The Affair of the Mutilated Mink (13 page)

Cecily brightened. 'Really? Then perhaps we could have a proper game. What do you say, Lavinia?'

'By all means, if Miss Fry and Miss Dove would care to play.'

They both expressed their willingness, Maude Fry adding, 'But I would like to slip up to my room for ten minutes first.'

Jemima said, 'I'll come with you and find my room. I'd like to freshen up.'

'It's on the right at the end of the west wing,' Lady Burford told her. 'The Lilac room. You'll find your things have been taken up.'

Jemima and Maude Fry left the room. At the top of the stairs, Jemima hesitated. 'West wing: now which way would that be?'

'To your left.'

'Are you near me?'

'No; I'm in the east wing, halfway along.'

'I see.'

They went their separate ways.

Maude Fry was the first to return to the drawing room, ten minutes later. It was a further five minutes before Jemima came in.

'Oh, I hope I haven't kept you waiting,' she said a little breathlessly. Then she saw that Lady Burford had had some refreshments sent in, and started to express her gratitude. Lady Burford stopped her — not, however, adding that Jemima's arrival was really a godsend. What she would have done with Cecily and Maude Fry for several more hours she just didn't know.

The children's talent contest was a great success. Most of the entrants rose to the occasion, and the committee had created so many classes of competition that the judges were able to make some sort of award to every entrant. Meanwhile Rex, handing out the prizes, was in top form — radiating charm, good humour and an air of innocent enjoyment.

One person who, at the beginning, was plainly unhappy with this situation was Laura. She was clearly unused to taking a back seat. However, her striking looks quickly attracted attention, and after the Earl had quietly explained to the MC who she was, she was introduced to the audience and then assisted with the presentations. If Rex was not altogether pleased about this, he didn't show it.

The proceedings ended with more photographs and autograph signing, after which the Alderley group retired backstage for coffee with the committee and other village VIPs.

They eventually left at nine-thirty and arrived at the Needham's to find that quite a party had been arranged, with about twenty other guests, a huge supply of drink (at the sight of this, Arlington Gilbert, who'd been sunk in a morose gloom all the evening, immediately brightened) and piles of foodstuffs.

It was nearly half past twelve before the Alderley group finally got away. Gilbert had to be gently guided out to Lord Burford's Rolls.

As Gerry was climbing into Paul's car she felt the lightest of tickles on her forehead. She glanced up and felt several more. 'It's come at last,' she said.

Thick snowflakes were starting to fall.

She got in, shivering slightly and glancing a little wistfully at the Rolls, which was already sweeping down the drive. A convertible sports car was not the warmest form of transport on a winter's night.

* * *

Paul peered through the cloud of whirling snowflakes, which were being driven against his windshield. He swore softly.

Gerry, her eyes closed, sunk down in her seat, her hands in her pockets and her coat collar up, murmured, 'What's the matter?'

'I've lost the taillight of the Rolls.'

'Well, you know the way, don't you?'

'Hope so, but there's such a maze of winding lanes round here that I'm not too confident. Do you know where we are?'

'Of course I don't!'

'But this is your country.'

'I was asleep until woken by your foul language and the bitter cold. I don't even know how long we've been driving.' She peered into the gloom. 'There are three or four routes Hawkins could have taken. All these narrow country roads look exactly alike in the dark, particularly in a snow storm. If I could spot some landmark . . .'

'Oh, don't worry. I know roughly where we are.' Gerry closed her eyes again. Five or ten minutes passed. Then she sat up with a start as the car suddenly gave a sort of shudder. She said, 'Oh, no, I don't believe it!'

The engine cut out.

Between clenched teeth Gerry said, 'Paul, is that what I think it is?'

'Fraid so, old girl.'

'You're out of petrol! Honestly, of all the blithering idiots!'

Paul didn't reply as the car glided to a halt. He bent forward and peered at the fuel gauge. He muttered 'Knew I was low, but could have sworn I had enough to get back.'

'The important thing is: what do we do?'

'We could walk.'

'But you don't know how far it is.'

'Must be several miles.'

'Me walk several miles in these shoes in this weather? I'd have frostbite in a hundred yards!'

'Then you'll have to wait here, darling, while I go and get some petrol. Luckily, I've got an empty can.'

