Author's note: First of all my most sincere apologies to jan danek 10. I promised you it wouldn't take me three months to publish the third chapter and, well, that was two months ago! Nothing to brag about…I didn't imagine it would take me so much time. So I won't keep you waiting any longer. As always: read and review please (I'm addicted to reviews ;-)).

Dear Readers, thank you so much for the nice reviews. At the end of the second chapter, we left our two detectives concerned about their personal lives as Tommy decided to let Barbara know he was attracted to her and she didn't quite give him the answer he wanted.

Howenstow, Cornwall, Saturday 8 May

The following morning Tommy woke up feeling morose. His digital clock was casting a reddish glow on the ceiling: 5:42. He swore under his breath and rolled on the side. The place near him was desperately empty and cold. Better get up, he decided. It was really early but he felt sleep had definitely deserted him. He got up, rapidly went to the bathroom and decided to put his plan to go horse riding into action. He hadn't ridden for a very long time and a certain apprehension at the idea of riding had crept inside him. Peter often mocked him about that and Tommy had to admit he deserved it. He used to be a good rider; he even had done quite creditably at some dressage competitions; there was no reason why he should renounce peaceful rides in the countryside or on the sandy beaches. He dug out his old riding trouser and had the pleasure to find that it still suited him even if it was a bit tight at the waist. All those evenings spent draining a pint or two at one pub or another with Barbara had taken their toll. He wondered with a twinge of sadness if after his clumsy declaration of the previous evening she would ever accept to spend another night out with him. How stupid of him! He had acted on the spur of the moment whereas it was precisely what he'd wanted to avoid. Without making any noise he went to the kitchen. It was still dark and empty but soon there'd be hustle and bustle there for the preparation of the gala dinner. He made some tea, poured it in a thermos bottle and went to the stables. The horses welcomed him by neighing joyfully. He stroke Azazel and Shadowfax, his brother's protégés, superb stallions but too spirited for him, offered the carrotts he had picked up in the kitchen to the old Butterfly and her companion of pasture the donkey Hannibal, carefully stayed away from his mother's mare who didn't like him and always tried to bite him whenever he came close (You're exaggerating, Tommy, Rosalind is very gentle, his mother had protested when he'd talked to her about her horse's vicious temper but he knew what the hack was up to). Finally he stopped in front of Lightning's box. The bay mare offered her fine and elegant head and he stroke her forehead. She was the daughter of Thunderbolt with whom Tommy had won his most prestigious competitions and she was as intelligent and obedient as her father. He saddled her in the paved courtyard in front of the stables. The mare was impatient to gallop and was heavily breathing the moist and cold air. Tommy put his thermos bottle in the saddlebag and took the reins. They crossed the park where the stands stood ready for the charity fête. They were of all sorts to please people of various ages and tastes: an archery range, knock-over cans, a "hook a duck", a "spin the wheel", a face-painting stand for the kids, even a booth for an amateur fortune-teller and the inevitable drinks stand. Tommy opened the gate to the moor, adjusted his riding hat and jumped in the saddle. They went at a trot.

When Tommy came back more than an hour later, satisfied of Lightning and of himself, he found the house in turmoil. Some extras had been hired for the weekend and were already busy in the kitchen, the drawing room and the dining room. Going up to his bedroom, he passed two housemaids he had never seen before who were preparing the rooms for the guests who would spend the night at Howenstow. After an invigorating shower he went to the dining room to have breakfast. At this early hour only his mother and brother were seated at a small table that had been laid out in a corner. He kissed his mother on the cheek, nodded hello to this brother and went to help himself. A maid was vacuuming while two others were dusting off the furniture. A florist would come in the afternoon to arrange some bouquets on the ancient oak table and around the various rooms of the house. Tommy helped himself to a generous breakfast he ate rapidly while leafing through the morning newspapers. Lady Asherton briefed her two sons about their tasks for the day and from that moment Tommy plunged into the whirl of events and didn't have a free minute. The next thing he knew it was 19:30 and he was standing in the drawing room, dressed up to the nines, a glass of sherry in hand, and he was enduring the conversation of the MP from Penzance and of one Ms Fullerton he'd never met before but who was certain they were distantly related. He'd only caught a fleeting glimpse of Barbara in the park in the afternoon, a candyfloss in hand but he had not been able to talk to her. She had disappeared all day and he hadn't found any means to avoid Victoria at lunch. The conversation was deadly boring but, as Ms Fullerton was asking him if, by any chance, his great-grand-mother wasn't related to the Witherspoons of Pocklington, an old overweight lady, squeezed into a flower-patterned dress and wearing the most improbable hat (it could have evoked either a bird's nest looted by a stone marten or a bale of hay exposed to the elements for too long), stepped into the room. Tommy excused himself and went to welcome his new guest.

