“It wasn’t very messy,” Pat temporised. “There wasn’t much blood at all. I suppose it would still have...” She sought for a word. “Sprayed.”

“Small spots would be all the easier to miss. I’ll see what I can do.” Travers topped up the teacups, gathered up the tray, and disappeared. Pat said, “Good heavens.”

“She’s marvellous,” Fen said. “I’d say she was wasted as a maid, but she’s awfully good at that, too. Come on, let’s get dressed.”

***

EVERYONE ELSE WAS UP early with the exception of the Countess and Lady Anna. Most of them looked as though they hadn’t slept, and the party ate breakfast in yet another awkward silence.

“I wonder if you could all come to the drawing room,” Jimmy said after breakfast. “We need a conversation.”

“We’re all here,” Preston remarked.

“I’m not discussing this business over black pudding. I’ll order coffee. Father, if you’d like to go upstairs and sit with Mother, I’ll handle things down here.”

The Earl nodded. He looked exhausted, Pat thought, as if his son-in-law’s miserable end had been one piece of bad news too many.

The rest of them gathered in the drawing room as requested. Jimmy stood in front of the fireplace, as Bill leaned against the wall. “Well. Thank you, everyone. The first thing I should say is that I sent for the police this morning.”

“When will they get here?” Pat asked.

“It’s hard to say. The police station is thirty miles away. One of the grooms has gone on horseback rather than risking the motor-car. He’ll telephone from the village if he can, which is twelve miles, but it’s possible the wires came down in the high winds. I’d be surprised if they’re here until the afternoon and perhaps not even then.”

“Obviously, none of us is able to leave, given the trains,” Bill said. “But I hope you all understand that we mustn’t leave even should there be an opportunity to do so.”

“What does that mean?” Jack asked.

“Someone in this house killed him, not to dress the matter up. Therefore, everyone remains until the police arrive. That’s what it means and there’s no point anyone taking offence. We’re all in the same boat.”

Jack’s mouth tightened, but he nodded. “I dare say you’re right.”

“He is right,” Jimmy said. “I know this is all very awful, but the staff are being absolute trojans. There will be meals served as usual. Bill thinks we should stay together.”

“Do you think we’re in danger?” Victoria demanded.

“It would be best for everyone to be in company,” Bill said. “That’s all we’re saying.”

Pat attempted to catch his eye, without success, so had to convey her displeasure verbally instead. “I’m not sure we can sit in here together for the whole day.”