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Clorinda looked at her darling Leda across the breakfast table. Well, she said, here is a useful piece of intelligence that dear Sandy has been able to obtain from Blatchett’s man. The various items of vendable value that he was decked with when he went out a-riding the day on which poor Mortimer Chellow was discovered dead –

Poor Mr Chellow? Leda raised her eyebrows.

Well, one might have hoped that he would have come eventually to repentance – Clorinda pulled a pious expression – though, she went on, I fear 'twas exceeding unlikely. And shooting a fellow in the back is really considered quite the lowest ton, I apprehend.

She sighed. Sandy is like to suppose that did Blatchett intend flight, having departed so very precipitate, there might be some endeavour to pawn or sell his watch – his rings – a stick-pin – fob – or so –

A grin dawned on Leda’s face as she reached for the last pikelet and the mulberry preserve. Oho. And here is Larry Hooper on most excellent terms with one that might have connexions to discover further information.

I also wonder, she continued, lavishly buttering the pikelet, whether he would have sold the horse.

Hmm. Indeed we have here a very interesting problem, and I fancy Sandy is already a hound that lifts his nose to the scent and wishes pursue –

Leda nigh choked on her mouthful at the picture this conjured.

But indeed, I must apprehend that the forces of law take the matter under advizance – that no-one has commissioned an investigation –

After mopping her chin with the napkin, Leda remarked that she had had some design to go introduce young Dickie to Grigori, as a general matter of advancing his capacities about the agency, for he came on exceeding promising. So did she so, might just mention the matter to Grigori. 'Twould do no harm to have the business in hand.

Quite so. On the matter of the horse, I daresay Sandy will have already thought of placing advertizements in local newspapers –

They looked at one another with some satisfaction. Leda gulped down the last of her coffee and stood up. Must away to the agency – have a deal of much duller investigation to undertake, and advizing upon being safe from ken-cracking.

She went to kiss her beloved and nuzzle at her neck. Am desired to go call upon Dumaine this e’en – daresay he wishes to have Babsie go perambulate about the tables to keep an eye upon matters –

Very like! And I go dine very quiet and informal with the Grigsons, Lady Lucretia still being in mourning – I fancy the Rondegates may be there –

As Leda departed Clorinda felt the stirrings of all the various matters of Society that had been quiescent over the summer. For this shocking murder was one thing, but there was other business also on hand! – the matter of those vultures Lady Venchall and Mrs Bramby – a deal of little troubles here and there –

Certain young women from the country come to Town – Claudia Lucas to study at the Ladies’ College in Harley Street – Cissie Fairleigh-Merrett’s girls to be presented at Court and given a little polish by being taken about on the Season by her sister Lady Abertyldd –

Polly came in to clear the table and Clorinda went over to her desk. Her dear beloved desk that had been quite the finest and most thoughtful gift from dearest Josiah Ferraby, very out of the common way, when he had still been in the capacity of patron to the crack courtesan Madame Clorinda.

She took a little peep into the secret compartment that contained the miniatures of Flora as a child, and the letters from her beloveds in triangle, then closed it firmly and turned to the various matters of invitations that had already arrived, before she turned to the bothers of philanthropic business. All those must be dealt with before she might indulge her pen in inditing more on her tale of the French Revolution!

But she had only just commenced upon considering the Helena Fund, and whether one might do somewhat as a memorial to Hywel Jenkins – mayhap did she speak to dear Amelia Addington about some kind of special benefit performance? – when came in Hector saying, here was Mrs Nixon came calling, was Her Ladyship at home?

La, Hector, Hattie is one of my oldest friends, of course I am at home!

With a sigh she put aside the documents and closed the desk and went to sit by the fireplace, that at this still pleasantly mild season was adorned with a splendid arrangement of chrysanthemums. She knew the reason for Hector’s hesitation.

Hattie Nixon entered, crossed the room, and Clorinda stood to embrace her friend, that promptly burst into tears upon her shoulder. One quite appreciated that she displayed excellent ton in not displaying her grief at Hywel’s death in the presence of her husband – even had Nixon been long aware of her liaison with the actor – but it burst out thus whenever she came to see Clorinda. And mayhap 'twas the same when she saw Amelia?