'Lady Alice, it's always a pleasure to see you.'

'All the more when I give you an excuse for leaving a dull conversation.'

'You've unmasked me,' Tommy replied with a smile. 'Is it so easy to read my mind?'

'My dear Tommy, I've known you since your birth. From the way you were staring at that woman nodding regularly as if you had swallowed a metronome I knew you weren't hanging on her every word but merely trying to keep your eyes open!'

Tommy laughed uproariously. Several heads turned in his direction and he struggled to regain his composure.

'What would you like to drink?'

'What are you having?' she asked, casting a suspicious look at Tommy's glass.

'Sherry.'

'That's for old maids!'

'This is going to be a long evening. I prefer to start slowly.'

'Well, I don't! Pour me a whisky, will you? Never mind if I roll under the table, all those people came here to attend some sort of aristocratic orgy. Let's not disappoint them!'

Tommy brought her her glass and they went on talking for several minutes, observing the other persons in the room.

'Isn't that the young Vickie Worthington?'

'Herself. Rupert's here too.'

'I didn't know she was back from Italy. It must be said, her stay abroad hasn't improved her sartorial taste. Is that a fishing net she's wearing?'

Tommy choked on his sherry. It was true Victoria was wearing a fishnet dress that didn't conceal much of her tanned and slender body but it was the creation of a Milanese designer and it cost a fortune.

'Well, I guess she can afford this kind of dress given her fine physique', Lady Alice continued, 'but, honestly, if she wanted to show so much skin, she could have save her money and come completely naked.'

'You mean like Lady Godiva?'

'I mean that this young lady is going to great lengths to seduce you, my dear! Or has she met some handsome Italian?'

'No, no Italian, as far as I know.' Unfortunately, he added for himself.

'So she's still chasing you? Good luck to her! Well, now you tell me if there's someone here tonight I must avoid. You know I talk straight and I don't like people who put on airs so if there's someone here who wouldn't stand that just tell me and I shall be very careful to stay as far as possible from this bore.'

'I'm afraid I can't help you, dearest Alice. The people I know, you know them already and the rest, well, I've no idea who they might be but if they feel offended by your conversation they are free to leave. But there is indeed someone I'd like to recommend to your care. She's a friend of mine who came to spend a few days here and she's absolutely not used to this kind of social event. Unfortunately I won't be seated near her at the dinner table but you'll be just opposite her and I'm sure you'll get along well together. Can I count on you to make her feel at ease?'

'Absolutely, my dear Tommy. Shall I make a sales pitch in your favour too?' she added mischievously.

'That won't be necessary, but thanks for the offer. Ah, here she is.'

Tommy waved to Barbara who had stepped into the drawing room to come and join them.

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Barbara woke up shortly after 9 in the morning. She hadn't managed to fall asleep before 2:30 and her sleep had been quite broken. She remained in bed for several minutes in the dark, listening to the sounds of the house. She didn't really want to get up but she couldn't stay hidden in her room all day. And there was no way she could avoid Lynley for ever. They were working in the same place afterwards. She was still uncertain about what to do though. She was flattered by Lynley's interest and her entire being longed to respond to his advances except her brain that was yelling to her to keep her distances. She'd need to reconcile the two parties. Or maybe develop multiple personalities, one staying unaware of what the other was doing. Seeing her thoughts take an absurd turn, she decided not to decide and act as if nothing had happened the evening before. Surely the solution would present itself on due time. Procrastination! protested her conscience but she quickly muted the voice of reason. After all it was its fault if she was in such a situation. Everything would have been much easier if she had kissed Tommy in the car. Or maybe not…Arrgh! she was completely confused. And they were making so much noise in the corridor… Suddenly she remembered the fête and the gala dinner. Above all she remembered she didn't have an evening gown. Brusquely she pushed aside the blanket and jumped out of bed. A thorough inspection of the wardrobe produced only a black trouser, apparently all her skirts had stayed in London, and a white shirt not too creased. Perfect, she moaned, everybody's going to think I'm a waitress! She had a second look but it was the best she had and it would have to do. The shower failed to lighten her mood so in a desperate attempt to boost her morale she opted for an oversized T-shirt with the inspirational (even if ironical) quote "Always look for the bright side of life1" over a pair of jeans.

