L. also-no accounting for people. She does less than he does, come to think. Mr E. has sharp sarcastic manner on occasions. Detests Mr Ian, curses Mr Pembroke but at same time wants money from him (!). Definitely thinks of Mr Pembroke’s money too much, broods on it, talked about it all the time.
End of enquiry.
Of Lucy, among other things, he had written:
Mrs L. spends large parts of the day unaware of what’s going on around her (my opinion). I had to repeat several questions. It seemed she didn’t hear me, but nothing wrong with her ears. She listens to things going on in her own head (can’t put it very well). Has no alibis for Friday or Tuesday. Can’t remember where she was. (I believe it.) Goes for rambling walks. Mrs L. very troubled over something, but wouldn’t say what. She ate a tinful of peanuts while I was there, looked surprised when they’d gone.
So much for Lucy and Edwin, I thought. What about Donald and Helen?
Donald Pembroke (44) eldest of Mr Pembroke’s offspring, lives at Marblehill House, detached chalet-style house which goes with his job, Secretary, Marblehill Golf Club (rich club, high fees) near Henley-on-Thomas. Long waiting list for membership, rich members.
Mr D. has staff (green keeper, club steward, etc). He himself oversees and runs the whole place, is said to be good at it, members like him, say he gets things done, runs tight ship, decent bar, club rooms, tournaments etc, always listens to and deals with complaints, seen as friend, authority figure, social equal. Mr D. likes his work. His social standing extremely important to him (my opinion). Keeps up high appearances.
As to alibis for the Friday and Tuesday in question: no alibis ascertainable. Is always ‘round the place’, never at any place at set hours except first thing in the mornings (9 am) to see to post with office staff. Has Mondays off, works Saturdays and Sundays.
Walks to work (barely 100 yds). Usually returns home at 7 pm (much earlier in winter), sometimes stays until bar closes. Often walks round later to see all is well everywhere. Dedicated.
Mr D. has daughter in art school, high fees. Also twin sons who have started this term at Eton, previously at good prep, school. (How does he afford it?)
Mr D. drives silver Mercedes, 2 years old. Clean. No marks of collision with Mr Ian.
Mr D. thinks it’s very bad news Mr Ian is back in Mr Pembroke’s favour. Certain to mean less inheritance for him (Mr D.). He’s angry about that. But he also thinks Mr Ian the only one who can persuade Mr Pembroke to distribute some wealth now. Sees no inconsistency in these beliefs. (He’ll use Mr Ian, doesn’t have to trust him, he said.) Thinks Mr Pembroke’s recent expenditure unreasonable, ‘insane’ (!). Says he’s senile.
Mr D. gave me rapid answers; busy. Says his financial affairs were none of my business, edgy on subject. Is he in debt? (My opinion, considering his expenses, probably.) Champagne lifestyle.
End of enquiry.
And Helen?
Mrs Helen Pembroke (43) wife of Mr D. Very good looking lady. Very worried, wouldn’t say what about.
I interviewed her in Marblehill House - big name for fairly ordinary-sized three-bedroom, nice sitting-room, though, overlooking golf course. Good furniture, appearance of wealth.
Mrs H. works at home (on dustsheet in dining-room) painting views of Henley by hand onto plates, jugs, boxes; all china. Very quick, very good (to my eyes), nice pictures. They go off to be glazed, she said, then sell in local shops. Reasonably paid, she says. (What’s reasonable? She says her work was to be seen as a hobby. Mr D. refers to it in that way.)
Mrs H. works alone nearly every day, no alibis for Friday or Tuesday. Sometimes drives into Henley to shop, no regular pattern. Mrs H. has white Cavalier, clean, no dents.
No children at home. Daughter shares flat with friends near art school (more expense).
Mrs H. ultra-loyal to Mr D. Says my enquiries unnecessary. Says it’s ridiculous to suppose Mr D. would attack his father. Out of the question. (My opinion, she wasn’t too sure.) They need more cash badly (my opinion).
Mrs H. mostly shares Mr D’s opinion of Mr Ian, but doesn’t seem to dislike him personally.
End of enquiry.
On Friday morning, I called in on a public library and looked up ‘explosives’ in encyclopaedias. Ammonium nitrate was there, also the proportion of fertiliser to diesel oil needed, also the formula for relating volume to kilos. The knowledge was available to anyone who