“Yes,” Sir Richard Mayne said.
“Tell me.”
The commissioner looked at Tennant. “Inspector, your summary, please.”
“We have FitzGerald’s signed note to the Windsor headgroom, offering the services of ‘Marcus York.’ Then there are the stolen French rifles found on his property and his attempted flight with a carpetbag filled with thousands of pounds in unexplained banknotes. I’d say it’s damning.”
Sir Richard smiled grimly. “FitzGerald will have his appointment with the hangman.”
Lionel Dermott said, “And there is McGrath’s ‘last testament.’ Juries find deathbed statements persuasive. An Irishman who swears on his mother’s grave? The prosecution will read that in court to full effect.”
“McGrath’s letter explained that FitzGerald killed by proxy,” Tennant said. “Simon Flood murdered at the major’s command. FitzGerald counted on McGrath’s sniper skills to put Harriet in her grave and her fortune in his hands.”
“Happily, the lady lived,” Dermott said. “There are a few additional twists and turns—”
Gathorne-Hardy raised his hands. “I’ve heard enough. More than enough to measure FitzGerald for a rope. We’re done here, gentlemen.”
Tennant walked with Dermott to the corner of Downing Street, eyeing the sleeve of hothouse roses in Lionel’s hand.
Dermott caught his glance. “Susan is on the 2:10 leaving from Windsor.”
“I see.”
“I imagine you do. No one pulls the wool over the eyes of ‘Tennant of the Yard,’ or so says theIllustrated London News. No one except …” Lionel’s lazy grin spread. “Except Tennant himself?”
“Meaning?”
“I understand Dr. Lewis returns tomorrow. Give her my regards.”
“Unfortunately, I will be on the Isle of Wight.” The inspector nodded curtly and crossed Downing Street.
“Tennant.” The inspector turned at Dermott’s call. “Then see her the next day, man. Stop dithering, you bloody fool. She might not wait forever.”
Just before noon, Princess Louise took her first walk down the corridor to the queen’s dining room. Louise eyed the shattered chandelier without comment and turned.
“Short walks like this one, Your Royal Highness,” Julia said, watching Louise lean on Susan’s arm as she retraced her steps to the bedroom. “Today and tomorrow, twice a day. After that, you can extend the distance. But not too much at first.”
Susan looked at Louise. “I leave today. I trust the princess won’t overdo it.”
“And I’ll say goodbye tomorrow,” Julia said.
Louise shook her head. “Only farewell, Doctor. Mama placed me in your care, and when the queen commands …” Her smile trembled, and she said, “I’m grateful to you. If ever I should require …”
“Her Royal Highness need only summon. A note will bring me.”
“Thank you, Julia. For everything.”
An hour later, Julia and Susan took a last turn around the castle’s Upper Ward courtyard.
A footman approached. “The carriage for the station will be at the gate at half past the hour. Does Your Ladyship require a telegram sent to arrange a coach in London?”
Susan said, “Thank you, that won’t be necessary.” After he bowed and strode away, she said to Julia, “Lionel is meeting me at the station.”
“Ah … Like that, is it? I thought so,” Julia said, smiling.
“Yes, but I’ve said nothing to Alix, so keep it under your bonnet. She’ll be surprised.I’msurprised, after two terrible choices …”
“Two?”
