Chapter 18 Chapter Six

Lucilla Derek was delighted to see Colonel Race. All the curtains in George's house were drawn.Lucilla walked into the black-draped room, and when she shook his with a trembling hand, she wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and kept explaining that she couldn't see anyone—anyone except dear , dear George's old friend--and how dreadful it is not to have a man in the family!Without a man at home, I really don't know how to deal with anything.It was just her, a poor lonely widow, and Iris, a helpless young girl, and George had been taking care of everything.It was great to have Colonel Race here, she was really grateful, they just didn't know what to do.Of course, in terms of business, Miss Lessing can cook and arrange funerals.But what about the interrogation committee?The police guys are so scary--actually in people's homes--in civilian clothes, and really considerate.But she was so confused, and the whole thing so tragic, that Colonel Race didn't think it must be due to "suggestion"—that's what psychoanalysts call it, doesn't it?Anything is a "hint".Poor George was in that dreadful place, the Luxembourg restaurant, with the same people in fact, and how poor Rosemary died there, he must have been overwhelmed with sudden grief, if he had listened to her Lucilla If so, take dear Dr. Gasco's tonic.He had been getting worse all summer—yes, totally weak.

Lucilla spoke up to this point in one breath, and paused for a while before Reese had room to speak. He said he was very sympathetic, and at the same time asked Mrs. Derek to ask him for help, no matter what. That's when Lucilla started again, saying how nice he was and it was a terrible blow.People are still there today, but they will disappear tomorrow. As the Bible says, they grow like grass in the morning dew and wither in the evening.It's just not quite right, but Colonel Race should know what she means, it's nice to have someone here to make them feel dependable.Miss Lessing is of course nice and efficient, but lacks empathy and sometimes gets a little too involved.And in Lucilla's eyes, George was always too dependent on her.For a while she really feared that he might do something stupid, which would be a great pity, and if they had married she would have given him a brusque reprimand.Of course she, Lucilla, could see it.Dear Iris is so simple, so unsophisticated.But it's good for young girls to be simple, doesn't Colonel Race think?Iris was really too young for her age, too quiet—you don't know what she's thinking.Rosemary was so pretty and happy and went out a lot while Iris stayed home, which wasn't right for a young girl.They should go to classes and learn cooking and tailoring, and once they learn it, it's hard to say when it might come in handy.It was the mercy of God that she, Lucilla, could live here after Rosemary died.That dreaded flu.That took Rosemary's life, and Dr. Gasker said it was a different kind of influenza.He's a smart doctor, so nice, and so gentle.

She asked Iris to visit him this summer.The girl looked so pale and weak then. "But really, Colonel Race, I think it's because of that house. Low and dank, you know, and miasma at night." Poor George bought it himself without asking anybody's advice, really Sigh, he said he wanted to surprise everyone, but if only he had asked the elders for their opinion first.Men didn't know much about houses, and George should know she, Lucilla, would be happy to help in any way.Because, after all, what was her life like now?Her dear husband had been dead for several years.With Vido, her dear son, far away in Argentina--she means Brazil, or Argentina, such a handsome and affectionate boy.

Colonel Race said he had heard she had a son abroad. During the next quarter of an hour, he listened to Vito's various activities.Such a lively kid, willing to have a hand in everything-followed by a long career report of Vitol.He never treated others harshly or harbored malice. "He's always had bad luck, Colonel Race." But wasn't he always kind to his mother, and letting her know when there was any trouble, a sign of his confidence in her?It was just strange that the jobs that were found for him always seemed to require him to leave England.She could not help thinking that if he could be offered a good job, say at the Bank of England, he would settle down well.He might thus be able to live near London and have a small car.

It took her twenty minutes to talk about Vito's good and bad luck before Colonel Race diverted her conversation from her son to the servants. Yes, he was quite right, the old fashioned servants are no more.This is the great trouble of modern man!But she really shouldn't complain, because they are really lucky.Mrs. Pound, though unfortunately hard of hearing, was an excellent cook.Her dim sum is sometimes a little too charred and often has too much pepper in the soup, but generally, it's one of the most reliable and frugal.She has been here since George's marriage, and she has no complaints about going to the country house this summer, although the other maids are reluctant to go, and one maid has gone--but this is the last one. Nothing could be better—a reckless maid retorted to her—after breaking six wine glasses, not one or two now and then, as the others did, but all at once, which is the most careless of all, Don't Colonel Race think so? "

"It was really careless." "That's what I said about her. And I told her I said it for her own good, as a reference--because I really think a man should be responsible, Colonel Race. I mean, One shouldn't go astray. Both good and bad behavior should be mentioned. But the girl was - uh, pretty arrogant and told me anyway she hoped her next job wouldn't be in someone In a house that was 'killed' - such a horrible word. I believe learned it from the movie, and it's ridiculous and inappropriate because poor dear Rosemary took her own life, even though her actions at the time were Mind control, as suggested by the coroner, he was quite right--and that horrible remark, I think, is the work of a bad gang. I'm glad we don't have such groups in the UK. So, as I just Said, I said something for her reference. Betty Akdal is fully aware of her responsibilities as a maid and is sane and honest, but breaks utensils and has a bad attitude. Honestly, I personally If it were her current employer, Mrs. Ruth Dabert, I would never hire a girl like her. But people are hungry these days, and sometimes even hire a girl who has changed places three times in a month."

