Page 211

Chapter 126

‘Whatdo you think, Poe?’ Estelle said.

‘About what?’

‘How privileged my childhood was. I didn’t ask to be born into the aristocracy but it would be disingenuous to pretend it didn’t help my career. University was guaranteed before exams were sat. Placements at teaching hospitals were agreed with my father’s favour in mind. And, while I excel in my field, I’m under no illusion my passion and talent were allowed to flourish only because any obstacles were flattened by my family’s perceived influence.’

‘You have nothing to apologise for, Estelle,’ Poe said. ‘And stop underselling yourself. You’re like Tilly – you have a once in a generation mind in your field. You’d be the top pathologist in the country regardless of your upbringing.’

Breakfast was over, the omelette was eaten.

Edgar, sensing he had a new mark, had sat by Doyle’s feet throughout the meal, staring at her plate like the grifter he was.

‘I grew up with gun dogs,’ she had told him. ‘You think you’re the first spaniel to try begging from me?’ She had speared the last bit of omelette with her fork, popped it into her mouth and said, ‘Yum.’

Edgar had whined and slouched over to Poe. He gave him an egg’s worth.

‘No wonder I’m always hungry,’ he complained.

They had eaten outside. The temperature wasn’t much above freezing but the low winter sun washed Shap Fell with a pale light and the view more than made up for the cold. Doyle was hunkered down in one of Poe’s old army coats. As promised, Victoria had opened the gates in their shared boundary wall and one of herborder collies had nipped at the heels of her flock until they were scattered around Herdwick Croft like snowballs on felt.

Doyle yawned. ‘I might have a nap, if that’s OK?’ she asked.

‘Take the bed,’ Poe replied. ‘I have some phone calls to make and then I’ll crash out on the sofa. If Beck is going to come, it’ll be during the night.’