’sheretortedfiercely.‘It’sthechildthatmatters.I’mnotgoingtohavePippabulliedorfrightened.’
Atthispoint,Pippacameintotheroom.SeeingCostello,shestoppedshort,lookingterrified.
‘Why,hello,Pippa,’Costellogreetedher.‘Howyou’vegrown.’
Pippabackedawayashemovedtowardsher.‘I’vejustcometomakesomearrangementsaboutyou,’hetoldher.‘Yourmotherislookingforwardtohavingyouwithheragain.SheandIaremarriednow,and–’
‘Iwon’tcome,’Pippacriedhysterically,runningtoClarissaforprotection.‘Iwon’tcome.Clarissa,theycan’tmakeme,canthey?Theywouldn’t–’
‘Don’tworry,Pippadarling,’Clarissasaidsoothingly,puttingherarmaroundthechild.‘Yourhomeisherewithyourfatherandwithme,andyou’renotleavingit.’
‘ButIassureyou–’Costellobegan,onlytobeinterruptedangrilybyClarissa.‘Getoutofhereatonce,’sheorderedhim.
Mockinglypretendingtobeafraidofher,Costelloputhishandsabovehishead,andbackedaway.
‘Atonce!’Clarissarepeated.Sheadvanceduponhim.‘Iwon’thaveyouinmyhouse,doyouhear?’
MissPeakeappearedattheFrenchwindows,carryingalargegarden-fork.‘Oh,MrsHailsham-Brown,’shebegan,‘I–’
‘MissPeake,’Clarissainterruptedher.‘WillyoushowMrCostellothewaythroughthegardentothebackgate?’
CostellolookedatMissPeake,wholiftedhergarden-forkasshereturnedhisgaze.
‘Miss–Peake?’hequeried.
‘Pleasedtomeetyou,’shereplied,robustly.‘I’mthegardenerhere.’
‘Indeed,yes,’saidCostello.‘Icamehereoncebefore,youmayremember,tolookatsomeantiquefurniture.’
‘Oh,yes,’MissPeakereplied.‘InMrSellon’stime.Butyoucan’tseehimtoday,youknow.He’sdead.’
‘No,Ididn’tcometoseehim,’Costellodeclared.‘Icametosee–MrsBrown.’Hegavethenameacertainemphasis.
‘Oh,yes?Isthatso?Well,nowyou’veseenher,’MissPeaketoldhim.Sheseemedtorealizethatthevisitorhadoutstayedhiswelcome.
CostelloturnedtoClarissa.‘Goodbye,Clarissa,’hesaid.‘Youwillhearfromme,youknow.’Hesoundedalmostmenacing.
‘Thisway,’MissPeakeshowedhim,gesturingtotheFrenchwindows.Shefollowedhimout,askingastheywent,‘Doyouwantthebus,ordidyoubringyourowncar?’
‘Ileftmycarroundbythestables,’Costelloinformedherastheymadetheirwayacrossthegarden.
Chapter6
AssoonasOliverCostellohadleftwithMissPeake,Pippaburstintotears.‘He’lltakemeawayfromhere,’shecried,sobbingbitterlyassheclungtoClarissa.
‘No,hewon’t,’Clarissaassuredher,butPippa’sonlyresponsewastoshout,‘Ihatehim.Ialwayshatedhim.’
Fearingthatthegirlwasonthevergeofhysteria,Clarissaaddressedhersharply,‘Pippa!’
Pippabackedawayfromher.‘Idon’twanttogobacktomymother,I’dratherdie,’shescreamed.‘I’dmuchratherdie.I’llkillhim.’
‘Pippa!’Clarissaadmonishedher.
Pippanowseemedcompletelyuncontrollable.‘I’llkillmyself,’shecried.‘I’llcutmywristsandbleedtodeath.’
Clarissaseizedherbytheshoulders.‘Pippa,controlyourself,’sheorderedthechild.‘It’sallright,Itellyou.I’mhere.’
‘ButIdon’twanttogobacktoMother,andIhateOliver,’Pippaexclaimeddesperately.‘He’swicked,wicked,wicked.’
‘Yes,dear,Iknow.Iknow,’Clarissamurmuredsoothingly.
‘Butyoudon’tknow.’Pippanowsoundedevenmoredesperate.‘Ididn’ttellyoueverythingbefore–whenIcametolivehere.Ijustcouldn’tbeartomentionit.Butitwasn’tonlyMirandabeingsonastyanddrunkorsomething,allthetime.Onenight,whenshewasoutsomewhereorother,andOliverwasathomewithme–Ithinkhe’dbeendrinkingalot–Idon’tknow–but–’Shestopped,andforamomentseemedunabletocontinue.Then,forcingherselftogoon,shelookeddownatthefloorandmutteredindistinctly,‘Hetriedtodothingstome.’
Clarissalookedaghast.‘Pippa,whatdoyoumean?’sheasked.‘Whatareyoutryingtosay?’
Pippalookeddesperatelyabouther,asthoughseekingsomeoneelsewhowouldsaythewordsforher.‘He–hetriedtokissme,andwhenIpushedhimaway,hegrabbedme,andstartedtotearmydressoff.Thenhe–’Shestoppedsuddenly,andburstintoafitofsobbing.
‘Oh,mypoordarling,’Clarissamurmured,asshehuggedthechildtoher.‘Trynottothinkaboutit.It’sallover,andnothinglikethatwilleverhappentoyouagain.I’llmakesurethatOliverispunishedforthat.Thedisgustingbeast.Hewon’tgetawaywithit.’
Pippa’smoodsuddenlychanged.Hertonenowhadahopefulnote,asanewthoughtapparentlycametoher.‘Perhapshe’llbestruckbylightning,’shewonderedaloud.
‘Verylikely,’Clarissaagreed,‘verylikely.’Herfaceworealookofgrimdetermination.‘Nowpullyourselftogether,Pippa,’sheurgedthechild.‘Everything’squiteallright.’Shetookahandkerchieffromherpocket.‘Here,blowyournose.’
Pippadidasshewastold,andthenusedthehandkerchieftowipehertearsoffClarissa’sdress.
Clarissamanagedtosummonupalaughatthis.‘Now,yougoupstairsandhaveyourbath,’sheordered,turningPippaaroundtofacethehalldoor.‘Mindyouhaveareallygoodwash–yourneckisabsolutelyfilthy.’
Pippaseemedtobereturningtonormal.‘Italwaysis,’sherepliedasshewenttothedoor.But,asshewasabouttoleave,sheturnedsuddenlyandrantoClarissa.‘Youwon’tlethimtakemeaway,willyou?’shepleaded.
‘Overmydeadbody,’Clarissarepliedwithdetermination.Thenshecorrectedherself.‘No–overhisdeadbody.There!Doesthatsatisfyyou?’
Pippanodded,andClarissakissedherforehead.‘Now,runalong,’sheordered.
Pippagaveherstepmotherafinalhug,andleft.Clarissastoodforamomentinthought,andthen,noticingthattheroomhadbecomeratherdark,switchedontheconcealedlighting.ShewenttotheFrenchwindowsandclosedthem,thensatonthesofa,staringaheadofher,apparentlylostinthought.
Onlyaminuteortwohadpassedwhen,hearingthefrontdoorofthehouseslam,shelookedexpectantlytowardsthehalldoorthroughwhich,amomentlater,herhusbandHenryHailsham-Brownentered.Hewasaquitegood-lookingmanofaboutfortywitharatherexpressionlessface,wearinghorn-rimmedspectaclesandcarryingabriefcase.
‘Hello,darling,’Henrygreetedhiswife,asheswitchedonthewall-bracketlightsandputhisbriefcaseonthearmchair.
‘Hello,Henry,’Clarissareplied.‘Hasn’titbeenanabsolutelyawfulday?’
‘Hasit?’Hecameacrosstoleanoverthebackofthesofaandkissher.
‘Ihardlyknowwheretobegin,’shetoldhim.‘Haveadrinkfirst.’
‘Notjustnow,’Henryreplied,goingtotheFrenchwindowsandclosingthecurtains.‘Who’sinthehouse?’
Slightlysurprisedatthequestion,Clarissaanswered,‘Nobody.It’stheElgins’nightoff.BlackThursday,youknow.We’lldineoncoldham,chocolatemousse,andthecoffeewillbereallygoodbecauseIshallmakeit.’
Aquestioning‘Um?’wasHenry’sonlyresponsetothis.
Struckbyhismanner,Clarissaasked,‘Henry,isanythingthematter?’
‘Well,yes,inaway,’hetoldher.
‘Somethingwrong?’shequeried.‘IsitMiranda?’
‘No,no,there’snothingwrong,really,’Henryassuredher.‘Ishouldsayquitethecontrary.Yes,quitethecontrary.’
‘Darling,’saidClarissa,speakingwithaffectionandonlyaveryfaintnoteofridicule,‘doIperceivebehindthatimpenetrableForeignOfficefa?adeacertainhumanexcitement?’
Henryworeanairofpleasuredanticipation.‘Well,’headmitted,‘itisratherexcitinginaway.’Hepaused,thenadded,‘Asithappens,there’saslightfoginLondon.’
‘Isthatveryexciting?’Clarissaasked.
‘No,no,notthefog,ofcourse.’
‘Well?’Clarissaurgedhim.
Henrylookedquicklyaround,asthoughtoassurehimselfthathecouldnotbeoverheard,andthenwentacrosstothesofatositbesideClarissa.‘You’llhavetokeepthistoyourself,’heimpresseduponher,hisvoiceverygrave.
‘Yes?’Clarissapromptedhim,hopefully.
‘It’sreallyverysecret,’Henryreiterated.‘Nobody’ssupposedtoknow.But,actually,you’llhavetoknow.’
‘Well,comeon,tellme,’sheurgedhim.
Henrylookedaroundagain,andthenturnedtoClarissa.‘It’sallveryhush-hush,’heinsisted.Hepausedforeffect,andthenannounced,‘TheSovietPremier,Kalendorff,isflyingtoLondonforanimportantconferencewiththePrimeMinistertomorrow.’
Clarissawasunimpressed.‘Yes,Iknow,’shereplied.
Henrylookedstartled.‘Whatdoyoumean,youknow?’hedemanded.
‘IreaditinthepaperlastSunday,’Clarissainformedhimcasually.
‘Ican’tthinkwhyyouwanttoreadtheselow-classpapers,’Henryexpostulated.Hesoundedreallyputout.‘Anyway,’hecontinued,‘thepaperscouldn’tpossiblyknowthatKalendorffwascomingover.It’stopsecret.’
‘Mypoorsweet,’Clarissamurmured.Then,inavoiceinwhichcompassionwasmixedwithincredulity,shecontinued,‘Buttopsecret?Really!Thethingsyouhigh-upsbelieve.’
Henryroseandbegantostridearoundtheroom,lookingdistinctlyworried.‘Ohdear,theremusthavebeensomeleak,’hemuttered.
‘Ishouldhavethought,’Clarissaobservedtartly,‘thatbynowyou’dknowtherealwaysisaleak.InfactIshouldhavethoughtthatyou’dallbepreparedforit.’
Henrylookedsomewhataffronted.‘Thenewswasonlyreleasedofficiallytonight,’hetoldher.‘Kalendorff’splaneisdueatHeathrowateight-forty,butactually–’Heleanedoverthesofaandlookeddoubtfullyathiswife.‘Now,Clarissa,’heaskedherverysolemnly,‘canIreallytrustyoutobediscreet?’
‘I’mmuchmorediscreetthananySundaynewspaper,’Clarissaprotested,swingingherfeetoffthesofaandsittingup.
HenrysatonanarmofthesofaandleanedtowardsClarissaconspiratorially.‘TheconferencewillbeatWhitehalltomorrow,’heinformedher,‘butitwouldbeagreatadvantageifaconversationcouldtakeplacefirstbetweenSirJohnhimselfandKalendorff.Now,naturallythereportersareallwaitingatHeathrow,andthemomenttheplanearrivesKalendorff’smovementsaremoreorlesspublicproperty.’
Helookedaroundagain,asthoughexpectingtofindgentlemenofthepresspeeringoverhisshoulder,andcontinued,inatoneofincreasingexcitement,‘Fortunately,thisincipientfoghasplayedintoourhands.’
‘Goon,’Clarissaencouragedhim.‘I’mthrilled,sofar.’
‘Atthelastmoment,’Henryinformedher,‘theplanewillfinditinadvisabletolandatHeathrow.Itwillbediverted,asisusualontheseoccasions–’
‘ToBindleyHeath,’Clarissainterruptedhim.‘That’sjustfifteenmilesfromhere.Isee.’
‘You’realwaysveryquick,Clarissadear,’Henrycommentedsomewhatdisapprovingly.‘Butyes,Ishallgoofftherenowtotheaerodromeinthecar,meetKalendorff,andbringhimhere.ThePrimeMinisterismotoringdownheredirectfromDowningStreet.Halfanhourwillbeampleforwhattheyhavetodiscuss,andthenKalendorffwilltraveluptoLondonwithSirJohn.’
Henrypaused.Hegotupandtookafewpacesaway,beforeturningtosaytoher,disarmingly,‘Youknow,Clarissa,thismaybeofverygreatvaluetomeinmycareer.Imean,they’rereposingalotoftrustinme,havingthismeetinghere.’
‘Sotheyshould,’Clarissarepliedfirmly,goingtoherhusbandandflingingherarmsaroundhim.‘Henry,darling,’sheexclaimed,‘Ithinkit’sallwonderful.’
‘Bytheway,’Henryinformedhersolemnly,‘KalendorffwillbereferredtoonlyasMrJones.’
‘MrJones?’Clarissaattempted,notaltogethersuccessfully,tokeepanoteofamusedincredulityoutofhervoice.
‘That’sright,’Henryexplained,‘onecan’tbetoocarefulaboutusingrealnames.’
‘Yes–but–MrJones?’Clarissaqueried.‘Couldn’ttheyhavethoughtofsomethingbetterthanthat?’Sheshookherheaddoubtfully,andcontinued,‘Incidentally,whataboutme?DoIretiretotheharem,asitwere,ordoIbringinthedrinks,uttergreetingstothembothandthendiscreetlyfadeaway?’
Henryregardedhiswifesomewhatuneasilyasheadmonishedher,‘Youmusttakethisseriously,dear.’
‘ButHenry,darling,’Clarissainsisted,‘can’tItakeitseriouslyandstillenjoyitalittle?’
Henrygaveherquestionamoment’sconsideration,beforereplying,gravely,‘Ithinkitwouldbebetter,perhaps,Clarissa,ifyoudidn’tappear.’
Clarissaseemednottomindthis.‘Allright,’sheagreed,‘butwhataboutfood?Willtheywantsomething?’
‘Ohno,’saidHenry.‘Thereneedbenoquestionofameal.’
‘Afewsandwiches,Ithink,’Clarissasuggested.Shesatonanarmofthesofa,andcontinued,‘Hamsandwicheswouldbebest.Inanapkintokeepthemmoist.Andhotcoffee,inaThermosjug.Yes,that’lldoverywell.ThechocolatemousseIshalltakeuptomybedroomtoconsolemeforbeingexcludedfromtheconference.’
‘Now,Clarissa–’Henrybegan,disapprovingly,onlytobeinterruptedbyhiswifeassheroseandflungherarmsaroundhisneck.‘Darling,Iambeingserious,really,’sheassuredhim.‘Nothingwillgowrong.Ishan’tletit.’Shekissedhimaffectionately.
Henrygentlydisentangledhimselffromherembrace.‘WhataboutoldRoly?’heasked.
‘HeandJeremyarediningattheclubhousewithHugo,’Clarissatoldhim.‘They’regoingtoplaybridgeafterwards,soRolyandJeremywon’tbebackhereuntilaboutmidnight.’
‘AndtheElginsareout?’Hugoaskedher.
‘Darling,youknowtheyalwaysgotothecinemaonThursdays,’Clarissaremindedhim.‘Theywon’tbebackuntilwellaftereleven.’
Henrylookedpleased.‘Good,’heexclaimed.‘That’sallquitesatisfactory.SirJohnandMr–er–’
‘Jones,’Clarissapromptedhim.
‘Quiteright,darling.MrJonesandthePrimeMinisterwillhaveleftlongbeforethen.’Henryconsultedhiswatch.‘Well,I’dbetterhaveaquickshowerbeforeIstartoffforBindleyHeath,’heannounced.
‘AndI’dbettergoandmakethehamsandwiches,’Clarissasaid,dashingoutoftheroom.
Pickinguphisbriefcase,Henrycalledafterher,‘Youmustrememberaboutthelights,Clarissa.’Hewenttothedoorandswitchedofftheconcealedlighting.‘We’remakingourownelectricityhere,anditcostsmoney.’Heswitchedoffthewall-bracketsaswell.‘It’snotlikeLondon,youknow.’
Afterafinalglancearoundtheroom,whichwasnowindarknessexceptforafaintglowoflightfromthehalldoor,Henrynoddedandleft,closingthedoorbehindhim.
Chapter7
Atthegolfclub,HugowasbusilycomplainingaboutClarissa’sbehaviourinmakingthemtesttheport.‘Really,sheoughttostopplayingthesegames,youknow,’hesaidastheymadetheirwaytothebar.‘Doyouremember,Roly,thetimeIreceivedthattelegramfromWhitehalltellingmethatIwasgoingtobeofferedaknighthoodinthenextHonoursList?ItwasonlywhenImentioneditinconfidencetoHenryoneeveningwhenIwasdiningwiththemboth,andHenrywasperplexedbutClarissastartedgiggling–itwasonlythenthatIdiscoveredshe’dsentthebloodything.Shecanbesochildishsometimes.’
SirRowlandchuckled.‘Yes,shecanindeed.Andshelovesplay-acting.Youknow,shewasactuallyadamnedgoodactressinherschool’sdramaclub.AtonetimeIthoughtshe’dtakeitupseriouslyandgoonthestageprofessionally.She’ssoconvincing,evenwhenshe’stellingthemostdreadfullies.Andthat’swhatactorsare,surely.Convincingliars.’
Hewaslostinreminiscenceforamoment,andthencontinued,‘Clarissa’sbestfriendatschoolwasagirlcalledJeanetteCollins,whosefatherhadbeenafamousfootballer.AndJeanetteherselfwasamadfootballfan.Well,onedayClarissarangJeanetteinanassumedvoice,claimingtobethepublicrelationsofficerforsomefootballteamorother,andtoldherthatshe’dbeenchosentobetheteam’snewmascot,butthatitalldependedonherdressinginafunnycostumeasarabbit,andstandingoutsidetheChelseaStadiumthatafternoonasthecustomerswerequeuinguptogetin.SomehowJeanettemanagedtohireacostumeintime,andgottothestadiumdressedasabunnyrabbit,whereshewaslaughedatbyhundredsofpeopleandphotographedbyClarissawhowaswaitingthereforher.Jeanettewasfurious.Idon’tthinkthefriendshipsurvived.’
‘Oh,well,’Hugogrowledresignedly,ashepickedupamenuandbegantodevotehisattentiontotheseriousbusinessofchoosingwhattheywouldeatlater.
Meanwhile,backintheHailsham-Browns’drawing-room,onlyminutesafterHenryhadgoneofftohavehisshower,OliverCostelloenteredtheemptyroomstealthilythroughtheFrenchwindows,leavingthecurtainsopensothatmoonlightstreamedin.Heshoneatorchcarefullyaroundtheroom,thenwenttothedeskandswitchedonthelampthatwasonit.Afterliftingtheflapofthesecretdrawer,hesuddenlyswitchedoffthelampandstoodmotionlessforamomentasthoughhehadheardsomething.Apparentlyreassured,heswitchedthedesklamponagain,andopenedthesecretdrawer.
BehindCostello,thepanelbesidethebookshelfslowlyandquietlyopened.Heshutthesecretdrawerinthedesk,switchedthelampoffagain,andthenturnedsharplyashewasstruckafierceblowontheheadbysomeonestandingattherecess.Costellocollapsedimmediately,fallingbehindthesofa,andthepanelclosedagain,thistimemorequickly.
Theroomremainedindarknessforamoment,untilHenryHailsham-Brownenteredfromthehall,switchedonthewall-brackets,andshouted‘Clarissa!’Puttinghisspectacleson,hefilledhiscigarette-casefromtheboxonatablenearthesofaasClarissacamein,calling,‘HereIam,darling.Doyouwantasandwichbeforeyougo?’
‘No,IthinkI’dbetterstart,’Henryreplied,pattinghisjacketnervously
‘Butyou’llbehourstooearly,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Itcan’ttakeyoumorethantwentyminutestodrivethere.’
Henryshookhishead.‘Oneneverknows,’hedeclared.‘Imighthaveapuncture,orsomethingmightgowrongwiththecar.’
‘Don’tfuss,darling,’Clarissaadmonishedhim,straighteninghistieasshespoke.‘It’sallgoingtogoverysmoothly.’
‘Now,whataboutPippa?’Henryasked,anxiously.‘You’resureshewon’tcomedownorbargeinwhileSirJohnandKalen–Imean,MrJones,aretalkingprivately?’
‘No,there’snodangerofthat,’Clarissaassuredhim.‘I’llgouptoherroomandwe’llhaveafeasttogether.We’lltoasttomorrow’sbreakfastsausagesandsharethechocolatemoussebetweenus.’
Henrysmiledaffectionatelyathiswife.‘You’reverygoodtoPippa,mydear,’hetoldher.‘It’soneofthethingsI’mmostgratefultoyoufor.’Hepaused,embarrassed,thenwenton.‘Icanneverexpressmyselfverywell–I–youknow–somuchmisery–andnow,everything’ssodifferent.You–’TakingClarissainhisarms,hekissedher.
Forsomemomentstheyremainedlockedinalovingembrace.ThenClarissagentlybrokeaway,butcontinuedtoholdhishands.‘You’vemademeveryhappy,Henry,’shetoldhim.‘AndPippaisgoingtobefine.She’salovelychild.’
Henrysmiledaffectionatelyather.‘Now,yougoandmeetyourMrJones,’sheorderedhim,pushinghimtowardsthehalldoor.‘MrJones,’sherepeated.‘Istillthinkthat’saridiculousnametohavechosen.’
HenrywasabouttoleavetheroomwhenClarissaaskedhim,‘Areyougoingtocomeinbythefrontdoor?ShallIleaveitunlatched?’
Hepausedinthedoorwaytoconsider.Then,‘No,’hesaid.‘Ithinkwe’llcomeinthroughtheFrenchwindows.’
‘You’dbetterputonyourovercoat,Henry.It’squitechilly,’Clarissaadvised,pushinghimintothehallasshespoke.‘Andperhapsyourmuffleraswell.’Hetookhiscoatobedientlyfromarackinthehall,andshefollowedhimtothefrontdoorwithafinalwordofadvice.‘Drivecarefully,darling,won’tyou?’
‘Yes,yes,’Henrycalledback.‘YouknowIalwaysdo.’
Clarissashutthedoorbehindhim,andwentofftothekitchentofinishmakingthesandwiches.Assheputthemonaplate,wrappingadampnapkinaroundittokeepthemfresh,shecouldnothelpthinkingofherrecentunnervingencounterwithOliverCostello.Shewasfrowningasshecarriedthesandwichesbacktothedrawing-room,wheresheputthemonthesmalltable.
SuddenlyfearfulofincurringMissPeake’swrathforhavingmarkedthetable,shesnatchedtheplateupagain,rubbedunsuccessfullyatthemarkithadmade,andcompromisedbycoveringitwithanearbyvaseofflowers.Shetransferredtheplateofsandwichestothestool,thencarefullyshookthecushionsonthesofa.Singingquietlytoherself,shepickedupPippa’sbookandtookitacrosstoreplaceitonthebookshelves.‘Canabodymeetabody,comingthroughthe–’ShesuddenlystoppedsingingandutteredascreamasshestumbledandnearlyfelloverOliverCostello
Bendingoverthebody,Clarissarecognizedwhoitwas.‘Oliver!’shegasped.Shestaredathiminhorrorforwhatseemedanage.Then,convincedthathewasdead,shestraightenedupquicklyandrantowardsthedoortocallHenry,butimmediatelyrealizedthathehadgone.Sheturnedbacktothebody,andthenrantothetelephone,andliftedthereceiver.Shebegantodial,butthenstoppedandreplacedthereceiveragain.Shestoodthinkingforamoment,andlookedatthepanelinthewall.Makinguphermindquickly,sheglancedatthepanelagain,andthenreluctantlybentdownandbegantodragthebodyacrosstoit.
Whileshewasengagedindoingthis,thepanelslowlyopenedandPippaemergedfromtherecess,wearingadressing-gownoverherpyjamas.‘Clarissa!’shewailed,rushingtoherstepmother.
TryingtostandbetweenherandthebodyofCostello,ClarissagavePippaalittleshove,inanattempttoturnheraway.‘Pippa,’shebegged,‘don’tlook,darling.Don’tlook.’
Inastrangledvoice,Pippacried,‘Ididn’tmeanto.Oh,really,Ididn’tmeantodoit.’
Horrified,Clarissaseizedthechildbyherarms.‘Pippa!Wasit–you?’shegasped.
‘He’sdead,isn’the?He’squitedead?’Pippaasked.Sobbinghysterically,shecried,‘Ididn’t–meantokillhim.Ididn’tmeanto.’
‘Quietnow,quiet,’Clarissamurmuredsoothingly.‘It’sallright.Comeon,sitdown.’SheledPippatothearmchairandsatherinit.
‘Ididn’tmeanto.Ididn’tmeantokillhim,’Pippawentoncrying.
Clarissakneltbesideher.‘Ofcourseyoudidn’tmeanto,’sheagreed.‘Nowlisten,Pippa–’
WhenPippacontinuedtocryevenmorehysterically,Clarissashoutedather.‘Pippa,listentome.Everything’sgoingtobeallright.You’vegottoforgetaboutthis.Forgetallaboutit,doyouhear?’
‘Yes,’Pippasobbed,‘but–butI–’
‘Pippa,’Clarissacontinuedmoreforcefully,‘youmusttrustmeandbelievewhatI’mtellingyou.Everythingisgoingtobeallright.Butyou’vegottobebraveanddoexactlywhatItellyou.’
Stillsobbinghysterically,Pippatriedtoturnawayfromher.
‘Pippa!’Clarissashouted.‘WillyoudoasItellyou?’Shepulledthechildaroundtofaceher.‘Willyou?’
‘Yes,yes,Iwill,’Pippacried,puttingherheadonClarissa’sbosom.
‘That’sright.’ClarissaadoptedaconsolingtoneasshehelpedPippaoutofthechair.‘Now,Iwantyoutogoupstairsandgetintobed.’
‘Youcomewithme,please,’thechildpleaded.
‘Yes,yes,’Clarissaassuredher,‘I’llcomeupverysoon,assoonasIcan,andI’llgiveyouanicelittlewhitetablet.Thenyou’llgotosleep,andinthemorningeverythingwillseemquitedifferent.’Shelookeddownatthebody,andadded,‘Theremaybenothingtoworryabout.’
‘Butheisdead–isn’the?’Pippaasked.
‘No,no,hemaynotbedead,’Clarissarepliedevasively.‘I’llsee.Nowgoon,Pippa.DoasItellyou.’
Pippa,stillsobbing,lefttheroomandranupstairs.Clarissawatchedhergo,andthenturnedbacktothebodyonthefloor.‘SupposingIweretofindadeadbodyinthedrawing-room,whatshouldIdo?’shemurmuredtoherself.Afterstandingforamomentinthought,sheexclaimedmoreemphatically,‘Oh,myGod,whatamIgoingtodo?’
Chapter8
Fifteenminuteslater,Clarissawasstillinthedrawing-roomandmurmuringtoherself.Butshehadbeenbusyinthemeantime.Allthelightswerenowon,thepanelinthewallwasclosed,andthecurtainshadbeendrawnacrosstheopenFrenchwindows.OliverCostello’sbodywasstillbehindthesofa,butClarissahadbeenmovingthefurnitureabout,andhadsetupafoldingbridge-tableinthecentreoftheroom,withcardsandmarkersforbridge,andfouruprightchairsaroundthetable.
Standingatthetable,Clarissascribbledfiguresononeofthemarkers.‘Threespades,fourhearts,fournotrumps,pass,’shemuttered,pointingateachhandasshemadeitscall.‘Fivediamonds,pass,sixspades–double–andIthinktheygodown.’Shepausedforamoment,lookingdownatthetable,andthencontinued,‘Letmesee,doubledvulnerable,twotricks,fivehundred–orshallIletthemmakeit?No.’
ShewasinterruptedbythearrivalofSirRowland,Hugo,andyoungJeremy,whoenteredthroughtheFrenchwindows.Hugopausedamomentbeforecomingintotheroom,tocloseonehalfofthewindows.
Puttingherpadandpencilonthebridgetable,Clarissarushedtomeetthem.‘ThankGodyou’vecome,’shetoldSirRowland,soundingextremelydistraught.
