‘Why is there dust over everything?’ asked Thomson.

‘Men from the Fingerprint Bureau dusted everything for prints before we began our search.’

Kerridge hated to ask the next question, but he knew where his duty lay. ‘Why did you assume this visitor might be a royal personage?’

‘It was something madam said. We had been shopping at Fortnum’s. There was a particular tea they sell that madam liked. His Majesty visited the store while we were there. He seemed much taken with my mistress. He drew her aside and whispered something to her. Madam blushed and laughed and for the rest of that day was very elated.’

‘But she didn’t say anything specific?’

Thomson shook her head.

‘Friends? Did she have a particular friend she may have confided in?’

‘Not that I know of.’

‘Gentlemen friends?’

‘Only Captain Cathcart.’

‘Very well, Miss Thomson. You may retire. We will wait for the rest of the staff to arrive.’

When she had gone, Kerridge eyed Harry suspiciously. ‘Were your relations with Miss Duval strictly business?’

‘Yes. I was protecting her and trying to find out who had sent the letters.’

‘I tell you what’s odd,’ said Kerridge heavily. ‘Here’s a famous French tart whose business it is to find herself a wealthy protector. But the only person around is you.’

‘Miss Duval told me she did not wish to . . . er . . . return to business until whoever had written those letters had been found.’

‘What was she like?’

‘I would estimate she was at the top of her profession. You see, it’s not just what they do in bed, it is how they can charm and entertain out of it. She was warm-hearted, witty and funny.I liked her immensely.’

‘Liked? That was all?’

‘Yes.’

Kerridge took out a large pocket watch. ‘We had better go and interview Lady Rose.’

Harry felt low during the drive to the earl’s. He had not been quite honest with Kerridge. He had been charmed and fascinated by Dolores. Apart from her charm and her undoubted sexual attraction, she had exuded an almost maternal warmth. He felt guilty when he thought about Rose. Yes, he had kissed Rose passionately and she had responded, but when he had seen her again, she had seemed cold and remote. It had not dawned on Harry that the normally courageous Rose was shy. The newspapers tomorrow were going to crucify her. He was sure the neighbours who had found her with the revolver had already talked, not to mention the cleaning woman.

No one had thought to tell Daisy of the day’s events. She had interviewed a gentleman who wanted proof of his wife’s adultery and two ladies who were distressed over their missing pets.

Feeling very much in charge, Daisy decided to tackle the cases herself, setting out in pursuit of the missing pets and resolving to start a watch on the gentleman’s wife the next day.

* * *

Accompanied by the barrister, Briggs, Rose was taken through her story again. She was white and shaken. Harry longed to comfort her, but she did not look at him once. Instead, he said to the earl, ‘Someone was sending Miss Duval threatening letters. They have disappeared. I am sure that person is the one who murdered her.’