Funny name, that.'

Haggermeir looked blank. 'Lavinia?'

'No, no - Arlington Gilbert. Backwards. Like that singer chappie.'

'Er, I'm afraid I don't—'

'Feller who sings with the MacDonald gal. Always think he ought to be called Eddy Nelson. Well, toodle-oo, my dear chap. Till Thursday.'


Chapter Three

The telephone rang at Alderley. The Countess, who happened to be near, answered it. Alderley One.'

A woman's voice said, 'Is Lady Burford there, please?'

'Speaking.'

'Oh, Lavinia. It's Cecily.'

'Cecily?'

'Your cousin. Cecily Bradshaw as was.'

'Good gracious! Cecily! It must be twenty-five years. I can hardly believe it. Where are you?'

'London.'

'I thought you were still in Australia. How long have you been home?'

'Just a few days. We're here for a fortnight, then going on to America.'

'We? Oh, that is you and, and—' Lady Burford groped unsuccessfully for a long-forgotten name, 'and your husband?'

'That's right - Sebastian.'

'How is Sebastian'?'

'Thriving. Lavinia. I was hoping we could get together?'

'That would be very nice. When were you thinking of?'

'Well, we're fully engaged for the next few days, but we're free from Thursday until Monday. Could you come up to town?'

'Unfortunately, that's impossible. We have guests. Next week perhaps?'

'No, we're off to Norfolk to stay with some friends of Sebastian's on Tuesday. Oh, what a shame! I did want to see you again. You're one of the few relatives I have left in England.'

Lady Burford thought rapidly. There was no help for it. 'Would you like to come here?'

'You mean to stay? Oh, I wouldn't want to impose, if you have other guests.'

'Oh, that's no problem. We have plenty of room.'

'That's really very kind.'

'It's settled, then. When will you be arriving?'

'Well, we've hired a station wagon, so we'll be motoring down. We could leave Thursday morning and be there by lunchtime, if that's convenient.'

'Perfectly. Very well, Cecily, we'll look forward to seeing you then. Goodbye.'

'Goodbye, Lavinia, and thank you so much.'

Lady Burford put down the receiver and was turning away when it rang again.