‘Whatisallthis,mydear?’SirRowlandaskedher,withconcerninhisvoice.
Clarissaturnedtoaddressthemall.‘Darlings,’shecried,‘you’vegottohelpme.’
Jeremynoticedthetablewiththeplayingcardsspreadoutonit.‘Lookslikeabridgeparty,’heobservedgaily.
‘You’rebeingverymelodramatic,Clarissa,’Hugocontributed.‘Whatareyouupto,youngwoman?’
ClarissaclutchedSirRowland.‘It’sserious,’sheinsisted.‘Terriblyserious.Youwillhelpme,won’tyou?’
‘Ofcoursewe’llhelpyou,Clarissa,’SirRowlandassuredher,‘butwhat’sitallabout?’
‘Yes,comeon,whatisitthistime?’Hugoasked,somewhatwearily.
Jeremy,too,soundedunimpressed.‘You’reuptosomething,Clarissa,’heinsisted.‘Whatisit?Foundabodyorsomething?’
‘That’sjustit,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Ihave–foundabody.’
‘Whatdoyoumean–foundabody?’Hugoasked.Hesoundedpuzzled,butnotallthatinterested.
‘It’sjustasJeremysaid,’Clarissaansweredhim.‘Icameinhere,andIfoundabody.’
Hugogaveacursoryglancearoundtheroom.‘Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,’hecomplained.‘Whatbody?Where?’
‘I’mnotplayinggames.I’mserious,’Clarissashoutedangrily.‘It’sthere.Goandlook.Behindthesofa.’ShepushedSirRowlandtowardsthesofa,andmovedaway.
Hugowentquicklytothesofa.Jeremyfollowedhim,andleanedoverthebackofit.‘MyGod,she’sright,’Jeremymurmured.
SirRowlandjoinedthem.HeandHugobentdowntoexaminethebody.‘Why,it’sOliverCostello,’SirRowlandexclaimed.
‘Godalmighty!’JeremywentquicklytotheFrenchwindowsanddrewthecurtains.
‘Yes,’saidClarissa.‘It’sOliverCostello.’
‘Whatwashedoinghere?’SirRowlandaskedher.
‘HecamethiseveningtotalkaboutPippa,’Clarissareplied.‘Itwasjustafteryou’dgonetotheclub.’
SirRowlandlookedpuzzled.‘WhatdidhewantwithPippa?’
‘HeandMirandawerethreateningtotakeheraway,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Butallthatdoesn’tmatternow.I’lltellyouaboutitlater.Wehavetohurry.We’vegotverylittletime.’
SirRowlandheldupahandinwarning.‘Justamoment,’heinstructed,comingclosertoClarissa.‘Wemusthavethefactsclear.Whathappenedwhenhearrived?’
Clarissashookherheadimpatiently.‘ItoldhimthatheandMirandawerenotgoingtogetPippa,andhewentaway.’
‘Buthecameback?’
‘Obviously,’saidClarissa.
‘How?’SirRowlandaskedher.‘When?’
‘Idon’tknow,’Clarissaanswered.‘Ijustcameintotheroom,asIsaid,andIfoundhim–likethat.’Shegesturedtowardsthesofa.
‘Isee,’saidSirRowland,movingbacktothebodyonthefloorandleaningoverit.‘Isee.Well,he’sdeadallright.He’sbeenhitovertheheadwithsomethingheavyandsharp.’Helookedaroundattheothers.‘I’mafraidthisisn’tgoingtobeaverypleasantbusiness,’hecontinued,‘butthere’sonlyonethingtobedone.’Hewentacrosstothetelephoneashespoke.‘Wemustringupthepoliceand–’
‘No,’Clarissaexclaimedsharply.
SirRowlandwasalreadyliftingthereceiver.‘Yououghttohavedoneitatonce,Clarissa,’headvisedher.‘Still,Idon’tsupposethey’llblameyoumuchforthat.’
‘No,Roly,stop,’Clarissainsisted.Sheranacrosstheroom,tookthereceiverfromhim,andreplaceditonitsrest.
‘Mydearchild–’SirRowlandexpostulated,butClarissawouldnotlethimcontinue.‘IcouldhaverungupthepolicemyselfifI’dwantedto,’sheadmitted.‘Iknewperfectlywellthatitwastheproperthingtodo.Ievenstarteddialling.Then,instead,Irangyouupattheclubandaskedyoutocomebackhereimmediately,allthreeofyou.’SheturnedtoJeremyandHugo.‘Youhaven’tevenaskedmewhy,yet.’
‘Youcanleaveitalltous,’SirRowlandassuredher.‘Wewill–’
Clarissainterruptedhimvehemently.‘Youhaven’tbeguntounderstand,’sheinsisted.‘Iwantyoutohelpme.YousaidyouwouldifIwaseverintrouble.’Sheturnedtoincludetheothertwomen.‘Darlings,you’vegottohelpme.’
Jeremymovedtopositionhimselfsothathehidthebodyfromhersight.‘Whatdoyouwantustodo,Clarissa?’heaskedgently.
‘Getridofthebody,’washerabruptreply.
‘Mydear,don’ttalknonsense,’SirRowlandorderedher.‘Thisismurder.’
‘That’sthewholepoint,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Thebodymustn’tbefoundinthishouse.’
Hugogaveasnortofimpatience.‘Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,mydeargirl,’heexclaimed.‘You’vebeenreadingtoomanymurdermysteries.Inreallifeyoucan’tgomonkeyingabout,movingdeadbodies.’
‘ButI’vealreadymovedit,’Clarissaexplained.‘Iturneditovertoseeifhewasdead,andthenIstarteddraggingitintothatrecess,andthenIrealizedIwasgoingtoneedhelp,andsoIrangyouupattheclub,andwhileIwaswaitingforyouImadeaplan.’
‘Includingthebridgetable,Iassume,’Jeremyobserved,gesturingtowardsthetable.
Clarissapickedupthebridgemarker.‘Yes,’shereplied.‘That’sgoingtobeouralibi.’
‘Whatonearth–’Hugobegan,butClarissagavehimnochancetocontinue.‘Twoandahalfrubbers,’sheannounced.‘I’veimaginedallthehands,andputdownthescoresonthismarker.Youthreemustfilluptheothersinyourownhandwriting,ofcourse.’
SirRowlandstaredatherinamazement.‘You’remad,Clarissa.Quitemad,’hedeclared.
Clarissapaidnoattentiontohim.‘I’veworkeditoutbeautifully,’shewenton.‘Thebodyhastobetakenawayfromhere.’ShelookedatJeremy.‘Itwilltaketwoofyoutodothat,’sheinstructedhim.‘Adeadbodyisverydifficulttomanage–I’vefoundthatoutalready.’
‘Wherethehelldoyouexpectustotakeitto?’Hugoaskedinexasperation.
Clarissahadalreadygiventhissomethought.‘Thebestplace,Ithink,wouldbeMarsdenWood,’sheadvised.‘That’sonlytwomilesfromhere.’Shegesturedawaytotheleft.‘Youturnoffintothatsideroad,justafewyardsafteryou’vepassedthefrontgate.It’sanarrowroad,andthere’shardlyeveranytrafficonit.’SheturnedtoSirRowland.‘Justleavethecarbythesideoftheroadwhenyougetintothewood,’sheinstructedhim.‘Thenyouwalkbackhere.’
Jeremylookedperplexed.‘Doyoumeanyouwantustodumpthebodyinthewood?’heasked.
‘No,youleaveitinthecar,’Clarissaexplained.‘It’shiscar,don’tyousee?Heleftithere,roundbythestables.’
Allthreemennowworepuzzledexpressions.‘It’sreallyallquiteeasy,’Clarissaassuredthem.‘Ifanybodydoeshappentoseeyouwalkingback,it’squiteadarknightandtheywon’tknowwhoyouare.Andyou’vegotanalibi.Allfourofushavebeenplayingbridgehere.’Shereplacedthemarkeronthebridgetable,lookingalmostpleasedwithherself,whilethemen,stupefied,staredather.
Hugowalkedaboutinacompletecircle.‘I–I–’hespluttered,wavinghishandsintheair.
Clarissawentonissuingherinstructions.‘Youweargloves,ofcourse,’shetoldthem,‘soasnottoleavefingerprintsonanything.I’vegotthemhereallreadyforyou.’PushingpastJeremytothesofa,shetookthreepairsofglovesfromunderoneofthecushions,andlaidthemoutonanarmofthesofa.
SirRowlandcontinuedtostareatClarissa.‘Yournaturaltalentforcrimeleavesmespeechless,’heinformedher.
Jeremygazedatheradmiringly.‘She’sgotitallworkedout,hasn’tshe?’hedeclared.
‘Yes,’Hugoadmitted,‘butit’salldamnedfoolishnonsensejustthesame.’
‘Now,youmusthurry,’Clarissaorderedthemvehemently.‘Atnineo’clockHenryandMrJoneswillbehere.’
‘MrJones?WhoonearthisMrJones?’SirRowlandaskedher.
Clarissaputahandtoherhead.‘Ohdear,’sheexclaimed,‘Ineverrealizedwhataterriblelotofexplainingonehastodoinamurder.IthoughtI’dsimplyaskyoutohelpmeandyouwould,andthatisallthere’dbetoit.’Shelookedaroundatallthreeofthem.‘Oh,darlings,youmust.’ShestrokedHugo’shair.‘Darling,darlingHugo–’
‘Thisplay-actingisallverywell,mydear,’saidHugo,soundingdistinctlyannoyed,‘butadeadbodyisanasty,seriousbusiness,andmonkeyingaboutwithitcouldlandyouinarealmess.Youcan’tgocartingbodiesaboutatdeadofnight.’
ClarissawenttoJeremyandplacedherhandonhisarm.‘Jeremy,darling,you’llhelpme,surely.Won’tyou?’sheasked,withurgentappealinhervoice
Jeremygazedatheradoringly.‘Allright,I’mgame,’herepliedcheerfully.‘What’sadeadbodyortwoamongfriends?’
‘Stop,youngman,’SirRowlandordered.‘I’mnotgoingtoallowthis.’HeturnedtoClarissa.‘Now,youmustbeguidedbyme,Clarissa.Iinsist.Afterall,there’sHenrytoconsider,too.’
Clarissagavehimalookofexasperation.‘Butit’sHenryIamconsidering,’shedeclared.
Chapter9
ThethreemengreetedClarissa’sannouncementinsilence.SirRowlandshookhisheadgravely,Hugocontinuedtolookpuzzled,whileJeremysimplyshruggedhisshouldersasthoughgivingupallhopeofunderstandingthesituation.
Takingadeepbreath,Clarissaaddressedallthreeofthem.‘Somethingterriblyimportantishappeningtonight,’shetoldthem.‘Henry’sgoneto–tomeetsomeoneandbringhimbackhere.It’sveryimportantandsecret.Atoppoliticalsecret.Nooneissupposedtoknowaboutit.Therewastobeabsolutelynopublicity.’
‘Henry’sgonetomeetaMrJones?’SirRowlandqueried,dubiously.
‘It’sasillyname,Iagree,’saidClarissa,‘butthat’swhatthey’recallinghim.Ican’ttellyouhisrealname.Ican’ttellyouanymoreaboutit.IpromisedHenryIwouldn’tsayawordtoanybody,butIhavetomakeyouseethatI’mnotjust–’sheturnedtolookatHugoasshecontinued,‘–notjustbeinganidiotandplay-actingasHugocalledit.’
SheturnedbacktoSirRowland.‘WhatsortofeffectdoyouthinkitwillhaveonHenry’scareer,’sheaskedhim,‘ifhehastowalkinherewiththisdistinguishedperson–andanotherverydistinguishedpersontravellingdownfromLondonforthismeeting–onlytofindthepoliceinvestigatingamurder–themurderofamanwhohasjustmarriedHenry’sformerwife?’
‘GoodLord!’SirRowlandexclaimed.Then,lookingClarissastraightintheeye,headded,suspiciously,‘You’renotmakingallthisupnow,areyou?Thisisn’tjustanotherofyourcomplicatedgames,intendedtomakefoolsofusall?’
Clarissashookherheadmournfully.‘NobodyeverbelievesmewhenI’mspeakingthetruth,’sheprotested.
‘Sorry,mydear,’saidSirRowland.‘Yes,Icanseeit’samoredifficultproblemthanIthought.’
‘Yousee?’Clarissaurgedhim.‘Soit’sabsolutelyvitalthatwegetthebodyawayfromhere.’
‘Where’shiscar,didyousay?’Jeremyasked.
‘Roundbythestables.’
‘Andtheservantsareout,Igather?’
Clarissanodded.‘Yes.’
Jeremypickedupapairofglovesfromthesofa.‘Right,’heexclaimeddecisively.‘DoItakethebodytothecar,orbringthecartothebody?’
SirRowlandheldoutahandinarestraininggesture.‘Waitamoment,’headvised.‘Wemustn’trushitlikethis.’
Jeremyputtheglovesdownagain,butClarissaturnedtoSirRowland,cryingdesperately,‘Butwemusthurry.’
SirRowlandregardedhergravely.‘I’mnotsurethatthisplanofyoursisthebestone,Clarissa,’hedeclared.‘Now,ifwecouldjustdelayfindingthebodyuntiltomorrowmorning–thatwouldmeetthecase,Ithink,anditwouldbeverymuchsimpler.If,fornow,wemerelymovedthebodytoanotherroom,forinstance,Ithinkthatmightbejustexcusable.’
Clarissaturnedtoaddresshimdirectly.‘It’syouI’vegottoconvince,isn’tit?’shetoldhim.LookingatJeremy,shecontinued,‘Jeremy’sreadyenough.’SheglancedatHugo.‘AndHugowillgruntandshakehishead,buthe’ddoitallthesame.It’syou…’
Shewenttothelibrarydoorandopenedit.‘Willyoubothexcuseusforashorttime?’sheaskedJeremyandHugo.‘IwanttospeaktoRolyalone.’
‘Don’tyoulethertalkyouintoanytomfoolery,Roly,’Hugowarnedastheylefttheroom.JeremygaveClarissaareassuringsmileandamurmured‘Goodluck!’
SirRowland,lookinggrave,tookaseatatthelibrarytable.
‘Now!’Clarissaexclaimed,asshesatandfacedhimontheothersideofthetable.
‘Mydear,’SirRowlandwarnedher,‘Iloveyou,andIwillalwaysloveyoudearly.But,beforeyouask,inthiscasetheanswersimplyhastobeno.’
Clarissabegantospeakseriouslyandwithemphasis.‘Thatman’sbodymustn’tbefoundinthishouse,’sheinsisted.‘Ifhe’sfoundinMarsdenWood,Icansaythathewasheretodayforashorttime,andIcanalsotellthepoliceexactlywhenheleft.Actually,MissPeakesawhimoff,whichturnsouttobeveryfortunate.Thereneedbenoquestionofhiseverhavingcomebackhere.’
Shetookadeepbreath.‘Butifhisbodyisfoundhere,’shecontinued,‘thenweshallallbequestioned.’Shepausedbeforeadding,withgreatdeliberation,‘AndPippawon’tbeabletostandit.’
‘Pippa?’SirRowlandwasobviouslypuzzled.
Clarissa’sfacewasgrim.‘Yes,Pippa.She’llbreakdownandconfessthatshedidit.’
‘Pippa!’SirRowlandrepeated,asheslowlytookinwhathewashearing.
Clarissanodded.
‘MyGod!’SirRowlandexclaimed.
‘Shewasterrifiedwhenhecameheretoday,’Clarissatoldhim.‘ItriedtoreassureherthatIwouldn’tlethimtakeheraway,butIdon’tthinkshebelievedme.Youknowwhatshe’sbeenthrough–thenervousbreakdownshe’shad?Well,Idon’tthinkshecouldhavesurvivedbeingmadetogobackandlivewithOliverandMiranda.PippawasherewhenIfoundOliver’sbody.Shetoldmeshenevermeanttodoit,I’msureshewastellingthetruth.Itwassheerpanic.Shegotholdofthatstick,andstruckoutblindly.’
‘Whatstick?’SirRowlandasked.
‘Theonefromthehallstand.It’sintherecess.Ileftitthere,Ididn’ttouchit.’
SirRowlandthoughtforamoment,andthenaskedsharply,‘WhereisPippanow?’
‘Inbed,’saidClarissa.‘I’vegivenherasleepingpill.Sheoughtnottowakeuptillmorning.TomorrowI’lltakeheruptoLondon,andmyoldnannywilllookafterherforawhile.’
SirRowlandgotupandwalkedovertolookdownatOliverCostello’sbodybehindthesofa.ReturningtoClarissa,hekissedher.‘Youwin,mydear,’hesaid.‘Iapologize.Thatchildmusn’tbeaskedtofacethemusic.Gettheothersback.’
Hewentacrosstothewindowandclosedit,whileClarissaopenedthelibrarydoor,calling,‘Hugo,Jeremy.Wouldyoucomeback,please?’
Thetwomencamebackintotheroom.‘Thatbutlerofyoursdoesn’tlockupverycarefully,’Hugoannounced.‘Thewindowinthelibrarywasopen.I’veshutitnow.’
AddressingSirRowland,heaskedabruptly,‘Well?’
‘I’mconverted,’wastheequallytersereply.
‘Welldone,’wasJeremy’scomment.
‘There’snotimetolose,’SirRowlanddeclared.‘Now,thosegloves.’Hepickedupapairandputthemon.Jeremypickeduptheothers,handedonepairtoHugo,andtheybothputthemon.SirRowlandwentovertothepanel.‘Howdoesthisthingopen?’heasked.
Jeremywentacrosstojoinhim.‘Likethis,sir,’hesaid.‘Pippashowedme.’Hemovedtheleverandopenedthepanel.
SirRowlandlookedintotherecess,reachedin,andbroughtoutthewalkingstick.‘Yes,it’sheavyenough,’hecommented.‘Weightedinthehead.Allthesame,Ishouldn’thavethought–’Hepaused.
‘Whatwouldn’tyouhavethought?’Hugowantedtoknow.
SirRowlandshookhishead.‘Ishouldhavethought,’hereplied,‘thatitwouldhavetohavebeensomethingwithasharperedge–metalofsomekind.’
‘Youmeanagoddamchopper,’Hugoobservedbluntly.
‘Idon’tknow,’Jeremyinterjected.‘Thatsticklooksprettymurderoustome.Youcouldeasilycrackaman’sheadopenwiththat.’
‘Evidently,’saidSirRowland,drily.HeturnedtoHugo,andhandedhimthestick.‘Hugo,willyouburnthisinthekitchenstove,please,’heinstructed.‘Warrender,youandIwillgetthebodytothecar.’
HeandJeremybentdownoneithersideofthebody.Astheydidso,abellsuddenlyrang.‘What’sthat?’SirRowlandexclaimed,startled.
‘It’sthefrontdoorbell,’saidClarissa,soundingbewildered.Theyallstoodpetrifiedforamoment.‘Whocanitbe?’Clarissawonderedaloud.‘It’smuchtooearlyforHenryand–er–MrJones.ItmustbeSirJohn.’
‘SirJohn?’askedSirRowland,nowsoundingevenmorestartled.‘YoumeanthePrimeMinisterisexpectedherethisevening?’
‘Yes,’Clarissareplied.
‘Hm.’SirRowlandlookedmomentarilyundecided.Then,‘Yes,’hemurmured.‘Well,we’vegottodosomething.’Thebellrangagain,andhestirredintoaction.‘Clarissa,’heordered,‘goandanswerthedoor.Usewhateverdelayingtacticsyoucanthinkof.Inthemeantime,we’llclearupinhere.’
Clarissawentquicklyouttothehall,andSirRowlandturnedtoHugoandJeremy.‘Nowthen,’heexplainedurgently,‘thisiswhatwedo.We’llgethimintothatrecess.Later,wheneveryone’sinthisroomhavingtheirpow-wow,wecantakehimoutthroughthelibrary.’
‘Goodidea,’Jeremyagreed,ashehelpedSirRowlandliftthebody.
‘Wantmetogiveyouahand?’askedHugo.
‘No,it’sallright,’Jeremyreplied.HeandSirRowlandsupportedCostello’sbodyunderthearmpitsandcarrieditintotherecess,whileHugopickedupthetorch.Amomentortwolater,SirRowlandemergedandpressedtheleverasJeremyhastenedoutbehindhim.HugoquicklyslippedunderJeremy’sarmintotherecesswiththetorchandstick.Thepanelthenclosed.
SirRowland,afterexamininghisjacketforsignsofblood,murmured,‘Gloves,’removedthegloveshewaswearing,andputthemunderacushiononthesofa.Jeremyremovedhisglovesanddidlikewise.Then,‘Bridge,’SirRowlandremindedhimself,ashehastenedtothebridgetableandsat.
Jeremyfollowedhimandpickeduphiscards.‘Comealong,Hugo,makehaste,’SirRowlandurgedashepickeduphisowncards.
Hewasansweredbyaknockfrominsidetherecess.SuddenlyrealizingthatHugowasnotintheroom,SirRowlandandJeremylookedateachotherinalarm.Jeremygotup,rushedtotheswitchandopenedthepanel.‘Comealong,Hugo,’SirRowlandrepeatedurgently,asHugoemerged.‘Quickly,Hugo,’Jeremymutteredimpatiently,closingthepanelagain.
SirRowlandtookHugo’sglovesfromhim,andputthemunderthecushion.Thethreementooktheirseatsquicklyatthebridgetableandpickeduptheircards,justasClarissacamebackintotheroomfromthehall,followedbytwomeninuniform.
Inatoneofinnocentsurprise,Clarissaannounced,‘It’sthepolice,UncleRoly.’
Chapter10
Theolderofthetwopoliceofficers,astocky,grey-hairedman,followedClarissaintotheroom,whilehiscolleagueremainedstandingbythehalldoor.‘ThisisInspectorLord,’Clarissadeclared.‘And–’sheturnedbacktotheyoungerofficer,adark-hairedmaninhistwentieswiththebuildofafootballer.‘I’msorry,whatdidyousayyournamewas?’sheasked.
TheInspectoransweredforhim.‘That’sConstableJones,’heannounced.Addressingthethreemen,hecontinued,‘I’msorrytointrude,gentlemen,butwehavereceivedinformationthatamurderhasbeencommittedhere.’
Clarissaandherfriendsallspokesimultaneously.‘What?’Hugoshouted.‘Amurder!’Jeremyexclaimed.‘Goodheavens,’SirRowlandcried,asClarissasaid,‘Isn’titextraordinary?’Theyallsoundedcompletelyastonished.
‘Yes,wehadatelephonecallatthestation,’theInspectortoldthem.NoddingtoHugo,headded,‘Goodevening,MrBirch.’
‘Er–goodevening,Inspector,’Hugomumbled.
‘Itlooksasthoughsomebody’sbeenhoaxingyou,Inspector,’SirRowlandsuggested.
‘Yes,’Clarissaagreed.‘We’vebeenplayingbridgehereallevening.’
Theothersnoddedinsupport,andClarissaasked,‘Whodidtheysayhadbeenmurdered?’
‘Nonameswerementioned,’theInspectorinformedthem.‘ThecallerjustsaidthatamanhadbeenmurderedatCopplestoneCourt,andwouldwecomealongimmediately.Theyrangoffbeforeanyadditionalinformationcouldbeobtained.’
‘Itmusthavebeenahoax,’Clarissadeclared,addingvirtuously,‘Whatawickedthingtodo.’
Hugotut-tutted,andtheInspectorreplied,‘You’dbesurprised,madam,atthepottythingspeopledo.’
Hepaused,glancingateachoftheminturn,andthencontinued,addressingClarissa.‘Wellnow,accordingtoyou,nothingoutoftheordinaryhashappenedherethisevening?’Withoutwaitingforananswer,headded,‘PerhapsI’dbetterseeMrHailsham-Brownaswell.’
‘He’snothere,’ClarissatoldtheInspector.‘Idon’texpecthimbackuntillatetonight.’
‘Isee,’hereplied.‘Whoisstayinginthehouseatpresent?’
‘SirRowlandDelahaye,andMrWarrender,’saidClarissa,indicatingtheminturn.Sheadded,‘AndMrBirch,whomyoualreadyknow,isherefortheevening.’
SirRowlandandJeremymurmuredacknowledgements.‘Oh,andyes,’Clarissawentonasthoughshehadjustremembered,‘mylittlestepdaughter.’Sheemphasized‘little’.‘She’sinbedandasleep.’
‘Whataboutservants?’theInspectorwantedtoknow.
‘Therearetwoofthem.Amarriedcouple.Butit’stheirnightout,andthey’vegonetothecinemainMaidstone.’
‘Isee,’saidtheInspector,noddinghisheadgravely.
Justatthatmoment,Elgincameintotheroomfromthehall,almostcollidingwiththeConstablewhowasstillkeepingguardthere.AfteraquickquestioninglookattheInspector,ElginaddressedClarissa.‘Wouldyoubewantinganything,madam?’heasked.
Clarissalookedstartled.‘Ithoughtyouwereatthepictures,Elgin,’sheexclaimed,astheInspectorgaveherasharpglance.
‘Wereturnedalmostimmediately,madam,’Elginexplained.‘Mywifewasnotfeelingwell.’Soundingembarrassed,headded,delicately,‘Er–gastrictrouble.Itmusthavebeensomethingsheate.’LookingfromtheInspectortotheConstable,heasked,‘Isanything–wrong?’
‘What’syourname?’theInspectoraskedhim.
‘Elgin,sir,’thebutlerreplied.‘I’msureIhopethere’snothing–’
HewasinterruptedbytheInspector.‘Someonerangupthepolicestationandsaidthatamurderhadbeencommittedhere.’
‘Amurder?’Elgingasped.
‘Whatdoyouknowaboutthat?’
‘Nothing.Nothingatall,sir.’
‘Itwasn’tyouwhorangup,then?’theInspectoraskedhim.
‘No,indeednot.’
‘Whenyoureturnedtothehouse,youcameinbythebackdoor–atleastIsupposeyoudid?’
‘Yes,sir,’Elginreplied,nervousnessnowmakinghimrathermoredeferentialinmanner.
‘Didyounoticeanythingunusual?’
Thebutlerthoughtforamoment,andthenreplied,‘NowIcometothinkofit,therewasastrangecarstandingnearthestables.’
‘Astrangecar?Whatdoyoumean?’
‘Iwonderedatthetimewhoseitmightbe,’Elginrecalled.‘Itseemedacuriousplacetoleaveit.’
‘Wasthereanybodyinit?’
‘NotsofarasIcouldsee,sir.’
‘Goandtakealookatit,Jones,’theInspectororderedhisConstable.
‘Jones!’Clarissaexclaimedinvoluntarily,withastart.
‘Ibegyourpardon?’saidtheInspector,turningtoher.
Clarissarecoveredherselfquickly.Smilingathim,shemurmured,‘It’snothing–just–Ididn’tthinkhelookedveryWelsh.’
TheInspectorgesturedtoConstableJonesandtoElgin,indicatingthattheyshouldgo.Theylefttheroomtogether,andasilenceensued.Afteramoment,Jeremymovedtositonthesofaandbegantoeatthesandwiches.TheInspectorputhishatandglovesonthearmchair,andthen,takingadeepbreath,addressedtheassembledcompany.
‘Itseems,’hedeclared,speakingslowlyanddeliberately,‘thatsomeonecameheretonightwhoisunaccountedfor.’HelookedatClarissa.‘You’resureyouweren’texpectinganyone?’heaskedher.
‘Oh,no–no,’Clarissareplied.‘Wedidn’twantanyonetoturnup.Yousee,wewerejustthefourofusforbridge.’
‘Really?’saidtheInspector.‘I’mfondofagameofbridgemyself.’
‘Oh,areyou?’Clarissareplied.‘DoyouplayBlackwood?’
‘Ijustlikeacommon-sensegame,’theInspectortoldher.‘Tellme,MrsHailsham-Brown,’hecontinued,‘youhaven’tlivedhereforverylong,haveyou?’
‘No,’shetoldhim.‘Aboutsixweeks.’
TheInspectorregardedhersteadily.‘Andthere’sbeennofunnybusinessofanykindsinceyou’vebeenlivinghere?’heasked.
BeforeClarissacouldanswer,SirRowlandinterjected.‘Whatexactlydoyoumeanbyfunnybusiness,Inspector?’
TheInspectorturnedtoaddresshim.‘Well,it’sratheracuriousstory,sir,’heinformedSirRowland.‘ThishouseusedtobelongtoMrSellon,theantiquedealer.Hediedsixmonthsago.’
‘Yes,’Clarissaremembered.‘Hehadsomekindofaccident,didn’the?’
‘That’sright,’saidtheInspector.‘Hefelldownstairs,pitchedonhishead.’HelookedaroundatJeremyandHugo,andadded,‘Accidentaldeath,theybroughtin.Itmighthavebeenthat,butitmightnot.’
‘Doyoumean,’Clarissaasked,‘thatsomebodymighthavepushedhim?’
