Timetable of Death (29 page)

‘Well, it was written in the wake of her mother’s death,’ said Madeleine, ‘so it’s very emotional. I was touched that she chose to turn to me. Recent events have made her think twice about what she’s going to do. She’s staying in Nottingham until the funerals of both her parents are over then she’s coming back here. I thought that she and Miss Myler had parted company for ever,’ she explained, ‘but it appears that she’s been invited back by her friend. How long she’ll stay there is debatable. I fancy that Lydia will strike out on her own one day. The death of her parents has made a difference to her. It’s given her total independence. For the time being,’ she went on, ‘she’ll be living in London again.’

‘Until her father’s murder, she was perfectly contented here.’

‘She was such a pleasant woman. I’d like to see her again.’

‘Then you must invite her here at some point, Madeleine.’

‘I will,’ she replied. ‘I’m going to need female company if I’m to spend more time alone here. I can talk to Lydia. We got on so well together.’

Colbeck was startled by what he suspected might be a wonderful revelation. He remembered the fatigue she’d shown in Derby and how pale she’d seemed. He smiled tentatively
and looked at her with nervous hope. When Madeleine nodded, he laughed with joy and grabbed her hands.

‘When is the …?’

‘Early in the New Year,’ she told him.

‘How long have you …?’

‘Does it matter, Robert? It’s certain now. Are you happy?’

‘I’m delirious,’ he said, taking her gently in his arms. ‘I feel as if that turntable is on the move again. There’ll be three of us from now on. We’ll have to look at life from a wholly different angle.’

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E
DWARD
M
ARSTON
was born and brought up in South Wales. A full-time writer for over forty years, he has worked in radio, film, television and theatre, and is a former chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association.

www.edwardmarston.com

T
HE
R
AILWAY
D
ETECTIVE SERIES

The Railway Detective • The Excursion Train

The Railway Viaduct • The Iron Horse

Murder on the Brighton Express • The Silver Locomotive Mystery

Railway to the Grave • Blood on the Line

The Stationmaster’s Farewell • Peril on the Royal Train

A Ticket to Oblivion • Timetable of Death

Inspector Colbefck’s Casebook:

Thirteen Tales from the Railway Detective

The Railway Detective Omnibus:

The Railway Detective, The Excursion Train, The Railway Viaduct

T
HE
B
OW
S
TREET
R
IVALS SERIES

Shadow of the Hangman

T
HE
R
ESTORATION SERIES

The King’s Evil • The Amorous Nightingale • The Repentant Rake

The Frost Fair • The Parliament House • The Painted Lady

T
HE
C
APTAIN
R
AWSON SERIES

Soldier of Fortune • Drums of War • Fire and Sword

Under Siege • A Very Murdering Battle

T
HE
B
RACEWELL
M
YSTERIES

The Queen’s Head • The Merry Devils • The Trip to Jerusalem

The Nine Giants • The Mad Courtesan • The Silent Woman

The Roaring Boy • The Laughing Hangman • The Fair Maid of Bohemia

The Wanton Angel • The Devil’s Apprentice • The Bawdy Basket

The Vagabond Clown • The Counterfeit Crank

The Malevolent Comedy • The Princess of Denmark

T
HE
H
OME
F
RONT
D
ETECTIVE SERIES

A Bespoke Murder • Instrument of Slaughter

Five Dead Canaries • Deeds of Darkness