‘So the case is closed?’
‘Not quite. Chapman’s counsel is seeking leave to appeal, but we think it’s unlikely it will be granted.’
‘What do you suppose will happen at Dallington Manor?’ said Major Matthews. ‘Surely that poor woman can’t carry on the business on her own?’
‘Actually, there’s some very promising news there,’ said Sukey. ‘Lily and the remaining staff, who have been incredibly loyal and supportive, are keeping the place ticking over until all the present guests have left – there’s only a handful still there anyway. There’ll be an announcement shortly that it’s closing down for refurbishment. It’s hoped the place will reopen in time for Christmas under new management.’
‘Do you know who’s taking it over?’ asked Harry.
‘Yes, and it’s a really heart-warming story. Lily’s brother-in-law, Pansy’s husband, is filthy rich and he’s planning to do a substantial makeover before the reopening.’
‘That’s great news,’ said Harry. ‘I suppose Pansy is the sister Lily used as an alibi so she could sneak up to Richmond and spend time with Rainbird?’
‘That’s the one.’
‘Well, all I can say is I wish them the very best of luck,’ said Lady Freddie and they all raised their glasses in agreement.
One evening a week later, Harry called Sukey and said, ‘I’ve got some good news and some other news. Can I come round and share it with you?’
‘I’ve been wondering why I haven’t heard from you,’ she said. ‘Yes of course, come now.’
When he arrived he opened a bottle of wine, poured two glasses and led her into the sitting room. ‘This should really be champagne,’ he said, ‘but there wasn’t time to chill it and I couldn’t wait to give you the good news. My editor nominated me a few weeks ago for regional crime reporter of the year, and he’s just told me I’ve got it.’
‘Harry! That’s wonderful – I’m so proud of you.’
They raised their glasses and drank the toast. Then he put his glass down, took hers from her, put his arms round her and held her close. After some moments he said, ‘Would you like to hear the other news now?’
‘Other news – oh yes, of course – I’d almost forgotten. What is it?’
‘It’s Dad and Freddie. They’re getting married at Christmas.’
‘How lovely!’ said Sukey. ‘I’m so happy for them. Will she move in with your Dad?’
‘No, they’re going to move into her place; it’s bigger and quite a bit more luxurious.’
‘You’re going to miss him,’ she said thoughtfully.
‘That rather depends on you.’
Sukey eyed him warily. ‘Go on.’
‘Well, Dad’s flat is a bit bigger and more convenient than yours … and remembering what we agreed when we spent that weekend at Greenings, I thought I’d mention that Dad never got rid of the double bed he shared with Mum for so many years.’
Sukey’s head was telling her to play it cool; she knew it was a losing battle but she tried to hold out a little longer. ‘I have a feeling,’ she said, ‘that you’re asking me to move in with you.’
‘Got it in one,’ he said. ‘I love you so much, Sukey,’ he said gently. ‘We make a great team, don’t we?’ He kissed her again, even more insistently than before. ‘Well? What about it?’
Her head gave up the struggle. She drew a deep breath and whispered, ‘The offer of a double bed is just too good to refuse.’
The Scent of Death--A Sukey Reyholds British police procedural Page 26
