‘That’s kind, isn’t it, Johnny?’ Violet said, but he just nodded, looking utterly lost and dazed now that the news had sunk in. The small group walked along the harbour to the building on the other side of the tram shed, a large carpenter’s workshop which was traditionally used for village gatherings. The chairs were still laid out from the Christmas concert of a few days before, but all the decorations had been respectfully removed and the only trace of the festive season was a practical one: a series of trestle tables running along one end of the room, gradually filling with food from the castle. It was typical of Hilaria to have come up with such a simple, unifying gesture, and the only thing that was out of place was the apron that Marlene was wearing as she helped the staff to butter bread. Under different circumstances, the expression on Violet Carter’s face would have been priceless.

‘Archie, thank God you’re back,’ Hilaria said when she saw him. ‘We were all so worried about you. Is there any news?’ Before he had a chance to answer, she noticed Johnny standing behind him. ‘It’s Mr Soper, isn’t it? I thought you were in Plymouth, but how fitting that you’re here. I’m so very, very sorry for your loss. Your mother was a fine woman.’ 283She took his hand and spoke with such sincerity and warmth that Johnny seemed comforted for the first time since hearing the news, and Penrose waited impatiently for Hilaria to be free; he was keen to get on with his unfinished business, but he couldn’t possibly discuss Nora Pendean in front of Johnny.

‘Mr Penrose?’

Penrose turned round, so deep in thought about the housekeeper that it startled him to see her husband. ‘Mr Pendean, what can I do for you? How is your wife?’

‘Nora’s all right, but I need to speak to you. It’s urgent.’

‘Tom!’

A series of fleeting emotions passed across Pendean’s face when Johnny Soper called his name – surprise, followed by affection and then awkwardness. ‘What are you doing here?’ he asked, half in anger. ‘You’re supposed to be up country.’

‘We came down to tell Mum the good news. Vi and I have just got engaged.’

His eyes filled with tears again, and Penrose expected the older man to comfort him somehow, or at least offer his condolences, but he didn’t. ‘What did you want to talk to me about, Mr Pendean?’ he asked.

The question was ignored, and Tom spoke first to Johnny. ‘I’m so sorry, lad,’ he said. ‘I killed your mum. I didn’t mean to, and I wish to God that things had been different, but I can’t let you go on wondering.’ He turned back to Penrose. ‘I killed Emily Soper,’ he repeated. ‘She didn’t fall down the stairs.’

Everyone fell silent, and Penrose felt the shock ripple through the room. ‘Mr Pendean, are you sure of what you’re saying?’ he asked. ‘Please think very carefully before you continue.’ 284