Free The Affair of the Thirty-Nine Cufflinks by James Anderson Page B

the first hymn, 'Abide With Me,' and a prayer, the rector said: 'I did not have the pleasure of knowing the Honourable Mrs Florence Saunders, or Florrie, as I believe she insisted on being called by practically everybody, but I am assured that knowing her was indeed a pleasure. It is sad, though, if on occasions such as these, the priest has no recollections of the deceased, which can be passed on. I have, therefore, asked Mr Gregory Carstairs, MP, Mrs Saunders' great nephew, to deliver a eulogy.'
    Lord Burford groaned under his breath. 'We'll be here for hours,' he muttered.
    Gregory went forward and turned to face the congregation. 'Thank you, Mis—' he began, then quickly corrected it to 'Thank you, padre.'
    Gerry stifled a giggle. 'He was just going to say 'Mr Speaker,' ' she whispered to her mother.
    'Ssh!'
    The Earl had misjudged Gregory. One thing the MP could justly claim was to be a fluent speaker, and, when there were no votes at stake, when he tended to portentousness, a witty and interesting one. It was an ability that had given him the edge over his opponents at four general elections, and frequently in the House of Commons. Now he spoke entertainingly and at times quite movingly about Florrie, recounting several amusing anecdotes and referring to numerous kindly acts of hers. He went on for just twelve minutes before sitting down. A barely audible murmur of approval went round the church. Only Timothy remained stony-faced.
    After this, the service proceeded in the usual fashion, ending with the interment in the Burford family's section of the churchyard.
    As soon as he could decently do so, Lord Burford went across to Hawkins, who had been placed in charge of the transport arrangements. 'Everything under control?' he asked.
    'I think so, my lord.' The chauffeur touched his cap. 'Harry and I made a rough count as people were going in, and we think we can get everybody there in two trips per car. He has a couple of cars in the garage we can use, as well as the taxis. Some people will have to wait, though.'
    'Oh well, it won't be for long.'
    Lady Burford and Gerry had already reached the Rolls, which Gerry on this occasion was to drive. The Earl hurried to catch them up. They had to get home before the first of the guests arrived. Two of the church's sidesmen had been deputed to usher the mourners to the taxis and within minutes the process was under way.
    The Countess and Gerry had barely time to remove their hats and gloves before the first of the taxis rolled up. In it were Clara, Dorothy, Timothy and Gregory. The Earl felt a stab of annoyance with himself; he had forgotten to give instructions that Timothy and Gregory should be sent in different taxis. He also noticed that there was no sign of Agatha. The four alighted from the taxi and the Earl and Countess greeted them in the porch. After expressing the usual commiserations to the two women, the Earl asked: 'Er, Agatha comin' in one of the other cars, is she?'
    'She isn't here, er—' Clara had obviously forgotten how she used to address him, and settled finally on 'Cousin George.' She ostentatiously dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief as she spoke.
    'Really? I didn't spot her at the church, but with so many people there . . . Anythin' wrong?'
    'She woke up this morning with a severe sore throat. I suspect tonsillitis. We thought it would be highly unwise for her to attend. She is devastated, of course, isn't she Dorothy?'
    'Yes.' Dorothy's eyes were cast down, her voice totally expressionless.
    'So I should imagine. Poor girl.'
    The occupants of the second taxi were approaching, so the Earl and Countess had time only to shake hands briefly with Gregory and Timothy, who had been standing side by side studiously avoiding looking at each other. A footman had carried in the small cases that the overnight guests had brought. The Countess beckoned him across, spoke quietly to him for a few seconds; he nodded and then conducted the four upstairs.
    The second