TheInspectorturnedtoher.‘That,’heagreed,‘orelsesomebodyhithimacrackonthehead–’
Hepaused,andthetensionamonghishearerswaspalpable.IntothesilencetheInspectorwenton.‘SomeonecouldhavearrangedSellon’sbodytolookright,atthebottomofthestairs.’
‘Thestaircasehereinthishouse?’Clarissaaskednervously.
‘No,ithappenedathisshop,’theInspectorinformedher.‘Therewasnoconclusiveevidence,ofcourse–buthewasratheradarkhorse,MrSellon.’
‘Inwhatway,Inspector?’SirRowlandaskedhim.
‘Well,’theInspectorreplied,‘onceortwicetherewereacoupleofthingshehadtoexplaintous,asyoumightsay.AndtheNarcoticsSquadcamedownfromLondonandhadawordwithhimononeoccasion…’Hepausedbeforecontinuing,‘butitwasallnomorethansuspicion.’
‘Officially,thatistosay,’SirRowlandobserved.
TheInspectorturnedtohim.‘That’sright,sir,’hesaidmeaningfully.‘Officially.’
‘Whereas,unofficially–?’SirRowlandpromptedhim.
‘I’mafraidwecan’tgointothat,’theInspectorreplied.Hewenton,‘Therewas,however,onerathercuriouscircumstance.TherewasanunfinishedletteronMrSellon’sdesk,inwhichhementionedthathe’dcomeintopossessionofsomethingwhichhedescribedasanunparalleledrarity,whichhewould–’HeretheInspectorpaused,asifrecollectingtheexactwords,‘–wouldguaranteewasn’taforgery,andhewasaskingfourteenthousandpoundsforit.’
SirRowlandlookedthoughtful.‘Fourteenthousandpounds,’hemurmured.Inaloudervoicehecontinued,‘Yes,that’salotofmoneyindeed.Now,Iwonderwhatitcouldbe?Jewellery,Isuppose,butthewordforgerysuggests–Idon’tknow,apicture,perhaps?’
Jeremycontinuedtomunchatthesandwiches,astheInspectorreplied,‘Yes,perhaps.Therewasnothingintheshopworthsuchalargesumofmoney.Theinsuranceinventorymadethatclear.MrSellon’spartnerwasawomanwhohasabusinessofherowninLondon,andshewroteandsaidshecouldn’tgiveusanyhelporinformation.’
SirRowlandnoddedhisheadslowly.‘Sohemighthavebeenmurdered,andthearticle,whateveritwas,stolen,’hesuggested.
‘It’squitepossible,sir,’theInspectoragreed,‘butagain,thewould-bethiefmaynothavebeenabletofindit.’
‘Now,whydoyouthinkthat?’SirRowlandasked.
‘Because,’theInspectorreplied,‘theshophasbeenbrokenintotwicesincethen.Brokenintoandransacked.’
Clarissalookedpuzzled.‘Whyareyoutellingusallthis,Inspector?’shewantedtoknow.
‘Because,MrsHailsham-Brown,’saidtheInspector,turningtoher,‘it’soccurredtomethatwhateverwashiddenawaybyMrSellonmayhavebeenhiddenhereinthishouse,andnotathisshopinMaidstone.That’swhyIaskedyouifanythingpeculiarhadcometoyournotice.’
Holdingupahandasthoughshehadsuddenlyremembered,Clarissasaidexcitedly,‘Somebodyranguponlytodayandaskedtospeaktome,andwhenIcametothephonewhoeveritwashadjusthungup.Inaway,that’sratherodd,isn’tit?’SheturnedtoJeremy,adding,‘Ohyes,ofcourse.Youknow,thatmanwhocametheotherdayandwantedtobuythings–ahorseysortofmaninachecksuit.Hewantedtobuythatdesk.’
TheInspectorcrossedtheroomtolookatthedesk.‘Thisonehere?’heasked.
‘Yes,’Clarissareplied.‘Itoldhim,ofcourse,thatitwasn’tourstosell,buthedidn’tseemtobelieveme.Heofferedmealargesum,farmorethanit’sworth.’
‘That’sveryinteresting,’theInspectorcommentedashestudiedthedesk.‘Thesethingsoftenhaveasecretdrawer,youknow.’
‘Yes,thisonehas,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Buttherewasnothingveryexcitinginit.Onlysomeoldautographs.’
TheInspectorlookedinterested.‘Oldautographscanbeimmenselyvaluable,Iunderstand,’hesaid.‘Whosewerethey?’
‘Icanassureyou,Inspector,’SirRowlandinformedhim,‘thattheseweren’tanythingrareenoughtobeworthmorethanapoundortwo.’
Thedoortothehallopened,andConstableJonesentered,carryingasmallbookletandapairofgloves.
‘Yes,Jones?Whatisit?’theInspectoraskedhim.
‘I’veexaminedthecar,sir,’hereplied.‘Justapairofglovesonthedrivingseat.ButIfoundthisregistrationbookinthesidepocket.’HehandedthebooktotheInspector,andClarissaexchangedasmilewithJeremyastheyheardtheConstable’sstrongWelshaccent.
TheInspectorexaminedtheregistrationbook.‘“OliverCostello,27MorganMansions,LondonSW3”,’hereadaloud.Then,turningtoClarissa,heaskedsharply,‘HasamancalledCostellobeenheretoday?’
Chapter11
Thefourfriendsexchangedguiltilyfurtiveglances.ClarissaandSirRowlandbothlookedasthoughtheywereabouttoattemptananswer,butitwasClarissawhoactuallyspoke.‘Yes,’sheadmitted.‘Hewashereabout–’Shepaused,andthen,‘letmesee,’shecontinued.‘Yes,itwasabouthalfpastsix.’
‘Isheafriendofyours?’theInspectoraskedher.
‘No,Iwouldn’tcallhimafriend,’Clarissareplied.‘Ihadmethimonlyonceortwice.’Shedeliberatelyassumedanembarrassedlook,andthensaid,hesitantly,‘It’s–alittleawkward,really–’ShelookedappealinglyatSirRowland,asthoughpassingtheballtohim.
Thatgentlemanwasquicktorespondtoherunspokenrequest.‘Perhaps,Inspector,’hesaid,‘itwouldbebetterifIexplainedthesituation.’
‘Pleasedo,sir,’theInspectorrespondedsomewhattersely.
‘Well,’SirRowlandcontinued,‘itconcernsthefirstMrsHailsham-Brown.SheandHailsham-Brownweredivorcedjustoverayearago,andrecentlyshemarriedMrOliverCostello.’
‘Isee,’observedtheInspector.‘AndMrCostellocameheretoday.’HeturnedtoClarissa.‘Whywasthat?’heasked.‘Didhecomebyappointment?’
‘Ohno,’Clarissarepliedglibly.‘Asamatteroffact,whenMirandaandmyhusbanddivorced,shetookwithheroneortwothingsthatweren’treallyhers.OliverCostellohappenedtobeinthispartoftheworld,andhejustlookedintoreturnthemtoHenry.’
‘Whatkindofthings?’theInspectoraskedquickly.
Clarissawasreadyforthisquestion.‘Nothingveryimportant,’shesaidwithasmile.Pickingupthesmallsilvercigarette-boxfromatablebythesofa,shehelditouttotheInspector.‘Thiswasoneofthem,’shetoldhim.‘Itbelongedtomyhusband’smother,andhevaluesitforsentimentalreasons.’
TheInspectorlookedatClarissareflectivelyforamoment,beforeaskingher,‘HowlongdidMrCostelloremainherewhenhecameatsix-thirty?’
‘Oh,averyshorttime,’sherepliedasshereplacedthecigaretteboxonthetable.‘Hesaidhewasinahurry.Abouttenminutes,Ishouldthink.Nolongerthanthat.’
‘Andyourinterviewwasquiteamicable?’theInspectorenquired.
‘Oh,yes,’Clarissaassuredhim.‘Ithoughtitwasverykindofhimtotakethetroubletoreturnthethings.’
TheInspectorthoughtforamoment,beforeasking,‘Didhementionwherehewasgoingwhenhelefthere?’
‘No,’Clarissareplied.‘Actually,hewentoutbythatwindow,’shecontinued,gesturingtowardstheFrenchwindows.‘Asamatteroffact,myladygardener,MissPeake,washere,andsheofferedtoshowhimoutthroughthegarden.’
‘Yourgardener–doessheliveonthepremises?’theInspectorwantedtoknow
‘Well,yes.Butnotinthehouse.Shelivesinthecottage.’
‘IthinkIshouldlikeawordwithher,’theInspectordecided.HeturnedtotheConstable.‘Jones,goandgether.’
‘There’satelephoneconnectionthroughtothecottage.ShallIcallherforyou,Inspector?’Clarissaoffered.
‘Ifyouwouldbesokind,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorreplied.
‘Notatall.Idon’tsupposeshe’llhavegonetobedyet,’Clarissasaid,pressingabuttononthetelephone.SheflashedasmileattheInspector,whorespondedbylookingbashful.Jeremysmiledtohimselfandtookanothersandwich.
Clarissaspokeintothetelephone.‘Hello,MissPeake.ThisisMrsHailsham-Brown…Iwonder,wouldyoumindcomingover?Somethingratherimportanthashappened…Ohyes,ofcoursethatwillbeallright.Thankyou.’
ShereplacedthereceiverandturnedtotheInspector.‘MissPeakehasbeenwashingherhair,butshe’llgetdressedandcomerightover.’
‘Thankyou,’saidtheInspector.‘Afterall,Costellomayhavementionedtoherwherehewasgoing.’
‘Yes,indeed,hemayhave,’Clarissaagreed.
TheInspectorlookedpuzzled.‘Thequestionthatbothersme,’heannouncedtotheroomingeneral,‘iswhyMrCostello’scarisstillhere,andwhereisMrCostello?’
Clarissagaveaninvoluntaryglancetowardsthebookshelvesandthepanel,thenwalkedacrosstotheFrenchwindowstowatchforMissPeake.Jeremy,noticingherglance,satbackinnocentlyandcrossedhislegsastheInspectorcontinued,‘ApparentlythisMissPeakewasthelastpersontoseehim.Heleft,yousay,bythatwindow.Didyoulockitafterhim?’
‘No,’Clarissareplied,standingatthewindowwithherbacktotheInspector.
‘Oh?’theInspectorqueried.
SomethinginhistonemadeClarissaturntofacehim.‘Well,I–Idon’tthinkso,’shesaid,hesitantly.
‘Sohemighthavere-enteredthatway,’theInspectorobserved.Hetookadeepbreathandannouncedimportantly,‘Ithink,MrsHailsham-Brown,that,withyourpermission,Ishouldliketosearchthehouse.’
‘Ofcourse,’Clarissarepliedwithafriendlysmile.‘Well,you’veseenthisroom.Nobodycouldbehiddenhere.’Sheheldthewindowcurtainsopenforamoment,asthoughawaitingMissPeake,andthenexclaimed,‘Look!Throughhereisthelibrary.’Goingtothelibrarydoorandopeningit,shesuggested,‘Wouldyouliketogointhere?’
‘Thankyou,’saidtheInspector.‘Jones!’Asthetwopoliceofficerswentintothelibrary,theInspectoradded,‘Justseewherethatdoorleadsto,Jones,’gesturingtowardsanotherdoorimmediatelyinsidethelibrary.
‘Verygood,sir,’theConstablereplied,ashewentthroughthedoorindicated.
Assoonastheywereoutofearshot,SirRowlandwenttoClarissa.‘What’sontheotherside?’heaskedherquietly,indicatingthepanel.
‘Bookshelves,’sherepliedtersely.
Henoddedandstrollednonchalantlyacrosstothesofa,astheConstable’svoicewasheardcalling,‘Justanotherdoorthroughtothehall,sir.’
Thetwoofficersreturnedfromthelibrary.‘Right,’saidtheInspector.HelookedatSirRowland,apparentlytakingnoteofthefactthathehadmoved.‘Nowwe’llsearchtherestofthehouse,’heannounced,goingtothehalldoor.
‘I’llcomewithyou,ifyoudon’tmind,’Clarissaoffered,‘incasemylittlestepdaughtershouldwakeupandbefrightened.NotthatIthinkshewill.It’sextraordinaryhowdeeplychildrencansleep.Youhavetopracticallyshakethemawake.’
AstheInspectoropenedthehalldoor,sheaskedhim,‘Haveyougotanychildren,Inspector?’
‘Oneboyandonegirl,’herepliedshortly,ashemadehiswayoutoftheroom,crossedthehall,andbegantoascendthestairs.
‘Isn’tthatnice?’Clarissaobserved.SheturnedtotheConstable.‘MrJones,’sheinvitedhimwithagesturetoprecedeher.Hemadehiswayoutoftheroomandshefollowedhimclosely.
Assoonastheyhadgone,thethreeremainingoccupantsoftheroomlookedatoneanother.HugowipedhishandsandJeremymoppedhisforehead.‘Andnowwhat?’Jeremyasked,takinganothersandwich.
SirRowlandshookhishead.‘Idon’tlikethis,’hetoldthem.‘We’regettinginverydeep.’
‘Ifyouaskme,’Hugoadvisedhim,‘there’sonlyonethingtodo.Comeclean.Ownupnowbeforeit’stoolate.’
‘Damnit,wecan’tdothat,’Jeremyexclaimed.‘ItwouldbetoounfairtoClarissa.’
‘Butwe’llgetherinaworsemessifwekeeponwiththis,’Hugoinsisted.‘Howareweevergoingtogetthebodyaway?Thepolicewillimpoundthefellow’scar.’
‘Wecouldusemine,’Jeremysuggested
‘Well,Idon’tlikeit,’Hugopersisted.‘Idon’tlikeitatall.Damnit,I’malocalJP.I’vegotmyreputationwiththepoliceheretoconsider.’HeturnedtoSirRowland.‘Whatdoyousay,Roly?You’vegotagoodlevelhead.’
SirRowlandlookedgrave.‘IadmitIdon’tlikeit,’hereplied,‘butpersonallyIamcommittedtotheenterprise.’
Hugolookedperplexed.‘Idon’tunderstandyou,’hetoldhisfriend.
‘Takeitontrust,ifyouwill,Hugo,’saidSirRowland.Helookedgravelyatbothmen,andcontinued,‘We’reinaverybadjam,allofus.Butifwesticktogetherandhavereasonableluck,Ithinkthere’sachancewemaybeabletopullitoff.’
Jeremylookedasthoughhewasabouttosaysomething,butSirRowlandheldupahand,andwenton,‘OncethepolicearesatisfiedthatCostelloisn’tinthishouse,they’llgooffandlookelsewhere.Afterall,thereareplentyofreasonswhyhemighthavelefthiscarandgoneoffonfoot.’Hegesturedtowardsthembothandadded,‘We’reallrespectablepeople–Hugo’saJP,ashe’sremindedus,andHenryHailsham-Brown’shighupintheForeignOffice–’
‘Yes,yes,andyou’vehadablamelessandevendistinguishedcareer,weknowallthat,’Hugointervened.‘Allrightthen,ifyousayso,webrazenitout.’
Jeremyrosetohisfeetandnoddedtowardstherecess.‘Can’twedosomethingaboutthatstraightaway?’heasked.
‘There’snotimenow,’SirRowlanddecreed,tersely.‘They’llbebackanyminute.He’ssaferwhereheis.’
Jeremynoddedinreluctantagreement.‘ImustsayClarissa’samarvel,’heobserved.‘Shedoesn’tturnahair.She’sgotthatpoliceinspectoreatingoutofherhand.’
Thefrontdoorbellrang.‘That’llbeMissPeake,Iexpect,’SirRowlandannounced.‘Goandletherin,Warrender,wouldyou?’
AssoonasJeremyhadlefttheroom,HugobeckonedtoSirRowland.
‘What’sup,Roly?’heaskedinanurgentwhisper.‘WhatdidClarissatellyouwhenshegotyoutoherself?’
SirRowlandbegantospeak,but,hearingthevoicesofJeremyandMissPeakeexchanginggreetingsatthefrontdoor,hemadeagestureindicating‘Notnow’.
‘Ithinkyou’dbettercomeinhere,’JeremytoldMissPeakeasheslammedthefrontdoorshut.Amomentlater,thegardenerprecededhimintothedrawing-room,lookingasthoughshehaddressedveryhastily.Shehadatowelwrappedaroundherhead.
‘Whatisallthis?’shewantedtoknow.‘MrsHailsham-Brownwasmostmysteriousonthephone.Hasanythinghappened?’
SirRowlandaddressedherwiththeutmostcourtesy.‘I’msosorryyou’vebeenroutedoutlikethis,MissPeake,’heapologized.‘Dositdown.’Heindicatedachairbythebridgetable.
HugopulledthechairoutforMissPeake,whothankedhim.Hethenseatedhimselfinamorecomfortableeasychair,whileSirRowlandinformedthegardener,‘Asamatteroffact,we’vegotthepolicehere,and–’
‘Thepolice?’MissPeakeinterrupted,lookingstartled.‘Hastherebeenaburglary?’
‘No,notaburglary,but–’
HestoppedspeakingasClarissa,theInspectorandtheConstablecamebackintotheroom.Jeremysatonthesofa,whileSirRowlandtookupapositionbehindit.
‘Inspector,’Clarissaannounced,‘thisisMissPeake.’
TheInspectorwentacrosstothegardener.His‘Goodevening,MissPeake’wasaccompaniedbyastifflittlebow.
‘Goodevening,Inspector,’MissPeakereplied.‘IwasjustaskingSirRowland–hastherebeenarobbery,orwhat?’
TheInspectorregardedhersearchingly,allowedamomentortwotoelapse,andthenspoke.‘Wereceivedaratherpeculiartelephonecallwhichbroughtusouthere,’hetoldher.‘Andwethinkthatperhapsyoumightbeabletoclearupthematterforus.’
Chapter12
TheInspector’sannouncementwasgreetedbyMissPeakewithajollylaugh.‘Isay,thisismysterious.Iamenjoyingmyself,’sheexclaimeddelightedly.
TheInspectorfrowned.‘ItconcernsMrCostello,’heexplained.‘MrOliverCostelloof27,MorganMansions,LondonSW3.Ibelievethat’sintheChelseaarea.’
‘Neverheardofhim,’wasMissPeake’srobustlyexpressedresponse.
‘Hewasherethisevening,visitingMrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorremindedher,‘andIbelieveyoushowedhimoutthroughthegarden.’
MissPeakeslappedherthigh.‘Oh,thatman,’sherecalled.‘MrsHailsham-Browndidmentionhisname.’ShelookedattheInspectorwithalittlemoreinterest.‘Yes,whatdoyouwanttoknow?’sheasked.
‘Ishouldliketoknow,’theInspectortoldher,speakingslowlyanddeliberately,‘exactlywhathappened,andwhenyoulastsawhim.’
MissPeakethoughtforamomentbeforereplying.‘Letmesee,’shesaid.‘WewentoutthroughtheFrenchwindow,andItoldhimtherewasashortcutifhewantedthebus,andhesaidno,he’dcomeinhiscar,andhe’dleftitroundbythestables.’
ShebeamedattheInspectorasthoughsheexpectedtobepraisedforhersuccinctrecollectionofwhathadoccurred,buthemerelylookedthoughtfulashecommented,‘Isn’tthatratheranoddplacetoleaveacar?’
‘That’sjustwhatIthought,’MissPeakeagreed,slappingtheInspector’sarmasshespoke.Helookedsurprisedatthis,butshecontinued,‘You’dthinkhe’ddriverightuptothefrontdoor,wouldn’tyou?Butpeoplearesoodd.Youneverknowwhatthey’regoingtodo.’Shegaveaheartyguffaw.
‘Andthenwhathappened?’theInspectorasked.
MissPeakeshruggedhershoulders.‘Well,hewentofftohiscar,andIsupposehedroveaway,’shereplied.
‘Youdidn’tseehimdoso?’
‘No–Iwasputtingmytoolsaway,’wasthegardener’sreply.
‘Andthat’sthelastyousawofhim?’theInspectorasked,withemphasis.
‘Yes,why?’
‘Becausehiscarisstillhere,’theInspectortoldher.Speakingslowlyandemphatically,hecontinued,‘Aphone-callwasputthroughtothepolicestationatsevenforty-nine,sayingthatamanhadbeenmurderedatCopplestoneCourt.’
MissPeakelookedappalled.‘Murdered?’sheexclaimed.‘Here?Ridiculous!’
‘That’swhateverybodyseemstothink,’theInspectorobserveddrily,withasignificantlookatSirRowland.
‘Ofcourse,’MissPeakewenton,‘Iknowthereareallthesemaniacsabout,attackingwomen–butyousayamanwasmurdered–’
TheInspectorcuthershort.‘Youdidn’thearanothercarthisevening?’heaskedbrusquely.
‘OnlyMrHailsham-Brown’s,’shereplied.
‘MrHailsham-Brown?’theInspectorqueriedwitharaiseofhiseyebrows.‘Ithoughthewasn’texpectedhometilllate.’
HisglanceswungroundtoClarissa,whohastenedtoexplain.‘Myhusbanddidcomehome,buthehadtogooutagainalmostimmediately.’
TheInspectorassumedadeliberatelypatientexpression.‘Oh,isthatso?’hecommentedinatoneofstudiedpoliteness.‘Exactlywhendidhecomehome?’
‘Letmesee–’Clarissabegantostammer.‘Itmusthavebeenabout–’
‘ItwasaboutaquarterofanhourbeforeIwentoffduty,’MissPeakeinterjected.‘Iworkalotofovertime,Inspector.Ineversticktoregulationhours,’sheexplained.‘Bekeenonyourjob,that’swhatIsay,’shecontinued,thumpingthetableasshespoke.‘Yes,itmusthavebeenaboutaquarterpastsevenwhenMrHailsham-Browngotin.’
‘ThatwouldhavebeenshortlyafterMrCostelloleft,’theInspectorobserved.Hemovedtothecentreoftheroom,andhismannerchangedalmostimperceptiblyashecontinued,‘HeandMrHailsham-Brownprobablypassedeachother.’
‘Youmean,’MissPeakesaidthoughtfully,‘thathemayhavecomebackagaintoseeMrHailsham-Brown.’
‘OliverCostellodefinitelydidn’tcomebacktothehouse,’Clarissacutinsharply.
‘Butyoucan’tbesureofthat,MrsHailsham-Brown,’thegardenercontradictedher.‘Hemighthavegotinbythatwindowwithoutyourknowinganythingaboutit.’Shepaused,andthenexclaimed,‘Golly!Youdon’tthinkhemurderedMrHailsham-Brown,doyou?Isay,Iamsorry.’
‘Ofcoursehedidn’tmurderHenry,’Clarissasnappedirritably.
‘Wheredidyourhusbandgowhenhelefthere?’theInspectoraskedher.
‘I’venoidea,’Clarissarepliedshortly.
‘Doesn’theusuallytellyouwherehe’sgoing?’theInspectorpersisted.
‘Ineveraskquestions,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Ithinkitmustbesoboringforamanifhiswifeisalwaysaskingquestions.’
MissPeakegaveasuddensqueal.‘Buthowstupidofme,’sheshouted.‘Ofcourse,ifthatman’scarisstillhere,thenhemustbetheonewho’sbeenmurdered.’Sheroaredwithlaughter.
SirRowlandrosetohisfeet.‘We’venoreasontobelieveanyonehasbeenmurdered,MissPeake,’headmonishedherwithdignity.‘Infact,theInspectorbelievesitwasallsomesillyhoax.’
MissPeakewasclearlynotofthesameopinion.‘Butthecar,’sheinsisted.‘Idothinkthatcarstillbeinghereisverysuspicious.’ShegotupandapproachedtheInspector.‘Haveyoulookedaboutforthebody,Inspector?’sheaskedhimeagerly.
‘TheInspectorhasalreadysearchedthehouse,’SirRowlandansweredbeforethepoliceofficerhadachancetospeak.HewasrewardedbyasharpglancefromtheInspector,whomMissPeakewasnowtappingontheshoulderasshecontinuedtoairherviews.
‘I’msurethoseElginshavesomethingtodowithit–thebutlerandthatwifeofhiswhocallsherselfacook,’thegardenerassuredtheInspectorconfidently.‘I’vehadmysuspicionsofthemforquitesometime.IsawalightintheirbedroomwindowasIcamealongherejustnow.Andthatinitselfissuspicious.It’stheirnightout,andtheyusuallydon’treturnuntilwellaftereleven.’ShegrippedtheInspector’sarm.‘Haveyousearchedtheirquarters?’sheaskedhimurgently.
TheInspectoropenedhismouthtospeak,butsheinterruptedhimwithanothertapontheshoulder.‘Nowlisten,’shebegan.‘SupposethisMrCostellorecognizedElginasamanwithacriminalrecord.CostellomighthavedecidedtocomebackandwarnMrsHailsham-Brownabouttheman,andElginassaultedhim.’
Lookingimmenselypleasedwithherself,sheflashedaglancearoundtheroom,andcontinued.‘Then,ofcourse,Elginwouldhavetohidethebodysomewherequickly,sothathecoulddisposeofitlaterinthenight.Now,wherewouldhehideit,Iwonder?’sheaskedrhetorically,warmingtoherthesis.WithagesturetowardstheFrenchwindows,shebegan,‘Behindacurtainor–’
ShewascutshortbyClarissawhointerruptedangrily.‘Oh,really,MissPeake.Thereisn’tanybodyhiddenbehindanyofthecurtains.AndI’msureElginwouldnevermurderanybody.It’squiteridiculous.’
MissPeaketurned.‘You’resotrusting,MrsHailsham-Brown,’sheadmonishedheremployer.‘Whenyougettomyage,you’llrealizehowveryoftenpeoplearesimplynotquitewhattheyseem.’ShelaughedheartilyassheturnedbacktotheInspector.
Whenheopenedhismouthtospeak,shegavehimyetanothertapontheshoulder.‘Nowthen,’shecontinued,‘wherewouldamanlikeElginhidethebody?There’sthatcupboardplacebetweenhereandthelibrary.You’velookedthere,Isuppose?’
SirRowlandintervenedhastily.‘MissPeake,theInspectorhaslookedbothhereandinthelibrary,’heinsisted.
TheInspector,however,afterameaninglookatSirRowland,turnedtothegardener.‘Whatexactlydoyoumeanby“thatcupboardplace”,MissPeake?’heenquired.
TheothersintheroomalllookedmorethansomewhattenseasMissPeakereplied,‘Oh,it’sawonderfulplacewhenyou’replayinghide-and-seek.You’dreallyneverdreamitwasthere.Letmeshowittoyou.’
Shewalkedovertothepanel,followedbytheInspector.JeremygottohisfeetatthesamemomentthatClarissaexclaimedforcefully,‘No.’
TheInspectorandMissPeakebothturnedtolookather.‘There’snothingtherenow,’Clarissainformedthem.‘IknowbecauseIwentthatway,throughtothelibrary,justnow.’
Hervoicetrailedoff.MissPeake,soundingdisappointed,murmured,‘Ohwell,inthatcase,then–’andturnedawayfromthepanel.TheInspector,however,calledherback.‘Justshowmeallthesame,MissPeake,’heordered.‘I’dliketosee.’
MissPeakewenttothebookshelves.‘Itwasadoororiginally,’sheexplained.‘Itmatchedtheoneoverthere.’Sheactivatedthelever,explainingasshedidso,‘Youpullthiscatchback,andthedoorcomesopen.See?’
Thepanelopened,andthebodyofOliverCostelloslumpeddownandfellforward.MissPeakescreamed.
‘So,’theInspectorobserved,lookinggrimlyatClarissa,‘Youweremistaken,MrsHailsham-Brown.Itappearsthattherewasamurderheretonight.’
MissPeake’sscreamrosetoacrescendo.
Chapter13
Tenminuteslater,thingsweresomewhatquieter,forMissPeakewasnolongerintheroom.Nor,forthatmatter,wereHugoandJeremy.ThebodyofOliverCostello,however,wasstilllyingcollapsedintherecess,thepanelofwhichwasopen.Clarissawasstretchedoutonthesofa,withSirRowlandsittingbyherandholdingaglassofbrandywhichhewasattemptingtomakehersip.TheInspectorwastalkingonthetelephone,andConstableJonescontinuedtostandguard.
‘Yes,yes–’theInspectorwassaying.‘What’sthat?–Hitandrun?–Where?–Oh,Isee–Yes,well,sendthemalongassoonasyoucan–Yes,we’llwantphotographs–Yes,thewholebagoftricks.’
Hereplacedthereceiver,andwentovertotheConstable.‘Everythingcomesatonce,’hecomplainedtohiscolleague.‘Weeksgobyandnothinghappens,andnowtheDivisionalSurgeon’soutatabadcaraccident–asmashontheLondonroad.It’llallmeanquiteabitofdelay.However,we’llgetonaswellaswecanuntiltheM.O.arrives.’Hegesturedtowardsthecorpse.‘We’dbetternotmovehimuntilthey’vetakenthephotographs,’hesuggested.‘Notthatitwilltellusanything.Hewasn’tkilledthere,hewasputthereafterwards.’
