The Seven Dials Mystery - Agatha Christie [68]
‘I must have done. Bill, I feel horribly entangled.’
‘Never mind,’ said Bill consolingly. ‘George doesn’t really believe in women standing for Parliament, so you won’t have to stand up on platforms and talk a lot of junk, or kiss dirty babies in Bermondsey. Come and have a cocktail. It’s nearly lunch time.’
Bundle got up and walked by his side obediently.
‘And I do so hate politics,’ she murmured piteously.
‘Of course you do. So do all sensible people. It’s only people like Codders and Pongo who take them seriously and revel in them. But all the same,’ said Bill, reverting suddenly to a former point, ‘you oughtn’t to let Codders hold your hand.’
‘Why on earth not?’ said Bundle. ‘He’s known me all my life.’
‘Well, I don’t like it.’
‘Virtuous William–Oh, I say, look at Superintendent Battle.’
They were just passing in through a side door. A cupboard-like room opened out of the little hallway. In it were kept golf clubs, tennis racquets, bowls and other features of country house life. Superintendent Battle was conducting a minute examination of various golf clubs. He looked up a little sheepishly at Bundle’s exclamation.
‘Going to take up golf, Superintendent Battle?’
‘I might do worse, Lady Eileen. They say it’s never too late to start. And I’ve got one good quality that will tell at any game.’
‘What’s that?’ asked Bill.
‘I don’t know when I’m beaten. If everything goes wrong, I turn to and start again!’
And with a determined look on his face, Superintendent Battle came out and joined them, shutting the door behind him.
Chapter 25
Jimmy Lays his Plans
Jimmy Thesiger was feeling depressed. Avoiding George, whom he suspected of being ready to tackle him on serious subjects, he stole quietly away after lunch. Proficient as he was in details of the Santa Fé boundary dispute, he had no wish to stand an examination on it this minute.
Presently what he hoped would happen came to pass. Loraine Wade, also unacompanied, strolled down one of the shady garden paths. In a moment Jimmy was by her side. They walked for some minutes in silence and then Jimmy said tentatively:
‘Loraine?’
‘Yes?’
‘Look here, I’m a bad chap at putting things–but what about it? What’s wrong with getting a special licence and being married and living together happily ever afterwards?’
Loraine displayed no embarrassment at this surprising proposal. Instead she threw back her head and laughed frankly.
‘Don’t laugh at a chap,’ said Jimmy reproachfully.
‘I can’t help it. You were so funny.’
‘Loraine–you are a little devil.’
‘I’m not. I’m what’s called a thoroughly nice girl.’
‘Only to those who don’t know you–who are taken in by your delusive appearance of meekness and decorum.’
‘I like your long words.’
‘All out of crossword puzzles.’
‘So educative.’
‘Loraine, dear, don’t beat about the bush. Will you or won’t you?’
Loraine’s face sobered. It took on its characteristic appearance of determination. Her small mouth hardened and her little chin shot out aggressively.
‘No, Jimmy. Not while things are as they are at present–all unfinished.’
‘I know we haven’t done what we set out to do,’ agreed Jimmy. ‘But all the same–well, it’s the end of a chapter. The papers are safe at the Air Ministry. Virtue triumphant. And–for the moment–nothing doing.’
‘So–let’s get married?’ said Loraine with a slight smile.
‘You’ve said it. Precisely the idea.’
But again Loraine shook her head.
‘No, Jimmy. Until this thing’s wound up–until we’re safe–’
‘You think we’re in danger?’
‘Don’t you?’
Jimmy’s cherubic pink face clouded over.
‘You’re right,’ he said at last. ‘If that extraordinary rigmarole of Bundle’s is true–and I suppose, incredible as it sounds, it must be true–then we’re not safe till we’ve settled with No 7!’
‘And the others?’
‘No–the others don’t count. It’s No 7 with his own ways of working that frightens me. Because I don’t know who he is or where to look for him.’
Loraine shivered.
‘I’ve been frightened,’ she said in a low voice. ‘Ever since Gerry’s death…’
‘You needn’t be frightened. There