When she entered the dining room for breakfast a maid was ironing the white tablecloth directly on the dinner table while two others were cleaning the silverware Hodge, the butler, was bringing from downstairs. Barbara managed to stack on her plate a sausage, two slices of bacon, a boiled egg, some baked beans, a half tomato, a spoonful of mushrooms, hesitated over the black pudding and finally decided to have a second egg. So much for her waistline but anyway come next Monday morning and she'd be back to her Pop-tart and cup of coffee swallowed standing in her kitchen. She was starting to eat when Victoria entered the room, wearing a blue pencil skirt and silk shirt. Her stiletto heels were so high Barbara wondered how she managed to walk. Victoria went to help herself then came to seat opposite Barbara, sighing:

'My, I had forgotten the English breakfast was so copious. I'll have to run 30 extra minutes at least to get rid of all that grease.'

She had on her plate an egg and two halves of tomatoes. Barbara eyed their respective plates and got up to fetch two slices of toast and a bottle of ketchup. She poured it generously on her sausage and beans and began to devour her meal.

'How long have you known Tommy, Barbara? It's Barbara, isn't it?'

Damn, and now she wants to talk to me.

'We've been working together for 7 years now.'

'Oh, you're colleagues. I understand better why Tommy never told me about you. He never talks about his work. You've a black eye, have you been hurt?'

Nah, that's the latest trend in London.

'Three guys have beaten me up.'

'Oh, my God! I'd have been paralyzed with fear.'

Thank God, I'm not you.

'I may have been badly hit but I gave them a hard time too.'

'I would have been totally defenseless. I'm not strong enough...'

Start eating correctly if you want to grow muscle.

'…but that's not a problem. One doesn't need brute force to study. Everything's in the brain.'

'Yeah, whereas we, police officers, don't need to think. We nick the first passer-by we see and we rough him up till he confesses to a crime. You should see the inspector, he's really good at that little game.'

Let's see what your super brain will reply to that…So? I'm waiting…Nothing? What's the use of all those studies, then?

'Will we have the pleasure of your company, tonight?'

Ah, we're changing the subject…

'Sure. Tommy insisted. He says I'm his very special guest.'

It felt strange to say Tommy aloud but seeing Victoria blemish and make a quick leave was priceless.

Winning by a knock-out: Barbara Havers!

Barbara finished her breakfast and seeing that the weather was fine decided to go to the market in Nanrunnel. She toured the village for the rest of the morning and had lunch in the pub. The locals were talking mainly about the charity fête at Howenstow. She stopped at the florist's and came back to the estate by mid-afternoon. The fête was in full swing, there were a lot of people by the stands in the park, locals and tourists alike. It was a good opportunity to have fun while doing a good action and it was also the perfect occasion to get a glimpse of the park and of the mansion. Barbara sneaked in the chapel to put the bouquet she'd bought on Helen's grave. She stayed there several minutes to meditate, vaguely waiting for a sign. In the movies it was at this moment that a white ray of light descended upon the heroin's face to show that her prayer to the hereafter had been heard and all her questions would be answered. But nothing happened and Barbara, who would have really liked to have Helen's blessing about her dating Tommy, was left with her doubts. Resigning herself she decided to follow the advice printed on her T-shirt and to enjoy herself. She tried her luck at the lottery, took it out on the "knock a can", and indulged herself with a candyfloss. What she hadn't expected was that the fête would open her eyes to an aspect of Lynley's life she had seldom thought about before.

