Brought to Book by Anthea Fraser Page B

friend’s concerned, he’s delivered his message; now, he’ll wait to see if I abide by it.’
    He looked at her sharply. ‘You’re not taking it seriously, are you?’
    She shrugged. ‘I haven’t written a word yet of this blasted bio, but already three people have warned me off – you, Justin, and now this crank. You can’t blame me for feeling defensive.’
    â€˜I just wish –’ he began, and broke off.
    She looked at him wryly. ‘So do I!’ she said.
    Stapleton House was an imposing building standing in its own grounds and set well back from the road. Rona followed the sign for the visitors’ car park and drew up beside an assortment of cars. Gus, curled on his blanket, opened one eye.
    â€˜You stay there,’ Rona told him. ‘I won’t be long.’
    As she locked the car, a woman was emerging from a red Peugeot, and Rona followed her across the gravel to the front door, where she rang the bell, spoke into an intercom, and went inside, turning to hold the door for Rona.
    â€˜Thanks,’ she said. ‘Could you tell me what the procedure is? I haven’t been before.’
    The woman indicated a visitors’ book on the desk in front of them. ‘You have to sign yourself in and out, giving the time in each case. If you know where you’re going, fine; if you need help, ring that bell.’
    â€˜Thanks,’ Rona said again, and rang. After a minute there was the sound of approaching footsteps and a young woman appeared. She was wearing a pale blue blouse and navy skirt. A badge on her blouse bore the name Sarah Bliss.
    â€˜Can I help you?’ she asked with a smile.
    â€˜I have an appointment with Mr Harvey,’ Rona told her. ‘My name’s Rona Parish, and I’ve signed in.’
    â€˜Fine. If you’d like to come this way, Miss Parish?’
    Rona followed her down a corridor. It was thickly carpeted, muffling their footsteps, and French doors at the far end, apparently opening on to the garden, gave an impression of light and air. Voices and the sound of a radio came from behind the closed doors.
    Half way down, Sarah Bliss came to a halt, knocked on a door on the right, and opened it. ‘A visitor for you, Mr Harvey.’
    Thank God she hadn’t called him Reg, Rona thought as she walked into the room, deciding a moment later that it would be a brave soul indeed who attempted such familiarity. There was still much of the headmaster about the old man who, notwithstanding his obvious frailty, stood up to receive her. Despite his stoop he could give her several inches, and the grip of his bony hand was firm and strong. As she seated herself at his invitation, she took stock of him, noting the full head of thick white hair, the hooked nose and the piercing eyes that were steadily regarding her over the top of a pair of spectacles.
    â€˜You’re younger than I expected,’ he stated.
    She smiled. ‘Should I apologize?’
    â€˜Quite the contrary; any young face round here is a bonus. I’ve been expecting you, you know. Before I received your letter, I mean. When I heard Meriel had approached you, I immediately began considering what you might want from me, and what I should and should not tell you.’
    She looked at him quickly, unsure if he was serious. ‘And what did you decide?’
    â€˜That in the first instance I would read your work, and if I considered it slipshod or unprofessional, I should refuse to co-operate.’
    She waited for him to continue, and when he did not, said mildly, ‘I hope that, since you’ve agreed to see me, it met your criteria?’
    â€˜Oh, indeed. I was most impressed, by both your style and the depth of your research. I’d thought in my arrogance that I knew all there was to know about Conan Doyle, but you unearthed some facts new to me. So –’ he made an expansive gesture with one gnarled hand, ‘go