‘And I have another ceremony at three o’clock,’ the vicar gently reminded her.

‘Something must have gone wrong,’ said Booth Watson.

All three of them continued to stare at the entrance to the church, but there was still no sign of the groom.

• • •

William walked slowly down each carriage, double-checking the first-class compartments, in search of Captain Ralph Neville, although he intended to arrest Miles Faulkner. By the time he had reached the back of the train, he assumed Faulkner must have locked himself in one of the lavatories. However, as there were no windows in the toilets, he couldn’t hope to escape.

• • •

‘I’m so sorry, Mrs Faulkner,’ said the vicar. ‘But some of the guests for my next wedding are already waiting outside. I can’t put them off for much longer.’

‘This particular groom won’t be getting to the church on time, vicar,’ said Booth Watson, ‘so I think we should call it a day. Especially as some of those people waiting impatiently outside are not guests for this or any other wedding.’

‘How can you possibly know that?’ asked Christina.

‘They’re all over six foot, dressed in the same trademark suits, and not one of them is wearing a carnation.’

• • •

‘I’ve got a dozen officers in place, Chief Inspector,’ said a voice William didn’t recognize.

‘Which station?’

‘Tunbridge Wells, where you’re due to arrive in about fifteen minutes.’

‘How many platforms are there?’

‘Just two.’

‘Be sure to cover them both, because if there’s a way to escape Faulkner will find it. I’ll be the first person to get off, and tell the guard the train doesn’t leave until I say so.’

‘Understood, sir.’ The line went dead.

William began the slow journey back down the corridor, double-checking each carriage even more carefully a second time. He thought one man who was studiously looking out of the window at the passing countryside looked familiar, but he’d arrested so many people over the years he couldn’t immediately place him.

Five of the eleven toilets were engaged. However, by the time the train pulled into the next station, he suspected only one would still be occupied. The train wouldn’t depart until its door opened.

• • •

‘We won’t waste any more of your time, vicar,’ said Booth Watson, checking his watch, ‘because I can assure you, the groom will not be turning up.’

‘So what am I meant to do?’ snapped Christina.

‘I’ll be in touch,’ said Booth Watson, ‘just remember you’ve already signed a binding contract, and there’s no get-out clause.’

‘I’m very sorry, Mrs Faulkner,’ said the vicar. ‘You must be so disappointed.’

‘Relieved, actually,’ admitted Christina.

‘No doubt there’s a simple explanation,’ said the vicar, still trying to comfort her.

‘The one thing it won’t be is simple,’ said Christina, as she headed back down the aisle, unaccompanied.

As Booth Watson left the church, he noticed that one of the tense-looking young men he’d spotted earlier was wearing a Metropolitan Police tie.