William now knew who the fourth person at lunch had been.

• • •

‘Was Christina also at the lunch?’ asked Beth, as William climbed into bed later that night.

‘Yes, and she was posing as the interested buyer for the painting,’ said William, ‘although Booth Watson did most of the talking.’

‘So, once again I’ve fallen for her lies. I promise you, I won’t let her get away with it ever again.’

‘Then you’ll have to kill her, and just hope I’m the investigating officer in charge of the case.’

‘I won’t need you,’ said Beth, ‘because I know how to kill both of them without a drop of blood being spilled.’

‘What do you have in mind?’ asked William.

‘If Tim Knox were to advise HMG to refuse Lord McLaren’s request for an export licence on the grounds that Fishers of Men is a painting of national importance, it could be years before Faulkner would get his hands on it. And he’d have only one person to blame. Christina.’

‘That’s the last thing I want,’ said William firmly. ‘The commander has just sanctioned Operation Masterpiece, so I’ll need you to find out who’s been given the job of transporting the painting to its new owner.’

‘That will only take me a couple of phone calls,’ said Beth. ‘But what do I get in return?’

‘I’ll bring Faulkner back in handcuffs, along with the painting.’

‘If you pull that off,’ said Beth, ‘I’ll ask Tim Knox to recommend that the Chancellor waives his Lordship’s death duties, in exchange for gifting the Caravaggio to the nation.’

‘What do you mean by “the nation”?’ asked William innocently.

‘The Fitzmolean, of course.’

‘I can’t make up my mind who is more conniving and unscrupulous. You or Christina.’

Beth turned out the light.

CHAPTER 18

‘ISN’T SHE GORGEOUS?’ SAID BETH, when the bride and groom entered the room and she saw Josephine for the first time.

‘And Ross is clearly besotted with her,’ said William.

‘Wouldn’t you be?’

‘I resigned myself to the fact some time ago that I’m stuck with you. A poor virgin, sir, an ill-favoured thing, sir …’

‘But mine own,’ said Beth, ‘All’s Well.’

‘No, As You Like It.’

‘Your problem, is that you’re semi-educated.’

‘And your problem—’

‘Shh,’ said Beth as Ross and Jo took their places in front of the registrar.

‘Welcome to Marylebone Old Town Hall,’ said the registrar, addressing the assembled gathering.

‘I don’t think I’ll ever get used to a woman performing the marriage service,’ whispered Beth.

‘You’re so wonderfully old-fashioned,’ said William, taking her hand.

‘Which is how I ended up with you, caveman.’

‘I have the pleasure of conducting this marriage service between Ross and Jo,’ continued the registrar. ‘I should begin by pointing out that the commitment they will make to each other today is for the rest of their lives, and just as morally and legally binding as any pledge taken in a church. So, let us begin the service.’