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"I live very quietly these days, Mister Gask," she began, dabbing at her mouth delicately with a napkin, "So few regular visitors." My detective instincts tingled. It doesn't take much these days. "Who are your regular visitors, your Ladyship?" I asked. "Only two, coming to visit an old cripple after all these years," she replied, sounding as if she really couldn't expect any more, "My granddaughter Mayfield. And my old friend and one-time agent, Almon Methven." I nodded attentively. "So how can I help you?" "I find that I need to engage your professional services," she said carefully, putting down her napkin, her soup barely touched, "You come well-recommended." I wondered who had done the recommendation but considered it best to keep that question to myself. "Thank you," I replied, doing my best to sound suitably modest, "But what service is it that you wish me to perform?" "I am missing a piece of jewellery, a necklace of sapphires and diamonds," she said grimly, "One that is both extremely valuable, as well as being very precious to me. It was a present from my late husband. He bought it for me, before we were engaged." She smiled wanly, a glimmer of her former beauty lighting up her face. "I think he was trying to impress me with his wealth," she went on, the years rolling back inside her head, "He really need not have bothered. I had already decided I was going to marry him." I could not help smiling a little in response. There was a pause while she remained lost in thought while I took the opportunity to consume more of the bread and soup. "So when did it disappear?" I asked eventually. "I don't know, precisely," she replied, shaking her head, "I dould have been any time in the last few months." "And was there any sign of a break-in? Forced entry?" Again, she shook her head. "Have you been to the police?" "No, I haven't." "Ah. So you think it might be somebody close to you?" She looked surprised by the deduction for a moment, then she nodded in understanding. "You are a detective, I see. You are correct, of course." "I will need to talk to your staff, your Ladyship," I said apologetically. "I suppose you must," she said sadly, "Although they have all been with me for a great many years. Tibbermore will arrange it." "Of course, Ma'am," Tibbermore's voice came from behind me. "And I can assume you have confided in Mister Tibbermore?" I said. "Tibbermore has been with me longer than anybody, Mister Gask," Lady Strowan said firmly, "I have complete faith in his integrity. "Thank you, Ma'am," the old servant said, deftly clearing away the soup bowls, "And I would be happy to vouch for all of the servants. Although if Mister Gask insists, I will of course arrange interviews at his convenience." "Well, that may be necessary," I suggested, "Although I think my investigation will start elsewhere." "As you wish, sir." I waited until the dining room door had closed firmly behind Tibbermore, then turned to Lady Westwood.
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Part 6