going to try to find it. That would be my next venture. There could be an opportunity of slipping into that room . perhaps if Lady Perrivale were asleep . and Maria did not happen to be there. If I could produce the will I could at least prove a motive.
The next afternoon I went up to see Lady Perrivale. She was asleep but Maria was there.
“It’s nice to see you back,” she said.
“Her ladyship’s been sleeping most of the day. That’s how it is nowadays. The Major came in to see her pretty often while you were away. She cheers up for his visits.”
She gave me a wink.
“Well, she always had a soft spot for him.”
“Even though he married her best friend.”
“Ah yes. She might have had him herself but old Joe Arkwright was a hard man when it came to the brass. She was heartbroken when her father put an end to it. Then of course she married Sir Edward. It was what Joe Arkwright wanted. Stands to reason … Sir Edward and the title and Jessie brought the brass. What people will do for brass!”
I went away with those words ringing in my ears.
It was indeed revealing . what people would do for money!
It was two days later when my opportunity came. I went up to see Lady Perrivale. Maria was not there and Lady Perrivale was in her chair snoring slightly.
My heart was beating fast as I slipped out of the room and into that which I knew to have been Sir Edward’s.
I saw the big four-poster bed with a table beside it on which lay a very large Bible with leather covers and brass clasps.
I looked round the room. Where would he be likely to put something he wanted to hide? Why should it be necessary to hide it? Because he did not trust the woman who for years had thought she was his wife.
There was a cupboard near the window. I went to and opened it. There were some clothes in it and a tin box. I picked up the box. It was locked.
I wondered what was in it, but it was impossible for me to open it; and in any case whoever was searching for a will would immediately look in such a place. I could be sure someone had opened that box and inspected the contents since Sir Edward’s death.
For a moment I paused by the window and glanced across to my own room, and just at that moment the Major came into the courtyard. He looked up and immediately I dodged back. I was not sure whether he had seen me. I did not think he had. But it was a warning. I must get out of this room. He would clearly be coming to pay one of his frequent visits to Lady Perrivale.
When I emerged, Maria was still not there and Lady Perrivale remained asleep. I hurried downstairs and was in the hall when Major Durrell came in.
“Good afternoon. Miss Cranleigh,” he said.
“And what a pleasant afternoon it is.”
I agreed.
“I trust you had a good trip to London.”
“Oh yes, thank you. It seemed a long time since I had seen my family.”
“And I hear Mr. Lorimer is progressing favourably.”
“Yes, that’s so.”
“Then all’s well with the world.”
He smiled benignly on me as he started up the stairs.
It was the next day. Kate and I had been at lessons all morning, which had passed pleasantly enough. I was still brooding on my discoveries and felt frustrated because I did not know which way to go next. I had attached great importance to discovering the will but if I did, what would that tell usr which we did not know already?
I wanted to be alone to think. As soon as possible I must see Lucas.
He would be home very soon. I expected he would be rather exhausted immediately after his return, but I was very eager to tell him what Felicity and I had found out.
However, the need to get away was imperative. I wanted to be by myself to think. I took an opportunity of slipping out of the house, unseen by Kate, who would have wanted to come with me, and I walked briskly away from the house. I was near the Dower House when I saw the Major.
“Oh hello. Miss Cranleigh,” he called.
“How nice to see you. You’re looking well.”
“Thank you.”
“The trip to London was obviously a great success.”
“Yes, I think it was.”
“How’s Kate getting on now?”
“Very well.”
“I get rather worried about that girl. I’ve been wanting a little chat with you about her for a long time.”
“What is worrying you?”
“Look, why don’t you come in? It’s not easy to talk out here.”
He led me up the path to the front door, which was ajar. I said the garden was looking beautiful.
“I take a great pride in it. I have to have something to occupy me now I’m free of the Army.”
“It must be difficult to adjust to a civilian’s life. But it is some time since you retired now, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but one never really gets used to it.”
“I can well imagine that.”
The drawing-room was quite large with oak beams, latticed windows and a big fireplace.
“It’s a lovely house,” I said.
“Yes, the Tudors may not have been so elegant as their successors, but they did seem to create a certain atmosphere. Do sit down.”
I sat on the settle near the window.
“Are you comfortable there?” he asked solicitously.
I told him that I was very comfortable.
“What worried you about Kate?” I asked.
“I’m going to give you a glass of wine first. It’s always more cosy to talk over a drink.”
“Thank you … but I’d rather not…”
“Oh come, I insist. I want you to try this. It’s very good. I only serve it on special occasions.”
“Oh … is this one?”
“Yes, because for so long I’ve wanted to talk to you and to thank you for what you are doing for Kate.”
“You’re very fond of her, I know, as she is of you.”
He nodded.
“Now, just a small glass, eh?”
“Well, thanks … just a small one.”
He brought it to me and then went and poured one out for himself.
“To you. Miss Cranleigh. With my heartfelt thanks.”
“Oh really, you make too much of it. It’s only a matter of getting to know her … understanding her.”
“There have been so many … and you took the trouble. That’s what I’m grateful for. Mirabel, my daughter, Lady Perrivale … said to me the other day, ” The change in Kate since Miss Cranleigh came is really remarkable. “
“Then why are you worried?”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about. What do you think of the wine?”
I took another sip.
“It’s very pleasant.”
“Well, drink up. And have another. I told you it is very special.”
Just at that moment there was a sound of footsteps coming round the house. The Major looked startled.
“It’s me, Gramps,” said a well-known voice.
“Rosetta’s here, I know. I saw her come in.”
