A Question of Death by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd

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They were in the middle of morning tea when Phryne heard a shriek from the kitchen. Sir James put down his cup testily. ‘What’s the matter with the woman?’ he demanded.

‘I’ll go and see,’ offered Lucy. She flickered out of the morning room in a tumble of curls and lavender cotton. Phryne continued talking about Scotland with Sir James. She liked him. A nice, steady old buffer, just the thing for a flibbertigibbet like Lucy. Phryne was just extolling the glories of the Highlands when a procession came in. Lucy, looking amazed. The butler, carrying a dish. The cook, clutching her fish-gutting knife.

On the salver was a large sea bass. It looked surprised, as well it might. Spilling from its belly were innards and the gleam of gold. Sir James drew it forth. Lucy sat down abruptly and fanned herself.

‘Whoever heard of such a thing?’ demanded the cook. ‘I was just cleaning the fish for dinner and the knife jarred on something and there it was. That’ll be milady’s locket what she lost overboard, I said to Mr Hughes, I said, and I was right.’

‘We have been particularly blessed, Mrs McGregor,’ said Sir James, looking up at the picture of St Mungo on the wall. ‘Have the locket washed, will you. I would like to see it where it belongs again.’

‘Oh, James!’ Lucy flung herself into her husband’s tolerant embrace and burst into tears.

Phryne caught Sir James’ eye. He was looking straight at her over his wife’s bent head as he spoke.

‘Indeed, we have been particularly blessed. And I have not forgotten the stories of St Mungo, either,’ he said gently, and winked.

Phryne raised her coffee-cup to him and drank a silent toast. To St Mungo, of course.

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