Philippa Carr - Gossamer Cord

So now I knew that Matilda was indeed a murderess and had been one when I first met her. Hers was indeed a devious mind. It was hard to believe that she had preserved that quiet, almost benevolent exterior with such guilt on her conscience.

I could piece together what had happened. She had obviously drugged Annette, got her to the beach, and thrown her into the sea.

I was, indeed, relieved that she was now put away where she could do no more harm.

It was some little time since I had seen Jowan. He would, of course, have heard of the drama at Tregarland’s, for the matter would be discussed throughout the neighborhood. He would be anxious, I knew.

He came to the house this time, and we sat in the garden while I told him the story.

He was deeply shocked.

“We have to be grateful to you, Jowan,” I said. “Your discovery about the relationship between James Tregarland and Gordon made it all fall into shape.”

“It was you and Nanny Crabtree who saved the child.”

“Yes, but you put us on the alert, and I remembered then that Matilda and Gordon had spoken of the children’s deaths.”

I described those moments when Matilda had come into the nursery with the pillow in her hand.

“Poor Gordon,” I said. “He is a very sad man. She is safely away now. She can do no more harm. Jowan, what should we do about this? I now know that Annette’s death was murder. We are not sure of Dermot’s, but I suppose it is likely. I wonder about Dorabella.”

“There was no reason to kill Dorabella. Matilda Lewyth was consistent. She did not murder, without reason. Annette was going to have a child who would inherit the estate after his father. So she got rid of both Annette and the child. She might have waited until it was born, but perhaps she hadn’t heard of the cot deaths then. Besides, Annette could have more children. She rid herself of that possibility at one stroke.”

“Might she not have felt that it was a good idea to be rid of Dorabella? She had succeeded with the first wife, why not with the second?”

“No. She would not murder for such a flimsy reason. There was already a child. And it wasn’t easy. She had been seen by Seth. He must have been an anxiety to her. I suppose she might have turned on him.”

“That wouldn’t be easy. She had had trouble with Annette. Seth is big and very strong. No. She trusted him not to betray her and he did not until she was gone and I was there, as he saw it, in her place. He regards me as a substitute for her. He talked to me as he would not to anyone else. But what should be done about this?”

“Probably nothing. What would happen if the police were informed? Would Seth’s testimony be trusted? What good would it do? It might mean trouble for him. Suppose there was a trial? Mrs. Lewyth, not being of sound mind, could not take part in it. And the result? Guilty of murder while the balance of her mind was disturbed. She would spend the rest of her life in a mental home which she will probably do in any case. There is nothing that can be done. It would just be the satisfaction of making known the facts.”

“There is Mrs. Pardell. She has accused Dermot of murdering both Annette and Dorabella.”

He was silent. “She might want the matter brought to light,” he said after a pause.

“She’s a strange woman. After what happened last time I called on her, I feel I don’t understand her.”

“Well, at least we have learned something.”

“You believe Seth, do you?”

“Yes. It fits. Matilda Lewyth had committed one murder and was going to commit another because she had not been found out. This obsession had taken possession of her. She had convinced herself that her son must have what she considered was due to him, and she would stop at nothing to bring it about.”

“So…we do nothing.”

“At the moment I think it might be best.”

“Jowan, I am so relieved to have you around.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I feel the same about having you around. You won’t go away, will you?”

“I’ve had a talk with James Tregarland. He was very pleasant and…revealing. He has made me promise to stay awhile.”

“I’m not surprised. You and the stalwart Nanny Crabtree saved his grandson’s life.”

“They are talking about all this in the town, I suppose.”

“They are saying that Mrs. Lewyth has gone out of her mind due to all that has been happening at Tregarland lately. Soon, however, they will have something else to talk about.”

“What?”

“It is almost certain that there is going to be war.”

THE DEPARTURE OF MATILDA had made a great deal of difference to the household. Then Mrs. Yeo, the cook, took charge and everything seemed to run more smoothly after that.

One morning a letter arrived for me. It was from Mrs. Pardell. She wrote that it was a long time since she had seen me, and she would be glad if I would call that afternoon at three o’clock.

I was astonished. I felt there was something very mysterious afoot, for I was certain she had been in the house that day when I had called, and for some reason she did not want to see me. However, she did now.

At three o’clock I was at the cottage. I looked up at the windows. There was the shadow of what must be a figure behind the curtains, as there had been on that other occasion. I knocked on the door. It was opened almost immediately.

I stared. I felt the blood rush into my face. Then I started to tremble. A hand stretched out and I was pulled into the cottage. I was overcome by shock and disbelief.

She was laughing and crying all at once.

“Violetta! Violetta …I couldn’t bear to be away from you. That old cord was pulling me all the time. I’ve come back.”

I stammered: “Is this…real…? Is it really you, Dorabella?”

She drew back a little and looked intently at me. She was beautiful…tearful and wildly happy…contented because we were together.

“Dorabella,” I murmured.

“Yes, yes it really is. I’m back with you again—the prodigal’s returned. Oh, Vee, dearest sister, my darling twin. You will have to help me out of this one.”

I started to question. “When…? Why…? How…?”

“It’s wonderful to be back with you. I should never have left. I never will again.”

“Dorabella!” I cried. “What is this all about? What have you done? Where have you been?”

She looked at me searchingly. “You look strange, sister. I’m really here. Do you think I’m a ghost?”

“Tell me, please, what this is all about.”

“First of all, I’m here. I’m back. I’m really here and we’ve got to talk…quickly.”

“Yes, we have to talk. What are you doing here…in Mrs. Pardell’s house?”

“Come into the sitting room. You look as if you are going to pass out at any moment.”

“Dorabella, I can’t believe this.”

“I know you can’t.” She pouted slightly in a gesture I remembered so well. “I thought you’d be glad to see me.”

“Oh, Dorabella, it’s what I wanted more than anything.”

“Well then, be glad. Show me you’re glad.”

“Of course I am. But I’m bewildered.”

“Well, prepare yourself.”

“I am prepared. Tell me.”

“There are two versions.” She was rapidly becoming her old self. She grinned slightly. “One for public consumption, the other for your ears alone. Then you can advise me and tell me what I ought to do.”

“Well, get on with it.”

“We’re one person, aren’t we? No matter what happens. We have to stand together, help each other.”

“Please tell me.”

“Your version first.”

“I want the true one.”

“Very well. But you are going to be rather shocked. Perhaps you’d better have the other one first. It’s more respectable.”