‘Howcanyoubesure,sir?’theConstableasked.
TheInspectorlookeddownatthecarpet.‘Youcanseewherehisfeethavedragged,’hepointedout,crouchingdownbehindthesofa.TheConstablekneltbesidehim.
SirRowlandpeeredoverthebackofthesofa,andthenturnedtoClarissatoask,‘Howareyoufeelingnow?’
‘Better,thanks,Roly,’shereplied,faintly.
Thetwopoliceofficersgottotheirfeet.‘Itmightbeaswelltoclosethatbook-casedoor,’theInspectorinstructedhiscolleague.‘Wedon’twantanymorehysterics.’
‘Right,sir,’theConstablereplied.Heclosedthepanelsothatthebodycouldnolongerbeseen.Ashedidso,SirRowlandrosefromthesofatoaddresstheInspector.‘MrsHailsham-Brownhashadabadshock,’hetoldthepoliceman.‘Ithinksheoughttogotoherroomandliedown.’
Politely,butwithacertainreserve,theInspectorreplied,‘Certainly,sir,butnotforamomentortwojustyet.I’dliketoaskherafewquestionsfirst.’
SirRowlandtriedtopersist.‘She’sreallynotfittobequestionedatpresent.’
‘I’mallright,Roly,’Clarissainterjected,faintly.‘Really,Iam.’
SirRowlandaddressedher,adoptingawarningtone.‘It’sverybraveofyou,mydear,’hesaid,‘butIreallythinkitwouldbewiserofyoutogoandrestforawhile.’
‘DearUncleRoly,’Clarissarespondedwithasmile.TotheInspectorshesaid,‘IsometimescallhimUncleRoly,thoughhe’smyguardian,notmyuncle.Buthe’ssosweettomealways.’
‘Yes,Icanseethat,’wasthedryresponse.
‘Doaskmeanythingyouwantto,Inspector,’Clarissacontinuedgraciously.‘ThoughactuallyIdon’tthinkIcanhelpyouverymuch,I’mafraid,becauseIjustdon’tknowanythingatallaboutanyofthis.’
SirRowlandsighed,shookhisheadslightly,andturnedaway.
‘Weshan’tworryyouforlong,madam,’theInspectorassuredher.Goingtothelibrarydoor,hehelditopen,andturnedtoaddressSirRowland.‘Willyoujointheothergentlemeninthelibrary,sir?’hesuggested.
‘IthinkI’dbetterremainhere,incase–’SirRowlandbegan,onlytobeinterruptedbytheInspectorwhosetonehadnowbecomefirmer.‘I’llcallyouifitshouldbenecessary,sir.Inthelibrary,please.’
Afterashortduelofeyes,SirRowlandconcededdefeatandwentintothelibrary.TheInspectorclosedthedoorafterhim,andindicatedsilentlytotheConstablethatheshouldsitandtakenotes.Clarissaswungherfeetoffthesofaandsatup,asJonesgotouthisnotebookandpencil.
‘Now,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorbegan,‘ifyou’reready,let’smakeastart.’Hepickedupthecigaretteboxfromthetablebythesofa,turneditover,openedit,andlookedatthecigarettesinit.
‘DearUncleRoly,healwayswantstosparemeeverything,’ClarissatoldtheInspectorwithanenchantingsmile.Then,seeinghimhandlingthecigarettebox,shebecameanxious.‘Thisisn’tgoingtobethethirddegreeoranything,isit?’sheasked,tryingtomakeherquestionsoundlikeajoke.
‘Nothingofthatkind,madam,Iassureyou,’saidtheInspector.‘Justafewsimplequestions.’HeturnedtotheConstable.‘Areyouready,Jones?’heasked,ashepulledoutachairfromthebridgetable,turneditaround,andsatfacingClarissa.
‘Allready,sir,’ConstableJonesreplied.
‘Good.Now,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorbegan.‘Doyousaythatyouhadnoideatherewasabodyconcealedinthatrecess?’
TheConstablebeganhisnote-takingasClarissaanswered,wide-eyed,‘No,ofcoursenot.It’shorrible.’Sheshivered.‘Quitehorrible.’
TheInspectorlookedatherenquiringly.‘Whenweweresearchingthisroom,’heasked,‘whydidn’tyoucallourattentiontothatrecess?’
Clarissamethisgazewithalookofwide-eyedinnocence.‘Doyouknow,’shesaid,‘thethoughtneverstruckme.Yousee,weneverusetherecess,soitjustdidn’tcomeintomyhead.’
TheInspectorpounced.‘Butyousaid,’heremindedher,‘thatyouhadjustbeenthroughthereintothelibrary.’
‘Ohno,’Clarissaexclaimedquickly.‘Youmusthavemisunderstoodme.’Shepointedtothelibrarydoor.‘WhatImeantwasthatwehadgonethroughthatdoorintothelibrary.’
‘Yes,Icertainlymusthavemisunderstoodyou,’theInspectorobservedgrimly.‘Now,letmeatleastbeclearaboutthis.YousayyouhavenoideawhenMrCostellocamebacktothishouse,orwhathemighthavecomefor?’
‘No,Isimplycan’timagine,’Clarissareplied,hervoicedrippingwithinnocentcandour.
‘Butthefactremainsthathedidcomeback,’theInspectorpersisted.
‘Yes,ofcourse.Weknowthatnow.’
‘Well,hemusthavehadsomereason,’theInspectorpointedout.
‘Isupposeso,’Clarissaagreed.‘ButI’venoideawhatitcouldhavebeen.’
TheInspectorthoughtforamoment,andthentriedanotherlineofapproach.‘Doyouthinkthatperhapshewantedtoseeyourhusband?’hesuggested.
‘Oh,no,’Clarissarepliedquickly,‘I’mquitesurehedidn’t.Henryandheneverlikedeachother.’
‘Oh!’theInspectorexclaimed.‘Theyneverlikedeachother.Ididn’trealizethat.Hadtherebeenaquarrelbetweenthem?’
AgainClarissaspokequicklytoforestallanewandpotentiallydangerouslineofenquiry.‘Ohno,’sheassuredtheInspector,‘no,theyhadn’tquarrelled.Henryjustthoughtheworethewrongshoes.’Shesmiledengagingly.‘Youknowhowoddmencanbe.’
TheInspector’slooksuggestedthatthiswassomethingofwhichhewaspersonallyignorant.‘You’reabsolutelycertainthatCostellowouldn’thavecomebackheretoseeyou?’heaskedagain.
‘Me?’Clarissaechoedinnocently.‘Ohno,I’msurehedidn’t.Whatreasoncouldhepossiblyhave?’
TheInspectortookadeepbreath.Then,speakingslowlyanddeliberately,heaskedher,‘Isthereanybodyelseinthehousehemighthavewantedtosee?Nowpleasethinkcarefullybeforeyouanswer.’
Again,Clarissagavehimherlookofblandinnocence.‘Ican’tthinkwho,’sheinsisted.‘Imean,whoelseisthere?’
TheInspectorrose,turnedhischairaroundandputitbackagainstthebridgetable.Then,pacingslowlyabouttheroom,hebegantomuse.‘MrCostellocomeshere,’hebeganslowly,‘andreturnsthearticleswhichthefirstMrsHailsham-Brownhadtakenfromyourhusbandbymistake.Thenhesaysgood-bye.Butthenhecomesbacktothehouse.’
HewentacrosstotheFrenchwindows.‘Presumablyheeffectsanentrancethroughthesewindows,’hecontinued,gesturingatthem.‘Heiskilled–andhisbodyispushedintothatrecess–allinaspaceofabouttentotwentyminutes.’
HeturnedbacktofaceClarissa.‘Andnobodyhearsanything?’heended,onarisinginflection.‘Ifindthatverydifficulttobelieve.’
‘Iknow,’Clarissaagreed.‘Ifinditjustasdifficulttobelieve.It’sreallyextraordinary,isn’tit?’
‘Itcertainlyis,’theInspectoragreed,histonedistinctlyironical.Hetriedonelasttime.‘MrsHailsham-Brown,areyouabsolutelysurethatyoudidn’thearanything?’heaskedherpointedly.
‘Iheardnothingatall,’sheanswered.‘Itreallyisfantastic.’
‘Almosttoofantastic,’theInspectorcommentedgrimly.Hepaused,thenwentovertothehalldoorandhelditopen.‘Well,that’sallforthepresent,MrsHailsham-Brown.’
Clarissaroseandwalkedratherquicklytowardsthelibrarydoor,onlytobeinterceptedbytheInspector.‘Notthatway,please,’heinstructedher,andledherovertothehalldoor.
‘ButIthink,really,I’dratherjointheothers,’sheprotested.
‘Later,ifyoudon’tmind,’saidtheInspectortersely.
Veryreluctantly,Clarissawentoutthroughthehalldoor.
Chapter14
TheInspectorclosedthehalldoorbehindClarissa,thenwentovertoConstableJoneswhowasstillwritinginhisnotebook.‘Where’stheotherwoman?Thegardener.Miss–er–Peake?’theInspectorasked.
‘Iputheronthebedinthespareroom,’theConstabletoldhissuperior.‘Aftershecameoutofthehysterics,thatis.AterribletimeIhadwithher,laughingandcryingsomethingterrible,shewas.’
‘Itdoesn’tmatterifMrsHailsham-Browngoesandtalkstoher,’theInspectortoldhim.‘Butshe’snottotalktothosethreemen.We’llhavenocomparingofstories,andnoprompting.Ihopeyoulockedthedoorfromthelibrarytothehall?’
‘Yes,sir,’theConstableassuredhim.‘I’vegotthekeyhere.’
‘Idon’tknowwhattomakeofthematall,’theInspectorconfessedtohiscolleague.‘They’reallhighlyrespectablepeople.Hailsham-Brown’saForeignOfficediplomat,HugoBirchisaJPwhomweknow,andHailsham-Brown’sothertwoguestsseemdecentupper-classtypes–well,youknowwhatImean…Butthere’ssomethingfunnygoingon.Noneofthemarebeingstraightforwardwithus–andthatincludesMrsHailsham-Brown.They’rehidingsomething,andI’mdeterminedtofindoutwhatitis,whetherit’sgotanythingtodowiththismurderornot.’
Hestretchedhisarmsabovehisheadasthoughseekinginspirationfromonhigh,andthenaddressedtheConstableagain.‘Well,we’dbettergetonwithit,’hesaid.‘Let’stakethemoneatatime.’
AstheConstablegottohisfeet,theInspectorchangedhismind.‘No.Justamoment.FirstI’llhaveawordwiththatbutlerchap,’hedecided.
‘Elgin?’
‘Yes,Elgin.Callhimin.I’vegotanideaheknowssomething.’
‘Certainly,sir,’theConstablereplied.
Leavingtheroom,hefoundElginhoveringnearthesitting-roomdoor.Thebutlermadeatentativepretenceofheadingforthestairs,butstoppedwhentheConstablecalledhimandcameintotheroomrathernervously.
TheConstableclosedthehalldoorandresumedhisplacefornote-taking,whiletheInspectorindicatedthechairnearthebridgetable.
Elginsatdown,andtheInspectorbeganhisinterrogation.‘Now,youstartedoffforthepicturesthisevening,’heremindedthebutler,‘butyoucameback.Whywasthat?’
‘I’vetoldyou,sir,’Elginreplied.‘Mywifewasn’tfeelingwell.’
TheInspectorregardedhimsteadily.‘ItwasyouwholetMrCostellointothehousewhenhecalledherethisevening,wasitnot?’heasked.
‘Yes,sir.’
TheInspectortookafewpacesawayfromElgin,andthenturnedbacksuddenly.‘Whydidn’tyoutellusatoncethatitwasMrCostello’scaroutside?’heasked.
‘Ididn’tknowwhosecaritwas,sir.MrCostellodidn’tdriveuptothefrontdoor.Ididn’tevenknowhe’dcomeinacar.’
‘Wasn’tthatratherpeculiar?Leavinghiscararoundbythestables?’theInspectorsuggested.
‘Well,yes,sir,Isupposeitwas,’thebutlerreplied.‘ButIexpecthehadhisreasons.’
‘Justwhatdoyoumeanbythat?’theInspectoraskedquickly.
‘Nothing,sir,’Elginanswered.Hesoundedalmostsmug.‘Nothingatall.’
‘HadyoueverseenMrCostellobefore?’TheInspector’svoicewassharpasheaskedthis.
‘Never,sir,’Elginassuredhim.
TheInspectoradoptedameaningtonetoenquire,‘Itwasn’tbecauseofMrCostellothatyoucamebackthisevening?’
‘I’vetoldyou,sir,’saidElgin.‘Mywife–’
‘Idon’twanttohearanymoreaboutyourwife,’theInspectorinterrupted.MovingawayfromElgin,hecontinued,‘HowlonghaveyoubeenwithMrsHailsham-Brown?’
‘Sixweeks,sir,’wasthereply.
TheInspectorturnedbacktofaceElgin.‘Andbeforethat?’
‘I’d–I’dbeenhavingalittlerest,’thebutlerreplieduneasily.
‘Arest?’theInspectorechoed,inatoneofsuspicion.Hepausedandthenadded,‘Youdorealizethat,inacaselikethis,yourreferenceswillhavetobelookedintoverycarefully.’
Elginbegantogettohisfeet.‘Willthatbeall–’hestartedtosay,andthenstoppedandresumedhisseat.‘I–Iwouldn’twishtodeceiveyou,sir,’hecontinued.‘Itwasn’tanythingreallywrong.WhatImeanis–theoriginalreferencehavinggottorn–Icouldn’tquiterememberthewording–’
‘Soyouwroteyourownreferences,’theInspectorinterrupted.‘That’swhatitcomesto,doesn’tit?’
‘Ididn’tmeananyharm,’Elginprotested.‘I’vegotmylivingtoearn–’
TheInspectorinterruptedhimagain.‘Atthemoment,I’mnotinterestedinfakereferences,’hetoldthebutler.‘Iwanttoknowwhathappenedheretonight,andwhatyouknowaboutMrCostello.’
‘I’dneverseteyesonhimbefore,’Elgininsisted.Lookingaroundatthehalldoor,hecontinued,‘ButI’vegotagoodideaofwhyhecamehere.’
‘Oh,andwhatisthat?’theInspectorwantedtoknow.
‘Blackmail,’Elgintoldhim.‘Hehadsomethingonher.’
‘By“her”,’saidtheInspector,‘IassumeyoumeanMrsHailsham-Brown.’
‘Yes,’Elgincontinuedeagerly.‘Icameintoaskiftherewasanythingmoreshewanted,andIheardthemtalking.’
‘Whatdidyouhearexactly?’
‘Iheardhersay“Butthat’sblackmail.Iwon’tsubmittoit”.’ElginadoptedahighlydramatictoneashequotedClarissa’swords.
‘Hm!’theInspectorrespondedalittledoubtfully.‘Anythingmore?’
‘No,’Elginadmitted.‘TheystoppedwhenIcamein,andwhenIwentouttheydroppedtheirvoices.’
‘Isee,’theInspectorcommented.Helookedintentlyatthebutler,waitingforhimtospeakagain.
Elgingotupfromhischair.Hisvoicewasalmostawhineashepleaded,‘Youwon’tbehardonme,sir,willyou?I’vehadalotoftroubleonewayandanother.’
TheInspectorregardedhimforamomentlonger,andthensaiddismissively,‘Oh,thatwilldo.Getout.’
‘Yes,sir.Thankyou,sir,’Elginrespondedquicklyashemadeahastyexitintothehall.
TheInspectorwatchedhimgo,andthenturnedtotheConstable.‘Blackmail,eh?’hemurmured,exchangingglanceswithhiscolleague.
‘AndMrsHailsham-Brownsuchaniceseeminglady,’ConstableJonesobservedwithasomewhatprimlook.
‘Yes,wellonenevercantell,’theInspectorobserved.Hepaused,andthenorderedcurtly,‘I’llseeMrBirchnow.’TheConstablewenttothelibrarydoor.‘MrBirch,please.’
Hugocamethroughthelibrarydoor,lookingdoggedandratherdefiant.TheConstableclosedthedoorbehindhimandtookaseatatthetable,whiletheInspectorgreetedHugopleasantly.‘Comein,MrBirch,’heinvited.‘Sitdownhere,please.’
Hugosat,andtheInspectorcontinued,‘Thisisaveryunpleasantbusiness,I’mafraid,sir.Whathaveyoutotellusaboutit?’
Slappinghisspectaclecaseonthetable,Hugoreplieddefiantly,‘Absolutelynothing.’
‘Nothing?’queriedtheInspector,soundingsurprised.
‘Whatdoyouexpectmetosay?’Hugoexpostulated.‘Theblinkingwomansnapsopentheblinkingcupboard,andoutfallsablinkingcorpse.’Hegaveasnortofimpatience.‘Tookmybreathaway,’hedeclared.‘I’venotgotoverityet.’HeglaredattheInspector.‘It’snogoodaskingmeanything,’hesaidfirmly,‘becauseIdon’tknowanythingaboutit.’
TheInspectorregardedHugosteadilyforamomentbeforeasking,‘That’syourstatement,isit?Justthatyouknownothingatallaboutit?’
‘I’mtellingyou,’Hugorepeated.‘Ididn’tkillthefellow.’Againheglareddefiantly.‘Ididn’tevenknowhim.’
‘Youdidn’tknowhim,’theInspectorrepeated.‘Verywell.I’mnotsuggestingthatyoudidknowhim.I’mcertainlynotsuggestingthatyoumurderedhim.ButIcan’tbelievethatyou“knownothing”,asyouputit.Solet’scollaboratetofindoutwhatyoudoknow.Tobeginwith,you’dheardofhim,hadn’tyou?’
‘Yes,’snappedHugo,‘andI’dheardhewasanastybitofgoods.’
‘Inwhatway?’theInspectoraskedcalmly.
‘Oh,Idon’tknow,’Hugoblustered.‘Hewasthesortoffellowthatwomenlikedandmenhadnousefor.Thatsortofthing.’
TheInspectorpausedbeforeaskingcarefully,‘You’venoideawhyheshouldcomebacktothishouseasecondtimethisevening?’
‘Notaclue,’repliedHugodismissively.
TheInspectortookafewstepsaroundtheroom,thenturnedabruptlytofaceHugo.‘WasthereanythingbetweenhimandthepresentMrsHailsham-Brown,doyouthink?’heasked.
Hugolookedshocked.‘Clarissa?GoodLord,no!Nicegirl,Clarissa.Gotalotofsense.Shewouldn’tlooktwiceatafellowlikethat.’
TheInspectorpausedagain,andthensaid,finally,‘Soyoucan’thelpus.’
‘Sorry.Butthereitis,’repliedHugowithanattemptatnonchalance.
MakingonelastefforttoextractatleastacrumbofinformationfromHugo,theInspectorasked,‘Hadyoureallynoideathatthebodywasinthatrecess?’
‘Ofcoursenot,’repliedHugo,nowsoundingoffended.
‘Thankyou,sir,’saidtheInspector,turningawayfromhim.
‘What?’queriedHugovaguely.
‘That’sall,thankyou,sir,’theInspectorrepeated.Hewenttothedeskandpickeduparedbookthatlayonit.
Hugorose,pickeduphisspectaclecase,andwasabouttogoacrosstothelibrarydoorwhentheConstablegotupandbarredhisway.HugothenturnedtowardstheFrenchwindows,buttheConstablesaid,‘Thisway,MrBirch,please,’andopenedthehalldoor.Givingup,Hugowentoutandthepolicemanclosedthedoorbehindhim.
TheInspectorcarriedhishugeredbookovertothebridgetable,andsatconsultingit,asConstableJonescommentedsatirically,‘MrBirchwasamineofinformation,wasn’the?Mindyou,it’snotveryniceforaJPtobemixedupinamurder.’
TheInspectorbegantoreadaloud.‘“Delahaye,SirRowlandEdwardMark,KCB,MVO–”’
‘Whathaveyougotthere?’theConstableasked.HepeeredovertheInspector’sshoulder.‘Oh,Who’sWho.’
TheInspectorwentonreading.‘“EducatedEton–TrinityCollege–”Um!“AttachedForeignOffice–secondSecretary–Madrid–Plenipotentiary”.’
‘Ooh!’theConstableexclaimedatthislastword.
TheInspectorgavehimanexasperatedlook,andcontinued,‘“Constantinople,ForeignOffice–specialcommissionrendered–Clubs–Boodles–Whites”.’
‘Doyouwanthimnext,sir?’theConstableasked.
TheInspectorthoughtforamoment.‘No,’hedecided.‘He’sthemostinterestingofthelot,soI’llleavehimtillthelast.Let’shaveyoungWarrenderinnow.’
Chapter15
ConstableJones,standingatthelibrarydoor,called,‘MrWarrender,please.’
Jeremycamein,attemptingratherunsuccessfullytolookcompletelyathisease.TheConstableclosedthedoorandresumedhisseatatthetable,whiletheInspectorhalfroseandpulledoutachairfromthebridgetableforJeremy.
‘Sitdown,’heorderedsomewhatbrusquelyasheresumedhisseat.Jeremysat,andtheInspectoraskedformally,‘Yourname?’
‘JeremyWarrender.’
‘Address?’
‘Threehundredandforty,BroadStreet,andthirty-fourGrosvenorSquare,’Jeremytoldhim,tryingtosoundnonchalant.HeglancedacrossattheConstablewhowaswritingallthisdown,andadded,‘Countryaddress,Hepplestone,Wiltshire.’
‘Thatsoundsasthoughyou’reagentlemanofindependentmeans,’theInspectorcommented.
‘I’mafraidnot,’Jeremyadmitted,withasmile.‘I’mprivatesecretarytoSirKennethThomson,theChairmanofSaxon-ArabianOil.Thosearehisaddresses.’
TheInspectornodded.‘Isee.Howlonghaveyoubeenwithhim?’
‘Aboutayear.Beforethat,IwaspersonalassistanttoMrScottAgiusforfouryears.’
‘Ah,yes,’saidtheInspector.‘He’sthatwealthybusinessmanintheCity,isn’the?’Hethoughtforamomentbeforegoingontoask,‘Didyouknowthisman,OliverCostello?’
‘No,I’dneverheardofhimtilltonight,’Jeremytoldhim.
‘Andyoudidn’tseehimwhenhecametothehouseearlierthisevening?’theInspectorcontinued.
‘No,’Jeremyreplied.‘I’dgoneovertothegolfclubwiththeothers.Wewerediningthere,yousee.Itwastheservants’nightout,andMrBirchhadaskedustodinewithhimattheclub.’
TheInspectornoddedhishead.Afterapause,heasked,‘WasMrsHailsham-Browninvited,too?’
‘No,shewasn’t,’saidJeremy.
TheInspectorraisedhiseyebrows,andJeremyhurriedon.‘Thatis,’heexplained,‘shecouldhavecomeifshe’dliked.’
‘Doyoumean,’theInspectoraskedhim,‘thatshewasasked,then?Andsherefused?’
‘No,no,’Jeremyrepliedhurriedly,soundingasthoughhewasgettingrattled.‘WhatImeanis–well,Hailsham-Brownisusuallyquitetiredbythetimehegetsdownhere,andClarissasaidthey’djusthaveascratchmealhere,asusual.’
TheInspectorlookedconfused.‘Letmegetthisclear,’hesaidrathersnappily.‘MrsHailsham-Brownexpectedherhusbandtodinehere?Shedidn’texpecthimtogooutagainassoonashecamein?’
Jeremywasnowquitedefinitelyflustered.‘I–er–well–er–really,Idon’tknow,’hestammered.‘No–Nowthatyoumentionit,Ibelieveshedidsayhewasgoingtobeoutthisevening.’
TheInspectorroseandtookafewpacesawayfromJeremy.‘Itseemsodd,then,’heobserved,‘thatMrsHailsham-Brownshouldnothavecomeouttotheclubwiththethreeofyou,insteadofremainingheretodineallbyherself.’
JeremyturnedonhischairtofacetheInspector.‘Well–er–well–’hebegan,andthen,gainingconfidence,continuedquickly,‘Imean,itwasthekid–Pippa,youknow.Clarissawouldn’thavelikedtogooutandleavethekidallbyherselfinthehouse.’
‘Orperhaps,’theInspectorsuggested,speakingwithheavysignificance,‘perhapsshewasmakingplanstoreceiveavisitorofherown?’
Jeremyrosetohisfeet.‘Isay,that’sarottenthingtosuggest,’heexclaimedhotly.‘Anditisn’ttrue.I’msuresheneverplannedanythingofthekind.’
‘YetOliverCostellocameheretomeetsomeone,’theInspectorpointedout.‘Thetwoservantshadthenightoff.MissPeakehasherowncottage.TherewasreallynoonehecouldhavecometothehousetomeetexceptMrsHailsham-Brown.’
‘AllIcansayis–’Jeremybegan.Then,turningaway,headdedlimply,‘Well,you’dbetteraskher.’
‘Ihaveaskedher,’theInspectorinformedhim.
‘Whatdidshesay?’askedJeremy,turningbacktofacethepoliceofficer.
‘Justwhatyousay,’theInspectorrepliedsuavely.
Jeremysatdownagainatthebridgetable.‘Thereyouare,then,’heobserved.
TheInspectortookafewstepsaroundtheroom,hiseyesonthefloorasthoughdeepinthought.ThenheturnedbacktofaceJeremy.‘Nowtellme,’hequeried,‘justhowyouallhappenedtocomebackherefromtheclub.Wasthatyouroriginalplan?’
‘Yes,’Jeremyreplied,butthenquicklychangedhisanswer.‘Imean,no.’
‘Whichdoyoumean,sir?’theInspectorqueriedsmoothly.
Jeremytookadeepbreath.‘Well,’hebegan,‘itwaslikethis.Weallwentovertotheclub.SirRowlandandoldHugowentstraightintothedining-roomandIcameinabitlater.It’sallacoldbuffet,youknow.I’dbeenknockingballsaboutuntilitgotdark,andthen–well,somebodysaid“Bridge,anyone?”,andIsaid,“Well,whydon’twegobacktotheHailsham-Browns’whereit’smorecosy,andplaythere?”Sowedid.’
‘Isee,’observedtheInspector.‘Soitwasyouridea?’
Jeremyshruggedhisshoulders.‘Ireallydon’trememberwhosuggesteditfirst,’headmitted.‘ItmayhavebeenHugoBirch,Ithink.’
‘Andyouarrivedbackhere–when?’
Jeremythoughtforamoment,andthenshookhishead.‘Ican’tsayexactly,’hemurmured.‘Weprobablylefttheclubhousejustabitbeforeeight.’
‘Andit’s–what?’theInspectorwondered.‘Fiveminutes’walk?’
‘Yes,justaboutthat.Thegolfcourseadjoinsthisgarden,’Jeremyanswered,glancingoutofthewindow.
TheInspectorwentacrosstothebridgetable,andlookeddownatitssurface.‘Andthenyouplayedbridge?’
‘Yes,’Jeremyconfirmed.
TheInspectornoddedhisheadslowly.‘Thatmusthavebeenabouttwentyminutesbeforemyarrivalhere,’hecalculated.Hebegantowalkslowlyaroundthetable.‘Surelyyoudidn’thavetimetocompletetworubbersandstart–’heheldupClarissa’smarkersothatJeremycouldseeit–‘athird?’
‘What?’Jeremylookedconfusedforamoment,butthensaidquickly,‘Oh,no.No.Thatfirstrubbermusthavebeenyesterday’sscore.’
Indicatingtheothermarkers,theInspectorremarkedthoughtfully,‘Onlyonepersonseemstohavescored.’
‘Yes,’Jeremyagreed.‘I’mafraidwe’reallabitlazyaboutscoring.WeleftittoClarissa.’
TheInspectorwalkedacrosstothesofa.‘Didyouknowaboutthepassage-waybetweenthisroomandthelibrary?’heasked.
‘Youmeantheplacewherethebodywasfound?’
‘That’swhatImean.’
‘No.No,I’dnoidea,’Jeremyasserted.‘Wonderfulbitofcamouflage,isn’tit?You’dneverguessitwasthere.’
TheInspectorsatonanarmofthesofa,leaningbackanddislodgingacushion.Henoticedtheglovesthathadbeenlyingunderthecushion.Hisfaceworeaseriousexpressionashesaidquietly,‘Consequently,MrWarrender,youcouldn’tknowtherewasabodyinthatpassage-way.Couldyou?’
Jeremyturnedaway.‘Youcouldhaveknockedmeoverwithafeather,asthesayinggoes,’hereplied.‘Absolutebloodandthundermelodrama.Couldn’tbelievemyeyes.’
WhileJeremywasspeaking,theInspectorhadbeensortingouttheglovesonthesofa.Henowhelduponepairofthem,ratherinthemannerofaconjuror.‘Bytheway,aretheseyourgloves,MrWarrender?’heasked,tryingtosoundoff-handed.
