The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy (7 page)

'You're staying?'

'Overnight, at least. I shall have to go on when my motor is ended. But, never fear - I shall come back.'

She took a powder compact from her bag, examined her face, and made some minor repairs. As she did so she said: 'Richard, you will, of course, tell them you believed me dead. Will you also tell them I thought the same about you? I can tell you the truth, but not strangers.'

'Whatever you wish.'

She put her make-up away and smiled at him. 'I'm ready. Shall we go in?'

* * *

The soup course was finishing when they entered the dining-room. The conversation stopped as they went in, and all eyes were on them.

After they'd sat down, Richard said: 'We obviously owe you all an explanation. As will have been plain, Baroness de la Roche and I are acquainted. We knew each other in France during the war. Our surprise just now arose from the fact that we had each thought the other was dead. The Baroness has been married - and widowed - since I knew her, so the name de la Roche meant nothing to me. She likewise knew me only as Saunders, and was not aware the Earl of Burford was my brother. You can imagine how astonished we both were.'

Carrie Peabody said: 'My, isn't that too romantic.'

Algy spoke loudly. 'I say, Saunders, how come you both thought the other was dead? Sounds as though there might be a dashed exciting story behind that. Why don't you blow the gaff, what?'

'It's an exceedingly dull story, Fotheringay, and would bore you immensely. I'm sure we'd all much rather hear about your visit to Lady Masters.'

Algy beamed. 'Oh, really? Righty-ho.'

Jane paid silent tribute to Richard's skill. There'd certainly be no more discussion about Anilese de la Roche during this meal.

* * *

When the ladies entered the drawing room after dinner, Gerry waited some minutes for a good opportunity, then said to the Baroness: 'You know, I'm intrigued by this accident of yours.'

Anilese looked at her coolly. 'Really? I assure you, intriguing is not what I found it. I doubt, too, that you would have found it so had you been in the car.'

Gerry flushed slightly. 'Perhaps "intrigued" is the wrong word. "Puzzled" would be better. What puzzles me is the cause of it. That's a long straight stretch of road outside the gates. The light was good, the sun was behind you, the road was dry and the surface is in first class order. No other vehicle was involved. Yet your car suddenly swerved off the road and into the ditch, being so badly damaged that your chauffeur thinks it'll take a long time to repair it. Can you enlighten me?'

Anilese shook her head and gave a sweet smile. 'I'm afraid not, Lady Geraldine. I have no knowledge of motor cars. But perhaps it was some sudden mechanical failure in the vehicle itself which caused us to crash. That is possible, is it not? You seem to be an expert on these matters.'

'Oh, yes, that's quite possible. You could have burst a tyre, or a wheel could have come off. Except that I've been talking to our chauffeur, who drove you up here. He had a good look al your car while you were supervising Roberts as he transferred your luggage to the Rolls, and he tells me all the wheels of your car are in place and the tyres fully inflated. Your steering could have suddenly failed, I suppose. But it's a very rare thing to happen.'

'I am very unfortunate then, am I not?'

'Not really. I would say you are exceptionally fortunate.'

'Oh?' The Baroness raised her finely-plucked eyebrows.

'Yes. Hawkins tells me the car is at right angles to the road, facing straight into the bank, and the front is very badly smashed in - as though you'd been travelling at a pretty high speed. And that means you were both very lucky to walk away unhurt; quite apart from the fact that, having turned at right angles like that when moving at such a rate, it's almost miraculous your car didn't overturn.'

The Baroness laughed, a delightful tinkling laugh. 'Why, Lady Geraldine, this is fascinating. Quite like your English Sherlock Holmes stories. You really must talk with my chauffeur about it. I'm sure you'd get on famously with him. Unfortunately, nearly all you've said is completely above my head.'

'I may talk to your chauffeur,' Gerry said, 'though I think it would be better if you were to talk to him yourself - for your own safety. However, I shall be more interested in talking to Harry Jenkins at the village garage, to ask exactly what he found wrong with your car.'

The entry of the men at that moment put an end to the conversation before Anilese could reply.

That night the party broke up early, as for many of them it had been in one way or another a wearing day. Only Algy, who had slept most of the afternoon, was fresh and tried to get some dancing going. But he found no takers, and, rather disgruntled, was forced to retire early to bed with a new Ethel M. Dell novel.

After undressing, Jane slipped on a négligée and went along to Gerry's room. She found her having her hair brushed by Marie, and waited a few minutes, making conversation, until the maid was dismissed. Then she said: 'You think Anilese's crash was faked.'

'Precisely.'

'For what reason? Just to provide an excuse to gatecrash this party?'

'I can't think of any other reason.'

