Ngaio Marsh - Artists in Crime

“I don’t know. It’s been a bit of a shock for all of us.”

“For Pilgrim — yes. The others will be dining out on it in no time. Not you.”

“I think I’m sort of stunned. It’s not that I liked any of them much. It’s just the feeling of all the vindictiveness in the house. It’s so disquieting to remember what Seacliff’s thoughts must have been during the last week. I almost feel I ought to have a priest in with bell and book to purify the house. And now — the thought of the trial is unspeakably shocking. I don’t know where I am — I— ”

She turned helplessly towards Alleyn and in a moment she was in his arms.

“No, no,” said Troy. “I mustn’t. You mustn’t think— ”

“I know.” Alleyn held her strongly. He could feel her heart beating secretly against his own. Everything about him, the trees, the ground beneath him, and the clouds in the still autumn sky, rose like bright images in his mind and vanished on a wave of exultation. He was alone in the world with her. And with that moment of supremacy before him came the full assurance that he must not take it. He knew quite certainly that he must let his moment go by. He heard Troy’s voice and bent his head down.

“—you mustn’t think because I turn to you— ”

“It’s all right,” said Alleyn. “I love you, and I know. Don’t worry.”

They were both silent for a little while.

“Shall I tell you,” said Alleyn at last, “what I think? I think that if we had met again in a different way you might have loved me. But because of all that has happened your thoughts of me are spoiled. There’s an association of cold and rather horrible officiousness. Well, perhaps it’s not quite as bad as all that, but my job has come between us. You know, at first I thought you disliked me very much. You were so prickly. Then I began to hope a little. Don’t cry, dear Troy. It’s a great moment for me, this. Don’t think I misunderstand. You so nearly love me, don’t you?” For the first time his voice shook.

“So nearly.”

“Then,” said Alleyn, “I shall still allow myself to hope a little.”

The End