The Testimony of the Hanged Man (Lizzie Martin 5)

by Granger, Ann

  ‘So do I,’ said Aunt Parry gloomily.

  It was best to change the subject. ‘Have you had any luck finding a new companion, Aunt Parry?’

  She brightened. ‘Yes, Miss Rosa Featherstone will arrive in a week’s time, from Birmingham. She is a schoolmaster’s daughter and so I hope she will be able to read aloud clearly, without stumbling over long words, as Laetitia Bunn used to do. I hope for the best, Elizabeth, as you know I always do. But I have had so many disappointments concerning companions. All the ones I have liked best have left to be married . . . as you did. You abandoned me with no thought, Elizabeth, and to marry a policeman. Do not think I have anything but a high opinion of Inspector Ross – but really, murder!’ She shuddered.

  ‘He does not always have to investigate murders,’ I protested.

  ‘It seems to me he is always engaged in that way,’ Aunt Parry retorted. ‘Every time you come to visit me, the inspector is busy with yet another gruesome crime. Such a disagreeable business and I do wonder that Inspector Ross has chosen to make a career of dealing with it.’

  ‘Well, someone must do it,’ I offered.

  ‘I dare say,’ returned Aunt Parry fretfully. ‘But you did not need to marry him, all the same. What on earth do you talk about over dinner?’

  I could not resist replying, ‘Sometimes about the current murder investigation, Aunt Parry, though of course not always.’

  She sat back and stared at me. ‘Really, Elizabeth, life is unpleasant enough. Do ring for Simms. All the scones are gone and those crumpets are quite cold. We need more and hotter ones.’