From a distance she saw him wandering among the stands, shaking hands with people, saying a little word to this or that one, congratulating the winner of the sack race. And every now and then someone stopped him to talk to him. Even without hearing their voices Barbara knew it was about something serious for, then, his smile would disappear and he'd have the same look as when he was confronted to a problem during an investigation. Barbara had never gave much thought about what Lynley's "earlishness" (as she liked to tease him) meant, persuaded it was all about formal receptions and lavish gala dinners, but now the other side of the coin struck her: the responsibilities that came with the title. Lynley was the reference point for everybody on the estate and it seemed for a good lot of other people outside of it. His opinion was sought after and respected. People expected him to know what to do in every case, to know the cure for all the problems, and to take the lead in solving them. During the course of the week Barbara had seen people come to him about the arrangement of the garden, the shoeing of the horses, and the mending of the dry stone walls. They'd come to him to decide whether to increase the flocks of sheeps or cows. Some had come to ask for a job for a relative or to ask for the postponement of the payment of their rent. All of them expected good grace, compassion, sound and quick decision. No one would have understood his turning them down. No one would have understood a burst of temper or of exasperation No one would have excused harsh words or rude manners. For the first time Barbara Havers saw the burden Lord Asherton had to carry. Given how she despised the whole upper class she wouldn't have felt sorry for him if behind Lord Asherton she didn't see Thomas Lynley. But she knew the man under the veneer of the earl; she knew his torments, his pains, his doubts. She knew his tendency to take everything to heart. She knew his stubbornness, his reluctance to show weakness, or to accept help. He was the rock in her life she clung to not to drown but she knew the rock had cracks and wasn't as solid as it looked like. So to watch all these people waiting for him to help them, taking for granted that he would sort things out for them, filled her with anger. She'd have wanted to shout at them to go to hell, to leave him alone. She'd have wanted to tell them how miserable he'd looked on Wednesday morning when she had surprised him in the chapel, in front of Helen's grave. She'd have wanted to tell them about the tears that had been going down his cheeks. Her heart still ached at the recollection. She had come in to take shelter from a sudden shower and she had found him there. She'd thought about coughing to warm him of her presence, about coming and standing by his side, even maybe taking his hand to let him know he wasn't alone and that there were people who cared for him. But some sort of shyness, an odd sense of guilt at having witnessed something she was not supposed to see had held her back. She had left the chapel without a noise and had left him to his sorrow. But the people here didn't know this man. They only saw what she used to see herself before she knew him better. For them he had the good life: the title, the estate, the money. Life was easy for him. He had no trouble. He wouldn't lose any sleep over an overdue mortgage or a likely lay-off. Maybe some of them would have a compassionate thought towards his lovely wife, gone too soon, but they would brush this thought quickly aside thinking that he was still young and with his good looks and wealth he'd have no trouble to find another woman to share his life.

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Late in the afternoon Barbara went back to her bedroom, sent a text message to Winston N'kata and changed clothes. On her way to the drawing room, she met Lady Asherton who was looking for Peter. The dowager countess was wearing a silver dress so shiny it looked as if it were made of liquid mercury. Her outfit was complemented by a necklace and earrings in diamonds. She was absolutely gorgeous and Barbara felt ugly in comparison. Lady Asherton came to her, smiling.

'Barbara, I'm so happy Tommy has convinced you to come to the gala dinner. I would have never imagined you could think you were not invited.'

'Well, it's just that…all this fuss, it's not my thing.'

'I'm sure you'll enjoy your evening. The most difficult part for you may be the cocktail before the dinner so let me tell you the secret for handling it: do not stay too long with the same persons, go from one group to another, start the conversation and then leave. Don't stay more than ten minutes with the same people unless they are really interesting.'

'Thanks for your advice. And…er… sorry about my clothes, I don't have any evening gown.'

'Nonsense, you're beautiful. Maybe we could add a touch of femininity…'

'I don't really like to make up,' Barbara protested.

'It's not a problem, I wasn't thinking about make-up. Come with me.'

Lady Asherton put her arm under Barbara's and guided her to her bedroom.

And now Barbara, standing by the drawing room door, was looking at all those well-born and rich people who were conversing amiably while sipping their drinks. Unconsciously she held her hand to her throat and felt the soft contact of the pearls under her fingertips. Lady Asherton had lent her her string of pearls and the matching earrings. They gave a touch of femininity and elegance, indeed. Barbara surveyed the room, trying to guess who that Lady Alice was, whose favour the Lynleys brothers were fighting for. She saw the men in tailor-made tuxedos, scrutinized the women in their most beautiful evening dresses and jewels, gave a snort of contempt at the sight of Victoria's dress, and finally noticed Peter Lynley in a corner of the room with the Reverend and his wife. She was about to walk in their direction when Tommy waved at her. He was with an old fat lady, wearing an eccentric dress and hat. Barbara's self-esteem shot up. She grabbed a flute of champagne and joined them.