'But where will you go? Jenkins' won't be open.'

'I'll go the other way, to the main road. With any luck I can get a lift from a truck to that all-night filling station outside Westchester.'

'I don't fancy staying here alone.'

'But what's the alternative?'

'Can't we both just wait here? They're sure to come back for us when they realise.'

'Yes, but how long will that take them? And then they won't know exactly where we are. There've been several forks or crossroads since I last saw the Rolls, and I could have gone wrong at any of them. They could drive round for ages.'

'Oh, really, Paul. Of all the prize chumps, you take the cake!'

'I know, don't rub it in. Well, what about it: do I go?'

'How long will it take you?'

'Hard to say. Perhaps three quarters of an hour.'

'Well, all right, but be as quick as you can.'

'Oh, no, I'm going to stroll - enjoy the scenery, pick flowers.'

He took the key from the ignition, got out and went to the back. Gerry heard the rumble seat open and a moment later slam shut.

He called, 'Chin up, sweetheart. I'll do my best.'

Then came the sound of his footsteps on the road for a few seconds. They gradually faded away and, but for the wind, all was silent. Gerry sat huddled down in the seat and shivered.

* * *

'Two Spades,' said Maude Fry.

'Pass,' said Cecily.

'Two Hearts,' said Lady Burford.

'Three Diamonds,' said Jemima Dove.

Maude Fry hesitated. Her face was flushed and she was breathing more heavily than usual. It was remarkable what a change had come over her since Sebastian had left and they'd started playing seriously. Not, thought the Countess, that she was a very good player. It was fortunate they were not playing for high stakes; Maude Fry would already have lost quite a lot of money.

Lady Burford's reflections were interrupted by the sound of tires outside. She said, 'Oh, they're back. Sooner than I expected.' She glanced at the clock. 'My word, it's nearly one! I had no idea.'

'Good gracious!' Cecily exclaimed. 'I've never known time to pass so quickly.'

Maude Fry got hurriedly to her feet. 'Oh, Lady Burford, do you mind if we stop now and add up tomorrow. I'm sorry to break off in the middle, but I did explain about Mr Gilbert.'

'Yes, of course.'

Jemima said, 'I'll come now, too, if nobody minds.'

They both said good night and left the room together.

Lady Burford and Cecily went out to the hall to welcome the others. They came in shivering and giving exclamations, the men removing their outer things and handing them to the footmen. Hugh especially looked particularly cold and hurried straight into the drawing room and across to the fire.

The Earl brushed some snowflakes from his hair. 'Brr - what a foul night!'

'I expect you'd all like something warming,' Lady Burford said.

It was Laura who answered first. 'Not for me, Lady Burford, thank you. If I may I will go up to my room in just a few meenutes. I am very tired and I have a slight headache. But may I make a telephone call first? I must ring my London agent at his home and tell him what time I arrive tomorrow.'

She smiled as she saw Lady Burford glance at the grandfather clock. 'Is all right. He keeps very late hours.'

'You know where the telephone room is?'

'
Si, grazie
.' Laura walked off.

Arlington Gilbert meanwhile was smiling benignly, swaying slightly as he did so. He said, 'Did I hear you talk about something warming? Does that mean rum, by any chance?'

Haggermeir said, 'You've had quite enough for tonight, feller.'

Gilbert raised his eyebrows. 'I have?'

'You have. It's bed for you, pronto. I'll see you up.'

He took Gilbert by the arm and led him to the stairs. Over his shoulder he said, 'I'll say good night, too, Lady Burford. Thanks for the outing, Earl.'

'Glad you came, my dear chap. 'Night.'

Haggermeir and Gilbert proceeded a little unsteadily up the stairs.

Lord Burford said, 'That fellow Arlington - much nicer when he's had one over the eight. Not that he seemed to me to drink all that much. All the same, we'd better keep him tanked up the rest of the time he's here.'

The Countess said, 'I take it the evening was a success?'

'Capital. Rex here was simply splendid. Great hit.'

Rex smiled. 'I enjoyed myself.'

'Fancy somethin' before you turn in?'

'No, really, thanks. Your friends the Needhams did us very well. I'll go straight to my room, if you don't mind.' He said good night all round and ran lightly up the stairs.

Cecily said, 'My turn now, I think. Good night, Lavinia. It's been a delightful day.'