She lifted her head, blew her nose and mopped her face. She sighed. Fie, I know 'twas a merciful release – however much dearest Amelia sought his counsel upon theatre matters, he was an actor, 'twas painful to him to no longer be able to tread the boards – but, so many years, I cannot help but feel it.

Quite so, my dear, 'twould be quite shocking did you not. Now, here comes Euphemia herself with coffee, and the cinnamon toast you particularly relish, quite hot and fresh.

These remedies applied, Hattie calmed down considerable, and in due course came around to disbursing her budget of gossip, for she still went to and fro and up and down gathering this.

O, do you say the Zellens have already come to Town?

Indeed so – have left young Hart in Cornwall looking after their business there – has lately married, the daughter of a neighbouring family. But Jack is come to Town to go study at this School for Mines, that the Prince Consort has established.

Sir Jacob has told me somewhat of that, is very impressed with the scheme.

Now, that was very material to a certain contrivance she had had in mind! Would go call on Honora Zellen this very day.

And Pockinford House is being furbished up, so I apprehend Dumpling Dora and the Earl will be coming to Town.

So philanthropic matters would soon be bustling! – Clorinda hoped that the Demingtons were also returned to Town, for Rachel Demington’s sound practicality was of great benefit in her mother-in-law’s schemes.

But the afternoon was consecrate to an entire different kind of philanthropy!

Yes, Lady Bexbury, Lady Zellen was entirely at home to her.

Honora Zellen rose from the sopha where she was idling leafing through The Ladies’ What-Not to come and kiss Clorinda. My dear! You are entire blooming! An agreeable summer I hope?

Clorinda agreed that to be the case, and heard that the Zellens had been celebrating a marriage?

Yes, Hart was at last wed – charming creature – old Cornish family – most suitable –

And one heard that Honora had some thoughts of traveling to Naples? For she had murmured about this upon hearing the intelligence that Verena, her youngest daughter – Lady Imbremere – that had reached that spot in her travels, was in a happy condition.

O, said Honora, as a tea-tray came in, have had the most sensible letter from Gussie. He considers that now Verena’s state is a little more settled, there can be no objection to traveling home – by easy stages – taking them gently – conditions so very greatly improved in these times –

One might quite understand that the heir to the Marquess of Offgrange would greatly prefer his first child to be born, was it not literally at Dambert Chase, at least on English soil with the attendance of British doctors and midwives!

Indeed, becomes almost a pleasurable jaunt these days! She sipped her tea and they exchanged a little idle gossip upon acquaintance.

Dear Honora. Still a very well-looking woman, even was she a grandmother several times over now. Had come to a most happy matrimonial concord with Sir Hartley after early difficulties – he patronized the discreet club for gentlemen of the disposition and she had conducted a series of genteel liaisons with younger men.

While the Zellens had long been part of their political set, Honora, unlike Susannah Wallace or Viola Mulcaster, was not a political lady. But what she was noted for was her understanding of Society and her ability to manage its expectations. There had never been any scandal. O, whispers that Cara – Adeline – Verena – were not Sir Hartley’s daughters – rumours there had been a fearful accident in one of his tin-mines – but he quite clearly doated on those lovely creatures – walked them to the altar – no, no scandal.

My dear, said Clorinda, I fancy you have no particular favourite at present?

Honora’s expression flickered as she said, la, perchance I should leave the fellows to the younger ladies.

Clorinda had surmized that Honora had approached very nigh the flames when Orlando Richardson had been the most acclaimed actor of the London stage and pursued by a very great number of ladies, many of whom one would never have previously been  suspected of such a course. And that she had taken the kinds of risks she had previously been careful to avoid.

Since then there had certainly been young fellows dangling about her – riding out beside her in the Park – squiring her at balls – but no special favourite.

Only, Clorinda went on, there is a young man of my acquaintance, unexpectedly fallen heir to a great title, is entirely the sort of chap that would benefit from association with a lady of your apprehension of correct ton. Need be no more than that – taking him up a little – polishing his manners – is a very pretty agreeable young fellow – Trembourne’s brother-in-law –

La, did I not see him at one of your soirées, must have been before his elevation? A scholar at Oxford? One could have no objection. I suppose mewed up in colleges they do not acquire any great experience of Society, 'twould be quite the charitable act to take him up.

Clorinda smiled. The contrivance was in hand.

