He left Miss Kenneth in Mrs. Barnett’s care and walked into the lounge, where May Trent was writing a letter at the small white desk and Monsignor Holston was reading a book. They looked up, their faces mirroring an expression of impatience.

“Where have you been?” Miss Trent asked. “We expected to see you at dinner last night or breakfast this morning!” There was neither censure or anger in her voice, but he detected an undercurrent of strain.

“I’ve been busy, I’m afraid,” Rutledge replied. “I’ve spoken with the Vicar, for one, and Peter Henderson after that. Peter tells me that Walsh walked away from Holy Trinity through the trees just south of the vicarage, and past the houses there, taking a southwesterly course, where he could make good time in the pastures beyond.”

May Trent said, “But you said Walsh hadn’t done any such thing! You said he’d taken that poor farmer’s horse! That’s why we said nothing—”

Monsignor Holston interjected, “If Walsh had come across a search party, he might have doubled back, found himself some faster means of getting out.”

“In his shoes, doubling back could mean certain capture. There were farms ahead—”

Mrs. Barnett came in with tea. “I’ve settled Miss Kenneth for now,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she sleeps for an hour or so. She tells me she came all the way from London. It must have been a very difficult journey for her!”

Rutledge said, “Thank you. Er—I understand you went to see Father James, the same day that he died.”

“No, that’s not true—” She paused. “Oh. You mean to the rectory! I stopped to ask Ruth Wainer if I might borrow a roasting pan for the weekend, when there would be a christening party here. I didn’t expect to find Father James in—at that hour, he’s usually in the church.”

“Did you go to the kitchen door? Or to the front of the rectory?”

“To the kitchen door, of course. I was hoping Ruth hadn’t left.”

“Did you see anyone near the house when you went there?”

She smoothed the collar of her gray dress. “I don’t recall seeing anyone else. Should I have?”

“Peter Henderson was there, near the lilacs, waiting to speak to Father James.”

“No. But of course I wasn’t looking for him, was I? Why didn’t he speak?”

“Did you meet a member of Lord Sedgwick’s family, by any chance?”