Page 29 of A Sense of Paradise
‘It’s details like this that generally catch liars out, in my experience. Anyway, I am sure that the newspapers will get wind of the fact that a certain aristocrat to whom the original description appeared to apply is not a suspect for that precise reason.’ Lord Riley smiled and rubbed his hands together. ‘Fight fire with fire.’
‘Thank you,’ Archie said, acknowledging the generous offer with the inclination of his head.
‘No thanks are necessary. You are the wronged party, but you can be sure that if I had any doubts in that regard then I would not be so generously inclined.’
‘What shall you do now?’ Archie asked.
‘We have been to Yardley’s estate, where we found nothing to help our enquiry, but then we were not aware of the connection to Avery at that time. We have taken certain papers from his desk that we intend to examine back at the Yard. Perhaps there will be something in them to indicate where Avery has taken himself off to.’
‘We could visit Reverend Latimer and ask him,’ Sergeant Salter suggested, cracking his knuckles. It was clear to Archie that the good sergeant did not think well of men of the cloth who abused their positions.
‘No,’ Lord Riley replied emphatically. ‘We don’t want him to warn the rogue and send him scurrying for cover.’
‘If you do discover his whereabouts, will you let me know?’ Archie asked.
‘Not if you intend to do anything rash,’ Lord Riley replied. ‘We both know what he has in mind for you and, excuse me, but you are in no fit state to defend yourself against desperate, able-bodied men.’
Archie scowled. ‘Even so, I am concerned that if they cannot silence me then they will turn their attention to Flora, who is a much easier target. She’s out and about all the time, visiting villagers with her herbal cures and won’t take it kindly if I attempt to curb her activities.’
Lord Riley smiled as he stood up. ‘She challenges you?’
Archie rolled his eyes. ‘Every second we’re together and even more so when we are apart, since I can’t help worrying about her wellbeing. She doesn’t understand the meaning of obedience. Our wedding cannot arrive fast enough to satisfy me.’
‘I doubt whether much will change after that,’ Lord Riley said, a note of sympathy in his tone.
‘Perhaps not, but at least I will know where she is.’
Pawson rang the bell and Draper materialised to show their guests out.
‘I will keep you informed as far as I am able,’ Lord Riley said, shaking Archie’s hand.
‘I am obliged to you.’
‘The plot thickens,’ Pawson said, standing beside Archie at the window and watching a cab convey the two detectives from the estate.
‘At least now we have a better understanding of things, but I still want to know who’s been giving Baldock directions in the village. This is a devious, two-pronged attack at both ends of the social spectrum. If we can find out who’s orchestrating it we might manage to track Avery down before Rochester does.’
‘I suppose it’s pointless me telling you to leave it to the experts,’ Pawson said, emitting a long-suffering sigh.
‘Oh good lord yes, so save your breath. This at least is a way for me to be of service to Eloise and thank her in some small way for helping me through a difficult time.’
‘It’s not your thanks she wants, and well you know it.’
Archie waved the warning aside. ‘It’s all I’m willing to offer her.’
‘I know that, but does she? I got the impression that she still holds out hope.’
Archie harrumphed. ‘I also need to put Latimer in his place once and for all. He could teach a mule a thing or two about stubbornness, and Flora and I will never be rid of him if we continue to exercise restraint.’ Archie threw his head back and let out a frustrated growl.
‘I’ll take myself off to the village and start asking questions.’
‘Discreetly!’
Pawson grinned. ‘When am I ever anything else?’
Chapter Eight
‘I am off to Felsham Hall for the day,’ Flora told her sister. ‘Will you be able to find an occupation while I am gone?’
