Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham (22 page)

James Lacey arrived at his cottage. He was about to put his key in the door when he stiffened. For standing outside Agatha’s cottage was Sir Charles Fraith, clutching an
enormous bouquet of flowers. The two men stared at each other. Charles rang the bell.

Agatha’s cleaner, Doris Simpson, who had come to check out the cottage and see that the cats were all right, opened the door.

‘Why, Sir Charles,’ she said. ‘You’ve missed Agatha by about an hour.’

‘Darling!’ shouted Charles. ‘Aren’t you going to ask me in?’

The cleaner looked puzzled but stepped back. Charles sailed in and slammed the door behind him.

James stood for a moment, glaring, then he too went inside and slammed the door.