‘Yes, I do, but I’d counsel against your approaching her at such a time.’

‘Why is that, Captain?’

‘She’s in mourning for the death of the most important man in her life.’

‘That may be the best time to speak to her. At times of crisis, people often lower their guard. If Mrs Denley was that close to Sir Roger, she’ll know things about him that might be of great value to me. Much as I hate the notion of intruding on her grief,’ said Paul, ‘I believe that, in this instance, it might be necessary.’

Golightly needed the best part of a minute to come to a decision. Having made it, he got to his feet and crossed to his desk.

‘I’ll get the address for you,’ he said.

Peter Skillen made the best of the situation forced upon him. He used the long walk back to Nottingham as a chance to inhale clear country air and to reflect on what he’d learnt at Mellanby Hall. Two things had struck him forcibly. The first was the stark difference between the brothers. David had been kind, mild-mannered and grateful for what Peter was doing. Edmund, by contrast, was brusque, resentful and keen to assert his authority. Within minutes of meeting their visitor from London, he’d sent him unceremoniously on his way and made it clear that he wouldn’t be allowed into the house again. One major source of information had been closed to Peter.

The second thing was that Barrington Oxley had been so defensive. A man who knew most about Mellanby’s political life was the one least ready to talk about it. While he gave fairly straight answers to some of Peter’s questions, Oxley dodged most of them. Well spoken and highly educated, he was also slippery and secretive. It was almost as if he didn’t want to help in the search for the assassin. What annoyed Peter was the way in which the man had treated Hooper. It was open contempt. Yet Hooper was typical of the people whose cause Sir Roger had been leading. Was Oxley actually opposed to an increase in suffrage?

Peter had walked the best part of a mile before he heard the brisk clip-clop of hooves and the rasping sound of wheels. He turned to see a curricle coming towards him with David Mellanby seated inside it. When he got close, David reined in the horse and the vehicle came to a halt. In response to a beckoning gesture, Peter climbed in beside the driver.

‘I can’t apologise enough for my brother’s behaviour,’ said David, penitently. ‘It was shameful of Edmund to treat a guest like that.’

‘I was more offended on your behalf,’ said Peter. ‘Taking holy orders is an act of faith that should be respected. It involves making great sacrifices. Your brother was wrong to mock you.’

‘That was ever Edmund’s way.’