When Mrs. Derek paused for breath, Colonel Race asked quickly if she meant Mrs. Richard Raisdabert?If so.Then he knew her, he said, in India. "I don't know. She lives over there in Kadargan Square." "Then it's my friend." It's a really small world, isn't it, Lucilla said?And there are no friends like old friends.Friendship is really a wonderful thing.She always thought things between Vera and Paul were romantic.Dear Vera, she's a very pretty girl, but, oh dear, Colonel Race won't know what she's talking about.People always like to live in the past.

Colonel Race asked her to go on and it was all right, his courtesy was rewarded with a history of Hector Maar's life, his upbringing by his sister, his strengths and weaknesses and, finally, his married life. Pretty Vera, Rhys hardly remembered her. "She's an orphan, you know, an orphan in the ward of the Chancellor." He heard how Paul Bennett had overcome the disappointment of Vera's refusal of his marriage proposal, how he had moved from lover to Mary. family friends, and his affection for his goddaughter Rosemary, his death and his will. "That will strikes me as very romantic - such a fortune! Certainly not because money is everything - no, really. Just think of poor Rosemary's tragic death. Not too happy!"

Reese gave her a questioning look. "I'm worried about my responsibilities. Of course she's a wealthy heiress now. I keep an eye out for the boys around her, but what can I do, Colonel Ray So? Girls these days don't look like As easy as it used to be. I know hardly any of Iris's boyfriends. 'Please come over to the house, dear.' I've often said to her. But I think these young men just won't please. Poor George Worried about her too. About a young man named Brown, I haven't met him myself, but it seems he met Arisla. Everyone thinks she can find someone better than him. George doesn't like him— —I'm sure of it. And I always thought, Colonel Race, that men look at men better, and I was reminded of Colonel Pusey, one of our church deacons, such a charming man, but my husband was always distant from him and wanted me to Same--really one Sunday he was carrying the offering plate, and suddenly he collapsed, as if drunk. Of course later--people always hear about these things later, if only they had heard beforehand- — We found dozens of blank brandy bottles being moved out of his house every week! Really sad because he is a true believer, albeit a bit evangelical , church rituals are secondary). He and my husband had a big fight on Halloween over the details of the ritual. Oh, my God, Halloween. Consider that it happened to be All Souls' Day yesterday."

A slight sound made Reese look at the open door.He'd met Iris before—in "Little Court."Yet he felt that this was the first time he had seen her.He found that her calm appearance concealed an unusual tension, and there was something in her large eyes looking at him that he felt he should recognize but didn't. Lucilla Derek turned her head. "Iris, my dear, I didn't know you came in. You know Colonel Race, don't you? He's such a nice guy." Iris came to shake his hand tightly, the black dress on her body made her look thinner and paler. "I'll see if I can be of any help," Reese said.