Jeremyturnedbacktohim.‘No.Imean,yes,’herepliedconfusedly.
‘Again,whichdoyoumean,sir?’
‘Yes,theyaremine,Ithink.’
‘Wereyouwearingthemwhenyoucamebackherefromthegolfclub?’
‘Yes,’Jeremyrecalled.‘Iremembernow.Yes,Iwaswearingthem.There’sabitofanipintheairthisevening.’
TheInspectorgotupfromthearmofthesofa,andapproachedJeremy.‘Ithinkyou’remistaken,sir.’Indicatingtheinitialsinthegloves,hepointedout,‘ThesehaveMrHailsham-Brown’sinitialsinsidethem.’
Returninghisgazecalmly,Jeremyreplied,‘Oh,that’sfunny.I’vegotapairjustthesame.’
TheInspectorreturnedtothesofa,satonthearmagainand,leaningover,producedthesecondpairofgloves.‘Perhapstheseareyours?’hesuggested.
Jeremylaughed.‘Youdon’tcatchmeasecondtime,’hereplied.‘Afterall,onepairofgloveslooksexactlylikeanother.’
TheInspectorproducedthethirdpairofgloves.‘Threepairsofgloves,’hemurmured,examiningthem.‘AllwithHailsham-Brown’sinitialsinside.Curious.’
‘Well,itishishouse,afterall,’Jeremypointedout.‘Whyshouldn’thehavethreepairsofgloveslyingabout?’
‘Theonlyinterestingthing,’theInspectorreplied,‘isthatyouthoughtoneofthemmighthavebeenyours.AndIthinkthatyourglovesarejuststickingoutofyourpocket,now.’
Jeremyputhishandinhisright-handpocket.‘No,theotherone,’theInspectortoldhim.
Removingtheglovesfromhisleft-handpocket,Jeremyexclaimed,‘Ohyes.Yes,sotheyare.’
‘They’renotreallyverylikethese.Arethey?’theInspectorasked,pointedly.
‘Actually,thesearemygolfinggloves,’Jeremyrepliedwithasmile.
‘Thankyou,MrWarrender,’theInspectorsaidabruptlyanddismissively,pattingthecushionbackintoplaceonthesofa.‘Thatwillbeallfornow.’
Jeremyrose,lookingupset.‘Lookhere,’heexclaimed,‘youdon’tthink–’Hepaused.
‘Idon’tthinkwhat,sir?’askedtheInspector.
‘Nothing,’Jeremyreplieduncertainly.Hepaused,andthenmadeforthelibrarydoor,onlytobeinterceptedbytheConstable.TurningbacktotheInspector,Jeremypointedmutelyandenquiringlyatthehalldoor.TheInspectornodded,andJeremymadehiswayoutoftheroom,closingthehalldoorbehindhim.
Leavingtheglovesonthesofa,theInspectorwentacrosstothebridgetable,sat,andconsultedWho’sWhoagain.‘Hereweare,’hemurmured,andbegantoreadaloud,‘“Thomson,SirKenneth.ChairmanofSaxon-ArabianOilCompany,GulfPetroleumCompany.”Hmm!Impressive.“Recreations:Philately,golf,fishing.Address,threehundredandfortyBroadStreet,thirty-fourGrosvenorSquare”.’
WhiletheInspectorwasreading,ConstableJoneswentacrosstothetablebythesofaandbegantosharpenhispencilintotheashtray.Stoopingtopickupsomeshavingsfromthefloor,hesawaplaying-cardlyingthereandbroughtittothebridgetable,throwingitdowninfrontofhissuperior.
‘Whathaveyougotthere?’theInspectorasked.
‘Justacard,sir.Founditoverthere,underthesofa.’
TheInspectorpickedupthecard.‘Theaceofspades,’henoted.‘Averyinterestingcard.Here,waitaminute.’Heturnedthecardover.‘Red.It’sthesamepack.’Hepickeduptheredpackofcardsfromthetable,andspreadthemout.
TheConstablehelpedhimsortthroughthecards.‘Well,well,noaceofspades,’theInspectorexclaimed.Herosefromhischair.‘Now,that’sveryremarkable,don’tyouthink,Jones?’heasked,puttingthecardinhispocketandgoingacrosstothesofa.‘Theymanagedtoplaybridgewithoutmissingtheaceofspades.’
‘Veryremarkableindeed,sir,’ConstableJonesagreed,ashetidiedthecardsonthetable.
TheInspectorcollectedthethreepairsofglovesfromthesofa.‘NowIthinkwe’llhaveSirRowlandDelahaye,’heinstructedtheConstable,ashetooktheglovestothebridgetableandspreadthemoutinpairs.
Chapter16
TheConstableopenedthelibrarydoor,calling,‘SirRowlandDelahaye.’
AsSirRowlandpausedinthedoorway,theInspectorcalled,‘Docomein,sir,andsitdownhere,please.’
SirRowlandapproachedthebridgetable,pausedforamomentashenoticedtheglovesspreadoutonit,andthensat.
‘YouareSirRowlandDelahaye?’theInspectoraskedhimformally.Receivingagrave,affirmativenod,henextasked,‘Whatisyouraddress?’
‘LongPaddock,LittlewichGreen,Lincolnshire,’SirRowlandreplied.TappingafingeronthecopyofWho’sWho,headded,‘Couldn’tyoufindit,Inspector?’
TheInspectorchosetoignorethis.‘Now,ifyouplease,’hesaid,‘I’dlikeyouraccountoftheevening,afteryoulefthereshortlybeforeseven.’
SirRowlandhadobviouslyalreadygivensomethoughttothis.‘Ithadbeenrainingallday,’hebegansmoothly,‘andthenitsuddenlyclearedup.Wehadalreadyarrangedtogotothegolfclubfordinner,asitistheservants’nightout.Sowedidthat.’HeglancedacrossattheConstable,asthoughtomakesurehewaskeepingup,thencontinued,‘Aswewerefinishingdinner,MrsHailsham-Brownrangupandsuggestedthat,asherhusbandhadunexpectedlyhadtogoout,wethreeshouldreturnhereandmakeupafourforbridge.Wedidso.Abouttwentyminutesafterwe’dstartedplaying,youarrived,Inspector.Therest–youknow.’
TheInspectorlookedthoughtful.‘That’snotquiteMrWarrender’saccountofthematter,’heobserved.
‘Indeed?’saidSirRowland.‘Andhowdidheputit?’
‘Hesaidthatthesuggestiontocomebackhereandplaybridgecamefromoneofyou.ButhethoughtitwasprobablyMrBirch.’
‘Ah,’repliedSirRowlandeasily,‘butyouseeWarrendercameintothedining-roomattheclubratherlate.HedidnotrealizethatMrsHailsham-Brownhadrungup.’
SirRowlandandtheInspectorlookedateachother,asthoughtryingtostareeachotherout.ThenSirRowlandcontinued,‘YoumustknowbetterthanIdo,Inspector,howveryrarelytwopeople’saccountsofthesamethingagree.Infact,ifthethreeofusweretoagreeexactly,Ishouldregarditassuspicious.Verysuspiciousindeed.’
TheInspectorchosenottocommentonthisobservation.DrawingachairupclosetoSirRowland,hesatdown.‘I’dliketodiscussthecasewithyou,sir,ifImay,’hesuggested.
‘Howveryagreeableofyou,Inspector,’SirRowlandreplied.
Afterlookingthoughtfullyatthetable-topforafewseconds,theInspectorbeganthediscussion.‘Thedeadman,MrOliverCostello,cametothishousewithsomeparticularobjectinview.’Hepaused.‘Doyouagreethatthatiswhatmusthavehappened,sir?’
‘MyunderstandingisthathecametoreturntoHenryHailsham-BrowncertainobjectswhichMrsMirandaHailsham-Brown,asshethenwas,hadtakenawayinerror,’SirRowlandreplied.
‘Thatmayhavebeenhisexcuse,sir,’theInspectorpointedout,‘thoughI’mnotevensureofthat.ButI’mcertainitwasn’ttherealreasonthatbroughthimhere.’
SirRowlandshruggedhisshoulders.‘Youmayberight,’heobserved.‘Ican’tsay.’
TheInspectorpressedon.‘Hecame,perhaps,toseeaparticularperson.Itmayhavebeenyou,itmayhavebeenMrWarrender,oritmayhavebeenMrBirch.’
‘IfhehadwantedtoseeMrBirch,wholiveslocally,’SirRowlandpointedout,‘hewouldhavegonetohishouse.Hewouldn’thavecomehere.’
‘Thatisprobablyso,’theInspectoragreed.‘Thereforethatleavesuswiththechoiceoffourpeople.You,MrWarrender,MrHailsham-BrownandMrsHailsham-Brown.’HepausedandgaveSirRowlandasearchingglancebeforeasking,‘Now,sir,howwelldidyouknowOliverCostello?’
‘Hardlyatall.I’vemethimonceortwice,that’sall.’
‘Wheredidyoumeethim?’askedtheInspector.
SirRowlandreflected.‘TwiceattheHailsham-Browns’inLondon,overayearago,andonceinarestaurant,Ibelieve.’
‘Butyouhadnoreasonforwishingtomurderhim?’
‘Isthatanaccusation,Inspector?’SirRowlandaskedwithasmile.
TheInspectorshookhishead.‘No,SirRowland,’hereplied.‘Ishouldcallitmoreanelimination.Idon’tthinkyouhaveanymotivefordoingawaywithOliverCostello.Sothatleavesjustthreepeople.’
‘Thisisbeginningtosoundlikeavariantof“TenLittleIndians”,’SirRowlandobservedwithasmile.
TheInspectorsmiledback.‘We’lltakeMrWarrendernext,’heproposed.‘Now,howwelldoyouknowhim?’
‘Imethimhereforthefirsttimetwodaysago,’SirRowlandreplied.‘Heappearstobeanagreeableyoungman,wellbred,andwelleducated.He’safriendofClarissa’s.Iknownothingabouthim,butIshouldsayhe’sanunlikelymurderer.’
‘SomuchforMrWarrender,’theInspectornoted.‘Thatbringsmetomynextquestion.’
Anticipatinghim,SirRowlandnodded.‘HowwelldoIknowHenryHailsham-Brown,andhowwelldoIknowMrsHailsham-Brown?That’swhatyouwanttoknow,isn’tit?’heasked.‘Actually,IknowHenryHailsham-Brownverywellindeed.Heisanoldfriend.AsforClarissa,Iknowallthereistoknowabouther.Sheismyward,andinexpressiblydeartome.’
‘Yes,sir,’saidtheInspector.‘Ithinkthatanswermakescertainthingsveryclear.’
‘Doesit,indeed?’
TheInspectorroseandtookafewpacesabouttheroombeforeturningbacktofaceSirRowland.‘Whydidyouthreechangeyourplansthisevening?’heasked.‘Whydidyoucomebackhereandpretendtoplaybridge?’
‘Pretend?’SirRowlandexclaimedsharply.
TheInspectortooktheplayingcardfromhispocket.‘Thiscard,’hesaid,‘wasfoundontheothersideoftheroomunderthesofa.Icanhardlybelievethatyouwouldhaveplayedtworubbersofbridgeandstartedathirdwithapackoffifty-onecards,andtheaceofspadesmissing.’
SirRowlandtookthecardfromtheInspector,lookedatthebackofit,andthenreturnedit.‘Yes,’headmitted.‘Perhapsthatisalittledifficulttobelieve.’
TheInspectorcasthiseyesdespairinglyupwardsbeforeadding,‘IalsothinkthatthreepairsofMrHailsham-Brown’sglovesneedacertainamountofexplanation.’
Afteramoment’spause,SirRowlandreplied,‘I’mafraid,Inspector,youwon’tgetanyexplanationfromme.’
‘No,sir,’theInspectoragreed.‘Itakeitthatyouareouttodoyourbestforacertainlady.Butit’snotabitofgood,sir.Thetruthwillout.’
‘Iwonderifitwill,’wasSirRowland’sonlyresponsetothisobservation.
TheInspectorwentacrosstothepanel.‘MrsHailsham-BrownknewthatCostello’sbodywasintherecess,’heinsisted.‘Whethershedraggeditthereherself,orwhetheryouhelpedher,Idon’tknow.ButI’mconvincedthatsheknew.’HecamebacktofaceSirRowland.‘Isuggest,’hecontinued,‘thatOliverCostellocameheretoseeMrsHailsham-Brownandtoobtainmoneyfromherbythreats.’
‘Threats?’SirRowlandasked.‘Threatsofwhat?’
‘Thatwillallcomeoutinduecourse,Ihavenodoubt,’theInspectorassuredhim.‘MrsHailsham-Brownisyoungandattractive.ThisMrCostellowasagreatmanfortheladies,theysay.Now,MrsHailsham-Brownisnewlymarriedand–’
‘Stop!’SirRowlandinterruptedperemptorily.‘Imustputyourightoncertainmatters.YoucanconfirmwhatItellyoueasilyenough.HenryHailsham-Brown’sfirstmarriagewasunfortunate.Hiswife,Miranda,wasabeautifulwoman,butunbalancedandneurotic.Herhealthanddispositionhaddegeneratedtosuchanalarmingstatethatherlittledaughterhadtoberemovedtoanursinghome.’
Hepausedinreflection.Then,‘Yes,areallyshockingstateofaffairs,’hecontinued.‘ItseemedthatMirandahadbecomeadrugaddict.Howsheobtainedthesedrugswasnotfoundout,butitwasaveryfairguessthatshehadbeensuppliedwiththembythisman,OliverCostello.Shewasinfatuatedwithhim,andfinallyranawaywithhim.’
AfteranotherpauseandaglanceacrossattheConstable,toseeifhewaskeepingup,SirRowlandresumedhisstory.‘HenryHailsham-Brown,whoisold-fashionedinhisviews,allowedMirandatodivorcehim,’heexplained.‘HenryhasnowfoundhappinessandpeaceinhismarriagewithClarissa,andIcanassureyou,Inspector,thattherearenoguiltysecretsinClarissa’slife.Thereisnothing,Icanswear,withwhichCostellocouldpossiblythreatenher.’
TheInspectorsaidnothing,butmerelylookedthoughtful.
SirRowlandstoodup,tuckedhischairunderthetable,andwalkedovertothesofa.Then,turningtoaddressthepoliceofficeragain,hesuggested,‘Don’tyouthink,Inspector,thatyou’reonthewrongtrackaltogether?WhyshouldyoubesocertainthatitwasapersonCostellocameheretosee?Whycouldn’tithavebeenaplace?’
TheInspectornowlookedperplexed.‘Whatdoyoumean,sir?’heasked.
‘WhenyouweretalkingtousaboutthelateMrSellon,’SirRowlandremindedhim,‘youmentionedthattheNarcoticsSquadtookaninterestinhim.Isn’tthereapossiblelinkthere?Drugs–Sellon–Sellon’shouse?’
Hepausedbut,receivingnoreactionfromtheInspector,continued,‘Costellohasbeenhereoncebefore,Iunderstand,ostensiblytolookatSellon’santiques.SupposingOliverCostellowantedsomethinginthishouse.Inthatdesk,perhaps.’
TheInspectorglancedatthedesk,andSirRowlandexpandedonhistheory.‘Thereisthecuriousincidentofamanwhocamehereandofferedanexorbitantpriceforthatdesk.SupposingitwasthatdeskthatOliverCostellowantedtoexamine–wantedtosearch,ifyoulike.Supposingthathewasfollowedherebysomeone.Andthatthatsomeonestruckhimdown,therebythedesk.’
TheInspectordidnotseemimpressed.‘There’sagooddealofsupposition–’hebegan,onlytobeinterruptedbySirRowlandwhoinsisted,‘It’saveryreasonablehypothesis.’
‘Thehypothesisbeing,’theInspectorqueried,‘thatthissomebodyputthebodyintherecess?’
‘Exactly.’
‘Thatwouldhavetobesomebodywhoknewabouttherecess,’theInspectorobserved.
‘ItcouldbesomeonewhoknewthehouseinSellon’stime,’SirRowlandpointedout.
‘Yes,that’sallverywell,sir,’theInspectorrepliedimpatiently,‘butitstilldoesn’texplainonething–’
‘Whatisthat?’askedSirRowland.
TheInspectorlookedathimsteadily.‘MrsHailsham-Brownknewthebodywasinthatrecess.Shetriedtopreventuslookingthere.’
SirRowlandopenedhismouthtospeak,buttheInspectorheldupahandandcontinued,‘It’snogoodtryingtoconvincemeotherwise.Sheknew.’
Forafewmoments,atensesilenceprevailed.ThenSirRowlandsaid,‘Inspector,willyouallowmetospeaktomyward?’
‘Onlyinmypresence,sir,’wasthepromptreply.
‘Thatwilldo.’
TheInspectornodded.‘Jones!’TheConstable,understandingwhatwasrequired,lefttheroom.
‘Weareverymuchinyourhands,Inspector,’SirRowlandtoldthepoliceofficer.‘Iwillaskyoutomakewhatallowancesyoucan.’
‘Myoneconcernistogetatthetruth,sir,andtofindoutwhokilledOliverCostello,’theInspectorreplied.
Chapter17
TheConstablecamebackintotheroom,holdingthedooropenforClarissa.
‘Comeinhere,please,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorcalled.AsClarissaentered,SirRowlandwentovertoher.Hespokeverysolemnly.‘Clarissa,mydear,’hesaid.‘WillyoudowhatIaskyou?IwantyoutotelltheInspectorthetruth.’
‘Thetruth?’Clarissaechoed,soundingverydoubtful.
‘Thetruth,’SirRowlandrepeatedwithemphasis.‘It’stheonlythingtodo.Imeanit.Seriously.’Helookedathersteadilyandindeedseriouslyforamoment,andthenlefttheroom.TheConstableclosedthedoorafterhimandresumedhisseatfornote-taking.
‘Dositdown,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorinvitedher,thistimeindicatingthesofa.
Clarissasmiledathim,butthelookhereturnedwasasternone.Shemovedslowlytothesofa,sat,andwaitedforamomentbeforespeaking.Then,‘I’msorry,’shetoldhim.‘I’mterriblysorryItoldyouallthoselies.Ididn’tmeanto.’Shedidindeedsoundruefulasshecontinued,‘Onegetsintothings,ifyouknowwhatImean?’
‘Ican’tsaythatIdoknow,’theInspectorrepliedcoldly.‘Now,pleasejustgivemethefacts.’
‘Well,it’sreallyallquitesimple,’sheexplained,tickingoffthefactsonherfingersasshespoke.‘First,OliverCostelloleft.Then,Henrycamehome.Then,Isawhimoffagaininthecar.Then,Icameinherewiththesandwiches.’
‘Sandwiches?’theInspectorqueried.
‘Yes.Yousee,myhusbandisbringinghomeaveryimportantdelegatefromabroad.’
TheInspectorlookedinterested.‘Oh,whoisthisdelegate?’
‘AMrJones,’Clarissatoldhim.
‘Ibegyourpardon?’saidtheInspector,withalookatConstableJones.
‘MrJones.That’snothisrealname,butthat’swhatwehavetocallhim.It’sallveryhush-hush.’Clarissawentonspeaking.‘Theyweregoingtohavethesandwicheswhiletheytalked,andIwasgoingtohavemousseintheschoolroom.’
TheInspectorwaslookingperplexed.‘Mousseinthe–yes,Isee,’hemurmured,soundingasthoughhedidnotseeatall.
‘Iputthesandwichesdownthere,’Clarissatoldhim,pointingtothestool,‘andthenIbegantidyingup,andIwenttoputabookbackonthebookshelfand–then–andthenIpracticallyfelloverit.’
‘Youfelloverthebody?’theInspectorasked.
‘Yes.Itwashere,behindthesofa.AndIlookedtoseeifit–ifhewasdead,andhewas.ItwasOliverCostello,andIdidn’tknowwhattodo.Intheend,Irangupthegolfclub,andIaskedSirRowland,MrBirchandJeremyWarrendertocomebackrightaway.’
Leaningoverthesofa,theInspectoraskedcoldly,‘Itdidn’toccurtoyoutoringupthepolice?’
‘Well,itoccurredtome,yes,’Clarissaanswered,‘butthen–well–’Shesmiledathimagain.‘Well,Ididn’t.’
‘Youdidn’t,’theInspectormurmuredtohimself.Hewalkedaway,lookedattheConstable,liftedhishandsdespairingly,andthenturnedbacktofaceClarissa.‘Whydidn’tyouringthepolice?’heaskedher.
Clarissawaspreparedforthis.‘Well,Ididn’tthinkitwouldbeniceformyhusband,’shereplied.‘Idon’tknowwhetheryouknowmanypeopleintheForeignOffice,Inspector,butthey’refrightfullyunassuming.Theylikeeverythingveryquiet,notnoticeable.Youmustadmitthatmurdersarerathernoticeable.’
‘Quiteso,’wasallthattheInspectorcouldthinkofinresponsetothis.
‘I’msogladyouunderstand,’Clarissatoldhimwarmlyandalmostgushingly.Shewentonwithherstory,butherdeliverybecamemoreandmoreunconvincingasshebegantofeelthatshewasnotmakingheadway.‘Imean,’shesaid,‘hewasquitedead,becauseIfelthispulse,sowecouldn’tdoanythingforhim.’
TheInspectorwalkedabout,withoutreplying.Followinghimwithhereyes,Clarissacontinued,‘WhatImeanis,hemightjustaswellbedeadinMarsdenWoodasinourdrawing-room.’
TheInspectorturnedsharplytofaceher.‘MarsdenWood?’heaskedabruptly.‘HowdoesMarsdenWoodcomeintoit?’
‘That’swhereIwasthinkingofputtinghim,’Clarissareplied.
TheInspectorputahandtothebackofhishead,andlookedatthefloorasthoughseekinginspirationthere.Then,shakinghisheadtoclearit,hesaidfirmly,‘MrsHailsham-Brown,haveyouneverheardthatadeadbody,ifthere’sanysuggestionoffoulplay,shouldneverbemoved?’
‘OfcourseIknowthat,’Clarissaretorted.‘Itsayssoinallthedetectivestories.But,yousee,thisisreallife.’
TheInspectorliftedhishandsindespair.
‘Imean,’shecontinued,‘reallife’squitedifferent.’
TheInspectorlookedatClarissainincreduloussilenceforamoment,beforeaskingher,‘Doyourealizetheseriousnessofwhatyou’resaying?’
‘OfcourseIdo,’shereplied,‘andI’mtellingyouthetruth.So,yousee,intheend,Iranguptheclubandtheyallcamebackhere.’
‘Andyoupersuadedthemtohidethebodyinthatrecess.’
‘No,’Clarissacorrectedhim.‘Thatcamelater.Myplan,asItoldyou,wasthattheyshouldtakeOliver’sbodyawayinhiscarandleavethecarinMarsdenWood.’
‘Andtheyagreed?’TheInspector’stonewasdistinctlyunbelieving.
‘Yes,theyagreed,’saidClarissa,smilingathim.
‘Frankly,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectortoldherbrusquely,‘Idon’tbelieveawordofit.Idon’tbelievethatthreeresponsiblemenwouldagreetoobstructthecourseofjusticeinsuchamannerforsuchapaltrycause.’
Clarissarosetoherfeet.WalkingawayfromtheInspector,shesaidmoretoherselfthantohim,‘Iknewyouwouldn’tbelievemeifItoldyouthetruth.’Sheturnedtofacehim.‘Whatdoyoubelieve,then?’sheaskedhim.
WatchingClarissacloselyashespoke,theInspectorreplied,‘Icanseeonlyonereasonwhythosethreemenshouldagreetolie.’
‘Oh?Whatdoyoumean?Whatotherreasonwouldtheyhave?’
‘Theywouldagreetolie,’theInspectorcontinued,‘iftheybelieved,or,evenmoreso,iftheyactuallyknew–thatyouhadkilledhim.’
Clarissastaredathim.‘ButIhadnoreasonforkillinghim,’sheprotested.‘Absolutelynoreason.’Sheflungawayfromhim.‘Oh,Iknewyou’dreactlikethis,’sheexclaimed.‘That’swhy–’
Shebrokeoffsuddenly,andtheInspectorturnedtoher.‘That’swhywhat?’heaskedabruptly.
Clarissastoodthinking.Somemomentspassed,andthenhermannerappearedtochange.Shebegantospeakmoreconvincingly.‘Allright,then,’sheannounced,withtheairofonewhoismakingacleanbreastofthings.‘I’lltellyouwhy.’
‘Ithinkthatwouldbewiser,’theInspectorsaid.
‘Yes,’sheagreed,turningtofacehimsquarely.‘IsupposeI’dbettertellyouthetruth.’Sheemphasizedtheword.
TheInspectorsmiled.‘Icanassureyou,’headvisedher,‘thattellingthepoliceapackoflieswilldoyouverylittlegood,MrsHailsham-Brown.You’dbettertellmetherealstory.Andfromthebeginning.’
‘Iwill,’Clarissapromised.Shesatdowninachairbythebridgetable.‘Ohdear,’shesighed,‘IthoughtIwasbeingsoclever.’
‘It’smuchbetternottotrytobeclever,’theInspectortoldher.HeseatedhimselffacingClarissa.‘Nowthen,’heasked,‘whatreallydidhappenthisevening?’
Chapter18
Clarissawassilentforafewmoments.Then,lookingtheInspectorsteadilyintheeye,shebegantospeak.‘ItallstartedasI’vealreadyexplainedtoyou.Isaidgood-byetoOliverCostello,andhe’dgoneoffwithMissPeake.Ihadnoideahewouldcomebackagain,andIstillcan’tunderstandwhyhedid.’
Shepaused,andseemedtobetryingtorecallwhathadhappenednext.‘Oh,yes,’shecontinued.‘Thenmyhusbandcamehome,explainingthathewouldhavetogooutagainimmediately.Hewentoffinthecar,anditwasjustafterIhadshutthefrontdoor,andmadesurethatitwaslatchedandbolted,thatIsuddenlybegantofeelnervous.’
‘Nervous?’askedtheInspector,lookingpuzzled.‘Why?’
‘Well,I’mnotusuallynervous,’shetoldhim,speakingwithgreatfeeling,‘butitoccurredtomethatI’dneverbeenaloneinthehouseatnight.’
Shepaused.‘Yes,goon,’theInspectorencouragedher.
‘Itoldmyselfnottobesosilly.Isaidtomyself,“You’vegotthephone,haven’tyou?Youcanalwaysringforhelp.”Isaidtomyself,“Burglarsdon’tcomeatthistimeoftheevening.Theycomeinthemiddleofthenight.”ButIstillkeptthinkingIheardadoorshuttingsomewhere,orfootstepsupinmybedroom.SoIthoughtI’dbetterdosomething.’
Shepausedagain,andagaintheInspectorpromptedher.‘Yes?’
‘Iwentintothekitchen,’Clarissasaid,‘andmadethesandwichesforHenryandMrJonestohavewhentheygotback.Igotthemallreadyonaplate,withanapkinaroundthemtokeepthemsoft,andIwasjustcomingacrossthehalltoputtheminhere,when–’shepauseddramatically–‘Ireallyheardsomething.’
‘Where?’theInspectorasked.
‘Inthisroom,’shetoldhim.‘Iknewthat,thistime,Iwasn’timaginingit.Ihearddrawersbeingpulledopenandshut,andthenIsuddenlyrememberedthattheFrenchwindowsinhereweren’tlocked.Weneverdolockthem.Somebodyhadcomeinthatway.’
Againshepaused.‘Goon,MrsHailsham-Brown,’saidtheInspectorimpassively.
Clarissamadeagestureofhelplessness.‘Ididn’tknowwhattodo.Iwaspetrified.ThenIthought,“WhatifI’mjustbeingafool?Whatifit’sHenrycomebackforsomething–orevenSirRowlandoroneoftheothers?Anicefoolyou’lllookifyougoupstairsandringthepoliceontheextension.”SothenIthoughtofaplan.’
Shepausedoncemore,andtheInspector’s‘Yes?’thistimesoundedatrifleimpatient.
‘Iwenttothehallstand,’Clarissasaidslowly,‘andItooktheheavieststickIcouldfind.ThenIwentintothelibrary.Ididn’tturnthelighton.Ifeltmywayacrosstheroomtothatrecess.Iopeneditverygentlyandslippedinside.IthoughtIcouldeasethedoorintohereandseewhoitwas.’Shepointedtothepanel.‘Unlessanyoneknewaboutit,you’dneverdreamtherewasadoorjustthere.’
‘No,’theInspectoragreed,‘youcertainlywouldn’t.’
Clarissaseemednowtobealmostenjoyinghernarrative.‘Ieasedthecatchopen,’shecontinued,‘andthenmyfingersslipped,andthedoorswungrightopenandhitagainstachair.Amanwhowasstandingbythedeskstraightenedup.Isawsomethingbrightandshininginhishand.Ithoughtitwasarevolver.Iwasterrified.Ithoughthewasgoingtoshootme.Ihitoutathimwiththestickwithallmymight,andhefell.’
