Page 61 of A Spell of Midlife Mayhem

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SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, I said goodbye to Aunt Ruth and drove to Chirtlewood.

The ambulance was gone. The police cars were still there, and so was the crime scene tape.

I asked the officer guarding the area if I could enter, and she phoned the inspector.

Inspector Pentecost came down the steps and approached. ‘You’ve returned to the scene of the crime, then? Heather Nicholls, isn’t it?’

‘That’s right.’ What did she mean about returning to the scene of the crime?

‘How can I help you? Did you forget to tell me something?’

Should I tell her about Elvis? No, that would be a waste of police time. I’d already checked him out myself. ‘I’d like to come inside, if that’s all right. There is tidying and other chores to do. I can stay downstairs, out of the way.’

The inspector regarded me with a curious gaze. ‘We’ve finished downstairs. You can come in, but don’t go upstairs or on the stairs at all. We’re still working on those areas.’

‘Found anything helpful?’ My curiosity never stayed down for long.

‘I can’t discuss that at the present time, Ms Nicholls. Once we have examined everything relevant, we might share some information with you and your colleagues to see if it jogs your memory. I’m sure you understand.’

‘Of course.’

She lifted the crime scene tape, and I ducked underneath it. Once inside, I went to the little office we all shared. There were a few things to tidy up, as we’d left in unusual circumstances that morning. But that wasn’t why I was here.

I spent a few minutes doing the chores, then sat at the table where we’d had the pastries. When I was certain the inspector wasn’t coming back, I whispered, ‘My Lady. Are you here, somewhere?’

No answer. Naturally. Why would the countess of Chirtle hang around a pokey office when there is the rest of this marvellous house to roam in?

I made my way to the drawing room. It was full of the afternoon light. Dust motes swirled in the air disturbed by my entrance.

The furniture was roped off so visitors couldn’t sit on it. I walked on the designated pathway around to the bay windows that looked out onto the expansive lawn and gardens.

Movement caught my eye. A dog. No owner was in sight.

Was it Scruffles? I couldn’t tell from where I stood. Maybe I needed to get my eyes checked again. I’d put that off for ages. Eventually, I’d have to have glasses.

‘My Lady? Can you hear me? May I talk with you?’ I said to the empty room.

Doubt filled my mind. Why would the countess be listening? Even if she was, would she come because I called?

But she did.

She appeared nearby, reclining on a chaise lounge. Her hair was tied up in a giant red bundle, contrasting with her white facial makeup. ‘Heather. Thee hast called. Fortunately, I had naught to do this day. For what purpose didst thee call me hither?’

‘Thank you for coming, My Lady. There’s something I want to ask.’

‘Well, then.’ She tossed her head nonchalantly. ‘Inquire of me what thee desire.’

‘There was an incident this morning. A gentleman was killed in the library.’

‘Oh, that. Maisey hath told me of the tragedy. Most dreadful. What a calamity. Poor gent, he hadst not a chance.’

‘Do you know anything about it? I mean, did anyone see what happened, or see anyone leaving the house in a hurry, or—’

‘Nay, the earl and I wast in my bedchamber, engaged in passionate activities.’

‘Ah.’ The thought of the elderly earl and his younger wife having ghostly sex passed through my mind and made an imprint that might be forever ingrained in my memory. ‘So, you wouldn’t have heard anything either, My Lady?’

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