Forty-four
Inspector Logan will disappear from my life soon,” Penny said. She went to stand at the window of the study. “The case has been closed. He has no more reason to call on me.”
Amity crossed the room and stopped beside Penny. Together they contemplated the garden. It was raining again. The day was gray and dreary. There was a fire on the hearth to ward off the damp chill.
“We need a plan, as Benedict is fond of saying,” Amity said.
Penny gave her a watery smile. “What sort of plan do you suggest?”
“Inspector Logan may not have any reason to call on us but you could certainly give him a reason to call on you.”
Penny glanced at her. “How do you suggest that I do that without being obvious?”
“What’s wrong with being obvious?”
Penny sighed. “It’s not the possibility I might embarrass myself that worries me. I’m afraid that being too forward would put him in a very difficult position in the event that he does not wish to continue with our acquaintance.”
“Trust me, the man wishes to continue the acquaintance. I can see it in his eyes every time he looks at you.”
“I fear he is overly concerned about the differences in our social and financial stations.”
“Then it is up to you to convince him that you do not care a jot about those differences.” Amity paused. “Unless I am mistaken and they do matter to you?”
“No.” Penny turned around, her eyes wet with tears. “I don’t give a bloody damn about that sort of thing.”
Amity smiled and patted Penny’s arm. “I didn’t think so.”
“But how on earth can I explain that to John?”
Amity raised her brows. “John?”
Penny flushed. “That is his given name. It is how I think of him in my private thoughts.”
“Of course.” Amity reflected briefly. “I have a plan.”
Hope mingled with wariness in Penny’s eyes. She hesitated and then curiosity got the better of her. “Well? What is it?”
“I think it would be a very good idea to invite some of the people involved in this case to tea this afternoon. It seems to me that we all have a great deal to discuss and there are some questions I would like to ask the inspector in particular.”
Penny looked doubtful. “I’m not sure Inspector Logan is free to come to tea anymore. The demands of his job, you know.”
“Something tells me that the inspector is quite capable of coming up with an excuse to interview the witnesses in such an important case one more time. At the moment he is something of a hero at the Yard.”
“But what can I say to him that will let him know I wish to continue our association?”
“Why don’t you tell him that you were happy to be of service to Scotland Yard and that you stand ready to assist in future cases that involve suspects who move in Society?”
Mrs. Houston appeared in the doorway. She cleared her throat. “I beg your pardon, ma’am, but you’re welcome to tell him that I’d also be pleased to assist in future cases. Between the two of us it seems to me that we can cover everything from the kitchens to the bedrooms in Society.”
Penny was nonplussed for a moment. Then, slowly, she smiled. “What an excellent notion, Mrs. Houston.”
“But I’d suggest breakfast tomorrow morning rather than tea today,” Mrs. Houston said.
“Why is that?” Amity asked.
“Healthy gentlemen of the sort we’ve been entertaining of late prefer a hearty meal,” Mrs. Houston said. “Something about eggs and sausage and toast along with strong coffee puts them in a good mood.”
Forty-five
