She didn't know she'd hurt him until quite a time afterwards … she was in the chemist's shop having a bandage put on her forehead, when they told her.
She cut it falling.
She was in a terrible state.
I sent her back in the car … it wasn't her fault.”
“No, it wasn't anybody's fault.
It just happened.”
“That's it,” said Tony.
“It just happened … how are we going to tell Brenda?”
“One of us will have to go up.”
“Yes … I think I shall have to stay here.
I don't know why really, but there will be things to see to.
It's an awful thing to ask anyone to do …”
“I'll go,” said Jock.
“There'll be things to see to here … there's got to be an inquest the doctor says.
It's purely formal of course, but it will be ghastly for that Ripon girl.
She'll have to give evidence … she was in a terrible state.
I hope I was all right to her.
They'd just brought John in and I was rather muddled.
She looked awful.
I believe her father's bloody to her … I wish Brenda had been here. She's so good with everyone.
I get in a muddle.”
The two men stood in silence.
Tony said,
“Can you really face going up and seeing Brenda?”
“Yes, I'll go,” said Jock.
Presently Mrs. Rattery came in.
“Colonel Inch has been here,” she said.
“I talked to him.
He wanted to give you his sympathy.”
“Is he still here?”
“No, I told him you'd probably prefer to be left alone.
He thought you'd be glad to hear he stopped the hunt.”
“Nice of him to come … Were you having a good day?”
“No.”
“I'm sorry.
We saw a fox in Bruton wood last week, John and I … Jock's going up to London to fetch Brenda.”
“I'll take him in the aeroplane.
It'll be quicker.”
“Yes that will be quicker.'
“My maid can follow with the luggage by train … I'll go and change now.
I won't be ten minutes.”
“I'll change too,” said Jock.
When he was alone Tony rang the bell.
A young footman answered; he was quite young and had not been long at Hetton.
“Will you tell Mr. Ambrose that Mrs. Rattery is leaving today.
She is flying up with Mr. Grant-Menzies.
Her ladyship will probably be coming by the evening train.”
“Very good, sir.”
“They had better have some luncheon before they go.
Something cold in the dining room. I will have it with them … And will you put a call through to Colonel Inch and thank him for coming.