Murder in the Mews - Agatha Christie [79]
Commander Chantry had returned from his errand. He and Douglas Gold were sitting on either side of Valentine.
Valentine was sitting up very straight between the two men and talking. She talked easily and lightly in her sweet, drawling voice, turning her head to take first one man and then the other in the conversation.
She was just finishing an anecdote.
‘— and what do you think the foolish man said? “It may have been only a minute, but I’d remember you anywhere, Mum!” Didn’t he, Tony? And you know, I thought it was so sweet of him. I do think it’s such a kind world — I mean, everybody is so frightfully kind to me always — I don’t know why — they just are. But I said to Tony — d’you remember, darling — “Tony, if you want to be a teeny-weeny bit jealous, you can be jealous of that commissionaire.” Because he really was too adorable…’
There was a pause and Douglas Gold said:
‘Good fellows — some of these commissionaires.’
‘Oh, yes — but he took such trouble — really an immense amount of trouble — and seemed just pleased to be able to help me.’
Douglas Gold said:
‘Nothing odd about that. Anyone would for you, I’m sure.’
She cried delightedly:
‘How nice of you! Tony, did you hear that?’
Commander Chantry grunted.
His wife sighed:
‘Tony never makes pretty speeches — do you, my lamb?’
Her white hand with its long red nails ruffled up his dark head.
He gave her a sudden sidelong look. She murmured:
‘I don’t really know how he puts up with me. He’s simply frightfully clever — absolutely frantic with brains — and I just go on talking nonsense the whole time, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Nobody minds what I do or say — everybody spoils me. I’m sure it’s frightfully bad for me.’
Commander Chantry said across her to the other man:
‘That your missus in the sea?’
‘Yes. Expect it’s about time I joined her.’
Valentine murmured:
‘But it’s so lovely here in the sun. You mustn’t go into the sea yet. Tony darling, I don’t think I shall actually bathe today — not my first day. I might get a chill or something. But why don’t you go in now, Tony darling? Mr — Mr Gold will stay and keep me company while you’re in.’
Chantry said rather grimly:
‘No, thanks. Shan’t go in just yet. Your wife seems to be waving to you, Gold.’
Valentine said:
‘How well your wife swims. I’m sure she’s one of those terribly efficient women who do everything well. They always frighten me so because I feel they despise me. I’m so frightfully bad at everything — an absolute duffer, aren’t I, Tony darling?’
But again Commander Chantry only grunted.
His wife murmured affectionately:
‘You’re too sweet to admit it. Men are so wonderfully loyal — that’s what I like about them. I do think men are so much more loyal than women — and they never say nasty things. Women, I always think, are rather petty.’
Sarah Blake rolled over on her side towards Poirot.
She murmured between her teeth.
‘Examples of pettiness, to suggest that dear Mrs Chantry is in any way not absolute perfection! What a complete idiot the woman is! I really do think Valentine Chantry is very nearly the most idiotic woman I ever met. She can’t do anything but say, “Tony, darling,” and roll her eyes. I should fancy she’d got cottonwool padding instead of brains.’
Poirot raised his expressive eyebrows.
‘Un peu sévère!’
‘Oh, yes. Put it down as pure “Cat,” if you like. She certainly has her methods! Can’t she leave any man alone? Her husband’s looking like thunder.’
Looking out to sea, Poirot remarked:
‘Mrs Gold swims well.’
‘Yes, she isn’t like us who find it a nuisance to get wet. I wonder if Mrs Chantry will ever go into the sea at all while she’s out here.’
‘Not she,’ said General Barnes huskily. ‘She won’t risk that make-up of hers coming off. Not that she isn’t a fine-looking woman although perhaps a bit long in the tooth.’
‘She’s looking your way, General,’ said Sarah wickedly. ‘And you’re