Page 149

“I have already examined the entrance where Mallory was apprehended, but discovered no sign of her. Simmons tells me, however, that there are several other entrances, some of which have not been used for years.”

“Then we shall divide the search,” Renforth replied. “Stuart and Fielding, examine the eastern passages. Chum, remain near the principal staircase and ensure that no one leaves the house without our knowledge. Manners, accompany Baines. I shall speak with Sir Lionel and Miss Hammond.”

Baines looked towards the staircase. “I should prefer to search alone, sir, so we may cover more ground.”

“I am certain you would,” Manners replied. “Unfortunately, you are in no condition to appreciate the advantages of company.”

“I am perfectly capable of conducting a search.”

“Of that I have no doubt. It is your capacity for maintaining a reasonable temper which concerns me.”

Renforth intervened before Baines could reply. “Manners goes with you. We cannot afford to overlook anything.”

Baines accepted the instruction with an ill grace. As the others dispersed, he turned towards the western corridor, with Manners following close behind.

For several minutes they examined rooms which had not been opened in years. Dust lay upon the furniture, and the stale air carried the unmistakable scent of damp plaster and neglected fireplaces. Baines inspected cupboards, tested locked doors, and examined the panelled walls for evidence of concealed openings.

Manners watched him with growing concern. “You will accomplish very little by attempting to tear the house apart with your bare hands.”

“Then perhaps you might suggest a more efficient method?”

“I should begin by considering what Judith would have done.”

Baines stopped.

Manners continued more gently. “She is an intelligent woman, Baines. Whatever has happened, I doubt she wandered into difficulty without a reason.”

“That is precisely what concerns me. Judith possesses an unfortunate tendency to believe that determination is an adequate substitute for assistance.”

“An observation which might equally be applied to you.”

Baines ignored the remark. He thought of Judith’s expression when she had challenged his efforts to protect her, of the fierce independence which had first amused and then captivated him. She would not have abandoned her responsibilities without explanation. If she had entered the old passages, she must have believed she had discovered something important.

“She was investigating,” he said.

Manners nodded. “That would be my conclusion.”

“Whatever she found prevented her from returning.” The thought settled heavily between them. Before Manners could answer, footsteps sounded in the corridor.

Renforth appeared with Miss Hammond beside him. The woman’s face was pale, and she clutched a handkerchief so tightly that Baines feared she might tear it.

“Major Baines,” she began, “I believe I may have done something dreadful.”

Baines crossed towards her. “Where is Miss Finch?”

“I do not know.”

“Tell us what has happened.”

Miss Hammond looked towards Renforth, who gave her an encouraging nod. “This morning I brought Miss Finch my sister’s garnet brooch. She discovered a little compartment beneath the setting, and afterwards she asked me to fetch Augusta’s account book.”

Baines felt the blood drain from his face.

“I took it from my sister’s writing case while she was taking the dogs for a walk. Miss Finch said she wished to examine it and would return it before Augusta noticed its absence.”

Renforth exchanged a glance with Manners. “What was in the account book?” he asked.

“I cannot say. Augusta did not permit me to read it.”