Bones of the Buried by David Roberts

Author:David Roberts
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781841195872
Publisher: Constable & Robinson
Published: 2011-12-19T17:14:29+00:00

Part Three

14

‘I’ve found it!’ Verity’s excited voice squeaked down the telephone line. ‘Edward, are you there? I’ve found it!’

‘What have you found?’ he said, taking the cigarette holder out of his mouth.

‘There’s quite a fat file of reports and it’s really hot stuff. I’ll come round later, shall I, and you can give me a bite of lunch? I’m absolutely famished. I’ve been working here since eight and I didn’t have time for breakfast.’

‘What’s the date?’

‘April 8th 1936 – why do you want to know?’

‘No, idiot. What’s the date on the newspaper reports?’

‘Oh, yes, I see what you mean – July 12th 1917. It’s sensational . . .’

‘Good girl! Don’t try and tell me any more over the phone. I was thinking of going round to Stephen’s house to see if I can talk to the butler, Barrington. I gather he’s still there.’

‘Oh, I’m afraid I can’t come with you. I’ve got a meeting with Weaver in half an hour and I daren’t miss that. In any case, I’m not very good with menservants. I seem to remember I rather messed things up last year when we interviewed General Craig’s valet.’

‘No, you didn’t, but if you trust me to go it alone . . . Anyway, I rather doubt he will have anything useful to report.’

‘That’s OK by me. I’ll come round about one. Bye.’

‘Verity, I’ve told you before about “OK” . . .’ He stopped and shook the receiver but it was dead. Verity was not in the mood for a lecture on the English language from anyone, especially him.

Edward pulled on the gold chain around his waistcoat and looked at his hunter; it was almost ten thirty. ‘I say, Fenton, Miss Browne’s coming to lunch. Can you find another chop?’

‘Without difficulty, my lord.’

‘Oh, and make sure there’s champagne on ice. I think we may need to do some celebrating.’

‘Indeed, my lord. Might I inquire if congratulations are in order?’

‘What? Ah, no . . . don’t be an ass, Fenton. I simply mean we’re making some headway in our investigation. I’m going round to Belgrave Square to talk to Mr Thayer’s butler, Barrington. He may slam the door in my face, of course.’

‘Hmm.’ Fenton coughed.

‘Got a cough?’

‘No, my lord. I was about to say that I might be of some assistance. Mr Barrington is an old friend of mine.’

‘Good heavens! I never knew that.’

‘We both belong to the . . . to the Pipe and Port.’

‘The Pipe and Port? What’s that when it’s at home?’

‘Well, my lord, that’s precisely the point. It’s a club for gentlemen’s personal gentlemen, butlers and other senior staff of gentlemen’s establishments.’

‘You amaze me. Do you mean to tell me you go out to this club on your days off?’

‘Yes indeed, my lord. When I am at leisure . . . I trust you have no objection?’

‘None in the world. It just strikes me how unobservant I am. All these years you have been in my employ and I never knew . . .’

‘There is no reason, my lord, why it should have come to your attention.

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