Death of a Stranger by Eileen Dewhurst

was diffident – “ I have an idea that Lorna … Did she tell you and Tim what I’m doing here?’’
    â€œShe did.’’ Anna’s rueful smile was met by an indulgent one, but Simon’s face immediately clouded.
    â€œDid Tim …? What did he think of my profession?’’
    Why should he think anything of it ? Tim would have had the same reaction. But she had to reassure Simon’s ridiculous anxiety.
    â€œHe was intrigued. He doesn’t think that everyone should be part of the Establishment. We both hope you’ll be successful.’’
    Looking out over the dance floor a little later, Anna saw that Simon was dancing with one of the prettiest girls. And that Lorna’s face as she regarded them was still serene.

Chapter Four
    O nly one member of each workforce – Ted Mahy and John Coquelin – knew that the bride and bridegroom were going back to Rouge Rue for their first married night. Neither Tim nor Anna was seriously worried about more people finding out, but neither relished the thought of a jokey siege of the villa and both were attracted by the idea of the slight ingenuity needed to outwit their friends and their other colleagues.
    So they had not said when or where they were going for their honeymoon, nor contradicted the expressed assumption that they would be catching the last plane of the day to London. Ted had let himself be seen to disappear towards the end of the celebrations and to return some twenty minutes later in a private hire car, the boot of which he took care to indicate contained holiday luggage.
    â€œThey’re well organised,’’ Marilyn Mahy, who was not in the secret, whispered to Lorna, who was.
    â€œYes. People can behave so oddly at these times, they thought it would be wise. As it is they’ll be tailed to the airport, you’ll see.’’
    Lorna went with them in the car, and as a special favour was allowed through with them into the departure lounge. It was a special favour for Tim and Anna to be allowed through, too, as they were leaving not by plane but in John Coquelin’s car, waiting for them outside an obscure door allocated for their escape.
    â€œWhen I went back into the lobby,’’ Lorna told them triumphantly on the telephone a half-hour later, “there was quite a crowd. Some of them even hung on to watch the London plane take off. Were there any clever clogs by John’s car?’’
    â€œNone. And no one at the gate when we got home. Mission successfully accomplished, and with no one left feeling frustrated – by the time we’re back and it leaks out, it’ll be history.’’ Tim hesitated. “Have you … Did you see Constance Lorimer again?’’
    â€œNo! She’s made her gesture, darling.’’
    â€œI hope you’re right. Are you off to bed now?’’ Anna saw Tim’s knuckles whiten as he strengthened his grip on the telephone.
    â€œAfter we’ve walked to the lookout and surveyed the lights and the other islands. It’s a lovely night.’’
    â€œYou and Simon?’’ Tim wished immediately that he hadn’t asked the question. But it had been reflex.
    â€œMe and Simon. Have a wonderful week, both of you. I’ll come back soon to see you.’’
    â€œWe both hope you will. I’m glad you’ve been with us today, Mother. There’d have been a gap if you hadn’t come.’’
    He heard the long, contented sigh. “ I do get much more than I deserve, don’t I? Thank you, darling.’’
    â€œTake care. Look,’’ Tim went on quickly, because he had to, “I really mean that. Constance Lorimer knows where you’re staying.’’
    â€œI told you, darling, she’s done her worst. Made it clear she’s neither forgotten nor forgiven. But it’s in the past. Geoffrey’s dead, rest his soul. And …’’