‘Oh, I’ll have the same, thank you miss,’ said Crabb pulling his collar in an uncomfortable manner.
‘You do not sound as though you are a native of this area, Mister Ravenscroft,’ she said pouring out the tea and handing the cup to him.
‘No. I live and work in London, in the Whitechapel area.’
‘So what brings you to Malvern then inspector?’ his hostess asked, smiling as she did so.
‘I came to Malvern to take the Water Cure.’
‘Ah, the famous Water Cure! And how have you found the water cure Mister Ravenscroft? To your benefit I trust? Here is your tea constable.’
‘Thank you miss,’ said Crabb accepting the cup.
‘I doubt that very much Miss Armitage, although I am informed by the physician that I can expect an improvement any day now.’
‘I think you are a born sceptic inspector,’ she laughed.
‘Perhaps you may be correct,’ replied Ravenscroft drinking his tea. ‘Can I ask you if the name D.Troutbridge means anything to you?’
‘No,’ she replied turning away suddenly.
‘Your brother never mentioned anyone of that name to you?’
‘No. There was a village, close to where we used to live, called Troutbridge. That is all the name means to me.’
‘Thank you Miss Armitage. You have been most helpful to us. If your brother should return here within the next day or so, I would be obliged if you would ask him to contact me at the Tudor in Malvern,’ said Ravenscroft standing up.
‘Of course inspector, although I sense that my brother is in some kind of trouble.’ said their hostess, rising and looking away sadly.
‘My dear Miss Armitage, I am sure you have nothing to worry yourself about,’ replied Ravenscroft smiling and feeling compelled to lay a comforting hand on her arm. ‘We merely need to meet with your brother again and ask him a few questions. I am confident he will be able to answer all our enquiries to our satisfaction.’
‘I know my brother. He is a good man. He would not be involved in these murders you speak of,’ she said suddenly, looking deep into Ravenscroft’s eyes.
‘I am sure not, Miss Armitage.’
‘Lucy.’
‘Lucy,’ repeated Ravenscroft slowly removing his hand, ‘Be assured we will keep you informed of any developments. I will let you know when we have made contact with your brother.’
‘Thank you Mister Ravenscroft, I would appreciate that.’
‘Now, Miss Armitage, Lucy, I’m afraid we must continue with our investigation. I thank you for your hospitality, and for the tea.’
‘I will see you both out,’ she said smiling.
Crabb hastily drank down the contents of his cup, placed it upon the table and followed his superior out of the room.
Ravenscroft and Crabb made their way down Church Lane, towards their cab, which was waiting for them in the market place.
‘Do you think she was telling us the truth about her brother, sir?’ asked Crabb.
‘I have no cause to doubt her’’
‘She could be hiding him, somewhere in the house.’
‘I doubt it.’
‘Then it seems sir, as though our Mister Armitage has gone to ground.’
‘It would appear so. Did you notice how she blushed and turned away when I mentioned the name Troutbridge? Crabb, I think it would be useful if we could make enquiries regarding this D.Troutbridge. Perhaps you would be good enough to ask questions at the Ledbury station to see if they are familiar with the name. Whilst you are doing that, I’ll take a brief walk round the town and see you back here in say fifteen minutes.’
‘Very well sir.’
Crabb set off to the station, after exchanging a few words with the cab driver. Ravenscroft stood back and admired the features of the fine market place, then retraced his steps up Church Lane. He paused outside Lucy Armitage’s cottage for a moment or so, looking up at the windows, half expecting to see the young lady gazing down upon him, and then continued upwards until he reached the church yard. Opening the door of the church he went inside the building. A figure was standing by the altar and called out to him. ‘Welcome to our church sir.’
‘Thank you. You are the incumbent here?’
‘I am indeed. How can I help you?’ asked the clergyman, peering through his round spectacles.
‘You have been here a long time vicar?’
‘More years than I sometimes care to remember,’ laughed the other.
‘So, I would be correct in assuming that you know everyone in these parts?’
‘Well nearly everyone, but may I be so bold sir as to enquire the nature of your questions?’
‘I am a police inspector. What can you tell me about Miss Armitage?’
‘A charming lady, she lives just down the lane. She arrived about three years ago, if I recall. One of my daughters goes to her house once a week for piano instruction. Surely the good lady is not in any trouble?’ asked the vicar anxiously.
‘Do not alarm yourself my good sir. I am sure the lady is of an impeccable character. I understand she has a brother?’
‘Yes, I think he is the warden of some almshouses, over at Colwall I think.’
‘What can you tell me about him?’
‘Very little I’m afraid. I think he came to church once with his sister. He seemed an agreeable fellow, but really I don’t recall much about him.’
‘And does the name Troutbridge mean anything to you? D.Troutbridge, to be precise?’
‘Troutbridge, Troutbridge? Yes, I have heard of the name, but I must confess I cannot put a face to it.’
‘But the name is familiar to you? I believe it is a local name. The family may reside in the vicinity. If you could try and recall the name, I would be most grateful,’ urged Ravenscroft.
‘Well — but — ah, yes, I have it. I believe there is a family called Troutbridge out near Mathon. Yes, Troutbridge, that is the name. They live on a farm if I recall. Yes that’s it,’ replied the vicar scratching his head.
‘Thank you. Mathon you say? You have been most helpful,’ said Ravenscroft turning away.
‘Glad to have been of service. Come to one of our services if you have the time officer.’
‘I’ll bare it in mind,’ said Ravenscroft smiling as he closed the door behind him on the way out.
He found Crabb waiting for him back at the market place.
‘I have it sir. Troutbridge — ’ began Crabb.
‘- has a farm in Mathon,’ interrupted Ravenscroft.
‘How did you know that sir?’
‘Divine inspiration Crabb! Cabbie, take us to Mathon if you please. Divine inspiration!’
Their journey now took them along country lanes, lined with overhanging trees, and bordered with wild flowers and long grass. Thirty minutes after they had left Ledbury, they arrived at the small village of Mathon. Ravenscroft looked around at the church, and the untidy cottages, as the cab drew up outside the village inn.
‘Here my man,’ shouted Crabb to a figure who was sitting on a bench outside the inn drinking ale. ‘We are looking for Troutbridge’s farm.’
The man wandered over to them, and gave them a vacant stare.
‘Troutbridge’s Farm,’ repeated Crabb in a louder voice.
‘Oh, that will be Denis Troutbridge you want. Go up this road, turn up lane on right, and follow track that goes off to right. Mind, you’ll not be welcome like,’ answered the man, beginning to walk away.
‘Why not?’ inquired Ravenscroft.
‘Denis, he not take too kindly to strangers. I’d have a care if you were ye,’ laughed the man, as he made his way back inside the inn.
They resumed their journey, and soon found themselves making their way up an old rutted track, which eventually ended in a yard full of a collection of dilapidated farm buildings. The two men alighted from the cab.
‘Where first sir?’ inquired Crabb looking around him at the half ruined buildings.
‘Let’s try in that one,’ suggested Ravenscroft indicating a large barn which lay in the centre of the complex.
Making their way across the muddy farm yard, the two men entered the building, which turned out to be a milking shed.
‘Mr. Troutbridge!’ called out Crabb.