2 The Affair of the Mutilated Mink Read online

  'You have a profession?'

  'No fear! Don't need one, happy to say. Couldn't hold one down, I'm sure.'

  'Have you never thought you would like to try?'

  'Why?'

  'Don't most men feel the need to achieve something, to make some contribution to society?'

  He scratched his head. 'Did help the Fry woman back her car out earlier. 'Fraid she bashed the fender. Wasn't pleased. Best I leave things alone, really.'

  'One of the other gentlemen - I cannot remember who, now - was saying you were an old friend of his, I theenk.'

  'Me? No, never clapped the old peepers on any of 'em before yesterday. Ah, well, must go and have a snooze before lunch - make sure the old gastric system's fresh for the fray. Pip-pip.'

  'You have a high performance machine and you've never bothered to try it flat out?' Gerry said incredulously as she and Hugh went downstairs.

  He shook his head. 'Why should I? I've never been in that much of a hurry to get anywhere.'

  'Haven't you any sense of excitement, adventure?'

  'Not really. To get a cheap thrill out of speed for its own sake is simply juvenile.'

  'Then why buy a hotted-up machine?'

  'Because the owner was getting married and wanted a quick sale, because I needed a bike, and because it was obviously in first-class condition. Satisfied?'

  Gerry said, 'You infuriate me. You know that?'

  'Yes.'

  'You're so dashed superior!'

  'I can't help that.'

  'Oh, go take a running jump at yourself!'

  They went into the morning room. Lady Burford, Cecily and Rex were already there. Rex immediately came across to Gerry.

  'Ah, Lady Geraldine, a word in your ear?'

  'Of course.' They moved to one side.

  'I've just discovered Gilbert's planning to leave, at your request,' he said. 'However, it's very important for this film that he does stay at least a little longer. He's reluctant to do so, but said he will if I clear it with you. I hate to interfere in private matters, but I have to ask if you'll relent. If it wasn't really important, I wouldn't impose.' He smiled persuasively.

  Gerry hesitated. After all her efforts to get rid of Gilbert, this was annoying. On the other hand, he had probably learnt his lesson by now and would be too scared to try any more funny business. Moreover, she would rather like a chance to correct some of his misapprehensions about her.

  So she gave in with good grace. 'Oh, if it's that vital, I certainly wouldn't insist on his leaving. Tell him it'll be all right.'

  'Thank you. I really appreciate it.'

  Just then Paul entered the room. She said, 'Oh, excuse me, Paul.'

  He came across, looking a little preoccupied. 'Hullo?'

  'Like to come riding this afternoon?'

  'I don't think so, Gerry, thanks, I'm hopeless on a horse.'

  'Come on! I'll put you on Sally. She's a lovely placid old mare.'

  'I'd really rather not, Gerry. Actually, I thought I'd go for a long run. I'm entered for the English cross-country championships shortly and I must get some training in.'

  'Oh, well, please yourself,' she said a little huffily.

  Rex said tentatively, 'Lady Geraldine, I should love to go riding with you, if I may.'

  She looked surprised. 'Do you ride?'

  He smiled. 'You've obviously seen none of my movies.'

  'Oh, I have. Only I always thought they used a double for the horseback scenes. I didn't know they let their stars actually ride!

  'Oh, yes, except for the stunt stuff. I've been riding since I was about three. I was raised on a farm.'

  'Then I'd be delighted to take you riding. I can show you the estate.'

  'Great. I only hope the snow doesn't start and prevent us.'

  'I think you'll be all right,' Paul said. 'I was talking to the local weather forecaster, old Josh, earlier, and he says it'll come late tonight - a heavy fall - but not before. He's infallible, isn't he, Gerry?'

  'Just about.'

  At that moment Haggermeir entered. He had his camera around his neck and was carrying the inevitable tape measure and writing book.

  Rex said, 'Been at it all morning, Cyrus?'

  'Pretty well.'

  Gerry said, 'Mr Haggermeir, you look as if you could do with a drink. What can I get you?'

  'A Scotch on the rocks would be fine, Lady Geraldine. Thank you.'

