The Seven Dials Mystery - Agatha Christie [35]
‘I wondered if you knew Mrs Macatta, Aunt Marcia?’
‘Certainly I know her. A most estimable woman with a brilliant brain. I may say that as a general rule I do not hold with women standing for Parliament. They can make their influence felt in a more womanly fashion.’ She paused, doubtless to recall the womanly way in which she had forced a reluctant husband into the political arena and the marvellous success which had crowned his and her efforts. ‘But still, times change. And the work Mrs Macatta is doing is of truly national importance, and of the utmost value to all women. It is, I think I may say, true womanly work. You must certainly meet Mrs Macatta.’
Bundle gave a rather dismal sigh.
‘She’s going to be at a house-party at George Lomax’s next week. He asked father, who, of course, won’t go, but he never thought of asking me. Thinks I’m too much of an idiot, I suppose.’
It occurred to Lady Caterham that her niece was really wonderfully improved. Had she, perhaps, had an unfortunate love affair? An unfortunate love affair, in Lady Caterham’s opinion, was so often highly beneficial to young girls. It made them take life seriously.
‘I don’t suppose George Lomax realizes for a moment that you have–shall we say, grown up? Eileen dear’ she said, ‘I must have a few words with him.’
‘He doesn’t like me,’ said Bundle. ‘I know he won’t ask me.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Lady Caterham. ‘I shall make a point of it. I knew George Lomax when he was so high.’ She indicated a quite impossible height. ‘He will be only too pleased to do me a favour. And he will be sure to see for himself that it is vitally important that the present-day young girls of our own class should take an intelligent interest in the welfare of their country.’
Bundle nearly said: ‘Hear, hear,’ but checked herself.
‘I will find you some literature now,’ said Lady Caterham, rising.
She called in a piercing voice: ‘Miss Connor.’
A very neat secretary with a frightened expression came running. Lady Caterham gave her various directions. Presently Bundle was driving back to Brook Street with an armful of the driest-looking literature imaginable.
Her next proceeding was to ring up Jimmy Thesiger. His first words were full of triumph.
‘I’ve managed it,’ he said. ‘Had a lot of trouble with Bill, though. He’d got it into his thick head that I should be a lamb among wolves. But I made him see sense at last. I’ve got a lot of thingummybobs now and I’m studying them. You know, blue books and white papers. Deadly dull–but one must do the thing properly. Have you ever heard of the Santa Fé boundary dispute?’
‘Never,’ said Bundle.
‘Well, I’m taking special pains with that. It went on for years and was very complicated. I’m making it my subject. Nowadays one has to specialize.’
‘I’ve got a lot of the same sort of things,’ said Bundle. ‘Aunt Marcia gave them to me.’
‘Aunt who?’
‘Aunt Marica–Father’s sister-in-law. She’s very political. In fact, she’s going to get me invited to George’s party.’
‘No? Oh, I say, that will be splendid.’ There was a pause and then Jimmy said:
‘I say, I don’t think we’d better tell Loraine that–eh?’
‘Perhaps not.’
‘You see, she mayn’t like being out of it. And she really must be kept out of it.’
‘Yes.’
‘I mean you can’t let a girl like that run into danger!’
Bundle reflected that Mr Thesiger was slightly deficient in tact. The prospect of her running into danger did not seem to give him any qualms whatever.
‘Have you gone away?’ asked Jimmy.
‘No, I was only thinking.’
‘I see. I say, are you going to the inquest to-morrow?’
‘Yes, are you?’
‘Yes. By the way, it’s in the evening papers. But tucked away in a corner. Funny–I should have thought they’d have made rather a splash about it.’
‘Yes–so should I.’
‘Well,’ said Jimmy, ‘I must be getting on with my task. I’ve just got to where Bolivia sent us a Note.’
‘I suppose I must get on with my little lot,’ said Bundle. ‘Are you going to swot at it all the evening?’
‘I think so. Are you?’
‘Oh, probably. Good-night.’
They were both liars of the most unblushing order. Jimmy