It made an immense difference, Hannah Roberts thought, that this year, she had not had to take up editing the Lowndes Press’ popular Christmas album, The Casket,  when Juliana Wauderkell had reneged on her responsibilities quite in the midst of 'em. That had been a great trial and put a deal of work onto Hannah’s already overburdened shoulders as a Lady of the Pen – her editorial duties on the monthly Oracle, and on the quarterly Speculum of Arts and Sciences, her own reviews and essays –

Quite before the demands of her mother, The Famed Seraphine, Goddess of the Culinary Arts, that Hannah should take on the role of amanuensis now she purposed turning her wisdom on kitchen matters into a book. That had been deferred into the proposal that Seraphine should first drum up interest in a series of columns in The Ladies’ What-Not, of receipts suitable for particular times and seasons, that had gone very well indeed, several having been reprinted as pamphlets. La, thought Hannah, tiffin parties everywhere, for that one had proved most exceptional popular.

At the moment, Hannah had her travelling desk open so that she might indite a pleasing little piece about the Gopals, that were the descendants of General Yeomans’ cook that had first taught Seraphine the culinary secrets of the East. On his death, being provided with a generous pension, had gone open an eating house near the docks for his seafaring compatriots. That had led to his son setting up in the wholesale spice business. There would certainly be advertizing for the fine spices they brought in! She would also work into the tale that although there was a most romantic story of the Gopals having found very proper Hindu wives among the ayahs that were brought back to England, that these poor women were oft shockingly abandoned by their employers. With information about the fine philanthropic efforts to aid the unfortunate creatures.

Looking out of the carriage window, she saw that they would shortly be reaching the station for Attings.

This year, she felt no hesitation at taking up the invitation from Dowager Lady Balstrup to go spend a few days at Attings whilst she and La Signora Umberti were in residence – any time, my dear, this is quite Liberty Hall! Indeed that would be agreeable, before Society started to do more than trickle back to Town and there would be a deal of events and occasions that she would have to pay attention to.

And here she was also, somewhat in the character of a mentor, bringing on beginners in the arts of review and writing pieces for the press – Chloe Ollifaunt, that was far too perceptive and telling a reviewer to linger writing for Steenie Beaufoyle’s Helicon, and Humphrey Thornton, that was already showing promising once he shook off a certain fusty academic style that he had doubtless been taught at Oxford.

Indeed there was still a deal she had upon hand, but 'twas not the quite overwhelming bustle of last year! Might pause to take breath occasional.

Though she did not suppose 'twould be entirely leisure and recreation at Attings. Was like to think La Signora had a deal of correspondence with Naples and other parts of the peninsula and might well have useful intelligence about how matters went there. Also, Lady Balstrup had waxed most effusive about these archaeological diggings on the neighbouring estate of Worblewood.

The name of Chilfer was very prepossessing! Had published an essay or two of his in The Speculum – good solid stuff about his excavations.  One might have confidence that all was being done in a very proper fashion – good practices, Hannah inwardly grinned.

She was also in hopes of contriving some private word or so with young Talshaw. Would still desire to sound out rather further that business of the manuscripts that Juliette de Clérault had entrusted to his ancestor, to preserve them from the furious ravages of the revolutionary mob, that the present Marquess had covertly sold. Had a notion that 'twould be of considerable interest to such a scholarly young fellow!

She folded up and locked her desk, and took up her valise, for she could tell by the slower motion that they were approaching the station.

Upon their arrival, the guard was very expeditious about telling a porter to be brisk about the lady’s trunk, there! as she conveyed him a suitable compliment. While it never hurt to be known a friend of the Ferrabys, that were shareholders in the company, 'twas prudent to show oneself appreciative of good service.

The weather was mild enough that 'twas no ordeal to take the station fly for Attings – she doubted not that had it been adverse they would have sent a closed conveyance – so she gave the porter suitable remuneration as he tipped his cap, and they were off through the early autumnal countryside.

'Twas no great distance to Attings. It was a pleasant small estate, agreeable enough as exile for His Lordship’s mother while he and his wife kept state at Balsterforth and in Town, seeing the Dowager Countess as little as was consistent with not causing gossip. Quite entirely agreeable to Dowager Lady Balstrup – Balstrup and his tiresome Evangelical ways, and that sour-faced creature ever prating on her oeconomical housekeeping that he married – 'tis an entire ordeal to go visit 'em. How very fortunate that m’daughter ran off with her drawing-master, goes live in that charming house in Chelsea.

