“Only because my stepmother didn’t want me at home, Inspector,” Belinda said sharply.

“So you had this pleasant little conversation with Mrs. Summers?”

“And I said we were looking for a hotel while I made plans to update the cottage. And Rose insisted we come and stay with her at Trewoma. I wasn’t very comfortable doing this, as they were practically strangers, but she said they didn’t often have guests and really wanted us to come.”

“She didn’t check with her husband first?”

“No, she didn’t.”

There was a pause. Outside the rain still peppered the windows and one of them rattled in the wind.

“And what did Mr. Summers think when you turned up on his doorstep?”

“He was surprised to see me after all these years.”

“Surprised and delighted?”

“I wouldn’t say that, Inspector. Just surprised and pleased to have guests,” Belinda said, her face flushing. “I imagine it’s quite lonely living out here.”

“And how long have you been here?”

“This is our second night here,” Belinda said.

He turned to me suddenly. “And you, Mrs. O’Mara. Had you also known these people as a child?”

“No, Inspector. I grew up in Scotland.”

“You don’t sound Scottish to me.”

I decided that attack was the best form of defense. “I think you’ll find my relatives don’t speak with a Scottish accent when they come up to Balmoral.”

“Balmoral? The castle? The royal place?”

“Yes, I am the king’s cousin.”

“Blimey.” I could see this had really thrown him. I felt absurdly pleased.

“I met Miss Warburton-Stoke when we were at school together in Switzerland,” I continued. “This is actually my first visit to Cornwall.”

He was looking at me warily now. “So should I be addressing you as ‘your highness’?”

“No, Inspector, I am merely Lady Georgiana. I kept my title when I married Mr. O’Mara, who is also the son of a lord.”

“I see.” I watched his face twitch. “Not the best of circumstances to be introduced to our fine county, is it?”

“Unfortunately not. My poor friend is in an absolute state of shock.”

“I understand you have the bedroom next to hers along that hallway. Is that correct?”

“It is.”

“And you didn’t hear anything strange? Raised voices? Hints of a struggle?”

I shook my head. “The last time I spoke to Belinda she said she was going to have a long hot bath. I undressed, got into bed and started to doze off.”

“How convenient.” The smirk was there again.

“We had had a long day in the fresh air. I usually fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow.”

“You say you’re married?”

“Yes. I’ve been married three months.”

“And your husband lets you go off jaunting without him?”