Page 46 of Corpse in the Canal

Thomas shook his head.

Solomon tried another tack. “Do you happen to know of any quarrel between Percy and any of his neighbors? Even those of better degree?”

“None.” The vicar’s eyes flickered for a mere instant before returning to Solomon’s.

“Last Saturday,” Constance said, “when Percy won money from West, he also lost to Sir Felix. Would that have annoyed Percy?”

“I shouldn’t have thought so. I understand he was used to losing.”

“Would you say it was in Percy’s character to seek Sir Felix out to pay his debt? Or even to agree a date to pay?”

Thomas blinked. “I cannot imagine Sir Felix dunning him. To be frank, if they were playing with West, there cannot have been much money involved.”

“Thank you, Mr. Thomas,” Solomon said, rising to his feet. “You have been most helpful.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” the vicar said, standing to shake hands.

*

“He wasn’t,” Constance remarked as they set off out of town again.

“Glad to help? He certainly seemed more baffled than happy.”

“Or wary,” Constance said. “There is something he’s not telling us. Either that or he downright lied.”

“When we asked him about other quarrels between Percy and his neighbors? I noticed that. I wondered if he was covering for Everett, whom Percy called a cheat, or one of his other flock who had confided in him.”

“I suppose clergyman are in a difficult position. Doctors, too…”

“Ahead on the other side of the road,” Solomon said, “is that not Daphne West?”

It was indeed. The lockkeeper’s wife, two overloaded baskets at her feet, had stopped to talk to two other women walking into town. The exchanges seemed to be friendly and good-humored, although they all stopped and gazed at Constance and Solomon as soon as they walked past. Constance nodded. Solomon touched his hat.

“Let’s walk on and then wait for her to catch up,” Constance murmured.

They did not have long to wait. Constance, pretending to admire the view over the canal toward Larchford, said, “Good morning. You have some pretty scenery here.”

“Is that so?” Daphne said wryly. “Something to admire while you’re waiting for me?”

“What makes you say that?” Solomon asked.

“You’re the folks asking all the questions. Trying to do poor old Johnny Wills out of a job?”

“Hardly,” Solomon said, smiling politely. “But certainly, we would like to speak to you. Allow me to take your baskets.”

“Suit yourself,” Daphne said, relinquishing them without a struggle. “What is it you want to know?”

“Where were you on Thursday afternoon?” Constance asked.

Daphne smiled cynically. “At home. Washing, hanging it out, cleaning the house, cooking.”

“Then you didn’t go to the market in Channing?”

“Went in early in the morning with George, took the pony and cart.”

“So George was with you all day,” Constance translated.

Daphne beamed. “He was.”