Regan thought that Veronica’s voice had a slight edge to it. She didn’t blame her. She knew Veronica had her heart set on this trip and needed the rather dubious companionship of Penelope. Awed, she watched Penelope shovel a stack of hors d’oeuvres on a cocktail napkin which she arranged as a carrying case.

Livingston’s voice was filled with weary resignation as he said, “You really should not have troubled yourself, Miss Atwater. And now I do want to apologize to all of you for having to take up so much of your time during your brief stay in Oxford.” He turned to Philip. “You have no plans to travel, I assume, Professor?”

Philip’s face turned scarlet again. “Absolutely not.”

Again Val’s face registered indignation. “Philip and I are in charge of the summer program at Saint Polycarp’s. We’ll be staying here to look after the place while Lady Exner is away. You can reach him at any time.”

“Quite so,” Livingston replied, his voice offhand as he turned his gaze on Regan. “Miss Reilly, you of all people had the most opportunity to hear something that may have seemed insignificant. I realize it’s been a long time, but your mind is trained for investigative detail ...”

Regan joined him at the fireplace as others refilled their teacups. “I’ve been trying to remember anything that might help. I kept a journal while I was here that’s packed away at my parents’ house in New Jersey, along with pictures I took. My parents are away now, but when they get back next week, I’ll ask my mother to send it to me in Los Angeles. I have a feeling it might trigger something.” She smiled at Livingston. “At the time I thought it would be crazy not to try and capture on paper my impressions of Oxford.” Her smile disappeared and she looked thoughtful. “Of course I never thought I’d end up searching it for clues in a murder investigation. But I did live with Athena for eight months, and her name appears in it many times. There might be something ...” Regan turned as Val offered her another cup of tea. “No, thanks, Val.”

“I appreciate your help,” Livingston said as he bowed slightly.

“I’m scheduled to leave tomorrow, but I’d like to remain in contact with you and do anything I can to find out who could have done this to Athena.”

“Absolutely.”

Regan suddenly felt as if the room seemed too close. It was almost as though the smell of death were in it. She realized that the scent of flowers coming through the open windows was reminding her of the Reilly funeral homes. She turned to Kit. “Why don’t we walk back?”

“Good idea. We can stop at the pub down the road,” Kit whispered.