Murder in Abbot's Folly by Amy Myers Page A

could see Philip and Jake were still around, and she recognized a few other faces as they flitted past her on the lawns or moved in and out of her sight like characters in a silent movie. Overall, however, the number of guests was quickly diminishing as the police checked them off.
    By the time Georgia had left Abbot’s Retreat, the cordon tape was already in place and incident vans had parked by the side of the house. The SIO from Kent Police Stour Area was a DI Diane Newton, whom she had not met before, but the good news was that Chief Superintendent Mike Gilroy had arrived. She had supposed that Peter had rung him, but it seemed not.
    â€˜Too much of a coincidence,’ Mike had explained, when he came over to speak to them. ‘First you ring about the Luckhurst murder, Peter, and twenty-four hours later there’s another one in virtually the same place. Sure you haven’t turned to murder in your old age?’
    â€˜The deaths are twenty-five years apart,’ Peter pointed out.
    â€˜Linked, do you think?’
    â€˜I can’t see how – not yet.’
    â€˜Which means you intend to look into it. Our job, Peter,’ Mike said in warning.
    â€˜Of course,’ Peter promptly agreed. ‘However, the fact that this is a day devoted to Jane Austen and—’
    â€˜Thus useful to gain access for those intent on killing,’ Mike cut him off. ‘Just as Tanner took advantage of the protest march in 1985. But let me point out that Robert Luckhurst’s murder was due to revenge plus possible personal reasons. Jane Austen never got a look-in.’
    â€˜Nevertheless, today she’s upgraded to star status as far as Stourdens is concerned,’ Peter commented. ‘Laura Fettis was murdered before she could make her speech, which almost certainly would have involved Jane Austen’s connections with Stourdens and the memorabilia held by the family. There seemed to be some family distress about the matter.’
    Mike looked interested. ‘Do you smell a motive?’
    â€˜I can’t see how there could be, but it’s easily settled. The husband and daughter are going to know what Laura intended to announce. I expect you’ve heard that she didn’t appear as planned.’ When Mike nodded, he added, ‘There was certainly something troubling them all in a big way this morning.’
    â€˜I’ll pass that on right away.’ Mike frowned. ‘This must have been a big shock for you, Georgia, and for Mrs Congreve.’
    Who? Georgia wondered – then realized. Elena, of course, who was sitting on a garden chair with Peter’s arm round her. She was very white, and her pale blue dress emphasized it. All the pretensions and artistry that her face usually presented had vanished.
    â€˜I’m told DI Newton has taken your statement, Georgia, but I’d like to know first-hand what made you walk over to the garden,’ Mike continued. ‘And you too, Mrs Congreve,’ he added, turning to Elena.
    Georgia answered him. ‘It seemed a good idea – while everyone else was rushing off to tea after the let-down over Mrs Fettis’s speech. Abbot’s Retreat isn’t the sort of place to appreciate with a lot of other people around. I had some crazy idea about walking in a garden where Jane Austen must have walked, and my mother –’ she was surprised to realize that the word was coming more naturally to her now – ‘decided to come with me.’
    â€˜Yes,’ Elena faltered. ‘I’m only here for a short visit, and I thought it would be nice.’ Tears welled up again, and Peter put his arm round her once more.
    â€˜Have you any idea why Laura Fettis should have gone there, Georgia?’ Mike asked quickly. ‘I’m told she was ill all day, so it seems odd to decide to go for a walk.’
    â€˜I didn’t know her, Mike. I saw her this morning, and it’s true she didn’t