‘And what about the High Sheriff’s daughter?’ Penrose asked.

‘What about her?’

‘You gave her a very pointed look before we left the room. I thought you were going to tell me something about her.’

‘Ah, that was just to put Mr Fielding off the scent – and anyway, I do not like the woman. If she worries, that is a bonus.’

Penrose shook his head in admiration. ‘You’ve missed your vocation, you know. Hollywood’s loss would be the country’s gain.’

It was meant as a light-hearted compliment, but she took him at his word. ‘When the war comes, there will be plenty for me to do, no doubt. Now, can I ask you a question? Why did you ask me about Christmas decorations?’

‘A snowman exactly like the one on your tree was found with Richard’s body.’

‘And you thought it was mine?’

‘It crossed my mind that it might be. I haven’t forgotten those letters you showed me, and now it seems we have an impostor amongst the guests. He could be here for any number of reasons, but it’s not inconceivable that he’s conned his way here to get to you.’

‘But how would he do that? How would he even know I was here? It wasn’t made public until yesterday.’

‘Nothing is ever completely confidential. People here had been told you were coming, and I dare say there were a few quiet rumours circulating at The Times. Your luggage was sent on ahead, so people at Claridge’s knew where you were 234spending Christmas, and they have access to your hotel room. Any number of railway porters could have seen the luggage between Paddington and Marazion,’ he added, thinking of Gerald Lancaster. ‘And of course we have our German friends, who seem to be everywhere at once and always a step ahead of us.’

She nodded thoughtfully. ‘You really believe that Richard’s death had something to do with me?’

‘No, in my heart I don’t. But I’m not ruling anything out, and even if it doesn’t, there’s still the possibility of someone here with an entirely different agenda. Just be careful, and whatever you do, never be on your own with this man who’s calling himself Fielding. Stay with Hilaria, or some of her more senior staff.’ He thought for a moment, then added: ‘Actually, even that’s not safe enough. I need to get him off the Mount.’ They went back into the dining room, and Penrose addressed Barbara Penhaligon. ‘I’d like a word with you as soon as I get back,’ he said, unable to think of a better sleight of hand than the one that Marlene had created already. ‘I need some information on the man you came over here with.’ He turned to Alex Fielding, who was staring into the fire. ‘You wanted to speak to your editor?’ Fielding nodded. ‘Then come with me now to the mainland and telephone from there. We’re a man short on the rope, so you’ll be doing me a favour.’