Free Hawke's Tor by E. V. Thompson Page A

took over the running of the country and many Europeans, frightened of what had occurred and realizing the opportunity to amass huge fortunes had passed, decided to leave India. Not only that, with the British Government now involved in the affairs of the country, certain men were afraid they might be brought to account for their actions during earlier years.’
    â€˜I’ve always thought it must be a fascinating country,’ Tom commented, aware that Verity had also been in India during the mutiny and must have been subject to the dangers faced by other
Europeans there. ‘With your knowledge of the place it would be interesting to have you meet Horace Morgan and see what you make of him. He doesn’t seem to have made any friends since coming to Cornwall and keeps himself very much to himself.’
    â€˜I am perfectly willing to speak to him if an opportunity can be arranged by Amos, but do you really think it might help with your inquiries into the murder of his wife?’
    â€˜I don’t know,’ Tom confessed. ‘Both Amos and I have the feeling that he is not quite what he seems to be and, as he is a suspect, we need to learn all we can about him, to either find a possible motive, or rule him out.’
    â€˜Well, I only intended to be in Cornwall for a few days, but if Talwyn doesn’t mind if I remain here for a day or two longer I will be happy to talk to the girls at North Hill school … and any other school of her choosing. That is why I am in Cornwall, after all, and if it means I can help you in any way – and Amos, of course – I will be thrilled. When I was a young girl in Wiltshire and something exciting occurred I used to wish I had been born a boy so I might join the constabulary and be involved with what was going on. If I were able to help you with your murder inquiry it would be something exciting to tell my stepfather!’
    â€˜I think the life you led in both Scutari and India was probably far more exciting than speaking to Horace Morgan, but your help would certainly be appreciated by Amos … by both of us.’
    Tom was aware that Verity’s background was very different to his own and she was totally dedicated to her work. Furthermore, the social gulf between them was far too deep to be bridged, but she was a beautiful woman and he enjoyed speaking to her. He hoped she might remain in Cornwall for a while and give him an opportunity to spend more time in her company.
    In the kitchen of the house, Amos was standing behind Talwyn, hands on her shoulders and they were both looking out through the window at the pair walking around the garden together.
    â€˜They seem to be getting along very well.’ This from Talwyn.
    â€˜They do,’ Amos agreed, ‘but I hope Tom will not become too smitten with her.’
    â€˜Why? Verity is a very nice woman.’ Talwyn turned her head to look up at her husband.
    â€˜I agree, but nothing can come of it, their backgrounds are poles apart. She obviously comes from a very good family, and is a friend of people like Florence Nightingale. Tom comes from a poor part of London and is only a policeman.’
    â€˜ Only a policeman? Is that how you see yourself , Amos, as less than others?’
    Amused by her sudden eruption of indignation, Amos smiled and tightened the grip he had on her shoulders, ‘No, of course not, but then, as you are so fond of telling me, I have an arrogant nature.’
    â€˜And so you have!’ She reached up and touched his hand affectionately. ‘But you are as good as any man I have ever met – and better than most. So too is Tom. As you have said yourself, if he wasn’t so loyal to you and left headquarters he could opt for rapid promotion elsewhere in the force and – again quoting you – he would be snapped up for a senior post in any constabulary in the country if he ever decided to leave Cornwall.’
    â€˜True,’ Amos agreed,