Lessons in Solving the Wrong Problem - Charlie Cochrane Page 0,30

refilled any time soon, if at all.

***

Once Orlando was alone he’d set off for a perambulation around the grounds, while still awaiting details on where the two maids were now located, assuming they were still alive. It gave him the opportunity of mulling over all that had been said. Most pressingly, he’d have to work out how he was going to explain to Jonty that he had facts he couldn’t reveal but still use those details to progress the case. He could definitely say there’d been things said on the old lord’s deathbed that he had sworn not to reveal and these things opened up questions. So far so ridiculously obvious. He could also say they should investigate Saggers further, because Henry had already told them about him. The sticking points were, of course, the mention of Edward and the reference to a man who may or may not have been the billiards player.

What struck Orlando most powerfully was that if Henry’s father had been murdered, the victim clearly had a good idea who had caused his death and, given that he’d had ample opportunity of saying who that person was, hadn’t chosen to do so. The only reference had been made when the man had been delirious and perhaps unable to control his words. Which led to the conclusion that he either wanted to protect the killer or protect his own and his family’s reputation.

For which the theory of a male lover would work neatly but appeared to be a non-starter. Who else, then? An old friend, a person of high repute, a family member? Somebody who had power over his lordship or the family? A blackmailer perhaps, although why they would seek to kill their golden-egg-laying goose made little sense.

His thoughts kept circling back to the boy, Edward. What part of the equation about that child and his life were he and Jonty missing?

Chapter Seven

Jonty and his host set off in the metal monster for a pleasant jaunt out to what had been Herron’s home. Henry confessed himself intrigued by the prospect of possessing his own automobile at some point in the future, given how the machines—and motoring as a pastime—were developing so splendidly. On the way, they stopped at the ruined chapel of ease, which struck Jonty as picturesque rather than spooky, given its mellow stonework and covering of ivy, particularly entrancing when seen in the watery sunlight.

“Why did Edward take a dislike to this place?” he asked.

“I truly don’t know. A childish whim, I suppose.” Henry shrugged. “I used to play here with Richard, as many local children did.”

“I’d have been the same. Knights attacking a castle or some such game.” Jonty eyed the ruins with an approving nod. “This must have been rather a splendid building in its pomp.”

“Yes. I believe it only fell into disrepair due to a dispute between one of my predecessors and the rector of the parish church. Typical example of Christian lovingkindness.” Henry ran his fingers down what looked like an old pillar. “I often think the concept of loving thy neighbour has crumbled as much as this stone has.”

“Indeed. I must arrange for you to meet Papa. You would find a lot in common to talk about and not simply the roguish doings of his youngest son. Now, I should take a good mental note of these stones. Herron’s wall and all that.”

When they set off again, Henry suggested they drive past what had been the archaeologist’s house before pulling in then strolling back past the property.

As they left the automobile to enjoy the dappled sunshine beneath the trees, Jonty said, “Who has the house now? Will they shoo us off for dawdling there?”

“No, not at all. It’s Herron’s nephew, actually. He’s a much more reasonable chap than his uncle. Has a fine tenor voice which he uses in the church choir and his son’s a promising treble.” Henry used his stick to point along the road. “Look out for the first corner we come to. I remember when the wall was damaged—a runaway drover’s cart hit it—and Herron had it repaired. The provenance of the material used was the bone of contention.”

“Did it ever cross your mind that Herron might have stolen the treasure? In those sombre weeks after your father’s death?” Jonty asked

“It did, but Richard wouldn’t have it. He said that if Herron had done such a thing, he’d have been gloating about it and while we might never again see the items concerned, we’d not