The Railway Detective's Christmas Case by Edward Marston

Author:Edward Marston [Marston, Edward]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allison and Busby Ltd
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Lady Foley’s waiting room was private territory. When he went in after her, Tallis felt that he was entering the holy of holies. While she sat down, he was kept standing as he told her the latest news.

‘Heavens!’ she exclaimed. ‘A second murder? This is intolerable.’

‘I regret it as much as you, Your Ladyship.’

‘How can you? Only someone who lives here can understand the horror of it all. The Malverns are known for their intrinsic safety.’

‘I know. It’s a privilege to be in this part of the country.’

‘Then justify your presence here by making arrests,’ she said, tartly.

‘They will come in the fullness of time,’ he promised her.

‘Where are your officers?’

‘Two are in Oldbury and the third, Sergeant Leeming, is in Tipton.’

‘Those are places from which excursionists pour in upon us,’ she said, acidly. ‘We get the sweepings of the Midlands here.’

‘They bring money here, I daresay. Hoteliers and tradesmen will surely welcome them.’

‘Not if they only come for one day. The vast majority alight from the train at Malvern Link and walk in the hills, leaving their foul mess behind. Those who come on to this station are often in search of the Water Cure. They are rather more acceptable – and considerably better dressed.’

‘I take your word for it.’

‘Excursionists are nothing short of vandals. Their numbers should be controlled. You ask Colonel Yardley. He is very eloquent on the subject.’

‘I can imagine that he would be.’

She glared at him. ‘Why do you say that?’

‘I had the good fortune to meet the colonel,’ he explained. ‘He’s a man after my own heart. Colonel Yardley believes in maintaining high standards in every sphere of life. It’s something that I always strive to do.’

‘That’s very commendable, Superintendent.’

A knock on the door prevented Tallis from saying anything else. The stationmaster popped his head into the room to inform Lady Foley that her carriage had arrived. The conversation with Tallis was abruptly terminated. Rising to her feet, she bade him farewell and sailed out.

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