“Ladies have proverbially brighter and keener eyes than we men, Sir Matthew. As we discover sometimes to our cost. It has just occurred to me that Lady Fullgarney might possibly be able to confirm or even supplement what you have just told me concerning the ball. It would strengthen my case considerably.” He smiled sweetly.
“Very well,” responded Sir Matthew sulkily. “To please you, I will send for her.” He rang the bell. “Ask Lady Fullgarney to come to me, Warren, will you? Tell her that Mr. Anthony Bathurst has arrived and is now with me.”
Anthony embarked upon an adventure of propitiation. “I don’t imagine for a minute, sir, that Lady Fullgarney will really be able to add to the information that you have given me so clearly. I am deeply in your debt, Sir Matthew. But her mere corroboration will be important and most valuable.”
Sir Matthew nodded. “Here she is,” he said.
Anthony bowed to the lady. She in her turn favoured him with a charming smile. Sir Matthew performed the necessary introduction.
“Mr. Bathurst is a friend of the Crown Prince of Clorania,” he added. “I expect you remember him.” He evidently regarded this connection as an additional testimonial. “And he is also investigating the murder of poor Sheila Delaney. He wants to ask you something—he imagines—although he wouldn’t admit as much—that you may be able to help him. He’s an optimist, if he only knew it.” He wheezed hilariously.
Lady Fullgarney smiled indulgently. Then she bowed to Anthony. “What a terrible affair, Mr. Bathurst. Of course we knew poor Sheila Delaney well. Close neighbours and closer friends. What help do you want from me?”
“I’ve been asking Sir Matthew a few facts with regard to the Hunt Ball of last year. You, in company with other beautiful women, were there, Lady Fullgarney, I take it?”
“I was, Mr. Bathurst. Are you Irish, by any chance?” Lady Fullgarney became roguish.
“ ’Tis my one claim to distinction, your Ladyship. That and perhaps a peculiarly-shaped nose.”