Shecollapsedandleantonthetablewithherfaceinherhands.‘CouldI–couldIhavealittlebrandy,please?’sheaskedtheInspector.
‘Yes,ofcourse.’TheInspectorgottohisfeet.‘Jones!’hecalled.TheConstablepouredsomebrandyintoaglassandhandedittotheInspector.Clarissahadliftedherface,butquicklycovereditwithherhandsagainandheldoutherhandastheInspectorbroughtherthebrandy.Shedrank,coughed,andreturnedtheglass.ConstableJonesreplaceditonatableandresumedhisseatandhisnote-taking.
TheInspectorlookedatClarissa.‘Doyoufeelabletocontinue,MrsHailsham-Brown?’heaskedsympathetically.
‘Yes,’Clarissareplied,glancingupathim.‘You’reverykind.’Shetookabreathandcontinuedherstory.‘Themanjustlaythere.Hedidn’tmove.IswitchedonthelightandIsawthenthatitwasOliverCostello.Hewasdead.Itwasterrible.I–Icouldn’tunderstandit.’
Shegesturedtowardsthedesk.‘Icouldn’tunderstandwhathewasdoingthere,tamperingwiththedesk.Itwasalllikesomeghastlynightmare.IwassofrightenedthatIrangthegolfclub.Iwantedmyguardiantobewithme.Theyallcameover.Ibeggedthemtohelpme,totakethebodyaway–somewhere.’
TheInspectorstaredatherintently.‘Butwhy?’heasked.
Clarissaturnedawayfromhim.‘BecauseIwasacoward,’shesaid.‘Amiserablecoward.Iwasfrightenedofthepublicity,ofhavingtogotoapolicecourt.Anditwouldbesobadformyhusbandandforhiscareer.’
SheturnedbacktotheInspector.‘Ifithadreallybeenaburglar,perhapsIcouldhavegonethroughwithit,butbeingsomeoneweactuallyknew,someonewhoismarriedtoHenry’sfirstwife–Oh,IjustfeltIcouldn’tgothroughwithit.’
‘Perhaps,’theInspectorsuggested,‘becausethedeadmanhad,ashortwhilebefore,attemptedtoblackmailyou?’
‘Blackmailme?Oh,that’snonsense!’Clarissarepliedwithcompleteconfidence.‘That’sjustsilly.There’snothinganyonecouldblackmailmeabout.’
‘Elgin,yourbutler,overheardamentionofblackmail,’theInspectortoldher.
‘Idon’tbelieveheheardanythingofthekind,’repliedClarissa.‘Hecouldn’t.Ifyouaskme,he’smakingthewholethingup.’
‘Comenow,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorinsisted,‘areyoudeliberatelytellingmethatthewordblackmailwasnevermentioned?Whywouldyourbutlermakeitup?’
‘Isweartherewasnomentionofblackmail,’Clarissaexclaimed,bangingthetablewithherhand.‘Iassureyou–’Herhandstoppedinmid-air,andshesuddenlylaughed.‘Oh,howsilly.Ofcourse.Thatwasit.’
‘You’veremembered?’theInspectoraskedcalmly.
‘Itwasnothing,really,’Clarissaassuredhim.‘ItwasjustthatOliverwassayingsomethingabouttherentoffurnishedhousesbeingabsurdlyhigh,andIsaidwe’dbeenamazinglyluckyandwereonlypayingfourguineasaweekforthis.Andhesaid,“Icanhardlybelieveit,Clarissa.What’syourpull?Itmustbeblackmail.”AndIlaughedandsaid,“That’sit.Blackmail.”’
Shelaughednow,apparentlyrecallingtheexchange.‘Justasilly,jokingwayoftalking.Why,Ididn’tevenrememberit.’
‘I’msorry,MrsHailsham-Brown,’saidtheInspector,‘butIreallycan’tbelievethat.’
Clarissalookedastonished.‘Can’tbelievewhat?’
‘Thatyou’reonlypayingfourguineasaweekforthishouse,furnished.’
‘Honestly!YoureallyarethemostunbelievingmanI’veevermet,’Clarissatoldhimassheroseandwenttothedesk.‘Youdon’tseemtobelieveasinglethingI’vesaidtoyouthisevening.MostthingsIcan’tprove,butthisoneIcan.AndthistimeI’mgoingtoshowyou.’
Sheopenedadrawerofthedeskandsearchedthroughthepapersinit.‘Hereitis,’sheexclaimed.‘No,itisn’t.Ah!Hereweare.’ShetookadocumentfromthedrawerandshowedittotheInspector.‘Here’stheagreementforourtenancyofthishouse,furnished.It’smadeoutbyafirmofsolicitorsactingfortheexecutorsand,look–fourguineasperweek.’
TheInspectorlookedjolted.‘Well,I’mblessed!It’sextraordinary.Quiteextraordinary.I’dhavethoughtitwasworthmuchmorethanthat.’
Clarissagavehimoneofhermostcharmingsmiles.‘Don’tyouthink,Inspector,thatyououghttobegmypardon?’shesuggested.
TheInspectorinjectedacertainamountofcharmintohisvoiceasheresponded.‘Idoapologize,MrsHailsham-Brown,’hesaid,‘butitreallyisextremelyodd,youknow.’
‘Why?Whatdoyoumean?’Clarissaasked,asshereplacedthedocumentinthedrawer.
‘Well,itsohappens,’theInspectorreplied,‘thataladyandagentlemanweredowninthisareawithorderstoviewthishouse,andtheladyhappenedtoloseaveryvaluablebroochsomewhereinthevicinity.Shecalledinatthepolicestationtogiveparticulars,andshehappenedtomentionthishouse.Shesaidtheownerswereaskinganabsurdprice.Shethoughteighteenguineasaweekforahouseoutinthecountryandmilesfromanywherewasridiculous.Ithoughtsotoo.’
‘Yes,thatisextraordinary,veryextraordinary,’Clarissaagreed,withafriendlysmile.‘Iunderstandwhyyouweresceptical.Butperhapsnowyou’llbelievesomeoftheotherthingsIsaid.’
‘I’mnotdoubtingyourfinalstory,MrsHailsham-Brown,’theInspectorassuredher.‘Weusuallyknowthetruthwhenwehearit.Iknew,too,thattherewouldhavetobesomeseriousreasonforthosethreegentlementocookupthisharebrainedschemeofconcealment.’
‘Youmustn’tblamethemtoomuch,Inspector,’Clarissapleaded.‘Itwasmyfault.Iwentonandonatthem.’
Alltooawareofhercharm,theInspectorreplied,‘Ah,I’venodoubtyoudid.ButwhatIstilldon’tunderstandis,whotelephonedthepoliceinthefirstplaceandreportedthemurder?’
‘Yes,thatisextraordinary!’saidClarissa,soundingstartled.‘I’dcompletelyforgottenthat.’
‘Itclearlywasn’tyou,’theInspectorpointedout,‘anditwouldn’thavebeenanyofthethreegentlemen–’
Clarissashookherhead.‘CouldithavebeenElgin?’shewondered.‘OrperhapsMissPeake?’
‘Idon’tthinkitcouldpossiblyhavebeenMissPeake,’saidtheInspector.‘Sheclearlydidn’tknowCostello’sbodywasthere.’
‘Iwonderifthat’sso,’saidClarissathoughtfully.
‘Afterall,whenthebodywasdiscovered,shehadhysterics,’theInspectorremindedher.
‘Oh,that’snothing.Anyonecanhavehysterics,’Clarissaremarkedincautiously.TheInspectorshotherasuspiciousglance,atwhichshefeltitexpedienttogivehimasinnocentasmileasshecouldmanage.
‘Anyway,MissPeakedoesn’tliveinthehouse,’theInspectorobserved.‘Shehasherowncottageinthegrounds.’
‘Butshecouldhavebeeninthehouse,’saidClarissa.‘Youknow,shehaskeystoallthedoors.’
TheInspectorshookhishead.‘No,itlookstomemorelikeElginwhomusthavecalledus,’hesaid.
Clarissamovedclosertohim,andflashedhimasomewhatanxioussmile.‘You’renotgoingtosendmetoprison,areyou?’sheasked.‘UncleRolysaidhewassureyouwouldn’t.’
TheInspectorgaveheranausterelook.‘It’sagoodthingyouchangedyourstoryintime,andtoldusthetruth,madam,’headvisedhersternly.‘But,ifImaysayso,MrsHailsham-Brown,Ithinkyoushouldgetintouchwithyoursolicitorassoonaspossibleandgivehimalltherelevantfacts.Inthemeantime,I’llgetyourstatementtypedoutandreadovertoyou,andperhapsyouwillbegoodenoughtosignit.’
ClarissawasabouttoreplywhenthehalldooropenedandSirRowlandentered.‘Icouldn’tkeepawayanylonger,’heexplained.‘Isitallrightnow,Inspector?Doyouunderstandwhatourdilemmawas?’
Clarissawentacrosstoherguardianbeforehecouldsayanymore.‘Roly,darling,’shegreetedhim,takinghishand.‘I’vemadeastatement,andthepolice–orratherMrJoneshere–isgoingtotypeitout.ThenI’vegottosignit,andI’vetoldthemeverything.’
TheInspectorwentovertoconferwiththeConstable,andClarissacontinuedspeakingquietlytoSirRowland.‘ItoldthemhowIthoughtitwasaburglar,’shesaidwithemphasis,‘andhithimonthehead–’
WhenSirRowlandlookedatherinalarmandopenedhismouthtospeak,shequicklycoveredhismouthwithherhandssothathecouldnotgetthewordsout.Shecontinuedhurriedly,‘ThenItoldthemhowitturnedouttobeOliverCostello,andhowIgotinaterribleflapandrangyou,andhowIbeggedandbeggedandatlastyouallgavein.Iseenowhowwrongofmeitwas–’
TheInspectorturnedbacktothem,andClarissaremovedherhandfromSirRowland’smouthjustintime.‘Butwhenithappened,’shewassaying,‘Iwasjustscaredstiff,andIthoughtitwouldbecosierforeverybody–me,HenryandevenMiranda–ifOliverwasfoundinMarsdenWood.’
SirRowlandlookedaghast.‘Clarissa!Whatonearthhaveyoubeensaying?’hegasped.
‘MrsHailsham-Brownhasmadeaveryfullstatement,sir,’theInspectorsaidcomplacently.
Recoveringhimselfsomewhat,SirRowlandreplieddrily,‘Soitseems.’
‘It’sthebestthingtodo,’saidClarissa.‘Infact,itwastheonlythingtodo.TheInspectormademeseethat.AndI’mtrulysorrytohavetoldallthosesillylies.’
‘Itwillleadtofarlesstroubleintheend,’theInspectorassuredher.‘Now,MrsHailsham-Brown,’hewenton,‘Ishan’taskyoutogointotherecesswhilethebodyisstillthere,butI’dlikeyoutoshowmeexactlywherethemanwasstandingwhenyoucamethroughthatwayintothisroom.’
‘Oh–yes–well–hewas–’Clarissabeganhesitantly.Shewentacrosstothedesk.‘No,’shecontinued,‘Iremembernow.Hewasstandingherelikethis.’Shestoodatoneendofthedesk,andleanedoverit.
‘BereadytoopenthepanelwhenIgiveyoutheword,Jones,’saidtheInspector,motioningtotheConstable,whoroseandputhishandonthepanelswitch.
‘Isee,’theInspectorsaidtoClarissa.‘That’swherehewasstanding.Andthenthedooropenedandyoucameout.Allright,Idon’twantyoutohavetolookinthereatthebodynow,sojuststandinfrontofthepanelwhenitopens.Now–Jones.’
TheConstableactivatedtheswitch,andthepanelopened.TherecesswasemptyexceptforasmallpieceofpaperonthefloorwhichConstableJonesretrieved,whiletheInspectorlookedaccusinglyatClarissaandSirRowland.
TheConstablereadoutwhatwasontheslipofpaper.‘Suckstoyou!’AstheInspectorsnatchedthepaperfromhim,ClarissaandSirRowlandlookedateachotherinastonishment.
Aloudringfromthefront-doorbellbrokethesilence.
Chapter19
AfewmomentslaterElgincameintothedrawing-roomtoannouncethattheDivisionalSurgeonhadarrived.TheInspectorandConstableJonesimmediatelyaccompaniedthebutlertothefrontdoor,wheretheInspectorhadtheunenviabletaskofconfessingtotheDivisionalSurgeonthat,asitturnedout,therewasatpresentnobodytoexamine.
‘Really,InspectorLord,’theDivisionalSurgeonsaidirritably.‘Doyourealizehowinfuriatingitistohavebroughtmeallthiswayonawild-goosechase?’
‘ButIassureyou,Doctor,’theInspectorattemptedtoexplain,‘wedidhaveabody.’
‘TheInspector’sright,Doctor,’ConstableJonesaddedhisvoice.‘Wecertainlydidhaveabody.Itjusthappenstohavedisappeared.’
ThesoundoftheirvoiceshadbroughtHugoandJeremyoutfromthedining-roomontheothersideofthehall.Theycouldnotrefrainfrommakingunhelpfulcomments.‘Ican’tthinkhowyoupolicemenevergetanythingdone–losingbodiesindeed,’Hugoexpostulated,whileJeremyexclaimed,‘Idon’tunderstandwhyaguardwasn’tputonthebody.’
‘Well,whateverhashappened,ifthere’snobodyformetoexamine,I’mnotwastinganymoretimehere,’theDivisionalSurgeonsnappedattheInspector.‘Icanassureyouthatyou’llhearmoreaboutthis,InspectorLord.’
‘Yes,Doctor.I’venodoubtofthat.Goodnight,Doctor,’theInspectorrepliedwearily.
TheDivisionalSurgeonleft,slammingthefrontdoorbehindhim,andtheInspectorturnedtoElgin,whoforestalledhimbysayingquickly,‘Iknownothingaboutit,Iassureyou,sir,nothingatall.’
Meanwhile,inthedrawing-room,ClarissaandSirRowlandwereenjoyingoverhearingthediscomfitureofthepoliceofficers.‘Ratherabadmomentforthepolicereinforcementstoarrive,’SirRowlandchuckled.‘TheDivisionalSurgeonseemsveryannoyedatfindingnocorpsetoexamine.’
Clarissagiggled.‘Butwhocanhavespiriteditaway?’sheasked.‘DoyouthinkJeremymanageditsomehow?’
‘Idon’tseehowhecouldhavedone,’SirRowlandreplied.‘Theydidn’tletanyonebackintothelibrary,andthedoorfromthelibrarytothehallwaslocked.Pippa’s“Suckstoyou”wasthelaststraw.’
Clarissalaughed,andSirRowlandcontinued,‘Still,itshowsusonething.Costellohadmanagedtoopenthesecretdrawer.’Hepaused,andhismannerchanged.‘Clarissa,’hesaidinaserioustone,‘whyonearthdidn’tyoutellthetruthtotheInspectorwhenIbeggedyouto?’
‘Idid,’Clarissaprotested,‘exceptforthepartaboutPippa.Buthejustdidn’tbelieveme.’
‘But,forHeaven’ssake,whydidyouhavetostuffhimwithallthatnonsense?’SirRowlandinsistedonknowing.
‘Well,’Clarissarepliedwithahelplessgesture,‘itseemedtomethemostlikelythinghewouldbelieve.And,’sheendedtriumphantly,‘hedoesbelievemenow.’
‘Andanicemessyou’reinasaresult,’SirRowlandpointedout.‘You’llbeuponachargeofmanslaughter,forallyouknow.’
‘Ishallclaimitwasself-defence,’Clarissasaidconfidently.
BeforeSirRowlandhadachancetoreply,HugoandJeremyenteredfromthehall,andHugowalkedovertothebridgetable,grumbling.‘Wretchedpolice,pushingusaroundhereandthere.Nowitseemsthey’vegoneandlostthebody.’
Jeremyclosedthedoorbehindhim,thenwentovertothestoolandtookasandwich.‘Damnpeculiar,Icallit,’heannounced.
‘It’sfantastic,’saidClarissa.‘Thewholething’sfantastic.Thebody’sgone,andwestilldon’tknowwhorangupthepoliceinthefirstplaceandsaidthere’dbeenamurderhere.’
‘Well,thatwasElgin,surely,’Jeremysuggested,ashesatonanarmofthesofaandbegantoeathissandwich.
‘No,no,’Hugodisagreed.‘I’dsayitwasthatPeakewoman.’
‘Butwhy?’Clarissaasked.‘Whywouldeitherofthemdothat,andnottellus?Itdoesn’tmakesense.’
MissPeakeputherheadinatthehalldoorandlookedaroundwithaconspiratorialair.‘Hello,isthecoastclear?’sheasked.Closingthedoor,shestrodeconfidentlyintotheroom.‘Nobobbiesabout?Theyseemtobeswarmingallovertheplace.’
‘They’rebusysearchingthehouseandgroundsnow,’SirRowlandinformedher.
‘Whatfor?’askedMissPeake.
‘Thebody,’SirRowlandreplied.‘It’sgone.’
MissPeakegaveherusualheartylaugh.‘Whatalark!’sheboomed.‘Thedisappearingbody,eh?’
Hugosatatthebridgetable.Lookingaroundtheroom,heobservedtonooneinparticular,‘It’sanightmare.Thewholething’sadamnnightmare.’
‘Quitelikethemovies,eh,MrsHailsham-Brown?’MissPeakesuggestedwithanotherhootoflaughter.
SirRowlandsmiledatthegardener.‘Ihopeyouarefeelingbetternow,MissPeake?’heaskedhercourteously.
‘Oh,I’mallright,’shereplied.‘I’mprettytoughreally,youknow.Iwasjustabitbowledoverbyopeningthatdoorandfindingacorpse.Turnedmeupforthemoment,Imustadmit.’
‘Iwondered,perhaps,’saidClarissaquietly,‘ifyoualreadyknewitwasthere.’
Thegardenerstaredather.‘Who?Me?’
‘Yes.You.’
Againseemingtobeaddressingtheentireuniverse,Hugosaid,‘Itdoesn’tmakesense.Whytakethebodyaway?Weallknowthereisabody.Weknowhisidentityandeverything.Nopointinit.Whynotleavethewretchedthingwhereitwas?’
‘Oh,Iwouldn’tsaytherewasnopointinit,MrBirch,’MissPeakecorrectedHugo,leaningacrossthebridgetabletoaddresshim.‘You’vegottohaveabody,youknow.Habeascorpusandallthat.Remember?You’vegottohaveabodybeforeyoucanbringachargeofmurderagainstanybody.’SheturnedaroundtoClarissa.‘Sodon’tyouworry,MrsHailsham-Brown,’sheassuredher.‘Everything’sgoingtobeallright.’
Clarissastaredather.‘Whatdoyoumean?’
‘I’vekeptmyearsopenthisevening,’thegardenertoldher.‘Ihaven’tspentallmytimelyingonthebedinthespareroom.’Shelookedaroundateveryone.‘IneverlikedthatmanElgin,orhiswife,’shecontinued.‘Listeningatdoors,andrunningtothepolicewithstoriesaboutblackmail.’
‘Soyouheardthat?’Clarissaasked,wonderingly.
‘WhatIalwayssayis,standbyyourownsex,’MissPeakedeclared.ShelookedatHugo.‘Men!’shesnorted.‘Idon’tholdwiththem.’ShesatdownnexttoClarissaonthesofa.‘Iftheycan’tfindthebody,mydear,’sheexplained,‘theycan’tbringachargeagainstyou.AndwhatIsayis,ifthatbrutewasblackmailingyou,youdidquiterighttocrackhimovertheheadandgoodriddance.’
‘ButIdidn’t–’Clarissabeganfaintly,onlytobeinterruptedbyMissPeake.
‘IheardyoutellthatInspectorallaboutit,’thegardenerinformedher.‘Andifitwasn’tforthateavesdroppingskulkingfellowElgin,yourstorywouldsoundquiteallright.Perfectlybelievable.’
‘Whichstorydoyoumean?’Clarissawonderedaloud.
‘Aboutmistakinghimforaburglar.It’stheblackmailanglethatputsadifferentcomplexiononitall.SoIthoughttherewasonlyonethingtodo,’thegardenercontinued.‘Getridofthebodyandletthepolicechasetheirtailslookingforit.’
SirRowlandtookafewstepsbackward,staggeringindisbelief,asMissPeakelookedcomplacentlyaroundtheroom.‘Prettysmartwork,evenifIdosaysomyself,’sheboasted.
Jeremyrose,fascinated.‘Doyoumeantosaythatitwasyouwhomovedthebody?’heasked,incredulously.
EveryonewasnowstaringatMissPeake.‘We’reallfriendshere,aren’twe?’sheasked,lookingaroundatthem.‘SoImayaswellspillthebeans.Yes,’sheadmitted,‘Imovedthebody.’Shetappedherpocket.‘AndIlockedthedoor.I’vegotkeystoallthedoorsinthishouse,sothatwasnoproblem.’
Open-mouthed,Clarissagazedatherinwonderment.‘Buthow?Where–wheredidyouputthebody?’shegasped.
MissPeakeleanedforwardandspokeinaconspiratorialwhisper.‘Thebedinthespareroom.Youknow,thatbigfour-poster.Rightacrosstheheadofthebed,underthebolster.ThenIremadethebedandlaydownontopofit.’
SirRowland,flabbergasted,satdownatthebridgetable.
‘Buthowdidyougetthebodyuptothespareroom?’Clarissaasked.‘Youcouldn’tmanageitallbyyourself.’
‘You’dbesurprised,’saidMissPeakejovially.‘Goodoldfireman’slift.Slungitovermyshoulder.’Withagesture,shedemonstratedhowitwasdone
‘Butwhatifyouhadmetsomeoneonthestairs?’SirRowlandaskedher.
‘Ah,butIdidn’t,’repliedMissPeake.‘ThepolicewereinherewithMrsHailsham-Brown.Youthreechapswerebeingkeptinthedining-roombythen.SoIgrabbedmychance,andofcoursegrabbedthebodytoo,tookitthroughthehall,lockedthelibrarydooragain,andcarrieditupthestairstothespareroom.’
‘Well,uponmysoul!’SirRowlandgasped.
Clarissagottoherfeet.‘Buthecan’tstayunderthebolsterforever,’shepointedout.
MissPeaketurnedtoher.‘No,notforever,ofcourse,MrsHailsham-Brown,’sheadmitted.‘Buthe’llbeallrightfortwenty-fourhours.Bythattime,thepolicewillhavefinishedwiththehouseandgrounds.They’llbesearchingfurtherafield.’
Shelookedaroundatherenthralledaudience.‘Now,I’vebeenthinkingabouthowtogetridofhim,’shewenton.‘Ihappenedtodigoutanicedeeptrenchinthegardenthismorning–forthesweetpeas.Well,we’llburythebodythereandplantanicedoublerowofsweetpeasallalongit.’
Completelyatalossforwords,Clarissacollapsedontothesofa.
‘I’mafraid,MissPeake,’saidSirRowland,‘grave-diggingisnolongeramatterforprivateenterprise.’
Thegardenerlaughedmerrilyatthis.‘Oh,youmen!’sheexclaimed,waggingherfingeratSirRowland.‘Alwayssuchsticklersforpropriety.Wewomenhavegotmorecommonsense.’SheturnedtoaddressClarissa.‘Wecaneventakemurderinourstride.Eh,MrsHailsham-Brown?’
Hugosuddenlyleapttohisfeet.‘Thisisabsurd!’heshouted.‘Clarissadidn’tkillhim.Idon’tbelieveawordofit.’
‘Well,ifshedidn’tkillhim,’MissPeakeaskedbreezily,‘whodid?’
Atthatmoment,Pippaenteredtheroomfromthehall,wearingadressing-gown,walkinginaverysleepymanner,yawning,andcarryingaglassdishcontainingchocolatemoussewithateaspooninit.Everyoneturnedandlookedather.
Chapter20
Startled,Clarissajumpedtoherfeet.‘Pippa!’shecried.‘Whatareyoudoingoutofbed?’
‘Iwokeup,soIcamedown,’saidPippabetweenyawns.
Clarissaledhertothesofa.‘I’msofrightfullyhungry,’Pippacomplained,yawningagain.Shesat,thenlookedupatClarissaandsaid,reproachfully,‘Yousaidyou’dbringthisuptome.’
ClarissatookthedishofchocolatemoussefromPippa,placeditonthestool,andthensatonthesofanexttothechild.‘Ithoughtyouwerestillasleep,Pippa,’sheexplained.
‘Iwasasleep,’Pippatoldher,withanotherenormousyawn.‘ThenIthoughtapolicemancameinandlookedatme.I’dbeenhavinganawfuldream,andthenIhalfwokeup.ThenIwashungry,soIthoughtI’dcomedown.’
Sheshivered,lookedaroundateveryone,andcontinued,‘Besides,Ithoughtitmightbetrue.’
SirRowlandcameandsatonthesofaonPippa’sotherside.‘Whatmightbetrue,Pippa?’heaskedher.
‘ThathorribledreamIhadaboutOliver,’Pippareplied,shudderingassherecollectedit.
‘WhatwasyourdreamaboutOliver,Pippa?’SirRowlandaskedquietly.‘Tellme.’
Pippalookednervousasshetookasmallpieceofmouldedwaxfromapocketofherdressing-gown.‘Imadethisearliertonight,’shesaid.‘Imelteddownawaxcandle,thenImadeapinredhot,andIstuckthepinthroughit.’
AsshehandedthesmallwaxfiguretoSirRowland,Jeremysuddenlygaveastartledexclamationof‘GoodLord!’Heleaptupandbegantolookaroundtheroom,searchingforthebookPippahadtriedtoshowhimearlier.
‘Isaidtherightwordsandeverything,’PippawasexplainingtoSirRowland,‘butIcouldn’tdoitquitethewaythebooksaid.’
‘Whatbook?’Clarissaasked.‘Idon’tunderstand.’
Jeremy,whohadbeenlookingalongthebookshelves,nowfoundwhathewasseeking.‘Hereitis,’heexclaimed,handingthebooktoClarissaoverthebackofthesofa.‘Pippagotitinthemarkettoday.Shecalleditarecipebook.’
Pippasuddenlylaughed.‘Andyousaidtome,“Canyoueatit?”’sheremindedJeremy.
Clarissaexaminedthebook.‘AHundredWell-triedandTrustySpells,’shereadonthecover.Sheopenedthebook,andreadon.‘“Howtocurewarts.Howtogetyourheart’sdesire.Howtodestroyyourenemy.”Oh,Pippa–isthatwhatyoudid?’
Pippalookedatherstepmothersolemnly.‘Yes,’sheanswered.
AsClarissahandedthebookbacktoJeremy,PippalookedatthewaxfigureSirRowlandwasstillholding.‘Itisn’tverylikeOliver,’sheadmitted,‘andIcouldn’tgetanyclippingsofhishair.ButitwasasmuchlikehimasIcouldmakeit–andthen–then–Idreamed,Ithought–’Shepushedherhairbackfromherfaceasshespoke.‘IthoughtIcamedownhereandhewasthere.’Shepointedbehindthesofa.‘Anditwasalltrue.’
SirRowlandputthewaxfiguredownonthestoolquietly,asPippacontinued,‘Hewasthere,dead.Ihadkilledhim.’Shelookedaroundatthemall,andbegantoshake.‘Isittrue?’sheasked.‘DidIkillhim?’
‘No,darling.No,’saidClarissatearfully,puttinganarmaroundPippa.
‘Buthewasthere,’Pippainsisted.
‘Iknow,Pippa,’SirRowlandtoldher.‘Butyoudidn’tkillhim.Whenyoustuckthepinthroughthatwaxfigure,itwasyourhateandyourfearofhimthatyoukilledinthatway.You’renotafraidofhimandyoudon’thatehimanylonger.Isn’tthattrue?’
Pippaturnedtohim.‘Yes,it’strue,’sheadmitted.‘ButIdidseehim.’Sheglancedoverthebackofthesofa.‘IcamedownhereandIsawhimlyingthere,dead.’SheleanedherheadonSirRowland’schest.‘Ididseehim,UncleRoly.’
‘Yes,dear,youdidseehim,’SirRowlandtoldhergently.‘Butitwasn’tyouwhokilledhim.’Shelookedupathimanxiously,andhecontinued,‘Now,listentome,Pippa.Somebodyhithimovertheheadwithabigstick.Youdidn’tdothat,didyou?’
‘Oh,no,’saidPippa,shakingherheadvigorously.‘No,notastick.’SheturnedtoClarissa.‘YoumeanagolfsticklikeJeremyhad?’
Jeremylaughed.‘No,notagolfclub,Pippa,’heexplained.‘Somethinglikethatbigstickthat’skeptinthehallstand.’
‘YoumeantheonethatusedtobelongtoMrSellon,theoneMissPeakecallsaknobkerry?’Pippaasked.
Jeremynodded.
‘Oh,no,’Pippatoldhim.‘Iwouldn’tdoanythinglikethat.Icouldn’t.’SheturnedbacktoSirRowland.‘Oh,UncleRoly,Iwouldn’thavekilledhimreally.’
