“It would if I weren’t so horribly afraid. I was supposed to keep my eyes and ears open, and so far I’ve done nothing except almost get killed. And if the special branch sent up a man of their own, then he’s lying really low.” I took a long drink of tea. It was sweeter, stronger and milkier than I usually have it but it felt most reassuring.

“Maybe he’s among the servants and just hasn’t found a way to talk to you yet,” Granddad said. “And anyway, I presume the police have been called in?”

I nodded.

“Well, unless they are complete fools up here in Scotland, they’ll be able to tell if foul play has taken place. And it’s now out of your hands, thank God. Since it’s Balmoral, they’ll no doubt send up some bigwig in the police force, so you could always have a word with him—let him know what’s been going on. Then they’ll conduct their inquiry and you stay out of it.”

“Yes,” I said. “That will be wonderful.”

“How about a freshly baked scone, ducks?” Granddad asked.

“Wonderful. Did they send some down from the kitchen?”

“No. They sent down enough stuff to feed an army but the scones came from my next-door neighbor, your old nanny.”

“Did they? How sweet of her.”

“Apparently she’s a really good cook, and what’s more, she loves to cook. In fact she’s making me a meat pie tonight. I can see I’m going to be fatter than a pig if I don’t get out and walk.” Then he made a face. “I suppose you’re thinking that you brought me up here to help you, but frankly I don’t see what help I could be.”

“You could talk to servants,” I said. “You could get pally with the gun bearers.”

He chuckled sadly. “I stick out like a sore thumb up here, my love. No Scottish gun bearer is going to get pally with a bloke from the Smoke.”

I realized this was probably true, but he added, “Besides, like I told you, you’re off the hook. It’s now in the hands of the police, and about time too.”

Then his face lit up. “Tell yer what. Why don’t you join us for a bite of supper?”

“I wasn’t invited,” I said.

“The more the merrier.”

“Perhaps Nanny has set her cap at you and won’t welcome the intrusion.”

“Listen, ducks.” He grinned. “Mrs. ’Uggins next door set her cap at me long ago and I ain’t got snared yet, ’ave I? You come along and join us. Your old nanny will be thrilled to pieces. You mark my words.”