And indeed, there was Mr Apsteed becoming quite the acclaimed artist – not yet a Royal Academician, but had had his works shown in its Summer Exhibitions, obtaining good commissions – did not disdain to undertake illustrations for The Casket –

Here she was, and the lady herself along with La Signora, perhaps not quite running out of the house – they were coming to late middle years if not quite elderly – but very eager to greet their guest.

Most pleasingly effusive manifestations of welcome! As they drew her indoors there were enquiries about dear Miss Ferraby, and dearest Mrs Verriker, and the darling children, and that sweet creature Mrs Marshall and that fine husband of hers, and those splendid creatures Mr and Mr Lowndes – and o, had not Hannah writ that they had appointed a tutor? How was that answering?

A very amiable learned young man – one of Lord Talshaw’s set at Oxford –

Quite the highest recommendation! cried Lady Balstrup.

– does not feel he has to cram and push young minds, but lead them gently in the paths of learning. Quite adores our darling Verrie – they have been designing a butterfly garden –

La Signora declared that they should certainly embark on a similar experiment.

But, said Lady Balstrup, let them not, in their eagerness for her company, overwhelm Hannah. She would doubtless wish to repair from the journey. Tea would be served in the Primrose parlour.

Such darlings, thought Hannah as she went about this. For in her pastoral seclusion Lady Balstrup had by no means rusticated – had kept up with all the latest ideas – maintained an extensive correspondence – read widely – and it must have been quite the blessing to her to find a congenial companion in La Signora, that now the Reveley daughters were well-married found her occupation gone. Who had a comfortable pension from Lady Bexbury – she and Il Professore had been confederates of my late husband against the Bourbon tyranny, he would certainly have wished it – and no particular desire to return to Naples after so many years.

She went downstairs dressed in somewhat more suited to a country-house visit than to travelling – that will, nonetheless, Maurice had assured her, convey that you are a serious Lady of Letters.

It was, indeed, greatly admired by the ladies, especially the capacious pockets.

There was further exchange of intelligence about mutual acquaintance – including a certain amount of speculation over the demise of Mortimer Chellow – Lady Balstrup hazarded that Lady Mary, entire at the end of her patience with her detrimental half-brother-in-law, had hired an assassin –

But my dears, said Hannah at length, what is this I have heard about these diggings at Worblewood?

The ladies looked very complacent and said, la, they came on most satisfactory. Mr Chilfer was like to think they would uncover a mosaic – there had been thrown up certain small coloured tiles that were most suggestive, so they now go very careful and delicate –

But, said Lady Balstrup, you may interrogate the diggers yourself – we have proposed a tiffin party the day after tomorrow and have invited the company from Worblewood, and various local society –

Though, said La Signora, a tiffin party cannot be the novelty to Hannah that it will be in these parts.

Why, said Hannah with a grin, I fancy I could contrive, did I have the necessary spices to hand, to produce an acceptable tiffin myself – perchance not quite to Seraphine or Miriam’s standards, that are very exacting –

She was, no, quite entirely agreeable to going advize Cook in the matter!

That found her doing rather more than advize on the morn of the party itself, but she was able to leave everything in good order and go dress for company in good time.

Here were arrived already the parson and his wife – several of the local gentry – introductions were made – she discovered quite ardent perusers of the Ladies’ What-Not –

And here came the Worblewood party! – mostly in mourning, of course – the Upwestons for the late Lord Trembourne, the Shallocks for the previous Lord Talshaw – but indeed, a little exchange of neighbourly hospitality, 'twas hardly going out into Society – Lord Trembourne’s secretary, young Averdale – Job Chilfer, that looked delighted to see her – oh, and Surgeon-Major Hicks, how pleasing, might give him news of Sybil.

Indeed he came over to greet her – had Lady Trembourne under treatment, for he had some very promising ideas that had already, one might see, had her moving a deal more easily, even though one also saw that she was increasing.

There was a deal of social matter to exchange with him, as well as encouragement to write up his very interesting views on the Sikhs for The Speculum. And then to foregather with Chilfer and hear about the diggings – being roofed over to protect 'em from the weather – she must come and see –

Conveying Thornton’s greetings to Averdale and Talshaw.