Tommy put his arm round her shoulders and drew her close to him.

'Lady Alice, it is my great pleasure to introduce Miss Barbara Havers, a precious asset of the Metropolitan Police Force and a very dear friend of mine. Barbara, here's Lady Alice Rhys-Fitzwilliam I told you about yesterday.'

Barbara couldn't hide her surprise and Lady Alice laughed.

'I bet Tommy didn't tell you everything about me, young girl.'

'I'm sorry, it's just that I…er…'

'Imagined someone else,' Lady Alice finished. 'Someone sexier, maybe?'

And she struck a pose like a top-model in front of a fashion photographer. Barbara laughed heartily.

'Someone younger, to be honest.'

'Oh, I see, but my heart's still young. My legs, on the other hand, are a complete different story. What about going to seat on this beautiful little sofa by the window?'

'Sure,' Barbara replied without hesitation.

'That would have been with the greatest pleasure, ladies, but I can't escape my duty any longer. I have to greet our other guests.'

'Go on, Tommy. Miss Havers and I will have a little chat over a few drinks.'

Half an hour and another glass later, they were conversing happily. Lady Alice was really a nice lady, not prim at all. Barbara liked her very much. Finally this evening wasn't going to be a total disaster. Hodge came to inform Lady Asherton that the dinner was ready and the couples formed to go to the dining room in procession. Tommy went up to Barbara and Lady Alice.

'Your faithful admirer is coming to fetch you,' Barbara joked.

'I wonder whose faithful admirer he really is…,' Lady Alice replied evasively.

Lynley planted himself in front of them and offered his arm:

'Barbara?'

Please, not tonight. Not in front of all those people, Barbara pleaded silently.

'You'd better invite Lady Alice.'

'I told you, tonight's Peter's night.'

And actually Peter Lynley was going up to them, smiling.

'I dare hope you're not trying to steal Lady Alice from me, Tommy?'

'Don't worry, I wouldn't breach our agreement.'

Lady Alice took Peter's arm. Barbara had no choice but to accept Tommy's.

'People are going to talk, you know,' she whispered to him seeing all the eyes on them as they crossed the room.

'Let them talk. I'm the lord of the estate, I do want I want.'

She threw him a dark sidelong glance surprised by his unusual arrogance but he was smiling mischievously.

'And it's my privilege to choose the most beautiful lady in the room.'

'The most….How many drinks did you have?'

'Two glasses of sherry. You've probably drunk more than me.'

'Well, it seems I hold my drink better than you.'

'And it seems you don't know a beautiful face when you see one.'

'But it seems not everybody in this room share your point of view.'

'I couldn't care less what they think. Talking about that, what do you think of Lady Alice?'

'I love her!'

'I was sure you would.'

'Is she a real lady? I mean she's so different from the others.'

'She's the dowager countess of Penarbrocke. Her estate has nothing to envy to Howenstow. She has a passion for race horses: she has bred several champions. She shares this passion with the Queen and she's regularly invited to the royal box at Ascot. Let me tell you she likes nothing more than when her horse beats the Queen's.'

'All right, all right, I get the point. But why aren't all the toffs like her? Or like your mother, in an equally pleasant but different way.'

'I appreciate the compliment to my mother, thank you. As for Lady Alice, I suggest you ask her directly. You may find the answer interesting.'

'Why are you so mysterious?'

He merely smiled at her and led her to the dining room.

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The room was splendidly decorated. The crystal chandelier and candelabra diffused a warm soft light. The curtains were open to let the guests admire the park lit by some skilfully located lanterns. Sumptuous bouquets of fresh flowers had been disposed with art along the room and on the table. The table had been set with the most precious crockery of Howenstow: glasses in Baccarat crystal made especially for the fifth earl of Asherton, fine china plates, silver cutlery at the arms of the family.

'That's enchanting,' Barbara said in awe. 'I'd never have imagined such a thing.'

'At £10 000 the cover charge Mother felt obliged to go all out,' Tommy replied in a low voice.

Barbara froze suddenly. She pulled on Lynley's sleeve in a rather childish way until he bent his head towards her. She whispered in his ear:

'What if I break something? These glasses look awfully fragile.'

He smiled and murmured in her ear:

'Don't worry, we won't ask you to replace them. Remember? You're my very special guest.'

