9781638716549_eBook by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-10-22T17:16:36+00:00

Cap. 22.

Emily Paget-Lowndes was choosing an outfit. Gertrude had insisted on accompanying her to Harrods. A smart suit and matching hat and gloves were what was required for her star performance in the murder case at the Old Bailey. A conservative blue would be best and that hat with the touch of lace had such class. Wasn’t she lucky to find matching accessories too? Loaded with green Harrods shopping bags they stopped briefly at Browns Hotel for afternoon tea.

‘I am first in the witness box on Monday, Gertie. It is most important that I make the right impression.’

‘You vill be magnificent Emily. Don’t forget to wave to me in ze Gallery’ Gertrude reminded her.

‘It’s remembering my lines that is so hard. If only Geoffrey was here he would tell me what to do. I feel quite lost without him sometimes.’

‘At least he didn’t leave you a pauper, darling,’ Gertrude replied somewhat archly.

‘I can’t complain, the insurance companies have been very good, but lots of money seems to be missing all the same. Strange that we just can’t trace those diamonds he bought shortly before his death. I must mention them to that nice Superintendent Forbes, perhaps he can help me search the house for them,’ Emily wondered vaguely.

‘Hmmm ... I have my doubts about that, my dear. I imagine he has other matters to attend to,’ Gertrude retorted.

They enjoyed their tea and sandwiches, also helping themselves to cream cakes.

Gertrude suddenly perked up.

‘Oh Clive will be waiting for us in Albemarle Street, let me tell him by telephone that we are nearly ready for him.’

In minutes they had paid and departed. Clive was at the hotel entrance chatting to the doorman. He sprang to open the rear door of the Rolls and the ladies climbed in.

As he drove them home Gertrude said, “Clive, don’t make plans for Monday. We shall leave for the Old Bailey at 9.00am. Park the car in a public garage and join me in the visitors’ gallery. You will see the courtroom number on a board in the main lobby. The case is Regina-v-Pearson. Is that alright?’

‘Perfectly, madam. Are you sure that you can both be ready in time, though?’ Clive teased gently.

‘Don’t be so impertinent and watch the road,’ Gertrude responded tartly.

On Monday morning the ladies were ready at 9.10am. The Rolls glided out of the drive and entered rush hour traffic. Nonetheless with Clive’s knowledge of the traffic conditions and the back doubles as he called them, they arrived at the Old Bailey with time to spare. The two ladies wandered slowly into the reception area.

‘Excuse me;’ Emily addressed a policeman, ‘ I am due to give evidence in a most important case. My name is Emily Paget-Lowndes - yes as in the square. Can you take me to the appropriate court room?’

‘I’m sorry madam. I’m a witness here myself , and waiting to be called any moment. You must ask that gentleman in the gown with the clipboard. That’s him over there. He’ll set you on the right path.

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