Edward Marston - The Repentant Rake

'Leave him to us.'

'But you have got nothing out of him so far.'

'We will, Sir Julius. In time.'

The old man was frustrated. 'Is there no way that I can get to see the prisoner?'

'None, I fear.'

'Even if I make it worth the sergeant's while?'

'He is not supposed to accept any bribes.'

'Prisons are run on bribery, man,' said Sir Julius irritably, 'we all know that. The more the wretches can pay, the better their accommodation in those foul places. Introduce me to the prison sergeant. I'll soon buy my way into the cell with that killer.'

Jonathan stood firm. 'It will not be allowed, Sir Julius. I understand your anger at the man but justice must be allowed to take its course. We'll get the truth out of him soon.'

Sir Julius gave up. Having failed to persuade Christopher to take him along to the prison, he had thought that he would have more chance with a humble constable, but he was mistaken. Jonathan was even more resistant to his offer. Sir Julius heaved a sigh then looked over his shoulder.

'They have packed me off, Mr Bale.'

'Packed you off?'

'In the politest way,' said Sir Julius with a fond smile. 'My daughter, Susan, wanted me out of the house so that she could talk alone with Mr Redmayne. There is a possibility, it seems, that he may be able to win the confidence of my daughter-in-law, who could have useful information that is being held back.'

'So Mr Redmayne told me.'

Sir Julius brightened. 'What he told me is that you fought at Worcester.'

'Yes,' said Jonathan quietly, 'but I was very young at the time.'

'War seasons a man. What are your memories of the battle?'

'I try to put them out of my mind, Sir Julius.'

'Why?'

'Those days are long gone.'

'Yet you keep them alive, in the names of your sons, I gather.'

Jonathan was unsettled. 'Mr Redmayne had no call to mention that fact.'

'He had every call. I wanted to know as much about you as possible. You have done my family an immense favour. You caught my son's killer.'

'With help from others.'

'Yes, yes, of course. I accept that. But it troubles me that you turn your back on a time when you bore arms in a noble cause.'

'It may be more sensible to forget it, Sir Julius.'

'Nonsense, Mr Bale!' said the other. 'You should treasure those memories, especially now when we are afflicted with this prancing lecher of a King and his corrupt court. Remember a time when virtue was triumphant and the nation was cleansed. Well,' he said briskly. 'Will you not invite me in?'

'Into my house?' said Jonathan, rather flustered.

'Do you have any objection?'

'No, no, Sir Julius.'

'Then stand aside, man. I do not wish to converse on the doorstep like an old woman passing on gossip. Let's sit down together,' he said stepping into the house as Jonathan made way for him. 'We have much to discuss.'

Alone with her at last, Christopher Redmayne was able to look at her properly for the first time since he had returned to the house in Knightrider Street. Susan Cheever had changed. The news that her brother's killer had been apprehended had brought the most enormous joy and relief. It showed in her face, her movements and her manner. She and Christopher were sitting in the parlour while Lucy was in her bedchamber. Though they were talking about a serious matter, their eyes carried on a more light-hearted dialogue.

'I do admire how you did it, Miss Cheever,' he said.

'Did what?'

'Eased your father out of the house. You managed Sir Julius superbly.' •

'Father was in the way.'

'He realised that eventually.'

'Only after I had dropped enough hints, Mr Redmayne. This is the perfect time to draw Lucy out. She is thrilled that Gabriel's killer has been caught, and overcome with gratitude. If the two of you can be left alone for a little while,' she said softly, 'I'm sure that you could find out what you need to know.'

'I hope so. The man himself will tell us nothing. He is positively defiant. We need every bit of help we can get to track down his accomplices.'

'Lucy may provide some of that help.'

'In what way?' he asked. 'Has she given you any inkling at all?'

'Not really. She grows fearful when I touch on the subject. For some reason, she will not confide in me. You may have more luck.'

'I will certainly try.' He glanced upward. 'How long will she be?'

'Not long.'

'Did she retire in order to sleep?'

'No, Mr Redmayne,' said Susan. 'Lucy wanted to be alone with her thoughts. That is only natural. But she was also keen to give us some time together.'

Christopher grinned. 'That was very obliging of her.'

'She knew that we would have a lot to talk about.'

'We certainly do.' The intensity in his voice made her smile. 'It is a great pity that you may have to return to Northamptonshire.'

'I am very reluctant to do so,' she admitted.

'You could be so helpful to me here.'

'Helpful?'

'Yes, Miss Cheever,' he explained. 'Once the accomplices have been caught, my work is over and I can turn to the project that brought us together in the first place. Sir Julius will want to keep me under scrutiny while his new house is being built. He will watch over my shoulder and that could be uncomfortable. I lack your skill in handling him,' he finished. 'Your presence would be invaluable.'

'Is that all I am?' she teased. 'Someone who knows how to control Father?'

'Oh, no, you are much more than that to me!'

The ardour of his declaration surprised both of them and they were at first perplexed. Christopher reminded himself that Susan was still in mourning and any display of emotion on his part was untimely. On her side, Susan was very pleased but equally confused basking in the warmth of his affection but wondering whether or not she should encourage it at such an unpropitious time. Uncertain how to proceed, they abandoned the conversation by tacit consent and simply gazed at each other in silence. Their pleasure was foreshortened. The sound of footsteps on the stairs told them that Lucy was coming. Their expressions became more solemn.

'Oh!' said Lucy, entering the room. 'Am I interrupting something?'

'Not at all,' said Christopher, getting up to welcome her. 'You could never interrupt anyone in your own house, Mrs Cheever. We are the guests, not you.'

Lucy sat down and indicated that he should follow suit. Susan's hopes were raised. Her sister-in-law was calm and poised. After a period of reflection, she might have decided to speak more openly about certain matters. The important thing was to leave her alone with Christopher. Susan bided her time.

'I cannot thank you enough, Mr Redmayne,' said Lucy.

'Wait until the whole business is over before you thank anyone,' said Christopher. 'We caught the most vicious of them but others are still at large, including the man who set up the murder. I want to find out why your husband was killed.'

'So do I.'

'And where,' he stressed.

'Yes,' she murmured tossing a glance at Susan.

'Do you have any idea, Mrs Cheever?'

Lucy lowered her head and gazed at the floor. There was a long pause. Susan took the opportunity to make an excuse and withdraw to the next room, closing the door firmly behind her. Christopher knew that he might never again get such a good chance of winning Lucy's confidence. He tried to be as gentle as he could.

'Mrs Cheever,' he began, 'I think I know why you are holding back.'

'Do you?' she said, looking up at him with alarm.

'Let me say at once that I respect your rights of conscience.'

'Not everyone takes that view, alas.'

'I do,' he assured her. 'I admire anybody who is true to her beliefs.'

'Even if those beliefs are forbidden?'

'Especially then.'

Lucy was uneasy. 'When did you guess, Mr Redmayne?'