Dalgliesh said, “And it all goes to the mother?”

“All but twenty thousand pounds of it. That goes to a Robin Boyton, whose relationship with the deceased is unknown as far as I’m concerned. I remember when Miss Gradwyn came to discuss the will with me. She showed a singular lack of interest in disposing of her capital. People usually mention a charity or two, their old university or school. None of that. It was as if with her death she wanted her private life to remain anonymous. I’ll phone Mrs. Brown on Monday and arrange a meeting. Obviously we’ll help in any way we can. No doubt you’ll keep us in touch, but I don’t think there’s anything more I can tell you. Have you been able to make progress with your investigation?”

Dalgliesh said, “As much as has been possible in the one day since her death. I shall know the date of the inquest on Tuesday. At this stage it’s likely to be adjourned.”

“We may send someone. A formality, but it’s as well to be there if there’s going to be publicity, as, inevitably, there will be once the news breaks.”

Taking the will, Dalgliesh thanked him. It was obvious that Macklefield was ready to go. Closing the briefcase, he said, “Forgive me if I leave now, unless there’s anything else you need. I promised my wife I would be back in time for lunch. My son has brought some school friends for the weekend. A houseful of Etonians and four dogs can be a riotous mixture to keep in hand.”

He shook hands with Dalgliesh, and Kate preceded him down the stairs. Returning, she said, “He’d hardly be likely to mention his son from Bogside Comprehensive,” and then regretted the comment. Dalgliesh had responded to Macklefield’s remark with a wry, briefly contemptuous smile, but this momentary revelation of an unattractive quirk of character hadn’t irritated him. It would have amused but not irritated Benton.

Taking out the bunch of keys, Dalgliesh said, “And now for the drawers. But first I feel the need for coffee. Perhaps we should have offered some to Macklefield but I wasn’t anxious to prolong the visit. Mrs. Brown said that we could take what we wanted from the house, so she won’t grudge milk and coffee. That’s if there is milk in the fridge.”

There wasn’t. Kate said, “It’s not surprising, sir. The fridge is empty. A carton of milk, even unopened, could have been out of date by the time she returned.”