“My money is on one of those strange, poncy blokes who hung around Cedric,” Jack said. “They were definitely emotional when he made that announcement about wanting to adopt his valet last night, weren’t they?”

I decided to speak up. “You might consider that you are probably the prime suspect, Jack.”

“Me?” He laughed. “Why would I want old Cedric out of the way?”

“To inherit the dukedom, of course. He got up early to write a letter then went to post it himself. There was no sign of a letter when I saw the body, so someone must have wanted to stop that letter from reaching its destination. And if the letter told his solicitor that he wanted to adopt his valet, thus cutting you out, well, then . . .”

I gave him a long, hard look. He laughed nervously. “That’s a load of old cobblers. I never wanted to be a bloody duke in the first place.”

“I know that,” I said. “But the police might see it differently. You’d better have a good alibi for early this morning.”

“Alibi?” He frowned. “I don’t have any kind of alibi. I got up early, went for a walk then it looked as if it was going to rain so I came in and they were just putting out breakfast. So I helped myself then I went up to see Sissy.”

“You seem to be spending a lot of time with your cousin,” I said.

He blushed. “Well, I feel sorry for her, stuck up there all alone. At her age, she should be going to parties and having nice dresses and things. And she’s a terrific teacher. She’s helping me with my reading and writing.”

“So where did your walk take you?” I went on. “Did you happen to see anyone?”

He looked sheepish. “I went to see the horses, as a matter of fact. I feel comfortable around horses, and they’ve told me I can ride any horse I like. Bluebird, isn’t it?—he’s a real cracker. Him and me get on like a house on fire.”

“What time was this?”

“Early. I know it was before breakfast. Probably about seven, seven thirty.”

“And did you see Cedric at all?”

He shook his head. “I told you, I don’t remember seeing anybody.”

“And when you came back into the house, did you see anyone then? Anyone who could vouch for your being indoors before Cedric was killed?”

He was looking at me strangely now, his eyes darting nervously. “Hey, you really do think they’ll try to pin it on me, don’t you?”

“Yes, I’m afraid I do.”

“Do you think they’ll gang up against me?”