'Good night, Cecily.'

They kissed and Cecily in her turn ascended the grand staircase.

Laura reappeared.

'Did you get through all right?' Lady Burford asked.

'I'm afraid not. The phone seems to be dead. Perhaps the lines are down.'

'Oh dear, how tiresome! I am sorry.'

'Is no matter. I can send a telegram from the veellage in the morning.' She gave an elegant little yawn. 'Well, if you do not mind I will go to bed now.
Buonanotte
.' She made her way up the stairs.

As she did so, Hugh emerged from the drawing room again. 'Gerry and Carter in yet?' he asked.

The Earl hook his head. 'No. Why?'

'I wonder what's happened to them. They were right behind us when we left the Needhams.'

The Countess looked alarmed. 'George, didn't you say the roads were difficult tonight?'

'Bit slippery.'

'Oh my, perhaps they've had an accident! Somebody must go and look for them.'

'Oh lor', Lavinia, let's give it a bit longer. I don't like to get Hawkins out again on what's almost certainly a wild goose chase. He's probably turned in already.'

'George, we're talking about your daughter.'

'You know I can't drive.'

'I'll go, Lady Burford,' said Hugh.

'Oh, would you, Hugh? I'd be so grateful.'

'That's all right. I want to know what he's up - I mean, I want to know what's happened to her.'

The Earl said, 'Thanks, my boy. You'll have to go and get the car keys from Hawkins.'

'Oh, I wouldn't risk driving the Rolls tonight - bit too big and heavy for me. Do you know where the keys to the Hispano are? Gerry's often let me drive that.'

'You'll probably find she's left them in the ignition. She nearly always does.'

'Oh, right.' He fetched his flying jacket, scarf and cap from the cloakroom and pulled on his gloves. 'Got a flashlight?'

'Should be one in that table drawer.'

Hugh found it and opened the front door.

'Be careful, Hugh,' Lady Burford said.

'Don't worry.'

He went out. The storm was worse than ever and only the gale had so far prevented the snow forming a carpet underfoot. He stumbled to the stable yard, his mind full of black thoughts. He didn't for one moment believe there'd been an accident. Carter was up to some dirty business. Exactly what wasn't clear. But for him to disappear with Gerry at this time of night couldn't be chance. Hugh just hoped against hope that the little idiot hadn't let him persuade her to run away with him, or anything really drastic.

In the yard he made straight for the Hispano Suisa. To get to it he had to pass his motorcycle combination. The beam of his flashlight happened to fall momentarily on the sidecar. He noticed that it seemed to be leaning over at a strange angle. He directed the beam straight on to it. Then he stopped dead and gave an exclamation.

The motor-bike was gone.

Hugh stood, gazing blankly. The sidecar apparently hadn't been damaged. But the bike had been neatly detached. There was no sign of it.

Hugh's thoughts whirled. It didn't make sense. It had certainly been here just a few moments before they'd all left for the talent contest. He'd come out to fetch his scarf, which he'd left in the sidecar.

No one would come right up here just to pinch a motorcycle - or, if they did, be so insane as to stop and remove the sidecar first. It could only be some sort of hoax. But by whom?

However, this wasn't the time for speculation. He hurried on to the Hispano and opened the door. Yes, the ignition key was there. He got in and a minute later was on his way down the drive. Hugh gripped the wheel tightly and peered through the driving snow.

Chapter Twelve

Gerry sat huddled in Paul's car. Her teeth were chattering. She'd never been so cold in her life. Surely, Paul ought to be back by now. She reluctantly drew her left hand from her pocket and squinted at the luminous dial of her wrist watch.

Oh no! He'd been gone less than twenty minutes. It seemed at least an hour. Why hadn't she been missed at home? Did she mean so little to her parents that they didn't even notice whether she was there or not?

There was a terrible draft in this car. She groped in the direction from which the wind was coming and gave a gasp of annoyance at finding the soft top of the car wasn't closed properly. There was a gap of at least an inch immediately above the windshield and the passenger door. She reached up and tried to close it. But it wouldn't budge. She leant to her right and felt above the driver's door. Here there was no gap. Obviously when Paul had last had the top down he'd closed it crookedly afterwards. The only thing to do was open it and re-close it - making sure it was straight.