'And you think she knew Richard was here - never thought he was dead? But why go through all that? If she did know, why not just turn up, announce herself by her maiden name and ask to see him?'

'Perhaps she wasn't sure of the reception she'd get.'

'Maybe, but that faint looked awfully real - as though she really was staggered to see him. Couldn't the accident have been faked for another reason?'

'Such as?'

'Well, there are two European diplomats and an American millionaire here - due to return to their own countries almost as soon as they leave Alderley. If she wanted to make contact with one of them, this might be her last chance. You know, I was joking with Richard yesterday about my becoming an adventuress. I didn't know a real one was going to turn up.'

'Her title's genuine, by the way. I looked her up in the Almanac de Gotha. Baron de la Roche was French. He married a Mademoiselle Anilese Periot in 1923. He died five years later. So she fits the bill all right.'

'That only tells us there is a Baroness of that name, a widow, somewhere in the world; it doesn't prove the woman who arrived here tonight is she - only that she's got the same Christian name as her. There's no doubt she's the girl, is there - the one you were telling me about?'

'None at all. I asked Mummy. They got engaged in France in 1917.'

'You couldn't get the whole story, I suppose?'

'Not tonight. I'll worm it out of somebody sooner or later, though.'

'Of course,' Jane said, 'we don't know he's still in love with her now. There was nothing in his behaviour tonight to suggest it.'

'Not publicly, anyway.'

'Still.' Jane went to the door. 'It's immaterial to me either way. As I told you, there can never be anything between Richard and me.'

'Of course not. All the same, you are concerned for his happiness, aren't you - purely as a platonic friend? You don't want him deceived by a beautiful femme fatale?'

'I think he can take care of himself.'

'I'm going to watch her like a hawk, all the same.'

'You won't be the only one, Gerry. Good night.'

Jane returned to her room and went to bed. She turned the light out immediately, but it was a long time before she got to sleep.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Double Deadlock

On Saturday morning it was hotter than ever. But now the heat was sultry and there was a threat of thunder in the air; it was not weather for outdoor exercise and the tennis courts remained unoccupied and the horses unsaddled.

Anilese de la Roche slept late. After a light breakfast of coffee and rolls in her bedroom, she came down at ten o'clock. She then made a telephone call, after which she sought out Lady Burford.

'I am told my motor car will not be ready until Monday or Tuesday,' she said.

Lady Burford brightened. An unescorted titled lady, vouched for not only by her brother-in-law, but also by the Darnleys, was a godsend and just what she needed to balance the house party and eliminate the Thirteen to Dinner problem. 'Then of course you will stay here,' she said decidedly.

'You are too kind. But I can easily hire a car. Or go on by train.'

Lady Burford brushed aside these suggestions and it was arranged that the Baroness should remain until Monday at least. She went to telephone Lady Darnley.

* * *

'Peabody,' said Lord Burford, 'you mentioned in your last letter that you'd picked up something rather special in Rome, and you were looking forward to showing it to me.'

'That's right, Earl. I sure did.'

'Well, how about it? Or have you decided it's not quite as special as you first thought?'

'Not at all, sir. I consider it to be one of the most important purchases I have made for a long time.'

'Well, don't sit on it, man. Let's have a look.'

'Very well, I'll get it now.'

'Take it along to the collection room, will you? You haven't quite seen all my stuff yet. I've got one more piece, actually, that I think you'll appreciate.'

Peabody cast him a surprised glance. 'Oh, have you? OK, then. I'll see you up there in a few minutes.'

He bustled off. Lord Burford chuckled and rubbed his hands. Gerry, who had recently finished a session on the telephone, was sitting nearby, rather a faraway expression in her eyes. Lord Burford got to his feet, bent down near her and said: 'I knew what the blighter was up to: trying to keep his own piece till last - wait till he'd seen everything of mine, then produce this new thing of his and trump me. I was up to him, though. He'll have a job to outshine my piece de résistance.' He toddled off.

But Gerry was miles away.

* * *

Peabody entered the sitting-room of the Royal Suite, where his wife was writing a letter. 'Do you know what that old sooner's done, honey? He deliberately didn't let me see everything yesterday. He kept one really good piece back, just |o as to have something to top me. I'll show the shyster, though. He'll have a job to cap what I've got in here.'

* * *

He went through the connecting door to the dressing room, opened a large innovation trunk, took out a flat, hard case about eighteen inches by twelve and four inches deep, tucked it under his arm, and strode out.

At ten o'clock the four negotiators gathered again in the music room. They all settled down and got out their papers.

Richard lit a cigarette and looked at Adler. 'Well, my friend, have you got anything to say to us?'

