‘So you’d stand as a Whig and defect to the Tories, is that it?’

‘There would naturally be an interval while I learnt the ropes. When that’s done, I could begin talks with your party – if you think it feasible.’

‘It’s not up to me, Edmund.’

‘Your voice is listened to.’

‘My wife doesn’t think so,’ said the other with a throaty laugh. ‘As for your request, you are aware of the likely consequences, aren’t you? The voters will feel betrayed.’

‘I’m man enough to withstand their anger, I can assure you.’

‘Won’t there be complaints from within your own family?’

‘My brother, David, will bleat at me, but I can handle him. This is not a sudden decision on my part,’ he went on. ‘I’ve thought about it for years.’

Sir Marcus sat back and appraised him. He sipped some more wine.

‘This meeting never took place,’ he insisted. ‘You never approached me and I never invited you here.’ Mellanby nodded in agreement. ‘I must admit that luring a Mellanby into our party is in the nature of a coup, but these are early days yet. I don’t foresee our needing to speak again for … twelve months.’

‘I accept that, Sir Marcus.’

‘Then let’s put the matter aside and enjoy our meal. Unless, that is, you wish to ask a question.’

‘I do but it’s a very simple one.’

‘What is it?’

‘How do I stop the Skillen brothers from getting in the way?’

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Peter and Charlotte arrived at the shooting gallery next morning soon after Gully Ackford had opened it. It was not long before the first customer turned up, a sinewy young man seeking instruction in pugilism. Ackford took him off to another room. Then Jem Huckvale came in, looking tired and worried. He seemed to have lost all of his usual vitality. They gave him a cheery welcome but his response was subdued.

‘What’s the problem, Jem?’ asked Peter. ‘As a rule, you come bounding in every morning like a dog that’s just been let off the leash.’

‘I feel like a dog who wants to go to sleep in front of a warm fire,’ said Huckvale. ‘I’ve never been so exhausted.’

‘It’s only to be expected,’ explained Charlotte. ‘Jem has had to take on a lot of the work that would normally be done by you and Paul. Yesterday, he spent six hours teaching pupils how to fire a pistol, then a further three supervising archery practice. Then there were two evening sessions.’

‘I’m not complaining,’ said Huckvale, bravely.

‘The investigation is really testing us,’ admitted Peter.

‘Have you any idea when it will be over?’

‘I’m afraid not. It may drag on for weeks.’ Huckvale groaned. ‘Don’t worry. When this case is over and done with, we’ll make amends to you.’

‘Thank you. I could do with a rest.’