Lessons in Solving the Wrong Problem - Charlie Cochrane Page 0,34
be useful to get a below-stairs perspective on things.”
“Agreed. I’d love to know how closely his son resembled Edward, for a start. So, what do you think of my viable if not entirely secure trail?”
Orlando spread his hands. “Herron does seem a likely candidate for the thief, although if he found out where to dig via the maid, that must have been at the least some days after the event, in which case the ground had already been disturbed. Meaning an exact location wouldn’t necessarily have helped him, any more than it helped Richard.”
“But Herron would have had more time to systematically search the place, given that the attention of the family would have been elsewhere. You’ll have noticed that the field in question can’t be seen from the house or anywhere near it? In fact, unless you’re being observed from the other side of what passes for a valley in these parts, you’d be pretty well invisible until said observer was almost on top of you.” Jonty produced his trademark stretch, resembling nothing less than a tabby enjoying the warmth of the fire. “And if Herron was run discovered, he could say he was trying to help the family out by locating the treasure trove while they had more important business to attend to.”
“Yes, I can imagine that happening. Much more likely than the hoard somehow avoiding detection after being reburied by nature.”
“Exactly. Now, let’s put Mary aside for a moment and turn to this other matter you discussed with Beatrice. My curiosity will be contained no longer.” Jonty, still sprawling in his chair, presented such an alluring and tempting sight that a man might lose all track of any other matters than that of a good, firm mattress.
Orlando forced himself to concentrate. “On the face of it, the matter is simple. It’s the dealing with it that becomes complicated. Beatrice told me something that her husband had asked her to keep secret.”
Jonty whistled. “Well, you did charm her, didn’t you?”
“I shall ignore that. She appeared to be pleased to have someone to unload the burden to, although there was some negotiation involved in getting to the truth. I had to promise not to tell you the secret, or else she’d never have trusted me with it. Leaves me in rather a tricky situation in relation to the case.”
“Then don’t let it,” Jonty said, after a moment’s pause to think. He leaned over to squeeze Orlando’s hand. “I’d have done the same, in the cause of investigation, and felt the same qualms afterwards.”
“Thank you for being so understanding. I’ve rather been dreading this.” Orlando returned the squeeze.
“If you choose to pursue a particular line of enquiry, I’ll ask no questions about why we’re doing so. I trust you implicitly.” Jonty took Orlando’s hand to his lips. “With my heart, soul, body and mind.”
“I wish we were at home,” Orlando whispered hoarsely. “For me to put that mutual trust into action.”
“We will be tomorrow night, so I’ll hold this conversation in mind until then. After which I’ll be able to hold much more pleasurable things.”
“Will you behave?” Orlando, with a glance at the door, snatched his hand away. “Suffice to say, this secret is germane to the matter of Lord Michael’s death.”
“Can you give me any intimation of why Henry thinks it was murder rather than accident? Or who was involved?”
“The latter, yes.” Orlando hoped that would give a clear intimation of what he couldn’t reveal. “The impression I’ve built up is that he thinks William Saggers may have somehow been involved.”
“Really?” Jonty pulled out of his slouch. “I got quite another impression. The mentions of Mary’s brother—name of Jude and rather obscure if you’ll excuse the pun—in association with footpads. Clearly, I couldn’t ask him direct, as we’re not supposed to know, but it struck me as a subtle hint that Henry suspects the wastrel was involved in his father’s accident. Although, of course, I could be seeing what isn’t there.”
Orlando wondered whether he could risk saying that the brother theory wasn’t out of keeping with the secret but decided that would be a step too far. “Perhaps he suspects both. Among others we’ve yet to identify. Casting his bread upon the investigational waters. This Jude chap would certainly be a more viable candidate, given that he’d presumably have a grudge at being banned from the estate and would have the mobility that Saggers lacked.”
“We should set Mama and Papa on the trail of Saggers and his family. If