Faro watched him go. Yarrow obviously suspected that Duffy's death might not have been an accident. Having overheard the poacher asking for Faro at the inn was enough to alert any policeman worthy of the name of detective when a man is subsequently found dead.
Faro was not quite as amused as he might have been to find himself in the classic situation of the stranger, the newcomer to the district, immediately under suspicion and the first to be questioned.
As he awaited Vince's arrival, he thought about the tiny piece of evidence resting in his pocket beside his notes on the two deaths at Elrigg. As he wrestled with his conscience he decided that Duffy's death could not have come at a worse time. Another twenty-four hours and he would have been clear of Elrigg.
Clear of suspicion!
Chapter 21
'You could tell Yarrow who you are, of course,' said Vince as he unpacked and hung an array of shirts and cravats in the capacious wardrobe. He sounded irritable and with good reason.
Within their first few moments of conversation on his arrival at the inn, he had seen fast disappearing all hopes of that splendid walking holiday he was looking forward to. His stepfather had got himself hopelessly involved in yet another crime.
'You're impossible, Stepfather, too conscientious by far. These murders, if murders they are, have nothing to do with you. This isn't your province. You know that perfectly well. The Northumberland Constabulary will tell you sharp enough that you are out of order, Inspector Faro.'
He shrugged. 'And as for this latest happening, it isn't unknown for a poacher who's fond of drink to accidentally drown while under the influence.'
'Perhaps you're right, Vince,' said Faro weakly, almost eager to be persuaded.
'Of course I am.' Vince closed the wardrobe door, thrust his valise under the bed and said: 'Let's join the others.' He led the way downstairs to where Owen and Olivia were already enjoying afternoon tea in front of the large fire.
'Two more places, Mr Bowden, if you please,' said Faro.
Approaching the Gilchrists, he saw that an adjoining side table was solely occupied by Imogen Crowe, awaiting her order. She looked up and smiled a friendly greeting.
Faro, somewhat taken aback, suspected that the recipient of this transformed Miss Crowe was his handsome stepson. Vince, with his fair curls, his deceptively angelic countenance, had that effect upon young women.
'Two places, did you say, sir?' said Bowden.
Olivia looked at Faro, smiled encouragingly and said quite loudly, 'Why don't you ask your friend to join us, sir?'
'Heavens, no.' whispered Faro, assiduously turning his back on Miss Crowe.
Olivia considered that lady for a moment and gave him a reproachful look. 'A pity to have her sitting on her own, is it not?' she murmured.
'Yes, indeed,' responded her brother with an admiring glance at Miss Crowe. The more the merrier, I always say.'
Vince turned, joined in his friend's enthusiasm, bowed in her direction and was rewarded by even more smiling Irish eyes, a pretty inclination of dark red curls.
Turning sharply to Faro he said enthusiastically, 'Yes, Stepfather, why not?'
'No,' said Faro firmly, almost too loudly for politeness. While he studied his empty plate with tightly closed lips, the others looked across at Miss Crowe, were pleased by what they saw and stared back at Faro reproachfully.
Their expressions made him angry. Mrs Dewar's weakness it seemed was shared not only by most womankind, but had spread to his own family and friends.
Matchmaking. He grimaced, he was sick and tired of it. He had thought Olivia Gilchrist might have more sense.
But as the tea was poured and the scones eaten at a leisurely pace, Miss Crowe was forgotten. Out of the corner of his eye Faro thankfully watched her depart. Grateful that the jarring incident created by her presence was over, he joined in the laughter as the two young men reminisced about college days, meanwhile keeping a sharp eye on Olivia's reaction to his stepson.
He would have been shocked indeed had someone told him that he was indulging in exactly the same behaviour as poor Mrs Dewar and that this pairing off was endemic in the human race.
The young couple seemed so fond of each other, laughing, teasing. Almost like brother and sister. He groaned. That was what he feared, that they had been dear friends too long for romance to blossom.
'Delightful place, this, sir,' said Owen. 'You were lucky to find it. Full of atmosphere.'
'It wasn't difficult to find,' Faro laughed. 'It's the only place.'
'My bedroom floor squeaks abominably,' said Vince.
'Quite right,' said Olivia solemnly. 'That will keep you from straying.' Then to Faro: 'Great-Aunt is so sorry she couldn't accommodate Vince too. Her cottage is just too tiny. Have you told your stepfather the arrangements, Vince?'
'I haven't. We've had other matters to discuss.'
'Nothing as important as the party.' And leaning over, she said: 'You mean he hasn't told you that we have been invited to the Castle here for Great-Aunt's birthday celebration?'
When Faro shook his head, she looked at Vince.
'Dash it all, Olivia. I've been keeping it a secret - a surprise, as you told me,' was the reproachful response.
'Honestly - men!' Olivia gave a despairing sigh and turned to her brother. 'You tell him, Owen. This is so exciting - you being here already, sir,' she added to Faro.
'Hold on, Livvy,' said Owen. 'We've just heard ourselves, when we called in to see Great-Aunt. She was governess to Mark Elrigg long ago. They have always been very close. When Mark's mother died, he didn't even as a child get on very well with his stepfather -' He looked at Vince and Faro. 'Not like some I could name. Anyway, he turned to Great-Aunt for
