Kitty sniffed, and Letitia turned away, not wishing to intrude on such an intimate moment.
“Don’t fuss, Finn.”
The faint sound of Hecate’s voice made them all jump.
Which was followed by whispers, shouts, screams and a well-hidden tear or two.
“I was rather tired,” said Hecate, trying to struggle up against the pillows.
Finn was there, helping her, his hands on her shoulders, her arms, her face. “You’realive. Oh sweet Jesus Christ, Mother Mary and Saint Polycarp…thank you all.”
Max opened his mouth, but a look from Kitty shut it again.
“James,” said Hecate, accepting a glass of water from Letitia. “What happened?”
“Please tell us,” begged Kitty. “We were busy with Hecate here. We did hear a crash though…”
James gave a little shudder, which Finn realised was genuine.
“I have to say that was the strangest experience,” he began. “You all heard Faversill begin his lecture, and how we turned the conversation to Waterloo?”
“We did,” nodded Letitia. “That was really well done of you.”
“Thank you,” said a voice from the doorway. “I shall take credit for that idea.” Perry strolled in. “How’s our miracle worker?”
“She’s fine now,” beamed Finn. “Tired herself out though, she did.”
“I can imagine. I want that conversation with you even more now, Hecate.”
She smiled. “You shall have it, sir. And not just as repayment for this evening, although I can see where that might be necessary. But please…can you finish the story?”
Perry nodded. “He was wound up quite tightly by the time our late lamented Johnny made his appearance.” He glanced at Finn. “I could only see you from the side, but the transformation was quite astounding, even from that vantage point.”
“It worked, sir. That was the crucial test. Faversill believed itwasJohnny.”
“Indeed he did,” continued Perry. “It was more than enough to push him into making some very unwise statements, none of which were taken well by our other guests. The crime that man committed was inexcusable to any man with military service in his past. I could feel the horror and disgust rise in the room as Faversill admitted what he’d done.”
“So what will happen to him now?” Letitia looked up.
“Nothing we need worry about,” answered James. “The shock of seeing Marchville sent him reeling. Literally. He couldn’t run through the door because you were there, so he ran for the window. Actually he ranthroughthe window.”
“He didn’t know the house at all,” added Max. “Which was quite a shame.”
It was left to Perry to deliver the final details.
“He smashed through the glass onto the snow covered slabs of the balcony and his momentum had him skidding right into the parapet. Unfortunately, he couldn’t stop himself. Over he went.” He paused dramatically. “He didn’t know there was a terrace underneath.”
“Oh dear,” said Kitty. “That must have left rather a mess, wouldn’t you think?”
Max nodded. “I’m sure it did. But I still have one question.”
Everyone looked at him.
“Who the blazes is Saint Polycarp?”
