“Some people used that article as a weapon to castigate modern journalism generally, but most recognised it as a serious piece on an interesting subject. Rhoda and I did have a visit from one of the aggrieved people, a Candace Westhall, but she took no action. Nor could she. The paragraphs which offended her were expressed in moderate language and their truth was undeniable. All that was about five years ago.”

Benton asked, “Did you know that Miss Gradwyn had decided to have her scar removed?”

“No, she didn’t tell me. We never spoke of her scar.”

“And her present plans? Was she proposing to make a change of career?”

“I’m afraid I can’t discuss that. In any case, nothing was settled and I think her plans were still being formed. She wouldn’t wish me to discuss them with anyone other than herself when she was alive, and you’ll understand that I can’t talk about them now. I can assure you that they can have no possible relevance to her death.”

There was nothing else to be said and Ms. Melbury was already making it clear that she had work to do.

Leaving the office, Kate said, “Why that question about future plans?”

“Just that I wondered if she was thinking perhaps of a biography. If the subject was someone living, he or she might have a motive for stopping it before Gradwyn even got started.”

“Possibly. But unless you’re suggesting this hypothetical person managed to find out what Ms. Melbury herself didn’t know—that Miss Gradwyn would be at the Manor—and managed to persuade the victim or someone else to let him in, whatever Miss Gradwyn had in mind for her future isn’t going to help us.”

As they clipped on their seatbelts Benton said, “I rather liked her.”

“Then when you write your first novel, which, given your range of interests you undoubtedly will, you’ll know who to contact.”

Benton laughed. “It’s been quite a day, ma’am. But at least we’re not going back empty-handed.”

Chapter 3

3

The journey back to Dorset proved a nightmare. It took them over an hour to get from Camden to the M3, and they were then caught in the procession of cars almost bumper to bumper leaving London at the end of the working day. After Junction 5, the slow procession drew to a halt because a coach had broken down, blocking one of the lanes, and they were stationary for nearly an hour before the road was cleared. As Kate was unwilling after that to stop for food, they didn’t arrive at Wisteria House until nine o’clock, tired and hungry. Kate rang the Old Police Cottage and Dalgliesh asked them to come along as soon as they had fed. The meal to which they had increasingly looked forward was eaten in a hurry, and Mrs. Shepherd’s steak-and-kidney pudding hadn’t improved with the long wait.