  'Mr Haggermeir, you'll soon have as good a knowledge of the interior of Alderley as the family.' It was Cecily who spoke, from a seat by the fire.

  'I doubt that, ma'am.'

  'What about some exterior shots, Cyrus?' Rex asked. 'Shouldn't you get a few to show folks back home?'

  'What? Oh, yeah. I'll wander round outside tomorrow morning and snap off a roll. Carry on indoors this afternoon, though, if Lady Burford still doesn't object.'

  'Not at all,' the Countess said.

  Cecily cleared her throat. 'Excuse my asking, but isn't it unusual for the head of a studio to undertake this sort of work himself? I don't know much about movie-making, but don't you have designers and photographers and so on to handle that sort of thing?'

  'Why, yes, that's right. But I figure I know every side of the business. I've acted and scripted and directed; I can light a set, operate a camera, do most everything except compose the music. So I couldn't send deputies to Alderley. Be kind've insulting not to come myself.'

  Lady Burford bowed her head. 'Thank you, Mr Haggermeir. I appreciate that. And have you decided whether it will be possible to make your film here?'

  'Oh, so far I'm thinking primarily in terms of building a replica—'

  'That's what George told me. But please stop the pretence. You want to film here. That's really why Mr Ransom is here. He's been trying to soften me up.'

  Rex grinned engagingly. 'All is discovered. But tell me, Countess, have I succeeded?'

  'Hardly, Mr Ransom. Not in twenty-four hours.'

  'So it's no go?'

  'It's not actually for me to say, Mr Ransom. I'm not the battle-axe everyone seems to think. It's George's decision, ultimately.'

  'He won't agree to anything that'll make you unhappy.'

  'No, but I needn't be here when it happens. Promise your people won't do too much damage, and I won't, er — is "kick up a stink" the correct term?'

  Chapter Ten

  As lunch was finishing the Earl said, 'Oh, by the way, everybody, as the talent contest starts at seven, we're having a sort of high tea at five-thirty today instead of dinner. Then, after the contest, Sir James and Lady Needham, friends of ours, have asked us all back to their place for supper. I took the liberty of accepting provisionally, on behalf of everyone. Anybody else who wants to have second thoughts and come along will be most welcome.'

  'Thank you, George. I think I'll take you up on that.' It was Gilbert who said this.

  Trying to conceal his surprise, the Earl said, 'By all means, Arl - er, Gil - er, my dear chap. Delighted.'

  Gerry looked at Gilbert pensively. Just what, she wondered, was the reason for this change of mind?

  After lunch Rex made his way to the library for a smoke and read before setting out on his ride. He'd been there only a few minutes when Laura came in. He got to his feet.

  Laura waved him down again, seated herself next to him, looked at him keenly and said, 'Signore Ransom, what is it that you have against me?'

  'I have nothing against you.'

  'Yet your manner, it has been hostile ever since I arrived.'

  'I'm sorry you think that.'

  'Why are you frightened of me?'

  'Frightened? What in the world do you mean?'

  'I have never done anything to harm you. We have never met before.' She paused. 'Have we?'

  'Of course not!' He spoke sharply.

  'Well, when in such circumstances one person is hostile to another, the usual reason is fear.'

  'My, quite the little female Freud, aren't we?'

  'Prego
?'

  'Skip it. No, signorina, I'm not frightened of you. If you feel I've been cool to you, I apologise. Let's put it down to the fact that I don't want the picture ruined. Oh, don't get me wrong: you're a fine actress. But completely unsuited to The King's Man. To accommodate you the story would have to be changed beyond recognition.'

  Laura gave a quiet chuckle.

  'Why do you laugh?'

  'Oh, no reason. What you said: it struck me as funny.'

  'I fail to see the joke.'

  'Skeep it. But tell me, is it only that which concerns you? It could not be you are also afraid that I peench your thunder?'

  'Steal my thunder?' Rex threw back his head and laughed. 'You're kidding. My fans are tremendously loyal. It's me they'll come to see. Your name will mean nothing to them.'

  'Maybe not, when they arrive. But when they leave . . . You said I was a fine actress.'

  'The finest actress on earth can be miscast.'

