The sergeant cocked his thumb and muttered, “Should we be worrying about that one?”
“Sir Richard and the colonel understand we’re turning every stone.”
“While you were away, one puzzle piece fell into place,” O’Malley said. “We’ve found where the milkman met his end.St. James’s Gardens. The groundskeeper is after finding four empty paraffin tins in the garden’s bushes.”
“Have the constable on the beat question every cart driver, cabbie, and knocker-upper who drives or walks by St. James’s Gardens between the hours of three and five.”
O’Malley smoothed his wiry mustache. “Sure, it’s how things happen, sometimes. Between coppers here and in Dublin, cables from the commissioner, and a princess in Germany—first, it’s a drought. Then the rains lash down.”
“I hope you’re right, Paddy.” Tennant shrugged into his coat.
When Tennant arrived at Marlborough House, he found Sir Lionel Dermott in the foyer. Gone were the man’s high color and mobile features. His face had the hue and quality of stiff parchment. The inspector had come to inform the household about Lady Middlebury’s murder. The two princesses and Lady Styles knew about the tragedy.
“The Prince of Wales got wind of the story while he was out last night,” Dermott said. “He greeted Alix with the news this morning, leaving Susan to cope with her flood of tears. His wife’s illness and distress are Bertie’s cues to head for his club or a ride in the park.”
“Callous but well-informed,” Tennant said. “How, I wonder?”
Dermott shrugged. “Susan sent for Doctor Lewis, and she’s with Alix now. Christ, what a bloody awful business.”
“You left Windsor early. Have you slept?”
“I couldn’t, so I hopped on the milk train. Last night, having to tell Her Majesty about her old friend’s death …”
“It’s about as grim a task as I know.”
“I imagine so, in your line of work.” Dermott sighed and said, “Come, I’ll take you to Alix’s sitting room.”
Tennant followed Dermott into the room, but it took the inspector a moment to locate the chamber’s occupants amid theclutter. The princess followed the fashion of dressing a room from floor to ceiling. Paintings crowded the walls. Vases, bowls, and statuettes covered every surface. Lady Styles sat on a sofa by the fire, holding Louise’s hand. The princess rested her head on Susan’s shoulder.
An inner door opened, and Julia entered the sitting room.
Louise lifted her head. “Alix?”
“Princess Alexandra is calmer now,” Julia said. “She’s drifting off.”
Louise’s voice shook when she said, “You examined Lady Middlebury. I … I suppose there’s no doubt?”
“I’ve seen it before, Princess. The signs were there.”
“Good God.” Louise hung her head. “I was a troublesome child, but Lady Middlebury was kind to me. Other ladies-in-waiting …”
Susan asked, “Is there anything else you can tell us, Inspector?”
“Only what you already know. Inquiries are underway, here and in Ireland.”
“The queen was deeply shocked,” Dermott said. “But Her Majesty’s memory isn’t entirely a blank. Lady Middlebury brought Lizzie Dowling to Osborne when the lady entered royal service shortly after Prince Albert’s death.”
Lady Styles frowned. “That’s very odd. Royal attendants don’t bring along personal servants.”
Tenant asked, “Your Royal Highness, may I ask if you’ve had a letter from Princess Alice?”
“No.” Louise stood, putting her hand on the armrest to steady herself. “You’ll have it as soon as it arrives.” She stopped at the door and turned. “But I don’t understand why Lizzie …” Louise looked at Tennant like a lost child. “Why Lizzie never mentioned Lady Middlebury or told me how she came to Osborne.”
Downstairs, Tennant waited while the footman helped Juliawith her coat. They headed for the taxi stand on Marlborough Road.
“The queen’s fragmentary memory confirms a link between the lady and the maid,” Tennant said.
“Raising new questions,” Julia said, pulling on her gloves.