She turned her head and their eyes met. Their faces were only inches apart. Time froze. The noise of chairs being drawn out brought them back to reality. Tommy led Barbara to her chair and went to sit at one end of the table. The dinner was magnificent: the most refined dishes served with the finest wines. Barbara was seated between the Reverend Sweeney, a kind gentle man, and Peter. Opposite her was Lady Alice whose conversation was brilliant and funny. From time to time Barbara threw a glance towards Lynley who was leading the conversations with his neighbours. He seemed totally at ease, he was really in his element. Each time their eyes met he smiled tenderly at her and each time Barbara's heart melted a bit more. Finally the dinner came to an end. Liqueurs were being served in the drawing room but some people, like Barbara and Peter, opted for the smoking room first.

In the drawing room, Lady Asherton, holding a glass of port, came to sit on a sofa next to Lady Alice who, true to herself, was sipping a whisky.

'A lovely evening, my dear Daze.'

'Thank you, Alice. I'm relieved everything went well. It's been so long since we had a dinner party at Howenstow.'

'That's true. It tasted of days gone by. Ah, I see that Victoria has finally managed to corner Tommy.'

'I wish I hadn't invited her. Tommy has told me horrible things about her, how she had tried to seduce him just after Helen's death. And this dress of hers; it's bordering on indecency.'

'Your son, my dear, is far too clever to get caught in this net. Victoria doesn't stand a chance.'

'You sound very sure of yourself.'

'Let's say that, when I see Tommy with his friend Barbara, I have a feeling of déjà vu.'

'Edgard and you?'

Lady Alice smiled.

'So you've noticed it too?'

'It was hard to miss. I really did think they would kiss in front of everybody in the dining room.'

'So did I! Did you see how they blushed when they realized almost everyone was watching them? They looked like two children caught with their hands in the cookie jar!'

'Weren't they charming?' Lady Asherton concurred. 'I'm so happy; I like Barbara very much.'

'Do you know Tommy asked me to look after her tonight?'

'Yes, I know. He was afraid she'd be ill at ease. He thought you could make her relax so he asked me to sit her next to you at the table.'

'Very astute, indeed.'

'It seems he was right. Barbara looked as if she was enjoying herself.'

'Oh she was but I wasn't thinking about that.'

'I'm afraid I don't understand, Alice.'

'My dear Daze, Barbara is a really nice young lady who suffers from an inferiority complex due to her working-class extraction. Did you notice she always calls Tommy 'Sir'?'

'He's her senior officer in London.'

'But they're not in London and they're not at work! Besides I bet five to one Tommy doesn't consider her like a mere colleague. I think he's stuck on her and he fears the class gap could be an insurmountable obstacle for Barbara. So what does he do? He makes sure she spends the evening in the company of a miner's daughter who, during the war, worked under the orders of an earl, married him, and got with him 4 wonderful children and 53 years of wedded bliss.'

'But Barbara doesn't know that.'

'She does now. I don't know if Tommy made a gentle hint but Barbara skilfully questioned me about my life during the diner and, well, I saw no reason not to tell her my story.'

'Do you think it reassured her?'

'It gave her food for thoughts, that's for sure. What she'll with these information, I don't know. But it's obvious she's not impervious to her handsome DI's charms.'

Barbara and Peter came into the room and went to speak with Peter's aunt, Lady Augusta. Immediately Tommy joined them, leaving Victoria who looked as if she had just been slapped in the face.

Lady Alice watched Tommy as he stood close to Barbara and added:

'Actually, I shouldn't be surprised if you celebrated a wedding this year.'

'This year? That'd be a bit hasty, wouldn't it? Yes, Hodge?'

The butler was standing silently in front of her.

'My lady, DSI Weatherby from Penzance CID is here and he wishes to talk to you. He has with him some objects he wants to show you. They may have been stolen from Howenstow.'

'Stolen? I am not aware there's been a theft. Where is he?'

'He's waiting in the library, my lady.'

'Thank you, Hodge. If you'll excuse me, Alice.'

She got up and discreetly went to ask Tommy to go with her to the library where an unexpected guest was awaiting them. At no instant did she lose her smile or her calm. Nobody could have guessed something was wrong. She informed Tommy of the situation in a few words and they went to the library.

