‘You’re never going to say it, sir, so I will: it’s a conspiracy we’re looking at, isn’t it? Penelope got tired of waiting for Odysseus. She got fed up with unpicking that wretched weaving of hers and fell for one of the suitors.’
Joe sighed and spoke reluctantly. ‘It was Sebastian who pulled the trigger but it was with Cassandra’s knowledge and perhaps more … she might have devised the whole scheme. Under the layers of scented chiffon, she’s as tough as old boots, I’d say. And I’d guess, Wentworth, they’ve been lovers for quite some time. They have that trick of reading each other’s mind — finishing sentences, speaking for each other — did you notice? And on a practical note — Cassandra knew in advance exactly where the admiral would be and when on that evening.’
‘So her affectionate attentions to you were nothing more than a blind. If she’s embarrassing you with suggestions of interest …’
‘Say rather intriguing, Wentworth. I was not embarrassed.’
‘Very well, sir. Drawing you in, luring you with kisses and cake … you’re not going to suspect her of an amorous connection with anyone else, are you?’
‘I didn’t. Not at all sure I do now,’ he added rebelliously.
Lily noticed his gathering unease and changed tack. ‘And then there’s her shooting. She tells me you taught her and that she was a very poor pupil? You despaired of her ever hitting a target?’
Joe looked up sharply and frowned. ‘That’s not right, no. As a matter of fact, she was rather good. I’ve known one or two women who were adept with firearms.’ He smiled briefly. ‘I owe my life to their skill and readiness to use them. Cassandra fussed and pretended to be hopeless but she could hit a target all right. Well she did, didn’t she? She was pleased and surprised.’
‘Exactly. And if she’d hit and killed both Irishmen she’d have been even happier. It was probably always her intent to eliminate them. Just in case. It was pure bad luck for her and Sebastian when Mrs Colonel Belton hove into view and commandeered the getaway taxi. She rather fouled things up.’
Joe had no time for protective self-deception. ‘We were taken in, Wentworth. By a skilled actress.’ This was the moment to rip off the bandage and assess the damage underneath. ‘You were rather less taken in than I, I have to say.’