‘There are so many arms around after the Boer War and this one was used in the Boer War, as far as we know. It’s a German-made Mauser, Model 1896. You know that weapon?’

‘Of course. It was called the “Broomhandle”. Clumsy thing but deadly. Carries ten 7.63mm rounds in its magazine. It’s a more dangerous weapon than the normal six-shot Webley. Hardly a ladies’ weapon.’

‘I told you I got that statement out of Baker-Willis which gives Lord Alfred an alibi.’

‘Where were they all when Freddy was shot?’

‘I went back and got statements from them all despite their threats to have me removed from my job. Lord Alfred was dining with – guess who?’

‘Tristram Baker-Willis.’

‘Right’

‘And Mrs Stockton?’

‘Giving a lecture in a side room at the Café Royal.’

‘Mrs Jerry?’

‘No alibi. Says she can’t remember what she was doing. I sometimes wonder if the three of them were in it together. I’d like to see how they act.’

‘I think I might find a way to arrange that,’ said Harry. ‘Lady Glensheil owes me a favour. I could get her to invite all three to a house party.’

‘Where? In Scotland?’

‘No, in Surrey. She has several residences.’

‘Wish you could get me an invitation as well.’

‘Not possible. But I could get Lady Rose and Daisy invited. She knows Mrs Stockton.’

‘Go ahead with my blessing,’ said Kerridge. ‘I’m blessed if I can find a single clue.’

Daisy was feeling uneasy. At dinner that evening, to her surprise, neither the earl nor countess referred to Sir Richard; in fact, they seemed quite affectionate towards their daughter.

But she sensed an underlying apprehension coming from them; and why, earlier, had Humphrey kept shooting triumphant glances in her direction?

‘My dear,’ said Lady Polly, to her daughter over the floating island pudding, ‘I want you to visit an old friend of mine who is poorly. I would like you to go tomorrow morning.’

‘Certainly.’

‘Humphrey will go with you. Daisy may stay here. I have certain chores I wish her to perform.’

Rose felt so guilty at disappointing her parents that she would have agreed to pretty much anything.

Next morning, Daisy stood at the window and watched Rose and Humphrey being taken away in the earl’s carriage. Lady Polly summoned her.

‘I want you to pack up my daughter’s clothes and things. She will be staying with this friend of mine for a couple of months.’

‘But she said nothing of it to me!’ exclaimed Daisy.

‘Your services are no longer required. We will give you a good settlement. You have two days to pack up and leave.’

Daisy opened her mouth to howl a protest. Something very odd was going on here. Rose’s parting words had been: ‘I suppose I shall be back sometime in the afternoon. I hope this old lady is not a bore.’

So Daisy said meekly, ‘As you wish, my lady.’