The Unfortunate Death of Lord Longbottom: A 1920s Lady Jane & Mrs Forbes Mystery (The Lady Jane and Mrs Forbes Mysteries Book 4) by B. D. Churston

Author:B. D. Churston [Churston, B. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty

After dinner, the company adjourned to various seats in the drawing room, where the men enjoyed cigars while Pru opted for a cigarette in a sleek silver holder. All had a nip of brandy.

“So how does one get promoted at Scotland Yard?” asked Sir Christopher.

“Luck,” said Ridley.

“Surely not.”

“Well, in fairness, there’s a bit more to it. Skill, endeavour, tenacity… but, yep, luck helps. There are good detectives who don’t get a break in big cases, while others get lucky. Mind you, some of the bone-headed variety often snooker themselves with a know-all attitude. Not that we have many of those, of course.”

“It certainly doesn’t apply to you,” said Kate, perched on the edge of a red leather wingback armchair.

“Thanks, Mrs Forbes. My bosses picked up on that. They said I was good at working with witnesses to gain extra insight.”

Pru put her glass down. “You mean Kate and Jane have helped you get promoted?”

Ridley’s eyes widened. “I wouldn’t go that far. That said, yes, Mrs Forbes and Lady Jane have a way about them. I’d be a fool to discount their findings or their views.”

“We’ve not been helpful in this latest case though,” lamented Kate.

“On the contrary, you’ve had a word with a few witnesses and haven’t managed to find an alternative explanation for what happened. That, in itself, is useful.”

“We’ll keep trying,” said Kate. “Even though you’ll soon be back in London.”

“Obviously, if you learn anything, contact me at the Yard.”

“Who did Mr Patterson speak to at the function?” asked Jane.

Ridley rested his cigar in the nearby ashtray.

“Just to be clear, I would never divulge what’s in a statement to you. However, if an innocent man’s life is in danger… I’ll just get my case.”

Ridley left for the sitting room and returned with his briefcase. He took a seat near Jane and placed the case on the coffee table to open it.

He then pulled out some papers and sifted through to find what he wanted. The others he set down on the open case. Reading from Patterson’s statement, he paraphrased for his audience.

“Patterson says he received an invitation from Lord Longbottom…” Ridley took the invitation and placed it uppermost on the pile. “Then he attended the get-together where he spoke with Mrs Forbes, and then with Fred Brigstock and Desmond Ainsley, then Mr Deane of the Coronation Dining Rooms. He says he was alone when Lord Longbottom collapsed.”

“Aunt Kate?” asked Jane. “Over at Holton, we were discussing Mr Patterson being accused of murder. Can you recall your thoughts on how he’d be feeling about attending the town hall function?”

Kate took a moment.

“Only that he probably wished he’d never been invited.”

Jane turned to Ridley.

“Chief Inspector, are you aware that Mr Patterson’s invitation differs from my aunt’s?”

Ridley stared down at the card.

“Does it?”

Jane seemed quite certain. “The handwriting lacks fluidity, as if someone has very carefully replicated an original card. Aunt, is yours still on your mantlepiece?”

“With Ernie Melton on the door at the town hall? No, I took it with me.

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