‘Indeed?’ Mrs Stockton gave a gratified smile. ‘If you would care to wait until I say goodbye to everyone, then we can have a cosy chat.’

Rose and Daisy retreated back into the drawing-room. At last Mrs Stockton begged them to follow her to her study.

‘You may wait here for us, Humphrey,’ ordered Rose.

Mrs Stockton led them across the landing and into a room where the walls were draped in black velvet and a scented candle burnt on a table, also draped in black.

‘Now, where shall I begin?’ she began brightly.

A butler entered with a card on a tray. ‘A Captain Cathcart to see you, madam.’

‘You must tell him I am otherwise engaged.’

‘The gentleman said it would only take a few minutes.’

‘What can he want? Oh, do show him up.’ She smiled at Rose. ‘Another of my admirers, no doubt, but I confess I cannot quite place the name.’

‘Captain Cathcart,’ said Rose, ‘is a private investigator.’

‘Oh dear, how common. I must get rid of him immediately.’ She reached out to ring the bell, but at that moment Harry was ushered into the room.

‘I should not have allowed you to come up,’ said Mrs Stockton. ‘I do not entertain persons.’

Just one question,’ said Harry. ‘Good afternoon, Lady Rose, Miss Levine. Mrs Stockton, was Mr Pomfret blackmailing you?

‘Who, pray, is Mr Pomfret?’

‘The young man who has just been murdered. The young man to whom you gave ten thousand pounds.’

Rose studied Mrs Stockton’s face. It had become almost mask-like. ‘Ah, yes, I remember now. He was interested in setting up a series of lectures on vegetarianism. A worthy cause. I always support worthy causes.’

‘Mr Pomfret was a loyal member of the Beefsteak Club. They hold dinners every month and a great quantity of beef is eaten.’

‘Then he must have reformed. Please leave. Lady Rose, you must forgive me, but my exertions this afternoon have given me the headache. Perhaps another time?’

‘Certainly,’ said Rose. ‘Would tomorrow afternoon be convenient?’

‘I should be honoured. Shall we say three o’clock? Yes? Good. Now, if you will excuse me. Captain Cathcart, do not come here again.’

‘Let’s go to my office and discuss what we have,’ said Harry as they walked down the stairs.

‘I’d best get rid of Humphrey,’ said Rose. ‘We’ll never get any privacy with her around. She disapproves of Daisy and she is jealous.’

Miss Jubbles surveyed the arrivals with gloom. ‘Tea, please, Miss Jubbles,’ said Harry pleasantly as he ushered Daisy and Rose into the inner office.