“Don’t do that, for heaven’s sake,” I said. “That would definitely make them think you are guilty.”

He gave me a despairing look. “He’s made up his mind, hasn’t he, that police bloke? He’s not going to find out the truth. He’s determined to nail me.”

“I don’t think he’s trying to nail anybody. He has to go on the evidence so far,” I said. “It was your knife in Cedric’s back. You admitted you were out in the grounds around that time, and they found your boot prints on the path. Those are pretty significant clues, Jack. If I were a police detective, I’d have to make you a suspect.”

“So what hope do I have of proving them wrong?”

I leaned closer to him. “Don’t mention this to anyone, but Darcy is going to have a word with some pals at Scotland Yard to see if they can send someone down to help. And I’m going to speak to my grandfather. He used to be a policeman too and he’s very sensible.”

“Thanks, Georgie. You’re a good sheila, as we’d say at home.”

I sat up again as pea soup was ladled into my bowl. The “simple” meal that Cook had been allowed to prepare for tonight turned out to be sole followed by leg of lamb, followed by apple tart with cream, and Welsh rarebit—another feast to me after Fig’s austerities. Nobody spoke much. I think we were all worn out with the emotions of the day. I know I was. I hoped that Edwina would call an early night and I could go to my bed. But as Edwina stood and motioned that the ladies should leave the gentlemen to their port and cigars, Princess Charlotte announced, “If you will excuse me, I will go to prepare the room for our séance. I expect you all in fifteen minutes. Please bring the gentlemen.”

“Charlotte!” Edwina gave an exasperated sigh. “I thought I made it clear that I wanted this nonsense to stop.”

Charlotte drew herself up and tossed her jet-trimmed shawl over her shoulder. “I should have thought you wanted your son’s murder solved, Edwina. You do not need to attend. I will consult the spirits alone if necessary, but I hope the young people at least will back me up. They’ll want to hear what Cedric’s spirit has to say to us.”

She turned to give each of us an inquiring stare. I think I gave an embarrassed kind of nod.

“Well, I will take my coffee and then retire to my room,” Edwina said. “Given the circumstances, I see no reason for us to pretend to be sociable this evening. I expect you are all as emotionally drained as I.” She gave us a perfunctory nod, picked up a coffee cup and then made a stately exit.