by Jack Murray
The ever-mischievous Miller smiled and said, ‘Good to meet you too.’ He winked at Elsie who smiled, as did the young policeman, noted Miller. No doubt, the overweight officer of the law was as sympathetic to his subordinates as he was to suspects. Whatever had taken place with Lord Cavendish, Miller had complete confidence the man before him would not be the one to pull back the curtain of doubt to allow the light of truth to shine.
Thankfully Stott decided not to have dessert. Standing up he finally addressed the staff.
‘Good afternoon. My name is Inspector Stott,’ he paused for dramatic effect then continued, ‘and this is Constable Coltrane.’ It was difficult not to detect the disdain in Stott’s voice for his colleague.
‘We will be making some preliminary investigations. However, it must be repeated, there’s nothing to suggest that anyone has done anything wrong. I would like you to cooperate fully with Constable Coltrane who will be taking statements from each of you.’
The speech finished, Stott turned to Miller, ‘Now, you there, show me where Lord Aston can be found. Perhaps he’s with the two ladies.’ Looking at Agnes, he said, ‘And can you get Lady Emily? I will see all in the drawing room.’
Miller led Stott out of the kitchen and back up the stairs to the drawing room. Bright was reading a newspaper brought from the village by, the recently returned, Strangerson. He, too, was sitting in the drawing room. Strangerson stood up and proffered his hand, ‘Hello old boy, the name’s Strangerson.’
It was immediately clear to Stott that Strangerson was a gentleman. In Stott’s experience, one could intimidate the lower orders with impunity. However, attempting a similar approach with one’s betters was fraught with danger. His preferred approach was to pitch himself within a spectrum beginning with deference and going as far as unctuous toadying when the occasion demanded. He shook Strangerson’s hand enthusiastically.
‘Stott. Inspector Stott. I’m here to look into the matter of the Lord Cavendish’s passing.’
‘Capital!’ said Strangerson, ‘I’m sure you’re just the man to get to the bottom of this.’
‘I’ve had some modest success,’ admitted Stott but could not elaborate further as Lady Emily stalked into the room accompanied by Henry. Forty years of detection, if not at the highest levels, were more than enough for Stott to recognize the manifest superiority of Lady Emily’s status. Stott recalibrated his levels of his sycophancy to their highest level. He bowed to the new entrant.
‘Who might you be?’ asked Lady Emily with a hauteur she always reserved for public officials.
‘Inspector Stott at your service, Lady Emily. This,’ indicating Coltrane with undisguised dismay, ‘is Constable Coltrane.’
Lady Emily nodded and then said, ‘You asked for us, I understand.’ Stott noted how she did not condescend to add a friendly ‘is there any way we can help’? In fact, Stott found Lady Emily an altogether splendid example of the English upper class, a system of social organization he not only believed in but had spent his life upholding.
‘I did request that you join us. I won’t detain you long.’ This declaration was finished off with another bow, the effect of which amused Bright immensely, appalled Henry deeply and, happily, won over Lady Emily to the portly detective.
-
Esther looked sympathetically at Kit, ‘I’m so sorry Kit. We’re really not accusing Mr Miller of anything.’
‘Yet,’ added Mary looking at Kit directly. After a few moments silence, they agreed it would be best to re-join others and wait for the police to arrive.
‘How do we get out of here?’ asked Kit.
‘Do you find the idea of being trapped in a secret room with two defenceless, young sisters so very frightful?’ smiled Mary.
‘Mary!’ exclaimed Esther chuckling, ‘I really don’t know where you get these ideas.’
‘I agree,’ said Kit, ‘The idea of you both being defenceless, is a complete calumny. I wouldn’t stand for it Esther.’
‘You’re both as bad as one another,’ pronounced Esther laughing as they left the secret room and returned to the library. Kit put the picture back on the wall and stood back from it. He heard Esther saying, ‘I can hear voices in the drawing room. It sounds like the police have arrived.’ However, Kit was not paying attention. Instead, he walked closer to the picture again and looked more closely.
