Winking at the Brim (Mrs. Bradley) by Mitchell Gladys

Author:Mitchell, Gladys [Mitchell, Gladys]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Published: 2014-03-24T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Two Letters for Dame Beatrice

“However, sir, here is a guarantee. Look at its contents; I do not again carry the letters of Uriah.”

Sir Walter Scott.

(1)

Visiting rounds, that morning, left Sally with some very curious and interesting impressions, but did nothing to alter her overwhelming conviction that Angela Barton’s death had not been caused by suicide. Since it was hardly conceivable that it had been accidental, there was only one conclusion which seemed to fit the facts.

Sir Humphrey had made no suggestions as to how she should refer to the death when she made her rounds, so, at the first caravan, now in possession of the Parrises, Hubert Pring, and Jeremy Tamworth, she said to Marjorie, who seemed to be the only person awake, and who was standing just outside the caravan emptying a teapot, “I suppose you’ve heard about Angela Barton?”

“Gone home, has she?”

“Oh, you haven’t heard, then?”

“Heard what?”

“I thought the Bensons might have walked over here and told you.”

“Told us what? Is Angela lost or ill or something?”

“Oh, Marjorie, she’s dead!”

“Dead? You’re not being funny, are you?”

“No.”

“But she can’t be dead! How do you know? I mean, she was all right yesterday, wasn’t she?”

“Yes. We think she’s taken poison.”

“Good God! You don’t mean that!”

“I’m afraid so, yes. Will you tell the others?”

“I suppose so. But how on earth did it happen?”

“We don’t know yet. It’s in the hands of the police.”

“The police? Oh, well, I suppose it would have to be. Not that they can do anything. Shall we all be involved, do you think? I mean, will there be an inquest? Have to be some sort of enquiry, I suppose.”

“I’ve no idea what will happen. I don’t think the procedure up here is the same as it is at home.”

“Are the Calshotts very cut up about it?”

“No, not really. Worried, of course, and shocked, but—well, no, not cut up. At least, I wouldn’t say so.”

“Angela wasn’t terribly likeable, poor thing. Do you think she found out she’d got a serious illness, and that made her do it? Personally, I’d never have the courage. Besides, there’s always a sporting chance of one’s recovering, isn’t there? I mean, the hospitals nowadays…”

“Well, I must push on,” said Sally. “No use asking whether you’ve seen anything of the monster, I suppose? That’s my other reason for coming round.”

“Save your strength, dear. We’ve seen nothing except yesterday’s storm. Don’t expect to, either. Matter of fact, except for Hubert, who wants to stick it out for another week or so, this particular outfit is talking of toddling home.”

“You won’t go until the thing about Angela is all cleared up, though, will you?”

“Can’t see what difference that makes. It’s nothing to do with us. If anybody has to stick around and make arrangements, it will be the Calshotts.”

“Yes, I suppose so,” said Sally uncomfortably. “All the same…”

“Oh, you mean we ought to show proper respect. Well, I didn’t respect Angela when she was alive, and I don’t see any reason to respect her now she’s dead.

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