The Stabbing in the Stables by Simon Brett

almost have felt unprofessional. The woman was a client, but this afternoon’s meeting was not being conducted on that basis. Jude moved the conversation on.
    â€œAre Imogen’s parents actually divorced yet?”
    â€œNo, it’s in the process. That awful stage where they haven’t quite got their accommodation sorted. They’re both round the house at different times, trying to avoid each other. And then occasionally they do meet and there’s yet another row. Or at least,” she added hastily, “that’s what Imogen’s told me.”
    â€œCan’t be much fun for her.”
    â€œNo, and she spends most of the time with her mother, which can’t help.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œHilary Potton is a Grade A cow. Very self-absorbed and neurotic. I don’t think Immy gets much support from her—poor girl has to use most of her energy propping up a hysterical mother.”
    â€œAnd what about the father?”
    â€œDon’t know a lot about him. Think he’s called Alec, but…”
    â€œIs he fond of Imogen?”
    â€œOh yes. Well, I assume he is. Fathers usually are fond of their daughters, aren’t they? Not to say besotted.”
    â€œIs that how Nicky is with your girls?”
    The question seemed to take Sonia by surprise. “Yes,” she replied formally. “He’s very fond of them.”
    â€œBut, going back to the Pottons’ divorce…”
    â€œI don’t know much about it, really. Just that it’s proving very difficult to everyone involved. And of course they’ll both suffer financially. I mean, before the marriage broke up, there was talk of them buying a pony for Imogen—you know, she’d had riding lessons at Long Bamber, she was very keen…but no chance of that now. Alec—Alec Potton works as a salesman of some kind—fitted kitchens, I think—so they never had much. And with the divorce happening, there’s certainly no spare cash. Which is another reason why I feel I shouldn’t make a fuss about Immy riding Conker, in spite of the way I know Alice and Laura will react and…” Sonia Dalrymple shook her perfectly coiffed blond hair in exasperation. “God, everything’s so bloody complicated.”
    â€œYes, but surely—”
    Jude was silenced by a finger to Sonia’s lips and a nod towards the door from the utility room, where Imogen was just entering.
    â€œConker all settled, is she?”
    â€œYes, Mrs. Dalrymple. She wanted me to stay.”
    â€œWell, you must come and ride her another day.”
    â€œCan I come tomorrow?”
    Sonia looked flustered. If she wanted to wean Imogen off riding Conker before her daughters’ term finished, the task wouldn’t be an easy one. “I’m not quite sure what I’m doing tomorrow, Imogen.”
    â€œYou don’t have to be here. It’s Saturday. I’m off school. And I know where everything is.”
    Jude observed the set-to with amusement. Imogen Potton was a very strong-willed young woman, but Sonia Dalrymple’s experience with her daughters had taught her how to stand up to strong-willed young women.
    â€œNo, I’m sorry. I’m afraid I can’t allow you to ride Conker when I’m not here.”
    â€œBut, Mrs. Dalrymple, you let me when she was up at Long Bamber.”
    â€œThat’s different. There are people up there keeping an eye on things. Mr. and Mrs. Fleet…well, Mrs. Fleet now. And her helpers, and other riders. It’s totally different here.”
    â€œOh, I—”
    â€œImogen, I’m sorry. You have to obey me on this. You are not to ride Conker unless I am here. If you had a fall, I’d be responsible.”
    The words were said with finality, but as Jude had expected, Imogen wasn’t going to be silenced that easily.
    â€œBut I won’t have a fall. Conker knows me. She behaves when she’s with me,