‘Kit are you coming?’ asked Mary at the door.
It took a few moments for Kit to answer and then he said, ‘Yes. Forgive me.’
‘What is it Kit? What have you seen?’
‘I’d like to get hold of Chubby. I have a few questions for him,’ replied Kit, avoiding answering Mary’s question directly, which caused her to frown. She brushed past Kit and went to the picture herself to look at it again. Seeing the others had left the room, she put the picture down, with some frustration, and followed them.
Chapter 24
The arrival of Kit and the two sisters into the drawing room interrupted the growing admiration between Lady Emily and Stott. It was rare for her to encounter such a commendable combination of gallantry and veneration. She was particularly pleased by the fact that his admiration stemmed not from a knowledge or appreciation of her qualities so much as her position in society. She had felt for many years such deference was being lost in the uninterrupted march of progress.
Stott excused himself from Lady Emily and took on an increased solemnity of manner as he was presented to the sisters and Kit. His presence was a stark reminder to them of what had happened, and both were visibly upset. To Stott’s credit, his manner with the two sisters was gentle and less servile than hitherto. He confined his meeting with them to expressing condolence for their loss and requesting, with a surprising degree of delicacy, their permission to transfer the late Lord to a hospital. It was unnecessary to add this would be for a post-mortem, but he felt relieved by Lady Mary’s acknowledgement that the surprising nature of the death would require early confirmation of cause.
Following this dialogue, the sisters retired to their grandfather’s room to wait the moment when he would be moved. Stott then turned to Kit and bowed slightly.
‘I’m sorry to meet you in such tragic circumstances. May I have a few moments with you in private?’
‘By all means, let’s go to the dining room.’
Stott had heard of Lord Kit Aston and meeting the man in person, he was every bit as impressive in real life. Aston confirmed everything Stott believed about the superiority of the Englishman and specifically, the English nobility. His height, his noble bearing, the steadiness of his blue eyes, the manifest intelligence and unquestionable courage bespoke generations, if not centuries, of breeding.
This was the kind of man he could look up to, literally and, well, literally. It was immensely gratifying to Stott how much Lord Aston looked the part. The exploits of Aston during the War were well documented. If the rumours were true, just as many of his exploits were not. In other circumstances Stott would love to have heard more about what the newspapers called, ‘The French Diplomat Affair’. Perhaps if the demise of Lord Cavendish was not brought about by murder, he might broach the subject at a later date.
‘I hope I’ve not upset the ladies with my request,’ opened Stott, with sincerity.
‘On the contrary Inspector Stott, I must commend your tact. It’s clear that an inquest is necessary. The key to this will be a post-mortem. I’m guessing you’re familiar with the threatening notes Lord Cavendish received over the last few years.’
‘I am, sir. Horrible business. I did the original investigation into the matter but, alas, we were unable to uncover anything.’
‘But your presence may have dissuaded this madman from undertaking any violence towards Lord Cavendish. In this respect you did well.’
‘I am aware from the newspapers and also internal correspondence that you, sir, have experience in investigative matters. I gather also, from the staff and guests, you’ve made some preliminary inquiries. Would you be a
ble to acquaint me with all you’ve learned? I’m keen not to take statements from the guests quite yet until we have understood more from the coroner.’
‘I quite understand, Inspector.’
For the next half hour, Kit related most of what he’d discovered over the last few days including the missing cards threatening Lord Cavendish. This news dismayed Stott, but he managed to keep control of his reaction. If the cards had not been mislaid, then it meant someone had deliberately taken them to avoid them being seen by the police.
The only things Kit held back in his report related to the battalion photograph and the tracks to and from the Edmunds’ cottage. The former point might throw an unfavourable light on Miller. This would be a distraction as there was no question in Kit’s mind that Miller was unconnected to the notes. A similar consideration informed his reluctance to discuss the tracks in the snow. Kit was fairly certain the tracks were not material anyway, but he needed to confirm this separately.
