She shrugged. “Everyone has a little gripe every now and then, you know. Same as it is in any big house, I’d imagine. But we’re all glad to have the work. There’s not much to do around here, apart from fishing or working on the farm.”

“So you can’t think of anyone who might be happy Mr. Summers is dead?”

She shook her head. “Quite the opposite. We’re all worried about our positions now. What might happen to us if Mrs. Summers decides to up and leave.” She looked up suddenly as the door opened and Mrs. Mannering came in.

“Elsie?” she asked. “My lady? Is something wrong? Can I help you?”

“I just came to ask Elsie if she’d help me pack up Miss Warburton-Stoke’s possessions and also mine. Now that Mrs. Summers’s mother is here, I feel that my presence is a little awkward.”

Mrs. Mannering nodded. “I quite understand, my lady. But I’m sure Mrs. Summers intends you to stay the night and leave in the morning. You would not have time to drive to your home before dark and I fear another bout of rain is approaching.”

“Very well,” I said. “But I will leave first thing in the morning, and I’ll be taking Miss Warburton-Stoke’s things with me. I presume the police have gone over everything with a fine-tooth comb?”

“I expect they have, my lady.” She ushered me out of the bedroom. “Mrs. Summers would be delighted if you join them for tea first.” And she stood sentry at the bedroom door until I had walked down the stairs.

Chapter 27

OCTOBER 19

TREWOMA

Maybe I’m getting somewhere at last.

It was an awkward teatime to say the least. I realized that I had missed luncheon and was quite hungry but it didn’t seem fitting to be tucking in when the house was in mourning. So I nibbled dutifully at a cucumber sandwich, answered politely when spoken to and waited for the moment when I could excuse myself again. I was also conscious that the other occupants of the room were wearing black, whereas I had brought no black garments with me. One doesn’t expect a death in every household one stays in, does one? My bright green jersey seemed almost garish and out of place. Perhaps I could just slip away after tea. But then where should I go? To Truro so that I could be close to Belinda, if they would let me see her? But what good could I be there, apart from being a comforting presence?