Miss Marple watched Margaret Townsend critically. She seemed so happy, telling everyone about her new young man, and yet Miss Marple had her suspicions. Yes, he was charming, personable, and undeniably handsome, speaking very politely to Miss Marple when they were introduced, but why would someone who said he was the son of an estate owner be interested in a shopgirl who came from St Mary Mead?

Miss Marple waited for her opportunity and then approached Margaret. “Congratulations, my dear, he seems a most delightful gentleman. Where did he say he was from? My hearing isn’t quite what it once was.”

Margaret, too happy to reflect that Miss Marple’s hearing was usually very keen, said, “Compton Howe. He says he’ll take me there in a few weeks’ time. His family are away in the Riviera at the moment, but we’ll be going once they’re back.”

That afternoon Miss Marple was visiting her friend Dolly Bantry. Over a cup of tea, Miss Marple said, “Do you still have the list of gardens which are open in the area?”

Dolly pulled a leaflet out from a pile on a side table. “Yes. Was there somewhere you would like to visit?”

“I was thinking perhaps of Compton Howe.”

“Hmm, let me see. Oh yes, gardens are open the first Wednesday of the month. We could certainly go next month, although I’m afraid it will be a bit of a wait until then.”

Arthur Bantry, Dolly’s husband, who had joined them for tea, said, “If you’d wanted to go sooner, Jane, I’m sure it could be arranged. I was at school with Reginald Compton. Didn’t know him well, but I’m certain he’d be happy for you to have a private tour.”

“That would be delightful, although I thought I’d heard the family were at the Riviera at the moment.”

Colonel Bantry laughed. “What? No, Compton can’t stand the Riviera. If anywhere he’d be visiting the Highlands. I’ll give him a ring and see what can be done.”

By the time Miss Marple was ready to return home, Colonel Bantry had made his telephone call, and said, “It’s all arranged. I’ve said we’ll be there about half past two on Thursday. Will that suit you?”

“That would be perfect, thank you.” Miss Marple smiled.

Bantry returned the smile. “And I don’t doubt you have another reason for wanting to visit, but I think you will enjoy the gardens too.”

***


Thursday afternoon Colonel Bantry drove Dolly and Miss Marple over to Compton Howe. Leaving the ladies with Mrs Compton, he went off with his old school friend for what Dolly called ‘a gossip’ although the men would have denied the description.

The gardens were beautiful and the three ladies enjoyed their discussion about different plants and how there seemed to be a large number of ladybirds that year.

After a while, Miss Marple said, “It’s very lovely here. Do you have family who will be taking it on in due course?”

“Oh yes,” Mrs Compton replied, “I have two daughters and a son. My elder daughter and her husband are already involved and we hope will gradually take on more of the running of the estate. Jeremy, my son-in-law, is currently working with our tenant farmers and they seem to like him, when they can understand him.” She laughed. “He comes from the Scottish Borders. My younger daughter is less interested, which isn’t a problem, we’ve always encouraged the children to pursue their own interests and talents. And my son is still at university. Currently he has little interest in the estate, but, neither did my husband at his age. I think he’ll be back in a few years’ time.”

“I’m so pleased for you. It must be a great relief.”

“Oh, it is.” Mrs Compton glanced at her watch. “It’s almost time for tea. You will join us won’t you?”

“We’d be delighted to,” Dolly said.

They had tea in the drawing room, where they were introduced to the daughter and son-in-law. The tea was brought in by a housemaid, assisted by a young man who Miss Marple recognised.

She smiled at him, and he blushed. She raised her eyebrows slightly and he turned abruptly to leave. In doing so he knocked over a small table, causing a cup and saucer to fall to the floor and break.

The housemaid glared at him and hissed, “Go and get a brush and dustpan!”

The man departed and returned after a few minutes with the brush and dustpan. As he bent down to clear up the broken crockery, Miss Marple leant down and said quietly, “Might I suggest you cease your connection with Margaret Townsend.” The man ignored her, so she added, “Because if anything were to happen to her, it would be extremely unfortunate for you.”

“All right,” he grunted.

“Good!”

Tea over, Miss Marple smiled across at Dolly, who rose and thanked the Comptons for the delightful afternoon.

On the way home, Dolly turned to Miss Marple and said, “I trust you have had a profitable afternoon.”

“Oh, very, thank you,” she replied. “In every way!”