by Clara Benson
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ he said.
She looked at his left arm, which he was holding a little stiffly, for it was still very uncomfortable.
‘And so I understand you caught the murderer single-handedly, and were stabbed for your pains,’ she said. ‘Tell me, were you very brave?’
‘Not terribly brave,’ he said modestly.
‘Well, I’m glad you weren’t too badly hurt. And I’m sorry if you’re heartbroken over Amelia—but really, darling, you’d have found her company dreadfully wearing after a while. She has no sophistication at all, and she squeals so. It gives one quite a headache.’
‘I don’t mind,’ he said. ‘I expect she’d have found me a little difficult, too. I try to be good, but I’m afraid I don’t always behave as well as I ought.’
‘That’s true enough,’ she said, amused. An idea seemed to strike her, and she glanced at him speculatively. ‘Look here, why don’t you stay to tea? Amelia won’t be back for hours yet, and I shall be awfully bored without company.’
Freddy hesitated. There was nothing in the question itself, or in the tone of her voice, but he knew exactly what she was about. He had only intended to drop in quickly, for despite his injured arm he was still meant to be working. This afternoon he was supposed to go and speak to a member of the County Council about a new drainage scheme for the Thames. He knew the man in question would bring out plans and drawings and talk at length about channels and sluices, and he would be expected to pay attention. It promised to be frightfully dull, but Mr. Bickerstaffe would give him another carpeting if he missed the appointment. It was time he started to take his duties as a reporter more seriously if he wished to get on. He opened his mouth to say as much, then saw Blanche regarding him invitingly with those wide blue eyes, so like her daughter’s, but without any of the innocence. She was much nicer to look at—and much easier company—than the elderly Mr. Repton, with his dry, croaking voice and his rheumy eyes, and his enthusiasm for the finer points of sewerage.
There was a pause.
‘Perhaps I might stay just a little while,’ he said at last.
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New to Freddy? Read more about him in the Angela Marchmont mysteries.
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