Adler scratched his nose. Then: 'No, I'm sorry,' he said. 'I regret I cannot alter my position. Before anything else is discussed, I must have a firm understanding as to what arms and equipment the British government is going to supply, and an agreed timetable for their delivery; also full details of your contingency plans in the event that we are invaded. If I do not get this information, I shall be forced to withdraw.'

There was utter silence in the room following these words. Richard didn't react at all, just sat quite still, looking impassively at Adler.

Thornton's heart was in his mouth. Never in all his years of diplomacy had he felt quite so tense. He's overreaching himself, he thought. The Minister cannot possibly stand for an ultimatum like that, no matter what his instructions were. It would be too much of a capitulation. He's going to have to call Adler's bluff. Because the Duchy can't withdraw. They've got to have our help.

Eventually Richard spoke. He displayed no annoyance or disappointment. 'We seem to have reached deadlock, then. I certainly can give no firm commitments or any information such as you require until something is forthcoming from you in return.'

Adler shrugged. He seemed quite unperturbed. 'Then where do we go from here?'

'I don't see we can go anywhere from here. There's little point in continuing the talks.'

'Are you proposing to let me leave here and report to the Grand Duke that after travelling half-way across Europe especially to talk with you, you sent me home with nothing?'

'I am proposing nothing of the sort. All I propose is that you show yourself willing to negotiate - to give something in return; not just to make demands. If not, I'm afraid you'll have to report just that.'

There was silence again for a moment. Adler stared hard at Richard, as though he were trying to read his mind. Then he cast a quick glance at Felman, before looking back at Richard and saying: 'Then I suggest we adjourn now and spend the rest of the morning reconsidering our respective positions. We would both look rather foolish were we to break up now and have to report complete failure to our chiefs. Perhaps we can reconvene after lunch. Would that be acceptable to you?'

'Perfectly.'

'Then now you must excuse us. Felman and I have much to discuss.' And Adler got to his feet and hurriedly left the room, Felman on his heels.

Richard looked at Thornton. 'Whew, I thought we were in real trouble, then.'

'Certainly his last words came as a relief.'

'What the deuce is he up to, Thornton? And what's he going to do now? You try a forecast. Mine don't seem too accurate.'

'I would hazard the hypothesis that when he made that telephone call yesterday he was instructed to have one further attempt to - er, well, to get something for nothing. He has attempted, and failed. I think now he will make another call to report this, and will be told to settle this afternoon. I would suggest, Minister, that in order to help him save face, we prepare to make some small concession - simply to preserve the pretence that we are meeting him half-way.'

'Right. You put your mind to it, will you? Something that means nothing, but seems to.'

'Very well.'

'I think I'll go and stretch my legs. I've spent most of my time indoors the last few days. I'd like to get a little sun before the weather breaks - which looks as though it might be soon.'

* * *

Peabody found Lord Burford waiting for him in the collection room, in his hands a case very similar to the one Peabody himself was carrying. Lord Burford placed his casually down on a table. 'Ah, got it? Right, let's have a look.'

Peabody said: 'I'm sure yours is the more interesting item, Earl. Mine can wait until I've seen that.'

'Oh, come along, my dear chap. I've been spouting off about my stuff ever since you got here. Time you entertained me, for a change.'

'Well, say you look at mine while I look at yours?'

'As you wish.'

They exchanged cases. Simultaneously both cases were opened. Then simultaneously two pairs of eyes bulged, two jaws dropped, and two ejaculations burst forth.

'Good gad!'

'Holy mackerel!'

For inside the two cases lay two identical guns.

They were large, automatic-shaped pistols, ten inches long, with an ammunition clip in the form of an oblong metal box fitted in front of the trigger guard. Both were in superb condition. They were elaborately engraved, with ivory butts, and on the side of each were some letters, and the small figure of a double-headed eagle, carved in relief.

The two men's eyes met. Peabody whispered: 'You've got the other one. I was sure it was lost for good.'

'So was I. I thought I'd got hold of something unique.'

'Where the heck did you get yours?'

'From a little dealer I've known for years. Always found him honest. He came all the way from London just to show me it a month ago. Couldn't - or wouldn't - tell me its provenance, but assured me he had title to it. Naturally, I snapped it up on the spot. You're the first person to see it, outside the family. What about yours?'

'Little guy came to the hotel in Rome. Said he'd heard I was in town and thought I might be interested in something rather special. Rather special! I nearly passed out when I saw it. He wouldn't say where he got it, but he produced documents that seemed to prove he was the legal owner.'

Lord Burford said: 'Remarkable. May I?' Peabody handed hack the Earl's pistol, and Lord Burford took one of them in each hand, balancing and comparing them. 'Seems they belong together, what?' He handed both guns to Peabody.

