“I noticed on Saturday that Gertrude was pretending to be in a matchmaking frame of mind, for you and Eliot. Be careful. She is rather playful. His heart is occupied.”

I knew immediately what she was hinting, but felt sure she was wrong on that count at least. Had there been a rift between Benjie and Gertrude, I should have noticed.

Maggie came in without knocking. “Mr. Alfred is here madam. He has taken our suitcases.” She helped Mrs. Dell to her feet.

Something came to mind, a question. If I did not ask now there may not be another opportunity. “Maggie, I’ll walk Mrs. Dell to the door. I need just another moment.”

Maggie looked at Mrs. Dell who nodded assent.

“Mrs. Dell, you said your daughter-in-law’s death was one of the reasons you must leave. What was the other?”

She hesitated. “I’m sorry to cut short our chat, Mrs. Shackleton. Do stay and have more sandwiches.”

“Please, Mrs. Dell.”

She hesitated, and then spoke as if to herself. “The night Mrs. Farrar was murdered, Eliot came back here with Gertrude Brockman, in her car. It was quite late. I didn’t want to see them, and went into the library to find a particular book. They came into the library, not knowing I was there. In the one room where you might expect silence, the acoustics are very good. My husband explained it, but I don’t remember how it works. They were talking about Mrs. Farrar, and how stubborn she was, and that she had left them no choice. And then Eliot told Gertrude that there was blood on the cuff of her coat.”

“Did they know you were there?”

“Yes, because I dropped a book, but they know I am hard of hearing. I am not as deaf as they think.” She had begun to tremble, almost as if she was back on that night, in the library. “When I dropped the book, I came out, saying that I didn’t know they were there, and would Eliot pick up my book because I go dizzy if I bend. I could see that they were in this odd state, excited and a little afraid. And I knew, even before Mrs. Farrar’s death was announced.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

“I won’t say this to anyone else. Don’t let it be known.”

I took her arm. “Come on, Maggie is waiting.”

As we walked back to the hall, I hardly knew what to say. “I trust you will have a good journey, and wish you well.”

“Thank you.”

I walked with them to the front door. Maggie was carrying a bag, so Mrs. Dell continued to rely on me. In the hall she turned and looked about her, as if taking in the house for the last time.

There were so many other questions I wanted to ask. I gave Maggie my card. “Please let me know how you get on.”