Free Death Comes to Cambers by E.R. Punshon

Only, I don’t see how it hangs together. What made Lady Cambers go out so late without letting anyone know? How was it all the doors were locked in the morning? – that is, if the butler is telling the truth. Then, who was hiding in the rhododendrons long after the murder had been committed – and why? And who was Lady Cambers giving brandy to after Dene left her? Or was it Lady Cambers having a drink herself, to screw up her courage before she went out? If there are any finger-prints on the tray or glass, they may help us.’
    Moulland and Farman came back without tray or glass or plate.
    â€˜All washed up and put away,’ Moulland reported. ‘One of the maids, Amy Emmers, says she remembers doing it. Says she thought they ought to be got out of the way. Farman says it wasn’t her work to wash anything up, and he never remembers her doing anything of the kind before.’

CHAPTER 7
STORY OF A QUARREL
    There was  little pause then, as if they were all considering the implications of this piece of information. Colonel Lawson scowled and frowned and breathed heavily, unwonted mental exertion betraying itself in evident physical signs. Superintendent Moulland took out an enormous pocket-book and made a careful entry in it, and Bobby read over slowly and attentively the full shorthand note he was taking. A little with the air of an actor repeating a gesture that has already won much applause, Farman said: ‘I think I perhaps ought to mention there was a scene between her ladyship and Emmers, Wednesday last week. Something Emmers had done must have greatly annoyed her ladyship. It was after breakfast. One of the maids came and told me. She said she could hear Lady Cambers shouting at Emmers and Emmers answering back, and there must be something wrong. I told her at once it was no business of hers and she had best get on with her work, and’ – Farman hesitated for a moment, and then continued – ‘I felt it was my duty, me being responsible for the discipline of the staff, to be on hand if required. So I proceeded towards this room where Robins – the maid who told me about it – said they were, and certainly you could hear them both distinctly – not what they were saying exactly, you understand, gentlemen.’ Again Farman paused, this time to allow his features to express horror and disgust at the mere thought of even involuntary eavesdropping. ‘Besides, they were both speaking at once – fair shouting at each other, and then Emmers rushed out and up to her own room as fast as she could, so we all thought she was packing to leave. But after a time there she was down again, going on with her work just as usual, and inclined to be insolent when asked what was the matter.’
    â€˜Do you think it likely she had been given notice?’ the chief constable asked.
    â€˜I couldn’t say, sir, I’m sure,’ Farman answered. ‘Everything seemed to go on just the same. Everyone noticed how Emmers had been crying, but, as cook said to me, she only bit your head off if you said anything. Of course, it wasn’t my place to inquire, her ladyship not saying a word.’
    â€˜You are sure you didn’t catch anything that was said; even a single word or phrase might be useful?’ Lawson asked.
    â€˜No, sir,’ the butler repeated, with visible regret. ‘Shouting they were, and both at the same time, and Emmers giving as good as she got, if you ask me. Most disrespectful Emmers sounded. I made sure – we all did – her ladyship would pack her off at once. But it all seemed to blow over.’
    â€˜I think we must hear what she has to say herself,’ the chief constable decided. ‘But first we might have a word with the maid who told you about it.’
    â€˜The first housemaid, Robins, sir,’ Farman answered. ‘Shall I tell her you want her, sir?’
    â€˜Yes, tell her we would like to see her at