‘Oh, no, no! How could I be so disobliging as to— and you have been so good to welcome me, even at a time of such affliction among your family.’
Lady Werth appeared somewhat at a loss.
‘I believe she is referring to Theo’s status as prime suspect, Aunt,’ Gussie murmured. ‘The newspapers having been so obliging as to broadcast the fact all over London.’
‘Indeed. I feel for him so very, very much,’ said Mrs. Daughtry, and the look she cast at Theo was brimming with unshed tears.
‘Your belief in my son’s innocence touches my heart,’ said Lady Werth, expressionlessly.
‘Oh, who could believe otherwise? One has only to look at him to understand — to know, that he could never be capable of such a terrible deed.’
There followed a brief silence, in which each individual member of the Werth f
