With the horror of that lonely death still seared on her mind, Lettie felt a sharp defensive pity. “It isn’t the smell of death, Candace. He couldn’t help it. He had an accident, perhaps out of terror. It happens.”

She thought, but didn’t say, And that must mean that he went into the freezer alive. Or does it? The forensic pathologist will know. Now that her physical strength had returned, her mind felt preternaturally clear. She said, “We must ring the police. Commander Dalgliesh gave us a number. Do you remember it?” Candace shook her head. “Nor do I. It never occurred to me that we’d need it. He and that other policeman were always about the place. I’ll fetch him.”

But now Candace, her head stretched back, her face so white that it looked as if cleansed of all emotion, all that made her uniquely herself, no more than a mask of flesh and bone, said, “No! Don’t go. I’m all right, but I think we ought to stay together. My mobile’s in my pocket. Use it to get someone at the Manor. Try the office first and then George. Tell him to call Dalgliesh. He mustn’t come himself. None of them should. I couldn’t stand a crowd, questions, curiosity, pity. We’ll get all that, but not now.”

Lettie was ringing the office. There was no reply and she tried George’s number. Listening and waiting for a response, she said, “He shouldn’t come here anyway. He’ll know that. The cottage will be a crime scene.”

Candace’s voice was sharp. “What crime?”

There was still no reply from George’s phone. Lettie said, “It could be suicide. Isn’t suicide a crime?”

“Does it look like suicide? Does it? Does it?”

Lettie, appalled, thought, What are we arguing about? But she said calmly, “You’re right. We know nothing. But Commander Dalgliesh won’t want a crowd. We’ll stay here and wait.”

And now at last the mobile was answered and Lettie heard George’s voice. She said, “I’m phoning from Stone Cottage. Candace is here with me. We’ve found Robin Boyton’s body in the disused freezer. Could you get Commander Dalgliesh as soon as possible? Better say nothing to anyone else until he’s arrived. And don’t come over. Don’t let anyone come.”

George’s voice was sharp. “Boyton’s body? You sure that he’s dead?”

“Quite sure. George, I can’t explain now. Just get Dalgliesh. Yes, we’re all right. Shocked but all right.”

“I’ll get Dalgliesh.” And the call was ended.