“No, no, thank you.” Cecily glanced at the grandfather clock. “Breakfast should be served any minute, Mr. Parker. I strongly suggest you make your way to the dining room. You don’t want to be late for your meal.”

The sight of guests filing down the stairs must have convinced the man. He gave Clive one hard stare, reluctantly nodded, and then ambled off after a small group of visitors heading for the dining room.

“Where is the body now?” Cecily demanded, drawing Clive out of earshot of the chattering guests.

“Still in the pond.” He swallowed. “I didn’t know what to do so I came straight here.”

“All right. Find Samuel and ask him to help you get the body into the stable. Do it now while everyone is at breakfast and let’s hope that no one sees you. Don’t talk to anyone and don’t answer any questions, is that clear?”

“Yes, m’m.” Clive touched his forehead. “Right away, m’m.” Instead of leaving, however, he hovered there, refusing to meet her gaze.

Her feeling of dread intensified. “What is it, Clive? What are you not telling me?”

For a moment she thought he wouldn’t answer, but then he shoved his hat in his pocket and took a deep breath. “The dead man, m’m. I’m afraid it’s someone with whom you’re well acquainted.”

She stared at him, her heart pounding so hard she was sure she would faint. “I thought you said it wasn’t one of the guests.”

“No, m’m. It’s not.”

The foyer appeared to tilt a little and she reached out a hand to steady herself on the hallstand nearby. “Not… not one of the staff?”

“No, m’m.”

Drowning in relief, she grasped his sleeve and shook it. “Then for heaven’s sake tell me. Who is it?”

“I’m afraid it’s Mr. Ian Rossiter, m’m. Gertie McBride’s ex-husband.”

Stunned, she could only stand and stare at him. “Ian? But I thought he was in London. What is he doing here? Does Gertie know he’s here?” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my goodness. Gertie. I shall have to tell her.” She paused, leaning forward in her distress. “Unless you’ve already told her?”