Finally contriving to have a quiet word with young Talshaw that she would greatly wish to discuss certain matters with about the Roughton Arching library at some time.

It was certainly very agreeable to spend a few days in sumptuous Belgravia surroundings with the chaps – sure his elevation made no difference to Shallock, Talshaw as one must now call him, still the same excellent quiet fellow of good sense – and the Grigsons were all that was amiable.

For while Lionel Smithers was not quite residing in a garret and forced to strain his eyes over copying by candlelight, his lodgings were exceeding modest and in a much humbler quarter. His remuneration was sufficient to sustain the necessities of living – he still had laid away the rewards from various prizes he had won at Oxford – but he was aware that he was obliged to make his own way.

Even if it had come about that he had quite unexpected obtained the promise of pupillage in the chambers of that very noted advocate, Mr Geoffrey Merrett. A considerable advantage to one ambitious for a career in law!

But he was not minded to any display of extravagance. Father a provincial attorney with other children to educate – daughters to marry –

So it was very pleasant to have this holiday in a party of pleasure. It was also, he fancied, a useful education in Society manners – for he was feeling some qualms concerning this invitation – o, 'twas very kindly offered – expressed as, 'twould entirely do you good to get out of Town for a little while afore the term commences, and there will be no great press of society – to Monks Garrowby, family seat of the Earl of Nuttenford, Merrett’s brother.

Of course, one had some interest in seeing the place – great historical interest – and there was an archaeological investigation in the grounds of the monastery that had once stood there – fine gardens - &C&C – but one was daunted.

Lionel did not suppose he could take Averdale’s experiences at Worblewood as the – very newly elevated – Earl of Trembourne’s secretary as any guidance. Sounded a much smaller domestic circle, no pomp and circumstance about it.

So 'twas as 'twere a rehearsal to have this period in a house so well-attended by extremely polished servants – to observe certain subtle hints – had some notion of the form for dining but one supposed that Oxford colleges might be considerable behind the times and observe certain antient traditions –

And – so very like him! – kindness quite above and beyond – Shallock – Talshaw! – remarked that they were much of a similar figure – was not going about much in Society at present, one had to observe the conventions given how very recent his brother’s demise – could well spare a set of evening-dress –

Had indeed been somewhat that had been troubling him – his good suit was well enough, but hardly what was meant by dress for dinner –

No, really, am I ever driven to parricide – I cannot begin on how infuriating my father can be – may hope that you will be in a position to stand for me in court.

They had seen their friend look very put about by a letter received that same morn.

So, here he was driving up in the station fly to Monks Garrowby, very much relieved to discover that here, a fellow guest, was that noted Cambridge mathematician Joliffe, that he had already encountered at that soirée at Lady Bexbury’s. A very amiable chap with a dreadful stutter. Discovered to Lionel that he was in the habit of providing tutoring in mathematics to a set of young ladies that attended the college in Bedford Square, under the aegis of Mrs Geoffrey Merrett, that was herself a budding Mrs S-s-somerville.

Very fine work! Lionel remarked. One supposes their governesses have not prepared them for such study.

Here they were! A very impressive edifice. One also saw that Joliffe was already known to the – was he a butler? – that greeted 'em, and directed the matters to do with their baggage, and conveyed 'em indoors, where Mr and Mrs Merrett were waiting to welcome them.

Were shown up to their rooms, having been informed that tea was in the large drawing-room.

But indeed that was less of an ordeal than he had anticipated, once he had found his way there, encountering on his way the Honble Mr Gerald Merrett –

O, this place is out of the common confusing to navigate!  'Tis give out that either 'twas some design of the Sorcerer Earl in the days of Cromwell to facilitate the conjuring of angels and demons, or for less rarified purposes by our libertine ancestor in the days of the Mad King.

But, he went on, you are a friend of Lord Talshaw? I hear he goes assist at this excavation that Trembourne undertakes at Worblewood.

Lionel concurred that that was the case – strong suspicions that there was a Roman villa 'neath one of the fields – had a Mr Chilfer come advize –

Chilfer! exclaimed Mr Gerald. Now there is a fellow one would like to meet. Have read some of his writings.

I apprehend you have diggings here?

Indeed – the ruins of the monastery that our founding ancestor was responsible for dissolving under King Henry.

He showed some enthusiasm for immediately conducting his guest to view 'em, but at this juncture Mrs Geoffrey Merrett appeared in the corridor, saying she wondered whether Mr Smithers had got lost, 'twas a known thing.

