When she came round she was lying on the bed in her and Dean’s bedroom. Dean was there, and behind him Mr. Chandler-Powell and Sister Holland. She lay for a moment with her eyes closed and heard Sister’s voice and Mr. Chandler-Powell’s reply.

“Didn’t you realise, George, that she was pregnant?”

“How the hell should I? I’m not an obstetrician.”

So they knew. She wouldn’t have to break the news. All she cared about was the baby. She heard Dean’s voice. “You’ve been asleep after you fainted. Mr. Chandler-Powell carried you here and you were given a sedative. It’s nearly lunchtime.”

Mr. Chandler-Powell came forward, and she could feel his cool hands on her pulse.

“How do you feel, Kimberley?”

“I’m all right. Better, thank you.” She sat up quite vigorously and looked at Sister. “Sister, will the baby be all right?”

Sister Holland said, “Don’t worry. The baby will be fine. You could have your lunch in here if you prefer, and Dean will stay with you. Miss Cressett, Mrs. Frensham and I will cope in the dining room.”

Kim said, “No, I’m all right. Really. I’ll be better working. I want to get back to the kitchen. I want to be with Dean.”

Mr. Chandler-Powell said, “Good girl. We must all get on with our usual routine as far as we can. But there’s no hurry. Take things gently. Chief Inspector Whetstone has been here, but apparently he’s expecting a special squad from the Metropolitan Police. In the meantime, I’ve asked everyone not to discuss what happened last night. Do you understand, Kim?”

“Yes, sir, I understand. Miss Gradwyn was murdered, wasn’t she?”

“I expect we shall know more when the London squad arrive. If she was, they’ll find out who was responsible. Try not to be frightened, Kimberley. You’re among friends, as you and Dean always have been, and we shall look after you.”

Kim muttered her thanks. And now they were gone and, sliding out of bed, she moved into the comfort of Dean’s strong arms.

BOOK TWO

15 December
London, Dorset

1

At half past ten on that Saturday morning, Commander Adam Dalgliesh and Emma Lavenham had an appointment to meet her father. To meet a future father-in-law for the first time, especially with the purpose of informing him that one is shortly to marry his daughter, is seldom an enterprise undertaken without some misgivings. Dalgliesh, with a vague recollection of similar fictional encounters, had somehow envisaged that, as the suppliant, he was expected to see Professor Lavenham on his own, but was easily persuaded by Emma that they should visit her father together. “Otherwise, darling, he’ll keep asking what my views are. After all, he’s never yet seen you and I’ve hardly mentioned your name. If I’m not there I won’t be sure he’s taken it in. He does have a tendency to vagueness, although I’m never sure how much of that is genuine.”

“Are his vague moods frequent?”

“They are when I’m with him, but there’s nothing wrong with his brain. He does rather like to tease.”