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DSI Ron Weatherby was standing in front of a bookcase, running his eyes on the spines of the books. He was a short man, in his late forties, with black short hair, thinning at the temples. He had a bony face, with thin lips and aquiline nose. His hard features were accentuated by a pair of thick black-rimmed spectacles. He was wearing a creased grey suit over a pale blue shirt and a navy blue tie. It was the first time he came to Howenstow but he knew the current earl of Asherton was a police officer at New Scotland Yard. What could have driven a man of his social status to join the force was a mystery to Weatherby. Next to him, sunk into a brown leather armchair, DS Todd couldn't take his eyes off several decanters on a small table. Todd's taste for all alcoholic beverages was one of his biggest faults according to Weatherby; the podium being completed by laziness and sexism. A complete loser the superintendent couldn't stand but one he couldn't afford to get rid of for the moment: too much work and too few officers. But he had his eye on Todd and was only waiting for the right occasion to trade Todd for an officer worthy of the name. The door of the library opened and a couple, visibly mother and son, came in. They were both tall, blond and very well-dressed. Weatherby knew they were the earl and the dowager countess of Asherton before they introduced themselves.

'Sorry to spoil the party, but there are some objects I'd like you to identify.'

He pointed at several objects in sealed plastic bags he had put on a writing desk.

'Where did you find them?' Lynley asked.

'Are they yours?' Weatherby insisted.

Lady Asherton examined them carefully.

'Yes, some of them are, Superintendent. Look, Tommy, it's the small bronze statue we brought back from our first trip to Greece. You must have been 4 or 5 then. And here are the silver christening cups you received at your baptism Judith, Peter and you. Augusta had had them engraved with the Asherton's coat of arms. The rest I have never seen.'

Tommy had a look in turn but couldn't identify more objects than his mother.

'I guess you came here because of the coat of arms, Superintendent,' he commented.

'That's what led us here, yes. Lady Asherton can you tell me when you last saw these objects?'

'I'm afraid I can't. As you can imagine we don't use the christening cups. They are kept with the rest of the silverware in a room near the kitchen. The statue is normally on a pedestal table in the corridor on the ground floor near the estate manager's office.'

'Of course!' Tommy exclaimed, 'I saw it yesterday.'

'Are you sure?' Weatherby wanted to know.

'Absolutely. Yesterday afternoon I went to the office to talk to John Penellin, the estate manager, and we ended up conjuring up the memory of my father. When I left the room I saw this statue and I remembered that Father liked it very much.'

'It's true,' his mother replied, 'he found it beautiful. But it's not worth much, Superintendent. It's the same for the cups, they're in silver but there are many objects in this house worth a lot more.'

'But they're small objects that can be easily concealed and taken out of a house unnoticed,' Lynley thought aloud. 'Now, Superintendent, will you tell us where you found them?'

'In a rucksack, near a young woman's body, in the moor above Foam Bay.'

'A suspicious death, I presume?'

'Yes, DI Lynley,' Weatherby replied in a slightly mocking way. 'The victim's been shot twice with a shotgun. The autopsy will be done tomorrow. Do you know her?'

Weatherby handed them the photograph of a young woman of no more than twenty, her hair dyed black but with very fair skin and her cheeks covered with freckles.

Lady Asherton shook her head negatively.

'No, I don't know her. But with the charity fête in the park and the gala dinner there's been a lot of people coming and going all day. We hired some extras, the caterer did the same.'

'She was a petty thief.'

'Tommy! You could show some compassion for the poor girl,' Lady Asherton admonished her son.

'No, I mean, she wasn't a professional thief. With our coat of arms on the cups she couldn't have sold them easily and the statue isn't worth much as you said. I bet she didn't have anything particular in sight, she just saw them and took them.'

Weatherby admitted he had come to the same conclusion.

'I'd like to show this photograph to your employees and to everyone who was in the house today. Maybe someone saw her.'

'Of course. I'll show you to the servants' hall. Some of our employees have gone home but we can arrange to have them all here tomorrow,' Tommy replied.

'Perfect. Todd, you go with Lord Asherton; I'll speak to the guests,' Weatherby ordered.

Unfortunately nobody had seen the victim. The police officers took the contact details of everybody, just in case, and left.

After that the reception ended rapidly. No one was in the mood to party anymore. Tommy and Barbara had isolated themselves in an alcove but it was to talk about the theft and murder not to flirt. Three couples and Lady Alice were staying at Howenstow for the night. After the last guest left, everybody went to their bedrooms, some of them locking their doors behind them.

1 From the Monty Python's "Life of Brian."