"Thanks, you are very kind." It was obvious that she had been greatly frightened and hadn't recovered from it.Did she like George so much that his death affected her so badly? " Her eyes turned to her aunt, and Rhys knew it was surveillance.she says: "What were you talking about—just now, when I came in?" Lucilla blushed for a while, and explained with a flattering smile.Race guessed she was anxious to avoid mentioning the young man—Anthony Browne.she said aloud: "Let me see - oh yes, Halloween - and yesterday was All Souls' Day. All Souls - seems queer to me - incredible coincidence." "You mean," said Iris, "that Rosemary came back yesterday and took George away?" Lucilla screamed. "Iris, honey, don't do that. It's a terrible thought, and that's not what a Christian should say." "Why not? It's the day of the ghosts, and in Paris people lay flowers at graves." "Oh, I know, dear, but they're Catholics, aren't they?" A smile played on Iris' lips.Then bluntly say: "I thought maybe you were talking about Anthony—Anthony Browne." "Oh," Lucilla's voice became shriller and more birdlike, "we actually mentioned him. You know, I was just talking about how we didn't know anything about him—" Iris interrupted his work with a firm tone: "Why should you know him?" "No, dear, of course nothing. At least, I mean, it would be better if we knew, wouldn't it?" "You'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know him," said Iris, "because I'm going to marry him." "Oh, Iris!" The voice was somewhere between a wail and a roar. "You mustn't be too hasty--I mean don't decide on such things just now." "It's decided, Aunt Lucilla." "No, dear, it's too inappropriate not to talk about things like marriage before the funeral. And there's the dreaded inquest and all. And really, Iris, I don't think dear Mr. George would have consented if he were alive. He doesn't like this Mr. Browne." "Yes," said Iris, "George will be upset and he doesn't like Anthony, but that doesn't matter. It's my life, not George's, and George's dead anyway..." Mrs. Derek wailed again. "Iris, Iris. What is wrong with you? That's the most heartless way of saying it." "I'm sorry, Aunt Lucilla," she said sadly, "I know it sounds as heartless as you say it, but I didn't mean that, I meant that George was buried somewhere, Stop worrying about me and my future, I have to make my own decisions." "Nonsense, my dear, when no decision can be made--that would be too inappropriate. The question never arises." Iris laughed suddenly. "But it happened. Antony proposed to me before we left Petit Court. He told me not to tell anyone, but to marry him next day in London. I regret not going with him." "That's a very strange request," said Colonel Race mildly. She looked at him defiantly. "No, it's not surprising. That would save a lot of trouble. Why can't I trust him? He wants me to trust him and I don't. Anyway, I'm going to marry him now if he likes it." Lucilla spat out a lot of rebuttals.Her puffed cheeks trembled and her eyes filled with tears. Colonel Race was quick to deal with the situation. "Miss Mal, before I leave, can I have a few words with you? It's totally business." She murmured "yes," a little startled, and made her way to the door.When she was out of the door, Race turned to Mrs. Derek and said: "Don't be so sad, Mrs. Derek. You know, the less you talk, the better. We'll see." After she had settled down a bit, he followed Iris through the living room and into a room at the back of the house, where a sad saffron tree could be seen shedding its stumps. Reese said in a businesslike tone: "I must say, Miss Marr, that Inspector Kemp is a personal friend of mine, and I am sure you will find him kind and helpful. His position is unpleasant, but I am sure he will do everything he can." carry out his duties with consideration.” She stared at him for a while without saying a word, then said suddenly: "Why didn't you come to our dinner last night as George expected?" He shook his head. "George wasn't waiting for me." "But he said he was waiting for you." "He might say that, but it's not true. George knows I'm not going." She said; "But that empty chair...for whom?" "Just give it to me." Her eyes were half-closed and her face turned pale. She whispered to herself softly: "It's for Rosemary...I see...it's for Rosemary..." He thought she was going to pass out.He quickly went to hold her and forced her to sit down. "do not worry……" She gasped and said: "I'm fine...but I don't know what to do...I don't know what to do." "Can I help?" She opened her eyes to look at him.Her eyes were sober and melancholy. Then she said, "I've got to get this straight. I've got to get him." She made a snapping motion—"Bring him to justice. It started with George believing that Rosemary didn't commit suicide, but was murdered. It's because of those two letters. Colonel Race, who wrote those two letters?" "I don't know. Nobody knows. What about you?" "I can't figure it out either. Anyway, George believed what the letter said, and he arranged yesterday's banquet, and he arranged for an extra empty chair, and it happened to be All Souls' Day... the day of ghosts The day when Rosemary's spirit could come back and--and tell him the truth." "You shouldn't get too imaginative." "But I feel her myself - feel her around me sometimes. I'm her sister and I think she's trying to tell me something." "Stop talking, Iris." "I've got to say it. George toasted Rosemary and he - died. Maybe - she came back and took him away." "A ghost wouldn't put potassium cyanide in a champagne glass, my dear." This sentence seemed to bring her back to normal.She said in a more normal voice: "But it's unbelievable. George was murdered—yes, murdered. The police think so and it must be true. Because there's no other way. But it just doesn't make sense." "Don't you think it makes sense? If Rosemary was murdered and George began to wonder who—" ,. She cut him off. "Yes, but Rosemary was not murdered. That's where it doesn't make sense. George believed what was written in those absurd letters, partly because of post-influenza depression, and it wasn't a very convincing suicide." Reason. But Rosemary has a reason of her own. Wait, I'll show you." She ran out of the room, and returned shortly afterwards with a folded letter in her hand.She threw it to him. "Look. You'll see for yourself." He opened the slightly crumpled letter paper. "Dear Leopard..." He read it twice before handing it back to her. She said eagerly: "Got it? She's not happy—heartbroken. She doesn't want to live anymore." "Do you know who it was addressed to?" Iris nodded. "Steven Faziley. Not Anthony. She was in love with Stephen, and he was cruel to her. So she took potassium cyanide to the restaurant, and drank it with champagne, and let him see She died. Perhaps she hoped he would regret it for the rest of his life." Reese nodded while thinking, but said nothing.After a while he said: "When did you find this letter?" "About six months ago, in the pocket of an old dressing gown." "You didn't show it to George, did you?" Iris yelled excitedly: "How can? How can I? Rosemary is my sister. How can I tell George? He's so sure she loves him. How can I show him after she's dead? He's wrong, but I can't." Tell him. But what I want to know is, what am I going to do now? I'm showing it to you because you're George's friend. Shouldn't Inspector Kemp have a look too?" "Yes. It should be to Kemp. It's a piece of proof, you know." "But then they'd--they'd probably read it in court?" "It's not necessary. The investigation is now on George's death. If it's not completely related, it won't be made public. You'd better leave it to me now." "very good" She walks him to the front door.When he opened the door she said suddenly: "It does show that Rosemary's death was a suicide, doesn't it?" "It certainly shows that she had her own motives for taking her own life," Reiss said. She sighed deeply, and he walked down the steps.He looked back and saw she was still standing in the doorway, watching him walk across the square.