They went into the drawing-room, where he was made known to the Earl and Countess, that were a great deal more amiable and easy-mannered than he had feared, the Countess bidding him sit by her while she served him tea, and gently interrogated him about his family.

What a very handsome lady she was, still, at her years.

Meanwhile, he could hear a more general conversation concerning the impending trial for bigamy of Mr Miles O’Neill –

I am in some confidence that our agent will at last have took ship from New York with all the evidence he has gathered from that rogue’s wife in Chicago –

Lady Leah Merrett sighed. The distances in America must be very vast? Is there not a deal of danger? You must be glad he arrived at all.

Danger? cried Mr Gerald. Is there not murder committed in our own land – what about this affair at Mellonby, then?

Geoffrey Merrett sighed. Let us not speak wildly of murder yet, he said. Certainly it looks very bad for Blatchett, having disappeared following the death of that scoundrel Chellow, but one can surmize –

The Earl grinned. Fie, Geoff, are you hoping to be retained for the defence?

His brother grinned back. Not in the least, Blatchett is an entire blackguard that I had rather have naught to do with, but even so – might have been playing the fool with a duelling pistol and shot Chellow inadvertent – or even come across him already shot by someone else, I do not doubt he had other enemies – and must have realized, the terms they were on –

Mr Gerald nodded. Reports from the other guests of hearing high words 'twixt 'em.

– that he would be the chief suspect. 'Tis an interesting puzzle, if not one – he gestured towards Joliffe – that can be resolved by mathematics.

Mrs Merrett remarked that one supposed that 'twould be impossible to calculate the trajectory of the shot – that might provide evidence.

Joliffe stuttered that had one seen where the body lay – the angle &C – mayhap determined the direction of the breeze – but doubted not that was too late now.

Lady Nuttenford murmured that dear Janey’s father was the late Admiral Knighton – had taught her early mathematics from his knowledge as a fighting sailor –

As far as firearms went, Lionel excused himself from the shooting party a few days later, though had been offered a gun – no skills at all in that sport – was recommended a stroll in the gardens.

Leaving Mrs Geoffrey and Joliffe in deep mathematical discourse in the gazebo, he set off through the formal gardens – laid out, one understood, under the guidance of the present Earl’s father, a famed horticulturalist over whom there hung some cloud.

Fascinating enough to one that took an interest in the subject, but he was glad to pass into what he at first supposed was a wild garden and then took to be the boundary ground 'twixt the gardens and the park, of shrubbery and woodland.

Very pleasant to walk in. Paths clearly kept up – an occasional scampering rabbit – birds twittering and singing – coming up berrying and nutting season!

And here was an open wide glade, in which he observed a very young woman kneeling by a roughly hewn stone in the centre, humming a tune.

He stepped deliberately on a twig. She looked over her shoulder. The spectacles did not in least disguise her resemblance to Lady Nuttenford.

Lionel bowed. I fear I have not had the honour of your acquaintance – ? May I make myself known to you?

She scrambled up and made a very acceptable curtsey. Oh! I thought everybody had gone about the shoot! Indeed, do so.

He did so, and discovered that she was Lady Naomi Merrett.

And this, she said with somewhat of pride, is said to be the Merlin Stone. There is a deal of family history about it – and older history and some superstitions, before the first Earl cast out the monks, among the people of these parts –

Lionel went over to examine it: it appeared to be extremely antient worked stone.

'Tis said of the Sorcerer Earl, she went on, that he claimed that it bound benign spirits of nature to this place. And that when the Libertine Earl’s friends wanted to use it to call up the Devil, they were a very Hellfire set, he would by no means permit it, 'twas most unlike his ways.

She sighed. I should greatly like to attend one of these colleges for ladies in Town when I leave the schoolroom here but I daresay 'twill be being presented and making a debut. So that I might study history.

Lionel thought what a pity she was so young: for she struck him as ideally suited as a wife for Talshaw, but he was being urged to marry as soon as might be, as he complained.

That is a splendid ambition, he said. But there are – have ever been – ladies who are fine scholars without the benefit of college.

She blinked, and said with a thoughtful nod, here was her aunt Em that was considered extreme knowledgeable concerning the antient art of falconry.

