Carnage on the Committee: A Robert Amiss/Baroness Jack Troutbeck Mystery
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‘It took a few moments,’ said Mary Lou, ‘and then there was a barrage of angry questions and accusations, but fortunately just as she was telling them that all was fair in love and war, Ellis rang to say we could pack up and get ready to go home and everyone lost interest. And then of course the publication of Birkett’s letter stopped Rosa and Ferriter from causing any further trouble.’
‘And why, Jack, did you like the book so much if it is as European as it sounds?’ asked Milton.
‘It is a wonderful study of an astonishing talent who was so self-critical that he produced in his life only thirteen songs—all masterpieces of their kind—which give the titles to the chapters which in their turn, treat of the great issues of life and death and love and loss and the human condition.’
‘For example?’
‘“To the country where war is waged” is the first,’ said Mary Lou, ‘and I’m not going to make any attempt to explain to you how it caught and moved me. You’ll have to read it yourself.’
‘But you’re such a Europhobe, Jack,’ said Milton.
The baroness shook her head. ‘I hate the European Union, Jim, but I love Europe. I love visiting it, I love eating its food, and looking at its art and listening to its music and sometimes even reading its books. I just want it to stay where it is—on the other side of the channel—and keep its nose out of our business.’
‘So are you going to emulate Robert and Rachel and take off there soon?’ asked Pooley.
‘No, I’m going to China.’
‘China! Why China all of a sudden?’ asked Mary Lou.
The baroness looked coy. ‘I’m visiting a friend I met recently.’
‘Who? When? Where?’
‘In Richmond Park a few weeks ago. I was passing and saw the Chinese State Circus was on. One must always go to the circus. I admired the leading acrobat and took him for a drink afterwards.’
As everyone began firing off questions simultaneously, the waiter came in with a large tray.
‘You can be as inquisitive as you like, but you won’t get anything more out of me,’ said the baroness, ‘except that I’m celebrating too. Get pouring the white wine, Robert, for there are many courses and many bottles to be consumed before we sleep.’
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