'Sure does. I guess I don't need to say you can name your own price for yours?'

'No, I, er, guess not. Sorry - no deal. Obviously no use offering you money, old man; but you're welcome to choose any comparable weapon from my collection in exchange for yours.'

'No, sir. I'm not about to part with this baby.'

'Looks as if they're destined to stay apart, doesn't it?'

'Unless we can reach a compromise.'

'Such as?'

'Well, for a start, would you consider lending me yours for a few weeks? There's the big exhibition in New York City this fall. All the leading collectors in the States are sending exhibits. I cabled, entering this.' He held up his pistol. 'It would sure give me a big thrill to exhibit the pair. I'd lend you mine in return, later.'

Lord Burford scratched his chin. 'Like to oblige, old man. But frankly I funk letting it out of my possession. Know you'd treasure it and all that. But you've got these gangster johnnies over there, haven't you? Suppose Capone or someone took a fancy to it?'

'He's in jail.'

'Plenty more like him, I hear. And then again the New York exhibition'll be reported over here, the catalogue will be available; even if you lend me yours afterwards, I couldn't exhibit the pair as my own, as you had. But I'll tell you what. There is one fellow in England who's by way of being a rival of mine - a General Trimble Greene. I'd give anything to fool him into believin' I owned this pair. He's a kind of explorer and he's out of the country at present. But he'll be back in September, just for a couple of weeks, before going off to some expedition to South America. If I could hang onto the pair just long enough to make him drool a bit, there'd be a good chance he'd never see the New York exhibition catalogue, and mightn't find out for years, if ever, that I didn't own 'em both.'

'Sorry, Earl, but the exhibition opens September 24th.'

'That's all right: I'll be seeing Trimble Greene by the 15th. I'll send off yours so it'll reach America in time.'

Peabody shook his head. 'I wouldn't want to risk it. On the other hand . . .'

The conversation dragged on inconclusively for several more minutes, until they both realised they weren't going to get anywhere. Then they fell gloomily silent. Ten minutes before, each had been completely happy in the possession of a single gun; now the knowledge of the existence of a second, unattainable, one had cast a cloud over the day.

At last the Earl said: 'Fired yours?'

'Not yet. I haven't had a chance to get any ammunition.'

'Come along, then. I've got some.' He pointed to a section of the room which he had partitioned off as a small shooting range. They took both guns across, Lord Burford stopping to pick up some cartridges at a large cupboard where he stored ammunition and various accessories. They had twenty minutes target practice, after which Lord Burford replaced his gun in the display stand near the door, from which he had removed it before Peabody's arrival. Peabody took his pistol back to his room.

* * *

Meanwhile, Gerry had finished her think and gone to find Jane.

'News,' she said.

'What?'

'I've been on the 'phone to Pamela Darnley - just after Anilese had rung herself. She told me Anilese is by no means a close friend of theirs. They met her in Monte last year. She told them she lived in Geneva, and she made a few what Pamela thought were purely conventional "you must look me up next time you're in Switzerland" remarks - which Pamela reciprocated. Then just a couple of weeks ago she had a letter from Anilese saying she was going to be in the area shortly and would like very much to take up their kind invitation. Of course, they had no choice but to say yes.'

'She told them she was going to be in the area?'

Gerry nodded smugly. 'Exactly. But she didn't say what for.'

'Very fishy.'

'There's more. I've spoken to Harry Jenkins. He says he can't find anything wrong with the car which would make it suddenly swerve off the road. The bodywork at the front is badly damaged, the radiator's cracked, and the headlight's broken. But all that must have been done when it crashed -none of it could have caused the accident. He was a bit cagey and wouldn't commit himself; but he did say the damage was "queer", that he'd never seen a car damaged quite like it before - and he could hardly believe it had happened just by going into the ditch.'

'What did the chauffeur tell him?'

'He was evasive, apparently - said he couldn't remember much about it, suddenly lost control, thinks perhaps he hit a patch of oil. But I've checked and the road's as dry as a bone for half a mile in either direction. And there aren't any skid marks, either.'

'Well done. It certainly seems to clinch what you said. But we're no nearer finding out why she did it.'

'I'll find out,' Gerry said.

At that moment the door opened and Lord Burford entered. He grunted: 'Oh, hullo, you two,' pulled the bell for Merryweather, and sank down into a chair.

'Daddy, what on earth's the matter? I haven't seen you look so browned-off in all my puff.'

'It's that confounded Yankee.'

He explained at length about the two pistols. 'I'd give my eye teeth for that gun,' he added.

Gerry made a few sympathetic noises, but her attention was obviously elsewhere, and it was left to Jane to be chief comforter.