Really, thought Sandy, the addition of ladies to Sir Godfrey Allder’s peripatetic philosophical convocations at Wallesfern had improved 'em considerably. O, had been somewhat of trouble when Sir Godfrey had took unto himself a very young wife, that wished to impose certain society conventions upon the company, such as withdrawing the ladies from the dinner-table, but one saw that under the influence of Flora Ferraby, that she took in great admiration, came to see the different manners that pertained here.

For sure, the gentlemen were not going to get beastly drunk as they circulated the port, and talk bawdry and mayhap bellow out coarse hunting songs! Might engage in somewhat freer discourse than their earlier convocations over politics – the unsatisfactory outcome of the late election meant that these were still a burning topic – the progress of science, &C&C – the position of women – but never anything vulgar about the talk.

A few days ago, indeed, the appearance of a fine tribute to the late actor Hywel Jenkins in The Oracle had spurred a deal of reminiscence from those that had seen him in his heyday, whether 'twas in tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral, pastoral‑comical, historical‑pastoral, tragical‑historical, tragical‑comical‑historical‑pastoral. Leading to wider converse on the value of art and its power to move the emotions.

As they moved into the drawing-room there was a suggestion that mayhap they might read certain poems or telling passages to the assembled company. La, said Lady Wallace, that was well-known to be the political writer Aspasia, gesturing with her lorgnette, do we so, might I beg that Mr MacDonald will give us his fine interpretation of the works of Burns?

Well, he ever travelled with a volume of those works – and was ever eager to make 'em better known on this side of the border – so entirely conceded to this desire.

He had, perhaps, not anticipated the effect of mellifluous Scots on little Lady Allder –

That commenced upon gazing at him with quite rapt attention for the rest of the evening, and, indeed, manifested the like over breakfast the morn and throughout succeeding days.

This present morn he had managed to make an escape to go smoke a cigar in the shrubbery afore she waylaid him, and was contemplating over this somewhat embarrassing development when came up to him Flora Ferraby and Hannah Roberts, that were also taking the air.

They nudged one another and rolled their eyes and he perceived that they had noted the matter and considered it in the light of a jest -

Is’t not, remarked Flora, falling into step on his lefthand side as Hannah took the other, somewhat the like of what dear Tiger has said about certain matters of reading Goethe – writing pamphlets upon the Bourbon tyranny in the Two Sicilies –

La, sighed Hannah, he is a dangerous fellow, she is entire smitten.

'Tis entirely, said Sandy scowling, to be attributed to the fine words of the Ayrshire Bard and naught to do with myself.

They positively sniggered, as the three of 'em continued to promenade in the shrubbery, and said, fie, they would be telling Maurice the tale!

I beseech you, said Sandy, in the name of friendship, do no such thing. And, to change the subject, I perceive that Mrs Veriker has not joined us?

'Tis rather too large a company for her – with a smaller number, 'twixt lip-reading and her hearing-trumpet, she can manage very well –

When he thought about it, it must be so.

– so she accompanies the children to the seaside with Ellen and Gordon, most agreeable for all. And one or another writes daily, so that we know that all is well.

Flora turned her head. And there, I think, comes today’s first post! Let us go in.

He had finished his cigar and could make no very telling excuse to stay out longer, so returned with 'em to where the butler was sorting the letters that had just been delivered.

He handed one to Sandy, that had not particularly been expecting any epistolary communications at this time – the handwriting seemed familiar –

Flora and Hannah were laughing and exclaiming over the exploits of their orphans, as he borrowed a paper-knife from the butler to slit the envelope and see what was the ado.

Hah! 'twas from Sallington! – and the direction was from Mellonby –

He suppressed the Scots oath that threatened to form on his lips as he read the intelligence therein.

Mortimer Chellow found dead in the trout-stream – at first supposed had fallen in and drowned, perchance not altogether sober, for surely a man in his senses could easily have climbed out – but when his body was retrieved, a bullet-wound discovered –

Shot through the back, it would seem.

Blatchett nowhere to be seen –

A duelling-pistol missing from the armoury –

The company, wrote Sallington, behaving like a barnyard of headless chickens, though my aunt Martha would doubtless claim that even without heads hens would behave more sensible – one hears it give out that you have a certain reputation in delicate matters of this kind –

Sandy snorted. He did not think that there had been any mysterious deaths among his investigations – once or twice, Matt Johnson, in the Bow Street days, might have consulted him on cases, had he not done so concerning the sad end of Foliott Fanshawe? but had mostly been desired to look into certain suspected larcenies &C. But perchance he could at least knock a little sense into this crowd –

And 'twould be an excellent excuse to quit Wallesfern! he thought as Lady Allder came drifting into the hall.