  She nodded slowly. 'Ah, well. We shall see. Or perhaps not,'

  'What does that mean?'

  She just shrugged.

  He said, 'I'm only concerned for the success of the picture.'

  'So you say, signore. But I theenk there is something else. Something else that you are afraid of. And Signore Ransom, I eentend to find out what it is.'

  * * *

  Paul started on his training run in one direction just before two, and a few minutes later Gerry and Rex set out in the other direction on horseback. Laura commenced sitting for Hugh, Haggermeir again disappeared into the further recesses of Alderley, Gilbert and Maude Fry retired to do some work, Sebastian went to have another snooze, Cecily announced her intention of driving to the village to do a little shopping, and the Earl strolled off for a talk with Mr Briggs, who ran the home farm. Finding herself alone, Lady Burford seized the opportunity to go to her boudoir and write some letters.

  It was four o'clock when there came a tap on Lady Burford's door. She called 'Come in.'

  It was Maude Fry who entered. She said, 'I'm sorry to disturb you, Lady Burford, but could you spare a few minutes?'

  'Yes, of course, Miss Fry.'

  Maude Fry came somewhat hesitantly across the room. The Countess asked her to sit down and she did so.

  'Is there something I can do for you?' Lady Burford asked.

  Maude Fry didn't answer for a few seconds. She was staring down at the carpet, looking decidedly embarrassed. Then she glanced up, and the light glinted on the blue-tinted spectacles that concealed her eyes as effectively as sunglasses. 'I wanted to apologise.'

  'Er, for what, Miss Fry?'

  'For being here. You see, I gather from certain things Mr Gilbert has just let drop that he foisted me on you, without warning or your permission. I really do feel extremely embarrassed.'

  As she said these last words there was a sudden catch in her voice. It occurred to the Countess that this plain, competent and apparently self-possessed woman was in fact extremely shy. She said hastily, 'Oh, not at all. It's often assumed that a busy man will want to take a secretary wherever he goes.'

  'But I am correct: he did simply announce he was bringing me — without even a by-your-leave?'

  Lady Burford smiled. 'It was rather like that. But please don't worry. With eight other guests, one more makes no difference. Besides, nobody could possibly take exception to your presence in their home. Don't give the matter another thought.'

  'You're very kind, but under the circumstances I cannot possibly remain.'

  'But surely your leaving would inconvenience Mr Gilbert very much?'

  'No doubt. But that does not concern me unduly. He has treated me very badly in a number of ways.'

  'You intend to leave his employment?'

  'I do.'

  'Well, far be it from me to try and dissuade you. But please accept that it is no wish of ours that you leave this house.'

  'That's understood. Thank you very much. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go and pack.'

  'But you can't possibly leave now. You came in your own car, I believe. Very soon it'll be dark, and snow is forecast. To drive all the way to London this evening would be most unpleasant. Why not wait until the morning?'

  'That's very kind of you, Lady Burford. I'd be tempted to accept, if I could be sure of not seeing Mr Gilbert again. We - rather had words.'

  'Well, there's no reason why you should see him. Your rooms are at opposite ends of the house. He'll be going out with the others this evening, and I imagine that our party will not be back until quite late. I suggest you remain in your room until they've left. I'll have a tray sent along to you. Then, afterwards, perhaps you'll join Mr and Mrs Everard and me downstairs. Tell me, do you by any chance play bridge?'

  'Why, yes, I play quite a lot.'

  'Oh, excellent. Then we can make up a four. I must admit I've been wondering what to do with them. My cousin and I have virtually run out of "Do you remembers".'

  Maude Fry said doubtfully, 'Mr Everard can play bridge?'

  'It is rather surprising, isn't it? Apparently he had the rudiments drummed into him at an early age by a fanatical bridge-playing mother. It remains to be seen what standard he plays to; however, it will pass a couple of hours. So you will be doing me a favour.'

  'In that case, Lady Burford, I shall be delighted to stay.'

  The two horses thundered across the field under the lowering sky. Gerry's cheeks were aglow as the wind whipped them and she bent over her horse's head, urging him on. For a few seconds she managed to keep level with Rex Ransom's mount, but her eyes kept watering and at last she gave a laughing gasp. 'Whew, that's enough for me,' she said as she slowed her horse to a canter.