The questions Stott asked confirmed Kit’s impression that the detective was not interested in pursuing an investigation. Furthermore, he did not appear to mind Kit starting an investigation on his own initiative. This was welcome news for Kit. The pliability of the Inspector meant he could pursue matters uncontested. Kit trusted his instincts. He felt sure there was a case here, but its nature was frustratingly just out of his reach.
Having finished his report to Stott, and before returning to the others, Kit asked the Inspector about the original investigation into the threatening Christmas cards. Stott related that the Metropolitan police had been involved when it became apparent, they had come from London. The investigation petered out when no attempt was made on Cavendish’s life.
The two men returned to the drawing room. Coltrane was diligently capturing details from Strangerson and Bright on their movements over the two days. He brightened up considerably when Kit nodded to him and said, ‘Well done Constable.’ Stott looked unimpressed. This lack of enthusiasm turned to outright displeasure with Coltrane’s next comment.
‘Sir, do you think it would be an idea to conduct a search of the rooms?’
‘What are we looking for?’ asked Stott.
‘Evidence sir?’
‘Such as?’
‘Poison?’ offered Coltrane hesitantly.
‘Capital idea,’ said Strangerson, clapping the young Constable on the back.
‘Indeed, very good Coltrane. Capital. We’ll make a detective of you yet,’ said Stott trying to make the best of an increasingly bad situation.
‘Good idea Constable,’ said Kit nodding. ‘I suggest you start with the guest rooms before going downstairs. It would be counter-productive to the peace of the household if the staff felt they were under suspicion.’
‘Good idea Kit,’ said Strangerson, ‘Please do feel free to start with my room, Inspector. I’ve nothing to hide.’
‘Very good, Mr Strangerson, we shall do as you suggest. Thank you,’ said Stott. He motioned for Coltrane to commence the search.
-
The rest of the afternoon was taken up with a search of the guest rooms. Towards late afternoon an ambulance arrived to remove the body of Cavendish to Lincoln County Hospital, overseen by Bright and Inspector Stott.
This was an emotional moment for the family and the staff. Even Lady Emily, noted Kit, shed a tear. Henry remained inexpressive, but Kit saw the young man’s hands gripping one another; the knuckles were white. He was to be the next Lord Cavendish, a title he did not appear to want. Yet his becoming the new Lord Cavendish would be a source of pride for his mother. Quite simply the young man was in an impossible position and Kit suspected there was more to this than simply a desire to work in commerce. As soon as the body of Lord Cavendish had been placed in the ambulance, Henry spun around and stalked back to the house. Kit saw his hand go up to his eyes.
The sight of their grandfather being removed from the Hall was too much for the sisters. Both Kit and Bright comforted the sisters, however, they realized no words could provide adequate consolation.
With the departure of the ambulance, Bright announced he would have to return to Doctor Stevens. This was natural as Bright had stayed for two nights and there was nothing to stop him returning to continue his locum duties. The roads were now passable. His reluctance to leave was evident as was the genuine sorrow on the part of the sisters at this news. For Kit, it prompted mixed feelings. The mutual regard between himself and Bright was plain but there was no avoiding the fact that there was rivalry in the air. Once more, Kit recoiled at thought of being jealous and tried to dismiss it from his mind.
One moment encapsulated for Kit the suspicion that Bright was also in a similar state of mind. As Bright bid the sisters and Kit adieu he said in passing, ‘All yours.’ Kit immediately understood this was probably as much a reference to the sisters as the murder case.
It was clear Mary had picked up on the remark also and understood its import. Although she said nothing, Kit detected anger in her eyes. This made him feel both cheerful and guilty at feeling so cheered up. It acted as a reminder to him of her independent character. She would naturally resent any implied ownership particularly from two males in the herd.
-
Following the departure of the late Lord Cavendish, the sisters and Lady Emily retired to their rooms. Stott, along with Kit, drew Curtis and Miss Buchan aside to tell them about the need to conduct a general search of the staff quarters. Both readily agreed; Coltrane was dispatched to start the search.