‘Ofcourseyouwouldn’t,’Clarissaintervenedinavoiceofcalmcommon-sense.‘Nowcomealong,darling,youeatupyourchocolatemousseandforgetallaboutit.’Shepickedupthedishandofferedit,butPipparefusedwithashakeofherhead,andClarissareplacedthedishonthestool.SheandSirRowlandhelpedPippatoliedownonthesofa,ClarissatookPippa’shand,andSirRowlandstrokedthechild’shairaffectionately.
‘Idon’tunderstandawordofallthis,’MissPeakeannounced.‘Whatisthatbook,anyway?’sheaskedJeremywhowasnowglancingthroughit.
‘“Howtobringamurrainonyourneighbour’scattle.”Doesthatattractyou,MissPeake?’hereplied.‘Idaresaywithalittleadjustingyoucouldbringblackspottoyourneighbour’sroses.’
‘Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,’thegardenersaidbrusquely.
‘Blackmagic,’Jeremyexplained.
‘I’mnotsuperstitious,thankgoodness,’shesnorteddismissively,movingawayfromhim.
Hugo,whohadbeenattemptingtofollowthetrainofevents,nowconfessed,‘I’minacompletefog.’
‘Me,too,’MissPeakeagreed,tappinghimontheshoulder.‘SoI’lljusthaveapeepandseehowtheboysinbluearegettingon.’Withanotherofherboisterouslaughs,shewentoutintothehall.
SirRowlandlookedaroundatClarissa,HugoandJeremy.‘Nowwheredoesthatleaveus?’hewonderedaloud.
Clarissawasstillrecoveringfromtherevelationsofthepreviousfewminutes
‘WhatafoolI’vebeen,’sheexclaimed,confusedly.‘IshouldhaveknownPippacouldn’tpossibly–Ididn’tknowanythingaboutthisbook.PippasaidshekilledhimandI–Ithoughtitwastrue.’
Hugogottohisfeet.‘Oh,youmeanthatyouthoughtPippa–’
‘Yes,darling,’Clarissainterruptedhimurgentlyandemphaticallytostophimfromsayinganymore.ButPippa,fortunately,wasnowsleepingpeacefullyonthesofa.
‘Oh,Isee,’saidHugo.‘Thatexplainsit.GoodGod!’
‘Well,we’dbettergotothepolicenow,andtellthemthetruthatlast,’Jeremysuggested.
SirRowlandshookhisheadthoughtfully.‘Idon’tknow,’hemurmured.‘Clarissahasalreadytoldthemthreedifferentstories–’
‘No.Wait,’Clarissainterruptedsuddenly.‘I’vejusthadanidea.Hugo,whatwasthenameofMrSellon’sshop?’
‘Itwasjustanantiqueshop,’Hugoreplied,vaguely.
‘Yes,Iknowthat,’Clarissaexclaimedimpatiently.‘Butwhatwasitcalled?’
‘Whatdoyoumean–“whatwasitcalled”?’
‘Oh,dear,youarebeingdifficult,’Clarissatoldhim.‘Yousaiditearlier,andIwantyoutosayitagain.ButIdon’twanttotellyoutosayit,orsayitforyou.’
Hugo,JeremyandSirRowlandalllookedatoneanother.‘Doyouknowwhattheblazesthegirlisgettingat,Roly?’Hugoaskedplaintively.
‘I’venoidea,’repliedSirRowland.‘Tryusagain,Clarissa.’
Clarissalookedexasperated.‘It’sperfectlysimple,’sheinsisted.‘WhatwasthenameoftheantiqueshopinMaidstone?’
‘Ithadn’tgotaname,’Hugoreplied.‘Imean,antiqueshopsaren’tcalled“Seaview”oranything.’
‘Heavengivemepatience,’Clarissamutteredbetweenclenchedteeth.Speakingslowlyanddistinctly,andpausingaftereachword,sheaskedhimagain,‘What–was–written–up–over–the–door?’
‘Writtenup?Nothing,’saidHugo.‘Whatshouldbewrittenup?Onlythenamesoftheowners,“SellonandBrown”,ofcourse.’
‘Atlast,’Clarissacriedjubilantly.‘Ithoughtthatwaswhatyousaidbefore,butIwasn’tsure.SellonandBrown.MynameisHailsham-Brown.’Shelookedatthethreemeninturn,buttheymerelystaredbackatherwithtotalincomprehensionwrittenontheirfaces.
‘Wegotthishousedirtcheap,’Clarissacontinued.‘Otherpeoplewhocametoseeitbeforeuswereaskedsuchanexorbitantrentthattheywentawayindisgust.Nowhaveyougotit?’
Hugolookedatherblanklybeforereplying,‘No.’
Jeremyshookhishead.‘Notyet,mylove.’
SirRowlandlookedatherkeenly.‘Inaglassdarkly,’hesaidthoughtfully.
Clarissa’sfaceworealookofintenseexcitement.‘MrSellon’spartnerwholivesinLondonisawoman,’sheexplainedtoherfriends.‘Today,someoneranguphereandaskedtospeaktoMrsBrown.NotMrsHailsham-Brown,justMrsBrown.’
‘Iseewhatyou’regettingat,’SirRowlandsaid,noddinghisheadslowly.
Hugoshookhishead.‘Idon’t,’headmitted.
Clarissalookedathim.‘Ahorsechestnutorachestnuthorse–oneofthemmakesallthedifference,’sheobservedinscrutably.
‘You’renotdeliriousoranything,areyou,Clarissa?’Hugoaskedheranxiously.
‘SomebodykilledOliver,’Clarissaremindedthem.‘Itwasn’tanyofyouthree.Itwasn’tmeorHenry.’Shepaused,beforecontinuing,‘Anditwasn’tPippa,thankGod.Thenwhowasit?’
‘Surelyit’sasIsaidtotheInspector,’SirRowlandsuggested.‘Anoutsidejob.SomeonefollowedOliverhere.’
‘Yes,butwhydidthey?’Clarissaaskedmeaningfully.Gettingnoreplyfromanyone,shecontinuedwithherspeculation.‘WhenIleftyouallatthegatetoday,’sheremindedherthreefriends,‘IcamebackinthroughtheFrenchwindows,andOliverwasstandinghere.Hewasverysurprisedtoseeme.Hesaid,“Whatareyoudoinghere,Clarissa?”Ijustthoughtitwasanelaboratewayofannoyingme.Butsupposeitwasjustwhatitseemed?’
Herhearerslookedattentive,butsaidnothing.Clarissacontinued,‘Justsupposethathewassurprisedtoseeme.Hethoughtthehousebelongedtosomeoneelse.Hethoughtthepersonhe’dfindherewouldbetheMrsBrownwhowasMrSellon’spartner.’
SirRowlandshookhishead.‘Wouldn’theknowthatyouandHenryhadthishouse?’heaskedher.‘Wouldn’tMirandaknow?’
‘WhenMirandahastocommunicate,shealwaysdoesitthroughherlawyers.NeithershenorOlivernecessarilyknewthatwelivedinthishouse,’Clarissaexplained.‘Itellyou,I’msureOliverCostellohadnoideahewasgoingtoseeme.Oh,herecoveredprettyquicklyandmadetheexcusethathe’dcometotalkaboutPippa.Thenhepretendedtogoaway,buthecamebackbecause–’
ShebrokeoffasMissPeakecameinthroughthehalldoor.‘Thehunt’sstillon,’thegardenerannouncedbriskly.‘They’velookedunderallthebeds,Igather,andnowthey’reoutinthegrounds.’Shegaveherfamiliarheartylaugh.
Clarissalookedatherkeenly.Then,‘MissPeake,’shesaid,‘doyourememberwhatMrCostellosaidjustbeforeheleft?Doyou?’
MissPeakelookedblank.‘Haven’tthefoggiestidea,’sheadmitted.
‘Hesaid,didn’the,“IcametoseeMrsBrown”?’Clarissaremindedher.
MissPeakethoughtforamoment,andthenanswered,‘Ibelievehedid.Yes.Why?’
‘Butitwasn’tmehecametosee,’Clarissainsisted.
‘Well,ifitwasn’tyou,thenIdon’tknowwhoitcouldhavebeen,’MissPeakerepliedwithanotherofherjoviallaughs.
Clarissaspokewithemphasis.‘Itwasyou,’shesaidtothegardener.‘YouareMrsBrown,aren’tyou?’
Chapter21
MissPeake,lookingextremelystartledatClarissa’saccusation,seemedforamomentunsurehowtoact.Whenshedidreply,hermannerhadchanged.Droppingherusualjolly,heartytone,shespokegravely.‘That’sverybrightofyou,’shesaid.‘Yes,I’mMrsBrown.’
Clarissahadbeendoingsomequickthinking.‘You’reMrSellon’spartner,’shesaid.‘Youownthishouse.YouinheriteditfromSellonwiththebusiness.Forsomereason,youhadtheideaoffindingatenantforitwhosenamewasBrown.Infact,youweredeterminedtohaveaMrsBrowninresidencehere.Youthoughtthatwouldn’tbetoodifficult,sinceit’ssuchacommonname.ButintheendyouhadtocompromiseonHailsham-Brown.Idon’tknowexactlywhyyouwantedmetobeinthelimelightwhilstyouwatched.Idon’tunderstandtheinsandouts–’
MrsBrown,aliasMissPeake,interruptedher.‘CharlesSellonwasmurdered,’shetoldClarissa.‘There’snodoubtofthat.He’dgotholdofsomethingthatwasveryvaluable.Idon’tknowhow–Idon’tevenknowwhatitwas.Hewasn’talwaysvery–’shehesitated‘–scrupulous.’
‘Sowehaveheard,’SirRowlandobserveddrily.
‘Whateveritwas,’MrsBrowncontinued,‘hewaskilledforit.Andwhoeverkilledhimdidn’tfindthething.Thatwasprobablybecauseitwasn’tintheshop,itwashere.Ithoughtthatwhoeveritwaswhokilledhimwouldcomeheresoonerorlater,lookingforit.Iwantedtobeonthewatch,thereforeIneededadummyMrsBrown.Asubstitute.’
SirRowlandmadeanexclamationofannoyance.‘Itdidn’tworryyou,’heaskedthegardener,speakingwithfeeling,‘thatMrsHailsham-Brown,aperfectlyinnocentwomanwhohaddoneyounoharm,wouldbeindanger?’
‘I’vekeptaneyeonher,haven’tI?’MrsBrownreplieddefensively.‘Somuchsothatitannoyedyouallsometimes.Theotherday,whenamancamealongandofferedheraridiculouspriceforthatdesk,IwassureIwasontherighttrack.YetI’llsweartherewasnothinginthatdeskthatmeantanythingatall.’
‘Didyouexaminethesecretdrawer?’SirRowlandaskedher.
MrsBrownlookedsurprised.‘Asecretdrawer,isthere?’sheexclaimed,movingtowardsthedesk.
Clarissainterceptedher.‘There’snothingtherenow,’sheassuredher.‘Pippafoundthedrawer,buttherewereonlysomeoldautographsinit.’
‘Clarissa,I’dratherliketoseethoseautographsagain,’SirRowlandrequested.
Clarissawenttothesofa.‘Pippa,’shecalled,‘wheredidyouput–?Oh,she’sasleep.’
MrsBrownmovedtothesofaandlookeddownatthechild.‘Fastasleep,’sheconfirmed.‘It’salltheexcitementthat’sdonethat.’ShelookedatClarissa.‘I’lltellyouwhat,’shesaid,‘I’llcarryherupanddumpheronherbed.’
‘No,’saidSirRowland,sharply.
Everyonelookedathim.‘She’snoweightatall,’MrsBrownpointedout.‘NotaquarterasheavyasthelateMrCostello.’
‘Allthesame,’SirRowlandinsisted,‘Ithinkshe’llbesaferhere.’
TheothersnowalllookedatMissPeake/MrsBrown,whotookastepbackwards,lookedaroundher,andexclaimedindignantly,‘Safer?’
‘That’swhatIsaid,’SirRowlandtoldher.Heglancedaroundtheroom,andcontinued,‘Thatchildsaidaverysignificantthingjustnow.’
Hesatdownatthebridgetable,watchedbyall.Therewasapause,andthenHugo,movingtositoppositeSirRowlandatthebridgetable,asked,‘Whatdidshesay,Roly?’
‘Ifyouallthinkback,’SirRowlandsuggested,‘perhapsyou’llrealizewhatitwas.’
Hishearerslookedatoneanother,whileSirRowlandpickedupthecopyofWho’sWhoandbegantoconsultit.
‘Idon’tgetit,’Hugoadmitted,shakinghishead.
‘WhatdidPippasay?’Jeremywonderedaloud.
‘Ican’timagine,’saidClarissa.Shetriedtocasthermindback.‘Somethingaboutthepoliceman?Ordreaming?Comingdownhere?Halfawake?’
‘Comeon,Roly,’Hugourgedhisfriend.‘Don’tbesodamnedmysterious.What’sthisallabout?’
SirRowlandlookedup.‘What?’heasked,absent-mindedly.‘Oh,yes.Thoseautographs.Wherearethey?’
Hugosnappedhisfingers.‘IbelieveIrememberPippaputtingtheminthatshellboxoverthere,’herecalled.
Jeremywentovertothebookshelves.‘Uphere?’heasked.Locatingtheshellbox,hetookouttheenvelope.‘Yes,quiteright.Hereweare,’heconfirmedashetooktheautographsfromtheenvelopeandhandedthemtoSirRowland,whohadnowclosedWho’sWho.JeremyputtheemptyenvelopeinhispocketwhileSirRowlandexaminedtheautographswithhiseyeglass.
‘VictoriaRegina,Godblessher,’murmuredSirRowland,lookingatthefirstoftheautographs.‘QueenVictoria.Fadedbrownink.Now,what’sthisone?JohnRuskin–yes,that’sauthentic,Ishouldsay.Andthisone?RobertBrowning–Hm–thepaper’snotasoldasitoughttobe.’
‘Roly!Whatdoyoumean?’Clarissaaskedexcitedly.
‘Ihadsomeexperienceofinvisibleinksandthatsortofthing,duringthewar,’SirRowlandexplained.‘Ifyouwantedtomakeasecretnoteofsomething,itwouldn’tbeabadideatowriteitininvisibleinkonasheetofpaper,andthenfakeanautograph.Putthatautographwithothergenuineautographsandnobodywouldnoticeitorlookatittwice,probably.Anymorethanwedid.’
MrsBrownlookedpuzzled.‘ButwhatcouldCharlesSellonhavewrittenwhichwouldbeworthfourteenthousandpounds?’shewantedtoknow.
‘Nothingatall,dearlady,’SirRowlandreplied.‘Butitoccurstome,youknow,thatitmighthavebeenaquestionofsafety.’
‘Safety?’MrsBrownqueried.
‘OliverCostello,’SirRowlandexplained,‘issuspectedofsupplyingdrugs.Sellon,sotheInspectortellsus,wasquestionedonceortwicebytheNarcoticsSquad.There’saconnectionthere,don’tyouthink?’
WhenMrsBrownmerelylookedblank,hecontinued,‘Ofcourse,itmightbejustafoolishideaofmine.’Helookeddownattheautographhewasholding.‘Idon’tthinkitwouldbeanythingelaborateonSellon’spart.Lemonjuice,perhaps,orasolutionofbariumchloride.Gentleheatmightdothetrick.Wecanalwaystryiodinevapourlater.Yes,let’stryalittlegentleheatfirst.’
Herosetohisfeet.‘Shallweattempttheexperiment?’
‘There’sanelectricfireinthelibrary,’Clarissaremembered.‘Jeremy,willyougetit?’
Hugoroseandtuckedinhischair,whileJeremywentofftothelibrary.
‘Wecanplugitinhere,’Clarissapointedout,indicatingasocketintheskirting-boardrunningaroundthedrawing-room.
‘Thewholething’sridiculous,’MrsBrownsnorted.‘It’stoofar-fetchedforwords.’
Clarissadisagreed.‘No,itisn’t.Ithinkit’sawonderfulidea,’shedeclared,asJeremyreturnedfromthelibrarycarryingasmallelectricradiator.‘Gotit?’sheaskedhim.
‘Hereitis,’hereplied.‘Where’stheplug?’
‘Downthere,’Clarissatoldhim,pointing.SheheldtheradiatorwhileJeremypluggeditsleadintothesocket,andthensheputitdownonthefloor.
SirRowlandtooktheRobertBrowningautographandstoodclosetotheradiator.Jeremykneltbyit,andtheothersstoodascloseaspossibletoobservetheresult.
‘Wemustn’thopefortoomuch,’SirRowlandwarnedthem.‘Afterall,it’sonlyanideaofmine,buttheremusthavebeensomeverygoodreasonwhySellonkeptthesebitsofpaperinsuchasecretplace.’
‘Thistakesmebackyears,’Hugorecalled.‘IrememberwritingsecretmessageswithlemonjuicewhenIwasakid.’
‘Whichoneshallwestartwith?’Jeremyaskedenthusiastically.
‘IsayQueenVictoria,’saidClarissa
‘No,sixtooneonRuskin,’wasJeremy’sguess.
‘Well,I’mputtingmymoneyonRobertBrowning,’SirRowlanddecided,bendingoverandholdingthepaperinfrontoftheradiator.
‘Ruskin?Mostobscurechap.Inevercouldunderstandawordofhispoetry,’Hugofeltmovedtocomment.
‘Exactly,’SirRowlandagreed.‘It’sfullofhiddenmeaning.’
TheyallcranedoverSirRowland.‘Ican’tbearitifnothinghappens,’Clarissaexclaimed.
‘Ibelieve–yes,there’ssomethingthere,’SirRowlandmurmured.
‘Yes,thereissomethingcomingup,’Jeremynoticed.
‘Isthere?Letmesee,’saidClarissaexcitedly.
HugopushedbetweenClarissaandJeremy.‘Outoftheway,youngman.’
‘Steady,’SirRowlandcomplained.‘Don’tjoggleme–yes–thereiswriting.’Hepausedforamoment,andthenstraightenedupwithacryof,‘We’vegotit!’
‘Whathaveyougot?’MrsBrownwantedtoknow.
‘Alistofsixnamesandaddresses,’SirRowlandtoldthem.‘Distributorsinthedrugracket,Ishouldsay.AndoneofthosenamesisOliverCostello.’
Therewereexclamationsallaround.‘Oliver!’saidClarissa.‘Sothat’swhyhecame,andsomeonemusthavefollowedhimand–Oh,UncleRoly,wemusttellthepolice.Comealong,Hugo.’
ClarissarushedtothehalldoorfollowedbyHugowho,ashewent,wasmuttering,‘MostextraordinarythingIeverheardof.’SirRowlandpickeduptheotherautographs,whileJeremyunpluggedtheradiatorandtookitbackintothelibrary.
AbouttofollowClarissaandHugoout,SirRowlandpausedinthedoorway.‘Coming,MissPeake?’heasked.
‘Youdon’tneedme,doyou?’
‘Ithinkwedo.YouwereSellon’spartner.’
‘I’veneverhadanythingtodowiththedrugbusiness,’MrsBrowninsisted.‘Ijustrantheantiqueside.IdidalltheLondonbuyingandselling.’
‘Isee,’SirRowlandrepliednon-committallyasheheldthehalldooropenforher.
Jeremyreturnedfromthelibrary,closingthedoorcarefullybehindhim.Hewentovertothehalldoorandlistenedforamoment.AfteraglanceatPippa,hewentovertotheeasychair,pickedupthecushionfromit,andmovedslowlybacktowardsthesofawherePippalaysleeping.
Pippastirredinhersleep.Jeremystoodfrozenforamoment,butwhenhewascertainshewasstillasleep,hecontinuedtowardsthesofauntilhestoodbehindPippa’shead.Then,slowly,hebegantolowerthecushionoverherface.
Atthatmoment,Clarissare-enteredtheroomfromthehall.Hearingthedoor,JeremycarefullyplacedthecushionoverPippa’sfeet.‘IrememberedwhatSirRowlandsaid,’heexplainedtoClarissa,‘soIthoughtperhapsweoughtn’ttoleavePippaallalone.Herfeetseemedabitcold,soIwasjustcoveringthemup.’
Clarissawentacrosstothestool.‘Allthisexcitementhasmademefeelterriblyhungry,’shedeclared.Shelookeddownattheplateofsandwiches,andthencontinuedinatoneofgreatdisappointment,‘Oh,Jeremy,you’veeatenthemall.’
‘Sorry,butIwasstarving,’hesaid,soundingnotatallsorry.
‘Idon’tseewhyyoushouldbe,’shereprimandedhim.‘You’vehaddinner.Ihaven’t.’
Jeremyperchedonthebackofthesofa.‘No,Ihaven’thadanydinnereither,’hetoldher.‘Iwaspractisingapproachshots.Ionlycameintothedining-roomjustafteryourtelephonecallcame.’
‘Oh,Isee,’Clarissarepliednonchalantly.Shebentoverthebackofthesofatopatthecushion.Suddenlyhereyeswidened.Inadeeplymovedvoicesherepeated,‘Isee.You–itwasyou.’
‘Whatdoyoumean?’
‘You!’Clarissarepeated,almosttoherself.
‘Whatdoyoumean?’
Clarissalookedhimintheeye.‘WhatwereyoudoingwiththatcushionwhenIcameintotheroom?’sheasked.
Helaughed.‘Itoldyou.IwascoveringupPippa’sfeet.Theywerecold.’
‘Wereyou?Isthatreallywhatyouweregoingtodo?Orwereyougoingtoputthatcushionoverhermouth?’
‘Clarissa!’heexclaimedindignantly.‘Whataridiculousthingtosay!’
‘IwascertainthatnoneofuscouldhavekilledOliverCostello.Isaidsotoeveryone,’Clarissarecalled.‘Butoneofuscouldhavekilledhim.You.Youwereoutonthegolfcoursealone.Youcouldhavecomebacktothehouse,gotinthroughthelibrarywindowwhichyou’dleftopen,andyouhadyourgolfclubstillinyourhand.Ofcourse.That’swhatPippasaw.That’swhatshemeantwhenshesaid,“AgolfsticklikeJeremyhad”.Shesawyou.’
‘That’sabsolutenonsense,Clarissa,’Jeremyobjected,withapoorattemptatalaugh.
‘No,itisn’t,’sheinsisted.‘Then,afteryou’dkilledOliveryouwentbacktotheclubandrangthepolicesothattheywouldcomehere,findthebody,andthinkitwasHenryorIwhohadkilledhim.’
Jeremyleapedtohisfeet.‘Whatbloodyrubbish!’hedeclared.
‘It’snotrubbish.It’strue.Iknowit’strue,’Clarissaexclaimed.‘Butwhy?That’swhatIdon’tunderstand.Why?’
Theystoodfacingeachotherintensesilenceforafewmoments.ThenJeremygaveadeepsigh.Hetookfromhispockettheenvelopethathadcontainedtheautographs.HehelditouttoClarissa,butdidnotlethertakeit.‘Thisiswhatit’sallabout,’hetoldher.
Clarissaglancedatit.‘That’stheenvelopetheautographswerekeptin,’shesaid.
‘There’sastamponit,’Jeremyexplainedquietly.‘It’swhat’sknownasanerrorstamp.Printedinthewrongcolour.OnefromSwedensoldlastyearforfourteenthousandthreehundredpounds.’
‘Sothat’sit,’Clarissagasped,steppingbackwards.
‘ThisstampcameintoSellon’spossession,’Jeremycontinued.‘HewrotetomybossSirKennethaboutit.ButitwasIwhoopenedtheletter.IcamedownhereandvisitedSellon–’
Hepaused,andClarissacompletedhissentenceforhim:‘–andkilledhim.’
Jeremynoddedwithoutsayinganything.
‘Butyoucouldn’tfindthestamp,’Clarissaguessedaloud,backingawayfromhim.
‘You’rerightagain,’Jeremyadmitted.‘Itwasn’tintheshop,soIfeltsureitmustbehere,inhishouse.’
HebegantomovetowardsClarissa,asshecontinuedtobackaway.‘TonightIthoughtCostellohadbeatenmetoit.’
‘Andsoyoukilledhim,too,’saidClarissa.
Jeremynoddedagain.
‘Andjustnow,youwouldhavekilledPippa?’shegasped.
‘Whynot?’herepliedblandly.
‘Ican’tbelieveit,’Clarissatoldhim.
‘MydearClarissa,fourteenthousandpoundsisagreatdealofmoney,’heobservedwithasmilethatcontrivedtobebothapologeticandsinister.
‘Butwhyareyoutellingmethis?’sheasked,soundingbothperplexedandanxious.‘DoyouimagineforonemomentthatIshan’tgotothepolice?’
‘You’vetoldthemsomanylies,they’llneverbelieveyou,’herepliedoff-handedly.
‘Ohyes,theywill.’
‘Besides,’Jeremycontinued,advancinguponher,‘you’renotgoingtogetthechance.DoyouthinkthatwhenI’vekilledtwopeopleIshallworryaboutkillingathird?’
HegrippedClarissabythethroat,andshescreamed.
Chapter22
Clarissa’sscreamwasansweredimmediately.SirRowlandcameinswiftlyfromthehall,switchingonthewall-bracketsashedidso,whileConstableJonesrushedintotheroomthroughtheFrenchwindows,andtheInspectorhurriedinfromthelibrary.
TheInspectorgrabbedJeremy.‘Allright,Warrender.We’vehearditall,thankyou,’heannounced.‘Andthat’sjusttheevidenceweneed,’headded.‘Givemethatenvelope.’
Clarissabackedbehindthesofa,holdingherthroat,andJeremyhandedtheenvelopetotheInspector,observingcoolly,‘Soitwasatrap,wasit?Veryclever.’
‘JeremyWarrender,’saidtheInspector,‘IarrestyouforthemurderofOliverCostello,andImustwarnyouthatanythingyousaymaybetakendownandgiveninevidence.’
‘Youcansaveyourbreath,Inspector,’wasJeremy’ssmoothlyutteredreply.‘I’mnotsayinganything.Itwasagoodgamble,butitjustdidn’twork.’
‘Takehimaway,’theInspectorinstructedConstableJones,whotookJeremybythearm.
‘What’sthematter,MrJones?Forgottenyourhandcuffs?’JeremyaskedcoldlyashisrightarmwastwistedbehindhisbackandhewasmarchedoffthroughtheFrenchwindows.
Shakinghisheadsadly,SirRowlandwatchedhimgo,andthenturnedtoClarissa.‘Areyouallright,mydear?’heaskedheranxiously.
‘Yes,yes,I’mallright,’Clarissarepliedsomewhatbreathlessly.
‘Inevermeanttoexposeyoutothis,’SirRowlandsaidapologetically.
Shelookedathimshrewdly.‘YouknewitwasJeremy,didn’tyou?’sheasked
TheInspectoraddedhisvoice.‘Butwhatmadeyouthinkofthestamp,sir?’
SirRowlandapproachedInspectorLordandtooktheenvelopefromhim.‘Well,Inspector,’hebegan,‘itrangabellwhenPippagavemetheenvelopethisevening.Then,whenIfoundfromWho’sWhothatyoungWarrender’semployer,SirKennethThomson,wasastampcollector,mysuspiciondeveloped,andjustnow,whenhehadtheimpertinencetopockettheenvelopeundermynose,Ifeltitwasacertainty.’
HereturnedtheenvelopetotheInspector.‘Takegreatcareofthis,Inspector.You’llprobablyfindit’sextremelyvaluable,besidesbeingevidence.’
‘It’sevidence,allright,’repliedtheInspector.‘Aparticularlyviciousyoungcriminalisgoingtogethisdeserts.’Walkingacrosstothehalldoor,hecontinued,‘However,we’vestillgottofindthebody.’
‘Oh,that’seasy,Inspector,’Clarissaassuredhim.‘Lookinthebedinthespareroom.’
TheInspectorturnedandregardedherdisapprovingly.‘Now,really,MrsHailsham-Brown–’hebegan.
HewasinterruptedbyClarissa.‘Whydoesnobodyeverbelieveme?’shecriedplaintively.‘Itisinthespareroombed.Yougoandlook,Inspector.Acrossthebed,underthebolster.MissPeakeputitthere,tryingtobekind.’
‘Tryingtobe–?’TheInspectorbrokeoff,clearlyatalossforwords.Hewenttothedoor,turned,andsaidreproachfully,‘Youknow,MrsHailsham-Brown,youhaven’tmadethingseasierforustonight,tellingusallthesetallstories.Isupposeyouthoughtyourhusbandhaddoneit,andwerelyingtocoverupforhim.Butyoushouldn’tdoit,madam.Youreallyshouldn’tdoit.’Withafinalshakeofhishead,helefttheroom.
‘Well!’Clarissaexclaimedindignantly.Sheturnedtowardsthesofa.‘Oh,Pippa–’sheremembered.
‘Bettergetheruptobed,’SirRowlandadvised.‘She’llbesafenow.’
