‘But you think that there may have been – what shall I say? – surreptitious episodes?’

‘She’s done her best to make a fool of Michael Weyman,’ said Miss Brewis. ‘Taking him down to see the camellia gardens at this time of year! Pretending she’s so interested in the tennis pavilion.’

‘After all, that is his business for being here and I understand Sir George is having it built principally to please his wife.’

‘She’s no good at tennis,’ said Miss Brewis. ‘She’s no good at any games. Just wants an attractive setting to sit in, while other people run about and get hot. Oh, yes, she’s done her best to make a fool of Michael Weyman. She’d probably have done it too, if he hadn’t had other fish to fry.’

‘Ah,’ said Poirot, helping himself to a very little marmalade, placing it on the corner of a piece of toast and taking a mouthful dubiously. ‘So he has other fish to fry, M. Weyman?’

‘It was Mrs Legge who recommended him to Sir George,’ said Miss Brewis. ‘She knew him before she was married. Chelsea, I understand, and all that. She used to paint, you know.’

‘She seems a very attractive and intelligent young woman,’ said Poirot tentatively.

‘Oh, yes, she’s very intelligent,’ said Miss Brewis. ‘She’s had a university education and I dare say could have made a career for herself if she hadn’t married.’

‘Has she been married long?’

‘About three years, I believe. I don’t think the marriage has turned out very well.’

‘There is – incompatibility?’

‘He’s a queer young man, very moody. Wanders off a lot by himself and I’ve heard him very bad-tempered with her sometimes.’

‘Ah, well,’ said Poirot, ‘the quarrels, the reconciliations, they are a part of early married life. Without them it is possible that life would be drab.’

‘She’s spent a good deal of time with Michael Weyman since he’s been down here,’ said Miss Brewis. ‘I think he was in love with her before she married Alec Legge. I dare say it’s only a flirtation on her side.’

‘But Mr Legge was not pleased about it, perhaps?’

‘One never knows with him, he’s so vague. But I think he’s been even moodier than usual, lately.’

‘Did he admire Lady Stubbs, perhaps?’

‘I dare say she thought he did. She thinks she only has to hold up a finger for any man to fall in love with her!’

‘In any case, if she has gone off with a man, as you suggest, it is not Mr Weyman, for Mr Weyman is still here.’