She stood back so that he could step into the house then closed the door again. After leading him down a corridor, she paused outside the drawing room and tapped on the door. A frail, female voice invited her to enter. Obeying the command, she ushered Paul into the room then left. Hat in hand, he stood there and marvelled. Captain Golightly had described the woman as uncommonly pretty, but it was a gross understatement. Kitty Denley was uncompromisingly beautiful. Years younger than her husband, she had a slender figure and sculptured features that reminded him of Hannah. She examined him through large, moist blue eyes.

‘Who are you, Mr Skillen?’ she asked.

‘I’m searching for the man who killed Sir Roger Mellanby.’

She gave a shrug. ‘I don’t believe that I know such a person.’

‘Then I beg your forgiveness and will intrude no longer.’

After offering her an apologetic bow, he turned on his heel and walked away.

‘Wait,’ she called.

He stopped and looked back at her. ‘Yes, Mrs Denley?’

‘Who sent you?’

‘Nobody sent me. I felt impelled to come, that’s all.’

‘Why?’

‘If you’re not acquainted with Sir Roger, there’s no point in my telling you. He was a friend of mine,’ he lied. ‘I had the misfortune to be standing next to him when he was shot dead.’ He saw her jerk involuntarily. ‘But I won’t alarm you with details of what befell a person you never met. Good day to you.’

‘One moment,’ she said, rising gracefully to her feet and looking him in the eye. ‘I fancy that I … may have heard of the gentleman.’

‘He’d certainly heard of you, Mrs Denley. Whenever he mentioned your name, his face glowed with pleasure. The hope of catching a glimpse of you made the long journey to London almost enjoyable.’ A smile flitted across her face. ‘Evidently, this is not a time for reminiscences. You would rather be alone with your own thoughts. I appreciate that.’

Before he could turn away again, she touched his elbow.

‘Please stay. I sense that you are a man of discretion, Mr Skillen.’

‘I’m not here to pry. I’ve committed myself to the search for his assassin and wondered – just wondered, that’s all – if you could furnish me with details about him that might somehow be of use in that search. Now that we’re face-to-face, I realise that it’s too great an imposition on you.’

‘What sort of details?’ she asked.

‘Sir Roger had enemies. I need to know who they are.’

‘If you’re his friend, surely he told you.’

‘He named two Members of Parliament who’d made verbal threats,’ said Paul, ‘and he once made a passing reference to a duel he’d fought. That was how your name came to my ears.’

‘My husband misunderstood my relationship with Sir Roger.’

‘Did Mr Denley move in political circles?’

‘No, he didn’t.’