Gentlyshakingthechild,Clarissasaidsoftly,‘Comeon,Pippa.Ups-a-daisy.Timeyouwereinbed.’
Pippagotup,waveringly.‘I’mhungry,’shemurmured.
‘Yes,yes,I’msureyouare,’Clarissaassuredherassheledhertothehalldoor.‘Comeon,we’llseewhatwecanfind.’
‘Goodnight,Pippa,’SirRowlandcalledtoher,andwasrewardedwithayawned‘Goo’night’asClarissaandPippalefttheroom.HesatdownatthebridgetableandhadbeguntoputtheplayingcardsintheirboxeswhenHugocameinfromthehall.
‘Godblessmysoul,’Hugoexclaimed.‘I’dneverhavebelievedit.YoungWarrender,ofallpeople.Heseemedadecentenoughyoungfellow.Beentoagoodschool.Knewalltherightpeople.’
‘Butwasquitewillingtocommitmurderforthesakeoffourteenthousandpounds,’SirRowlandobservedsuavely.‘Ithappensnowandthen,Hugo,ineveryclassofsociety.Anattractivepersonality,andnomoralsense.’
MrsBrown,theerstwhileMissPeake,stuckherheadaroundthehalldoor.‘IthoughtI’djusttellyou,SirRowland,’sheannounced,revertingtoherfamiliarboomingvoice,‘I’vegottogoalongtothepolicestation.Theywantmetomakeastatement.They’renottoopleasedatthetrickIplayedonthem.I’minforawigging,I’mafraid.’Sheroaredwithlaughter,withdrew,andslammedthedoorshut.
Hugowatchedhergo,thenwentovertojoinSirRowlandatthebridgetable.‘Youknow,Roly,Istilldon’tquitegetit,’headmitted.‘WasMissPeakeMrsSellon,orwasMrSellonMrBrown?Ortheotherwayround?’
SirRowlandwassavedfromhavingtoreplybythereturnoftheInspectorwhocameintotheroomtopickuphiscapandgloves.‘We’reremovingthebodynow,gentlemen,’heinformedthemboth.Hepausedmomentarilybeforeadding,‘SirRowland,wouldyoumindadvisingMrsHailsham-Brownthat,ifshetellsthesefancystoriestothepolice,onedayshe’llgetintorealtrouble.’
‘Shedidactuallytellyouthetruthonce,youknow,Inspector,’SirRowlandremindedhimgently,‘butonthatoccasionyousimplywouldn’tbelieveher.’
TheInspectorlookedatrifleembarrassed.‘Yes–hmmm–well,’hebegan.Then,pullinghimselftogether,hesaid,‘Frankly,sir,itwasabitdifficulttoswallow,you’lladmit.’
‘Oh,Iadmitthat,certainly,’SirRowlandassuredhim.
‘NotthatIblameyou,sir,’theInspectorwentoninaconfidentialtone.‘MrsHailsham-Brownisaladywhohasaverytakingwaywithher.’Heshookhisheadreflectively,then,‘Well,goodnight,sir,’hesaid.
‘Goodnight,Inspector,’SirRowlandrepliedamiably.
‘Goodnight,MrBirch,’theInspectorcalled,backingtowardsthehalldoor.
‘Goodnight,Inspector,andwelldone,’Hugoresponded,comingovertohimandshakinghands.
‘Thankyou,sir,’saidtheInspector.
Heleft,andHugoyawned.‘Oh,well,IsupposeI’dbetterbegoinghometobed,’heannouncedtoSirRowland.‘Someevening,eh?’
‘Asyousay,Hugo,someevening,’SirRowlandreplied,tidyingthebridgetableashespoke.‘Goodnight.’
‘Goodnight,’Hugoresponded,andmadehiswayoutintothehall.
SirRowlandleftthecardsandmarkersinaneatpileonthetable,thenpickedupWho’sWhoandreplaceditonthebookshelves.Clarissacameinfromthehall,wentovertohimandputherhandsonhisarms.‘DarlingRoly,’sheaddressedhim.‘Whatwouldwehavedonewithoutyou?Youaresoclever.’
‘Andyouareaveryluckyyoungwoman,’hetoldher.‘It’sagoodthingyoudidn’tloseyourhearttothatyoungvillain,Warrender.’
Clarissashuddered.‘Therewasnodangerofthat,’shereplied.Then,smilingtenderly,‘IfIlostmyhearttoanybody,darling,itwouldbetoyou,’sheassuredhim.
‘Now,now,noneofyourtrickswithme,’SirRowlandwarnedher,laughing.‘Ifyou–’
HestoppedshortasHenryHailsham-BrowncameinthroughtheFrenchwindows,andClarissagaveastartledexclamation.‘Henry!’
‘Hello,Roly,’Henrygreetedhisfriend.‘Ithoughtyouweregoingtotheclubtonight.’
‘Well–er–IthoughtI’dturninearly,’wasallthatSirRowlandfeltcapableofsayingatthatmoment.‘It’sbeenratherastrenuousevening.’
Henrylookedatthebridgetable.‘What?Strenuousbridge?’heinquiredplayfully.
SirRowlandsmiled.‘Bridgeand–er–otherthings,’herepliedashewenttothehalldoor.‘Goodnight,all.’
Clarissablewhimakissandheblewonetoherinreturnashelefttheroom.ThenClarissaturnedtoHenry.‘Where’sKalendorff–Imean,where’sMrJones?’sheaskedurgently.
Henryputhisbriefcaseonthesofa.Inavoiceofwearyfrustrationhemuttered,‘It’sabsolutelyinfuriating.Hedidn’tcome.’
‘What?’Clarissacouldhardlybelieveherears.
‘Theplanearrivedwithnothingbutahalf-bakedaide-de-campinit,’Henrytoldher,unbuttoninghisovercoatashespoke.
Clarissahelpedhimoffwiththecoat,andHenrycontinued,‘Thefirstthinghedidwastoturnroundandflybackagainwherehe’dcomefrom.’
‘Whatonearthfor?’
‘HowdoIknow?’Understandably,Henrysoundedsomewhatonedge.‘Hewassuspicious,itseems.Suspiciousofwhat?Whoknows?’
‘ButwhataboutSirJohn?’ClarissaaskedassheremovedHenry’shatfromhishead.
‘That’stheworstofit,’hegroaned.‘Iwastoolatetostophim,andhe’llbearrivingdownhereanyminutenow,Iexpect.’Henryconsultedhiswatch.‘Ofcourse,IrangupDowningStreetatoncefromtheaerodrome,buthe’dalreadystartedout.Oh,thewholething’samostghastlyfiasco.’
Henrysankontothesofawithanexhaustedsigh,andashedidsothetelephonerang.‘I’llanswerit,’Clarissasaid,crossingtheroomtodoso.‘Itmaybethepolice.’Sheliftedthereceiver.
Henrylookedatherquestioningly.‘Thepolice?’
‘Yes,thisisCopplestoneCourt,’Clarissawassayingintothetelephone.‘Yes–yes,he’shere.’ShelookedacrossatHenry.‘It’sforyou,darling,’shetoldhim.‘It’sBindleyHeathaerodrome.’
Henryroseandbegantorushacrosstothephone,butstoppedhalf-wayandproceededatadignifiedwalk.‘Hello,’hesaidintothereceiver.
ClarissatookHenry’shatandcoattothehallbutreturnedimmediatelyandstoodbehindhim.
‘Yes–speaking,’Henryannounced.‘What?–Tenminuteslater?–ShallI?–Yes–Yes,yes–No–No,no–Youhave?–Isee–Yes–Right.’
Hereplacedthereceiver,shouted‘Clarissa!’,andthenturnedtofindthatshewasrightbehindhim.‘Oh!Thereyouare.Apparentlyanotherplanecameinjusttenminutesafterthefirst,andKalendorffwasonit.’
‘MrJones,youmean,’Clarissaremindedhim.
‘Quiteright,darling.Onecan’tbetoocareful,’heacknowledged.‘Yes,itseemsthatthefirstplanewasakindofsecurityprecaution.Really,onecan’tfathomhowthesepeople’smindswork.Well,anyway,they’resending–er–MrJonesoverherenowwithanescort.He’llbehereinaboutaquarterofanhour.Nowthen,iseverythingallright?Everythinginorder?’Helookedatthebridgetable.‘Dogetridofthosecards,willyou,darling?’
Clarissahurriedlycollectedthecardsandmarkersandputthemoutofsight,whileHenrywenttothestoolandpickedupthesandwichplateandmoussedishwithanairofgreatsurprise.‘What’sonearth’sthis?’hewantedtoknow.
Rushingovertohim,Clarissaseizedtheplateanddish.‘Pippawaseatingit,’sheexplained.‘I’lltakeitaway.AndI’dbettergoandmakesomemorehamsandwiches.’
‘Notyet–thesechairsareallovertheplace.’Henry’stonewasslightlyreproachful.‘Ithoughtyouweregoingtohaveeverythingready,Clarissa.’
Hebegantofoldthelegsofthebridgetable.‘Whathaveyoubeendoingalltheevening?’heaskedherashecarriedthebridgetableofftothelibrary.
Clarissawasnowbusypushingchairsaround.‘Oh,Henry,’sheexclaimed,‘it’sbeenthemostterriblyexcitingevening.Yousee,Icameinherewithsomesandwichessoonafteryouleft,andthefirstthingthathappenedwasIfelloverabody.There.’Shepointed.‘Behindthesofa.’
‘Yes,yes,darling,’Henrymutteredabsent-mindedly,ashehelpedherpushtheeasychairintoitsusualposition.‘Yourstoriesarealwaysenchanting,butreallythereisn’ttimenow.’
‘But,Henry,it’strue,’sheinsisted.‘Andthat’sonlythebeginning.Thepolicecame,anditwasjustonethingafteranother.’Shewasbeginningtobabble.‘Therewasanarcoticring,andMissPeakeisn’tMissPeake,she’sreallyMrsBrown,andJeremyturnedouttobethemurdererandhewastryingtostealastampworthfourteenthousandpounds.’
‘Hmm!MusthavebeenasecondSwedishyellow,’Henrycommented.Histonewasindulgent,buthewasnotreallylistening.
‘Ibelievethat’sjustwhatitwas!’Clarissaexclaimeddelightedly.
‘Really,thethingsyouimagine,Clarissa,’saidHenryaffectionately.Hemovedthesmalltable,setitbetweenthearmchairandtheeasychair,andflickedthecrumbsoffitwithhishandkerchief.
‘But,darling,Ididn’timagineit,’Clarissawenton.‘Icouldn’thaveimaginedhalfasmuch.’
Henryputhisbriefcasebehindacushiononthesofa,plumpedupanothercushion,thenmadehiswaywithathirdcushiontotheeasychair.Meanwhile,Clarissacontinuedherattemptstoengagehisattention.‘Howextraordinaryitis,’sheobserved.‘Allmylifenothinghasreallyhappenedtome,andtonightI’vehadthelot.Murder,police,drugaddicts,invisibleink,secretwriting,almostarrestedformanslaughter,andverynearlymurdered.’ShepausedandlookedatHenry.‘Youknow,darling,inawayit’salmosttoomuchallinoneevening.’
‘Dogoandmakethatcoffee,darling,’Henryreplied.‘Youcantellmeallyourlovelyrigmaroletomorrow.’
Clarissalookedexasperated.‘Butdon’tyourealize,Henry,’sheaskedhim,‘thatIwasnearlymurderedthisevening?’
Henrylookedathiswatch.‘EitherSirJohnorMrJonesmightarriveatanyminute,’hesaidanxiously.
‘WhatI’vebeenthroughthisevening,’Clarissacontinued.‘Ohdear,itremindsmeofSirWalterScott.’
‘Whatdoes?’Henryaskedvaguelyashelookedaroundtheroomtomakesurethateverythingwasnowinitsproperplace.
‘Myauntmademelearnitbyheart,’Clarissarecalled.
Henrylookedatherquestioningly,andsherecited,‘Owhatatangledwebweweave,whenfirstwepractisetodeceive.’
Suddenlyconsciousofher,Henryleanedoverthearmchairandputhisarmsaroundher.‘Myadorablespider!’hesaid.
Clarissaputherarmsaroundhisshoulders.‘Doyouknowthefactsoflifeaboutspiders?’sheaskedhim.‘Theyeattheirhusbands.’Shescratchedhisneckwithherfingers.
‘I’mmorelikelytoeatyou,’Henryrepliedpassionately,ashekissedher.
Thefrontdoorbellsuddenlyrang.‘SirJohn!’gaspedClarissa,startingawayfromHenrywhoexclaimedatthesametime,‘MrJones!’
ClarissapushedHenrytowardsthehalldoor.‘Yougooutandanswerthefrontdoor,’sheordered.‘I’llputcoffeeandsandwichesinthehall,andyoucanbringtheminherewhenyou’rereadyforthem.Highleveltalkswillnowbegin.’Shekissedherhand,thenputittohismouth.‘Goodluck,darling.’
‘Goodluck,’Henryreplied.Heturnedaway,thenturnedbackagain.‘Imean,thanks.Iwonderwhichoneofthemhasgotherefirst.’Hastilybuttoninghisjacketandstraighteninghistie,herushedofftothefrontdoor.
Clarissapickeduptheplateanddish,begantogotothehalldoor,butstoppedwhensheheardHenry’svoicesayingheartily,‘Goodevening,SirJohn.’Shehesitatedbriefly,thenquicklywentovertothebookshelvesandactivatedthepanelswitch.Thepanelopened,andshebackedintoit.‘ExitClarissamysteriously,’shedeclaimedinadramaticstagewhisperasshedisappearedintotherecess,asplitsecondbeforeHenryusheredthePrimeMinisterintothedrawing-room.
ThePlaysofAgathaChristie
Alibi,theearliestAgathaChristieplaytoreachthestage,openingatthePrinceofWalesTheatre,London,inMay1928,wasnotwrittenbyChristieherself.ItwasanadaptationbyMichaelMortonofher1926crimenovel,TheMurderofRogerAckroyd,andHerculePoirotwasplayedbyCharlesLaughton.ChristiedislikedboththeplayandLaughton’sperformance.ItwaslargelybecauseofherdissatisfactionwithAlibithatshedecidedtoputPoirotonthestageinaplayofherown.TheresultwasBlackCoffee,whichranforseveralmonthsatStMartin’sTheatre,London,in1930.
SevenyearspassedbeforeAgathaChristiewrotehernextplay,Akhnaton.ItwasnotamurdermysterybutthestoryoftheancientPharaohwhoattemptedtopersuadeapolytheisticEgypttoturntotheworshipofonedeity,thesun-godAton.Akhnatonfailedtoreachthestagein1937,andlayforgottenforthirty-fiveyearsuntil,inthecourseofspringcleaning,itsauthorfoundthetypescriptagainandhaditpublished.
AlthoughshehaddislikedAlibiin1928,AgathaChristiegaveherpermission,overtheyears,forfivemoreofherworkstobeadaptedforthestagebyotherhands.TheearliestofthesewasLoveFromaStranger(1936),whichFrankVosper,apopularleadingmaninBritishtheatreinthetwentiesandthirties,adaptedfromtheshortstory‘PhilomelCottage’,writingtheleadingmaleroleforhimselftoplay.The1932HerculePoirotnovel,PerilatEndHouse,becameaplayofthesametitlein1940,adaptedbyArnoldRidley,whowaswellknownastheauthorofTheGhostTrain,apopularplayofthetime.WithMurderattheVicarage,a1949dramatizationbyMoieCharlesandBarbaraToyofa1940novelofthesametitle,AgathaChristie’sotherpopularinvestigator,MissMarple,madeherstagedebut.
Disillusionedwithoneortwoofthesestageadaptationsbyotherwriters,in1945AgathaChristiehadherselfbeguntoadaptsomeofheralreadypublishednovelsforthetheatre.The1939murdermysteryTenLittleNiggers(atitlelaterchanged,forobviousreasons,toAndThenThereWereNone)wasstagedverysuccessfullybothinLondonin1943andinNewYorkthefollowingyear.
Christie’sadaptationofAppointmentwithDeath,acrimenovelpublishedin1928,wasstagedin1945,andtwoothernovelswhichshesubsequentlyturnedintoplayswereDeathontheNile(1937),performedin1945asMurderontheNile,andTheHollow,publishedin1946andstagedin1951.ThesethreenovelsallfeaturedHerculePoirotastheinvestigator,butinadaptingthemforthestage,ChristieremovedPoirot.‘IhadgotusedtohavingPoirotinmybooks,’shesaidofoneofthem,‘andsonaturallyhehadcomeintothisone,buthewasallwrongthere.Hedidhisstuffallright,buthowmuchbetter,Ikeptthinking,wouldthebookhavebeenwithouthim.SowhenIcametosketchouttheplay,outwentPoirot.’
ForhernextplayafterTheHollow,AgathaChristieturnednottoanovel,buttohershortstory‘ThreeBlindMice’,whichhaditselfbeenbasedonaradioplayshewrotein1947foroneofhergreatestfans,QueenMary,widowoftheBritishmonarchGeorgeV.TheQueen,whowascelebratinghereightiethbirthdaythatyear,hadaskedtheBBCtocommissionaradioplayfromAgathaChristie,and‘ThreeBlindMice’wastheresult.Foritstransmogrificationintoastageplay,anewtitlewasfound,liftedfromShakespeare’sHamlet.DuringtheperformancewhichHamletcausestobestagedbeforeClaudiusandGertrude,theKingasks,‘Whatdoyoucalltheplay?’towhichHamletreplies,‘TheMousetrap’.TheMousetrapopenedinLondoninNovember1952,anditsproducer,PeterSaunders,toldChristiethathehadhopesforalongrunofayearorevenfourteenmonths.‘Itwon’trunthatlong,’theplaywrightreplied.‘Eightmonths,perhaps.’Fiftyyearslater,TheMousetrapisstillrunning,andmaywellgoonforever.
AfewweeksintotherunofTheMousetrap,SaunderssuggestedtoAgathaChristiethatsheshouldadaptforthestageanotherofhershortstories,‘WitnessfortheProsecution’.Butshethoughtthiswouldprovetoodifficult,andtoldSaunderstotryithimself.Thisheproceededtodo,andinduecoursehedeliveredthefirstdraftofaplaytoher.Whenshehadreadit,Christietoldhimshedidnotthinkhisversiongoodenough,butthathehadcertainlyshownherhowitcouldbedone.Sixweekslater,shehadcompletedtheplaythatshelaterconsideredoneofherbest.OnitsfirstnightinOctober1953attheWinterGardenTheatreinDruryLane,theaudiencesatspellboundbytheingenuityofthesurpriseending.WitnessfortheProsecutionplayedfor468performances,andenjoyedanevenlongerrunof646performancesinNewYork.
ShortlyafterWitnessfortheProsecutionwaslaunched,AgathaChristieagreedtowriteaplayfortheBritishfilmstar,MargaretLockwood,whowantedarolethatwouldexploithertalentforcomedy.Theresultwasanenjoyablecomedy-thriller,Spider’sWeb,whichmadesatiricaluseofthatcreakyolddevice,thesecretpassage.InDecember1954,itopenedattheSavoyTheatre,whereitstayedfor774performances,joiningTheMousetrapandWitnessfortheProsecution.AgathaChristiehadthreesuccessfulplaysrunningsimultaneouslyinLondon.
Forthenexttheatreventure,ChristiecollaboratedwithGeraldVernertoadaptTowardsZero,amurdermysteryshehadwrittentenyearspreviously.OpeningatStJames’sTheatreinSeptember1956,ithadarespectablerunofsixmonths.Theauthorwasnowinherlatesixties,butstillproducingatleastonenovelayearandseveralshortstories,aswellasworkingonherautobiography.Shewastowritefivemoreplays,allbutoneofthemoriginalworksforthestageandnotadaptationsofnovels.TheexceptionwasGoBackforMurder,astageversionofher1943HerculePoirotmurdermystery,FiveLittlePigs,andonceagainshebanishedPoirotfromtheplot,makingtheinvestigatorapersonableyoungsolicitor.TheplayopenedattheDuchessTheatreinMarch1960,butclosedafteronlythirty-oneperformances.
Herfourremainingplays,alloriginalstageworks,wereVerdict,TheUnexpectedGuest(bothfirststagedin1958),RuleofThree(1962),andFiddlersThree(1972).RuleofThreeisactuallythreeunconnectedone-actplays,thelastofwhich,‘ThePatient’,isanexcellentmysterythrillerwithanunbeatablefinalline.However,audiencesstayedawayfromthiseveningofthreeseparateplays,andRuleofThreeclosedattheDuchessTheatreaftertenweeks.
Christie’sfinalworkforthetheatre,FiddlersThree,didnotevenreachLondon.IttouredtheEnglishprovincesin1971asFiddlersFive,waswithdrawntoberewritten,andreopenedattheYvonneArnaudTheatre,Guildford,inAugust1972.Aftertouringquitesuccessfullyforseveralweeks,itfailedtofindasuitableLondontheatreandclosedout-of-town.
Verdict,whichopenedatLondon’sStrandTheatreinMay1958,isunusualinthat,althoughamurderdoesoccurintheplay,thereisnomysteryattachedtoit,foritiscommittedinfullviewoftheaudience.Itclosedafteramonth,butitsresilientauthormurmured,‘AtleastIamgladTheTimeslikedit,’immediatelysettoworktowriteanotherplay,andcompleteditwithinfourweeks.ThiswasTheUnexpectedGuest,which,afteraweekinBristol,movedtotheDuchessTheatre,London,whereitopenedinAugust1958andhadasatisfactoryrunofeighteenmonths.OneofthebestofAgathaChristie’splays,itsdialogueistautandeffective,anditsplotfullofsurprises,despitebeingeconomicalandnotover-complex.Reviewswereuniformlyenthusiastic,andnow,morethanfortyyearslater,ithasbegunanewleaseoflifeasanovel.
Afewmonthsbeforeherdeathin1976,AgathaChristiegaveherconsentforastageadaptationtobemadebyLeslieDarbonofher1950novel,AMurderisAnnounced,whichfeaturedMissMarple.Whentheplayreachedthestageposthumouslyin1977,thecriticofTheFinancialTimespredictedthatitwouldrunaslongasTheMousetrap.Itdidnot.
In1981,LeslieDarbonadaptedonemoreChristienovel,CardsontheTable,aPoirotmurdermysterypublishedforty-fiveyearsearlier.Takingaleaffromtheauthor’sbookwhereHerculePoirotwasconcerned,Darbonremovedhimfromthecastofcharacters.Todate,therehavebeennomorestageadaptationsofAgathaChristienovels.WithBlackCoffee,TheUnexpectedGuest,andnowSpider’sWeb,Ihavestartedatrendintheoppositedirection.
CHARLESOSBORNE
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
TheMousetrapandSelectedPlays
Thefirst-everpublicationinbookformofTheMousetrap,thelongest-runningplayinthehistoryofLondon’sWestEnd,plusthreeotherChristiethrillers
TheMousetrap
Ahomicidalmaniacterrorizesagroupofsnowboundgueststotherefrainof‘ThreeBlindMice’…
AndThenThereWereNone
Tenguiltypeople,broughttogetheronanislandinmysteriouscircumstances,awaittheirsentence…
AppointmentWithDeath
ThesuffocatingheatofanexoticMiddle-Easternsettingprovidesabackdropformurder…
TheHollow
Asetoffriendsconveneatacountryhomewheretheirconvolutedrelationshipsmeanthatanyoneofthemcouldbeamurderer…
Christie’splaysareascompulsiveashernovels.Theircolourfulcharactersandingeniousplotsprovideyetmoreevidenceofhermasteryofthedetectivethriller.
ISBN:0006496180
ALSOBYAGATHACHRISTIE
WitnessfortheProsecutionandSelectedPlays
Thefirst-everpublicationinbookformofWitnessfortheProsecution,Christie’shighlysuccessfulstagethrillerwhichwontheNewYorkDramaCriticsCircleAwardforbestforeignplay,plusthreeofherclassicmysteries.
WitnessfortheProsecution
Astunningcourtroomdramainwhichaschemingwifetestifiesagainstherhusbandinashockingmurdertrial…
TowardsZero
Apsychopathicmurdererhomesinonunsuspectingvictimsinaseasidehouse,perchedhighonacliff…
GoBackForMurder
WhentheyoungfeityCarla,orphanedatthetenderageoffive,discovers16yearslaterthathermotherwasimprisonedformurderingherfather,shedeterminestoproveherdeadmother’sinnocence…
Verdict
Passion,murderandlovearethedeadlyingredientswhichcombinetomakethisoneofChristie’smoreunusualthrillers,whichshedescribedas‘thebestplayIhavewrittenwiththeexceptionofWitnessfortheProsecution.’
ISBN:000649045X
ALSOAVAILABLEBYCHARLESOSBORNE
TheLifeandCrimesofAgathaChristie
AgathaChristiewastheauthorofover100plays,shortstorycollectionsandnovelswhichhavebeentranslatedinto103languages;sheisoutsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.Manyhavetriedtocopyherbutnonehassucceeded.Attemptstocaptureherpersonalityonpaper,todiscoverhermotivationsorthereasonsforherpopularity,haveusuallyfailed.CharlesOsborne,alifelongstudentofAgathaChristie,hasapproachedthismostprivateofpeopleaboveallthroughherbooks,andtheresultisafascinatingcompaniontoherlifeandwork.
This‘professionallife’ofAgathaChristieprovidesauthoritativeinformationoneachbook’sprovenance,ontheworkitselfandonitscontemporarycriticalreceptionsetagainstthebackgroundofthemajoreventsintheauthor’slife.Illustratedwithmanyrarephotographs,thiscomprehensiveguidetotheworldofAgathaChristiehasbeenfullyupdatedtoincludedetailsofallthepublications,filmsandTVadaptationsinthe25yearssinceherdeath.
ISBN:0002570335Hardback
ISBN:0006530974Paperback
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisknownthroughouttheworldastheQueenofCrime.HerbookshavesoldoverabillioncopiesinEnglishwithanotherbillionin100foreigncountries.Sheisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.Sheistheauthorof80crimenovelsandshortstorycollections,19plays,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameofMaryWestmacott.
AgathaChristie’sfirstnovel,TheMysteriousAffairatStyles,waswrittentowardstheendoftheFirstWorldWar,inwhichsheservedasaVAD.InitshecreatedHerculePoirot,thelittleBelgiandetectivewhowasdestinedtobecomethemostpopulardetectiveincrimefictionsinceSherlockHolmes.ItwaseventuallypublishedbyTheBodleyHeadin1920.
In1926,afteraveragingabookayear,AgathaChristiewrotehermasterpiece.TheMurderofRogerAckroydwasthefirstofherbookstobepublishedbyCollinsandmarkedthebeginningofanauthor-publisherrelationshipwhichlastedfor50yearsandwellover70books.TheMurderofRogerAckroydwasalsothefirstofAgathaChristie’sbookstobedramatised–underthenameAlibi–andtohaveasuccessfulruninLondon’sWestEnd.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.
AgathaChristiewasmadeaDamein1971.Shediedin1976,sincewhenanumberofbookshavebeenpublishedposthumously:thebestsellingnovelSleepingMurderappearedlaterthatyear,followedbyherautobiographyandtheshortstorycollectionsMissMarple’sFinalCases,ProblematPollensaBayandWhiletheLightLasts.In1998BlackCoffeewasthefirstofherplaystobenovelisedbyanotherauthor,CharlesOsborne.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthor.
TheAgathaChristieCollection
TheManInTheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMrQuin
TheSittafordMystery
TheHoundofDeath
TheListerdaleMystery
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
ParkerPyneInvestigates
MurderIsEasy
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
CrookedHouse
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
Spider’sWeb*
TheUnexpectedGuest*
OrdealbyInnocence
ThePaleHorse
EndlessNight
PassengerToFrankfurt
ProblematPollensaBay
WhiletheLightLasts
Poirot
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
BlackCoffee*
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
Three-ActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheABCMurders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentWithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaboursofHercules
TakenattheFlood
MrsMcGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheAdventureoftheChristmasPudding
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Poirot’sEarlyCases
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
Marple
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheThirteenProblems
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderisAnnounced
TheyDoItWithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
The4.50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple’sFinalCases
Tommy&Tuppence
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
PublishedasMaryWestmacott
Giant’sBread
UnfinishedPortrait
AbsentintheSpring
TheRoseandtheYewTree
ADaughter’saDaughter
TheBurden
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
PlayCollections
TheMousetrapandSelectedPlays
WitnessfortheProsecutionandSelectedPlays
Credits
Coverbycrushed.co.uk?HarperCollins/AgathaChristieLtd2008
Copyright
SPIDER’SWEB.Copyright?2000AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,down-loaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
EPubEdition?January2010ISBN:978-0-06-200675-2
10987654321
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*novelisedbyCharlesOsborne
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TableofContents
TitlePage
Contents
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
ThePlaysofAgathaChristie
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Credits
Copyright
AboutthePublisher