So he made his apologies and departed for what turned out to be a rather tiresomely complicated railway journey followed by a lengthy drive to Mellonby.

He found Trelfer in a state that must have put everyone in mind of his sister, nigh on hysterics. Surely, he kept claiming, it must have been some poacher, firing wildly – an accident –

Had they, enquired Sandy, summoned a local surgeon yet? He might be able to extract the shot and one might see the kind that it was.

He was not sure this would be possible, but at the very least a surgeon must be called. Everything must be done according to the rules –

A coroner’s court &C.

It was some time before he was able to have some calm and sensible discourse with Sallington and his brother, but they were able to provide information that he found considerable reassuring.

At the time when one must suppose the act to have taken place, the entire rest of the company, save for Blatchett, had been in the armoury –

Watching Gillie demonstrate the arts of the blade, said Sallington, as his brother blushed a little, or examining the duelling pistols &C. I was not there myself, because the housekeeper was showing me the family paintings –

Sandy grinned and said that they must be very gratified that Lord Gilbert had such a very strong alibi.

They grimaced, then nodded. But, said Lord Gilbert, who knows whether there had been similar dealings concerning other chaps’ sisters? I think everyone was about the armoury all the time, but really, I was so beset even when I was not urged to a passage or so.

Quite so. Well, let us go take a look at Blatchett’s chamber –

His valet, said Sallington, is very put about and claims that he must have had some accident – a fall from his horse or such – and we should send out a search party –

Hmmmm. That suggested a lack of premeditation….

Blatchett’s quarters indeed implied intention to return – the valet very communicative – almost too much so in the details of the apparel that he had been desired to have in order for the return from the ride – for the dining-hour –

One could not see any evidence of having covertly gathered up a traveller’s necessities, and, Sandy wondered, was Blatchett the kind of fellow that minded on such matters rather than expecting his valet to anticipate his wants?

Furthermore there was a locked box that the valet – Norris – averred held cash – there is a certain amount of play at these occasions – and for vails as necessary – and jewels, though he was wearing his usual rings and fobs –

It was heavy, and shaken, jingled.

Sandy shook his head and said, a mystery. Would go see if some search could be put in hand – the keeper must have men – there are grooms –

But no-one had mentioned a horse returning riderless, had they, that sure 'twould have done had there come some accident to the rider?

After bracing up Trelfer to the task of ordering the search, he proceeded to Chellow’s chamber, that was in somewhat of disorder, Chellow not having kept a man of his own and desiring the services of one or other of the footmen.

One would, he thought, scrutinizing the room for evidence of hiding-places, greatly desire Leda Hacker’s eyes upon this! Could not see any very likely spots, once he had felt up the chimney and got naught but a sooty hand – and would Chellow carry with him anything of delicate import? Sandy was like to confide that there was some secret nook, mayhap about Chellow’s Town apartments, with the evidence of his ploys.

But that – glancing from the window – looked like the surgeon’s gig!

The majority of the guests had joined in the search of the grounds, rather than treating the autopsy as a raree-show for their entertainment.

Relieved at that, Sandy accompanied Trelfer and Sallington – both looking very pale – into the cellar where the corpse had been laid. He himself had, in bygone years, attended upon several of the late Hacker’s anatomical dissections, and hoped that that prior experience would give him command over his stomach.

Both Sallington and Trelfer were obliged to excuse themselves during the proceedings.

Well! said Mr Ocken at length, 'twas not a deadly shot – did not hit any vital organ – had any been by daresay any dangerous degree of exsanguination might have been stopped – but appears that the jolt must have precipitated him into the water –

Trelfer, handkerchief to his nose, nodded.

– and unable to climb out, he drowned.

He was entire happy to write this up, and to recount this evidence to the crowner, dared say they had sent for the crowner?

Trelfer nodded.

Shocking thing. Fellows playing about with pistols –

At this point there was a flurry at the cellar door and came in Elkington, saying, the duelling pistol had been found, under some bushes.