Following their discussion with Curtis and Miss Buchan, Kit took Sam for his afternoon constitutional. As he returned from the walk with the little dog, he saw Henry outside also. He called out to Henry, who stopped and looked at Kit with some irritation.
‘I’m glad I caught you Henry. I won’t keep you, but I wanted to mention a couple of things.’
‘Go on.’
Henry had not yet developed the art of disguising his annoyance well. The abruptness of his response confirmed to Kit his suspicions were well founded and that he could proceed with confidence.
‘First of all, condolences once more for your loss. I know relations were strained over the last few years, but I think one day you will feel a grief that perhaps you do not feel now.’ Kit could see the look of scepticism on the young man’s face as he continued, ‘I understand you used to spend the summer here with the girls. I’m fairly sure those were happier times. I know so much has happened since then.’
Henry gave a snort. ‘And now I’m Lord of the Manor,’ he said with some derision.
‘Yes, but it doesn’t mean you’ve no say in how you live your life. I’m not just talking about working in business, Henry.’
This clearly cut through to Henry, frowning he asked, ‘How do you mean?’
‘I know who you’re going to see.’ Kit could see anger on Henry’s face, and he added, ‘Before you accuse the staff here of revealing secrets, I can assure you they told me nothing. They respected your privacy. You may want to bear it in mind when this is all yours.’ He gestured to the Hall.
‘How did you find out?’ The tone had softened. It was more accepting. The look in his eyes was different, too. They met Kit’s for the first time. Kit studied him for a moment. Something was changing in the boy.
‘I wasn’t sure until I saw your reaction, it was instinct,’ admitted Kit.
Henry looked away. Tears formed in his eyes. He fought them back successfully. He turned towards Kit. Once more he looked directly at him. His voice had another timbre.
‘I love her. I’ve loved her since we were children. I don’t want this damn title. My mother will just use this as a reason to stop me being with her. I will be expected to marry someone of my rank,’ he said scathingly. ‘A stable girl? It will never do. I can already hear her saying this.’
His eyes blazed with a fire that surprised Kit. This was a young man in love; a young man who would now have to grow up rapidly. To do so would require a courage that he’d hereto kept we
ll hidden behind a façade of indifference.
‘I realize it’s none of my business, Henry. The only reason for mentioning it at all was it came up when Harry and I were collating people’s movements prior to your grandfather’s death. I would recommend three things, if you are prepared to listen.’
Henry nodded but said nothing.
‘Firstly, you should tell your mother. This is the responsible thing to do. It will show her that you’re growing up and ready to take control of your destiny. Secondly, I gather from the girls, Jane is very bright. You should encourage her to finish her education. This will benefit her whatever happens in the future. It’s in her best interests,’ said Kit with emphasis.
Henry’s eyes remained fixed on Kit but there was understanding there now. Kit continued, ‘Finally, you must respect that Jane is at a vulnerable age. I think you can understand what I’m saying.’
The anger flashed again. ‘I wouldn’t dream of doing anything to compromise Jane,’ snapped Henry.
Kit nodded but added nothing more other than to bid him farewell. Looking down at the little dog, he was aware Sam had been unusually silent during the exchange.
‘Was I too hard on him?’ Sam yelped in reply which Kit took to mean, “Perfectly judged old boy”.
They returned to the Hall, which was in uproar. Curtis was in a state of agitation when he saw Kit enter the Hall. He came running over and said, ‘Lord Aston, thank God you’re back.’
‘What’s wrong?’ asked Kit, seeing how disconcerted Curtis was.
‘It’s your man, Mr Miller, sir. He’s been arrested by Inspector Stott.’
This news shocked Kit to his core. Regaining his composure, he inquired calmly, ‘Where is Inspector Stott?’
‘Follow me sir.’
They went to the staff quarters and went to Miller’s room. Inside a dejected-looking Miller was sat with Stott, Coltrane, and Mary Cavendish. Miller looked up at Kit and shook his head. He, too, seemed to be in a state of disbelief.
