Murder on the Marmora Read Online Free Page B

views us as intruders.”
    “Even though we’re here to solve any crimes that are committed aboard?”
    “Mr. Kilhendry believes that he can police the ship on his own.”
    She was alarmed. “But we need to work hand in glove with him.”
    “Not in this case, Genevieve.”
    “How on earth are we going to manage?” she wondered.
    “By dealing almost exclusively with his deputy, Martin Grandage. I took to him at once,” said Dillman. “He’s a much more affable character. Mr. Grandage wants to see the pair of us later on so that he can give us a few pointers.”
    “Perhaps he can tell us why the purser is being so awkward.”
    “It’s in his nature. He’s very territorial.”
    “I look forward to meeting him,” she said through gritted teeth. “We’re sailing all the way to Australia, George. I don’t relish the idea of doing that when the man in the best position to help is actually trying to hinder us.”
    “There’s one way to solve that problem.”
    “Is there?”
    “Yes, win him over.”
    “How do we do that?”
    “By showing him he needs us on this ship.”
    “That’s easier said than done,” she said. “If there are criminalsaboard—and I’m sure we’ll have the usual smattering—they’ll be used to operating on a lengthy cruise. We’ve never done that, George. Our villains have always been hit-and-run merchants on a five-day Atlantic crossing. We’re up against a different enemy.”
    “That’s what makes it so interesting.”
    “I’d feel happier if we had the purser’s full backing.”
    “Then woo him over, Genevieve. I can’t do it. As soon as I open my mouth, I set off all his prejudices about Americans. I always thought we had an affinity with the Irish, but not in Mr. Kilhendry’s case. He thinks we’re too arrogant.”
    “You’re the least arrogant person I’ve ever met.”
    “Try telling that to the purser.”
    “I most certainly will,” she promised. “Do we have any special orders?”
    “Only to keep out of his way.”
    “I was thinking of the royal party.”
    “Oh, Mr. Kilhendry has taken personal responsibility for them,” said Dillman. “I doubt if we’ll get anywhere near the Princess Royal and her family. Apparently, they’re traveling to Egypt for health reasons. They want to escape the English winter.”
    “I can sympathize with that.”
    “Did you watch them come aboard?”
    “Yes,” said Genevieve. “It was the one and only time Lilian Cathcart showed any spirit. She worships the royal family. Lilian did everything but wave a Union Jack. According to her, the Duke of Fife is eighteen years older than his wife.”
    “I’m not sure I’d embark on a marriage with that age difference.”
    “You never know, George. Love can make such things seem meaningless.”
    “Do you speak from experience?” he teased.
    She grinned. “Ask me again at the end of the voyage.”
    “You’re on this ship to work, Miss Masefield. Not to go hunting for romance.”
    “It has a nasty habit of hunting
me
, George.”
    They shared a laugh and their eyes locked for a full minute. He realized how much he had missed her during the time they had been apart. Dillman fought off the impulse to reach out for her, and became serious. He picked up the papers that lay on the table between them.
    “We’ll see Mr. Grandage together,” he said, “but I think you ought to show your face to the purser as well. I can’t promise that it will be the most pleasant experience of the day for you. However,” he went on, holding up the papers, “Mr. Kilhendry needs to know who you are and to give you a copy of these.”
    “What are they?”
    “The passenger lists and a diagram of the ship. They’re very useful. That’s how I knew which cabin you were in,” he explained. “I simply checked the first-class list.”
    Genevieve’s ears pricked up. Recalling the shock she had been given earlier, she saw that she now had a way of expelling any lingering fears that a certain