  Rex reined in and waited for her. He grinned. 'You need goggles for galloping in this weather.'

  'Yes, you do. Sorry it's been such a dismal afternoon. You haven't seen the estate at its best.'

  'Oh, it's been great. I've thoroughly enjoyed myself. And this feller's got a real turn of speed.'

  'You certainly got the best out of him, Rex.'

  'How far are we from the house?'

  'Less than a mile. Better walk them the rest of the way home.'

  He said, 'Gerry, before we get back, there's something I want to ask you. It's a bit awkward, but it's about your requesting Gilbert to leave.'

  'I've withdrawn that.'

  'I know. Would you think it impertinent, though, if I asked why it happened?'

  'Not impertinent, but I'd rather not say. Sorry.'

  'That's OK. But would I be right in assuming you have been having trouble with him? I have a reason for asking.'

  'It depends what you mean by trouble. It's not what a girl would normally mean by that. But, in a sense, yes.'

  'I see. Well, you're not the only one.'

  She stared. 'You mean you—? I don't follow. You wanted him to stay.'

  'I know. It's a complicated situation. And rather worrying.'

  'Do you want to talk about it?'

  'I'd like to tell someone. Fact is, he's been prowling about my room.'

  'Good heavens.'

  'There's rather more to it than that, though. I'd like to tell you the whole story. I didn't know who to talk to before this afternoon, but in the last couple of hours I feel we've gotten to know each other. However, it'll take rather a long time to explain properly.'

  'Well, we'll be home in a few minutes, but if we go off for a tête-à-tête after being out all the afternoon it'll look a bit odd. Then there'll be tea and changing and leaving for the village. Could we have a chat late tonight, after we get back?'

  'Fine. Perhaps you could come to my personal sitting-room. I've not entertained anyone in it yet and I must do so before I leave.'

  'OK, pardner,' Gerry said, 'you've got a date.'

  * * *

  Cecily turned into the drive on her return from the village and was surprised to see Laura Lorenzo waving her down. She stopped and Laura got in. Wearing a scarlet boxy top coat, she was nonetheless shivering
. 'Grazie,' she said. 'A leeft back will be most welcome.'

  'I'm surprised to see you out in this weather, signorina.'

  'I have been seetting for Signore Quartus and I got rather steef. I decided I needed some exercise, but I did not realise how cold it was.'

  'They say it'll be snowing by tonight.'

  'Which will be an unusual experience for you, will it not?'

  'Oh, yes. We don't get much in Australia. It'll be like old times.'

  'When you and the Contessa were girls together, in those days you and she were very close, yes?'

  'Well, fairly close.'

  'It must be nice for you to meet her daughter.'

  'Yes, Gerry's a lovely girl.'

  'I understand, though, that in the past she has had rather a bad reputation?'

  Cecily frowned. 'I don't think so.'

  'Oh, mi scusi. Bad was the wrong word. Reckless, undisciplined perhaps?'

  'Oh, I see what you mean. Yes, I believe she went through a rebellious phase, got in with a rather wild set. Her name was always appearing in the gossip columns.'

  'Ma perdio, if her name appear in the gossip columns in Australia she must have been really notorious!'

  'Oh, no. I have the English papers sent out to me.'

  'Ah. But she appeared in court more than once, did she not?'

  'I believe so.'

  'Do you know what for?'

  'Snatching a policeman's helmet and running off with it. And wading in the fountains in Trafalgar Square.'

  'Oh.' Laura looked pensive. 'But of course as the daughter of a nobleman, nobody would charge her with anything more serious.'

  Cecily said stiffly, 'That sort of thing does not happen in England.'

  'You say you never see Lady Geraldine before yesterday. Your husband — he did not know her either?'

  'Sebastian? Oh, no.'

  Laura said suddenly, 'I have seen your husband before.'

  'Oh? When?'

  'Some years ago. But he seems not to want to talk about it.'

  'He's rather shy with women, particularly film stars. So don't be offended.'