‘That’s no way to behave towards the people of Nottingham.’

‘Don’t you dare criticise me, David.’

‘I speak as I find and I won’t be browbeaten.’

‘Unlike you, I don’t believe in Father’s radical ideals. They were wild, irresponsible and dangerous. Now let’s stop bickering like this,’ said Edmund, trying to contain his ire, ‘and force ourselves to behave like brothers. First things first – why don’t you go and see if the hotel has a room available for you?’

‘It won’t be needed.’

‘Why not?’

‘I already have accommodation.’

‘But you said you’ve only just arrived here.’

‘I called on a friend before I came to the hotel,’ said David, ‘and he was kind enough to invite me to stay at his home.’

Edmund was roused. ‘You went to him before you came here?’

‘Yes, I knew that he’d give me the welcome that you couldn’t.’

‘And who is this welcoming friend?’

‘Mr Peter Skillen.’

‘You’d prefer his company over mine?’ said Edmund. ‘That’s so insulting. You know how much I loathe the man.’

‘Well, I admire him, and I’ll be glad to stay at his house.’

‘He’s an interfering busybody.’

‘Peter is a man who’s prepared to go to any lengths to solve the murder of our father. Isn’t that what we both want, Edmund? It’s more than either of us can do. Peter Skillen has the courage to carry on the search even though he knows that the killer is still at large and may turn on him if he gets too close. What have you done, Edmund? What efforts have you made to track down the assassin who was hired to blow out our father’s brains?’

Surprised by David’s passion, his brother looked embarrassed.

While she was waiting, Kitty Denley paced up and down the drawing room, pausing from time to time to stare through the window at the street outside. The servant who’d delivered her letter to the shooting gallery assured her that it had been put into a safe pair of hands. Yet there was still no sign of Paul Skillen. What could possibly be delaying him? Didn’t he realise that her plea was desperate? After more walking to and fro, Kitty had worked herself up into a state of high anxiety. It was then that she heard the approach of a horse. Rushing once more to the window, she saw the rider dismount and hand the reins to the servant who came out to greet him. Kitty ran to the front door and opened it.

‘Thank goodness you’ve come, Mr Skillen!’ she said, beckoning him in. ‘I was afraid that you’d let me down.’

‘I’d never knowingly do that, Mrs Denley,’ said Peter.