Snobbery With Violence - M. C. Beaton [57]
“Miss Bryce-Cuddlestone was very upset,” said Rose. “I’ll pay her a visit and see if she is all right.”
When Rose entered Margaret’s room, it was to find her seated at the window, staring moodily out.
“I am sorry you had to endure that at luncheon,” said Rose. “What an awful woman!”
Margaret shrugged and then asked, “And how are you, after your ordeal?”
“Physically, I’m well, but I still jump at shadows.”
“That doctor, Perriman, is good, do you think?”
“Yes, he seemed intelligent and efficient.”
“And discreet? I mean, not the sort of man to go blabbing about one’s physical condition?”
“Is there anything seriously wrong with you?”
“No, I just get tired. I’m worried about something.”
“I’ll get Dr. Perriman for you. What shall I tell him?”
“Just tell him I want him to examine me. That’s all.”
I wonder if she thinks she is pregnant, thought Rose. She instructed a footman to call the doctor and returned to the drawing-room. The men had joined the ladies and were sprawled about, talking or reading newspapers.
Harry approached Rose. “You’re looking worried. What’s happened?”
Rose told him about Margaret needing to see a doctor, and then said, “It started me wondering whether Mary Gore-Desmond’s death was in fact suicide.”
“Why?”
“Well, say Margaret did spend a night with Lord Hedley and became ... er ... pregnant, that might frighten her. She would be ruined.”
“And what’s that got to do with Mary?”
“Say Mary had some bad illness or had found she was due to have a child. Perhaps that might make her take her own life.”
He looked at her for a long moment. Then he said, “I wonder if Kerridge was ever given a proper pathology report.”
“They would not keep such a report from him!”
“Oh, yes, they would. To the high and mighty contacted by Hedley, it would seem an embarrassing case of accidental death. I must see him. Because of this latest development, he might be able to find out more.”
Kerridge looked up impatiently when Harry entered the study. “I hope you have something useful to tell me.”
“I’m afraid it’s speculation. Did you see the fall post-mortem report?”
“No, it was sent to my superiors.”
“Is there any chance of you getting to see it now?”
“I can try. What were you hoping to find?”
“Perhaps, just perhaps, Mary Gore-Desmond was pregnant and took her own life. The maid, Colette, knew who was responsible and tried a bit of blackmail.”
“Captain Cathcart, I know you are trying to help, but I could do with some hard facts.”
“I notice that none of our rooms has been searched.”
“I tried to get a search-warrant but was assured it was not necessary.”
Rose waited in the hall until she saw Dr. Perriman descending the staircase. She hailed him.
“Lady Rose,” he said, “I trust you have recovered from your shock.”
“I hope so. How is Miss Bryce-Cuddlestone?”
“I hope I was able to reassure her.”
“What is the matter with her?”
“I cannot discuss my patient with anyone.”
“Oh, of course. Tell me, Dr. Perriman, would your predecessor really have signed that death warrant?”
“No, I cannot believe he would. Dr. Jenner was a very intelligent man. Although only a country doctor, he was in touch with some of the finest medical minds in the country. He did a great deal of research on his own.”
“Into what?”
“There are some medical conditions not fit for a lady’s ears.”
“I am not squeamish!”
The doctor smiled. “But I am and there are certain subjects that I will not discuss with a young lady. Now, if you’ll excuse me ...”
Rose watched him leave and then went back up to Margaret’s room. Margaret was looking much better and even had a little colour in her cheeks.
“How are you?” asked Rose. “What did the doctor say?”
“It turned out to be nothing more than a little ferninine complaint. Oh, I gather that we only need to be here for two more days. The police are going to question us all over again and at length