Both the Chief Constable and Inspector Craig had made remarks preparing Appleby for something of the kind. Of the crisis that had befallen this noble household Lady Grace had more or less taken charge. Her younger sister, Lady Geraldine, was also present. She might have been described, perhaps, as in attendance, since her contribution to the discussion mainly took the form of affirmative nods. If she wanted at times to shake her head in a strongly negative fashion (and Appleby somehow suspected that she did) she steadily repressed any such impulse. She managed to give an impression of being ready to pounce, all the same. If Grace was indeed a clever public woman, Geraldine was perhaps the same thing a shade manqué. ‘The man Sutch,’ Grace said, ‘came to us on the recommendation of my brother, Skillet.’ ‘Ah, yes.’ Appleby gave an affirmative nod of his own. ‘Lord Skillet’s name has been mentioned to me by Inspector Craig.’ ‘No doubt, Sir John.
