Dead in the Water Read Online Free

comprehend the sapphire’s significance.
    Casting a derisive glance at Dottie, still deep in discussion with Cherry, he said, “You’re engaged too, Miss Dalrymple?” At least he didn’t sound insultingly surprised.
    â€œTo a policeman,” Daisy informed him.
    â€œTo a … ! But I thought … . That is, isn’t Lord Dalrymple your brother?”
    â€œNo,” she said baldly, awaiting his reaction with interest.
    â€œOh, don’t tell me you’re just another of these bally would-be intellectual women, are you?”
    â€œI’m a writer.”
    â€œHeaven help us! Where did I get the idea you were the Hon. Gervaise’s sister?”
    â€œI was.”
    â€œWhat? Was? I say, he didn’t buy it, did he?”
    â€œYes.” Daisy paused to allow some expression of regret, in vain. “But you can’t have known him. You were only a little boy.” And a very spoilt one, she suspected.
    At her dismissive tone, DeLancey flushed. “Cedric—my brother—knew him in France and used to talk about him
when he came home on leave. But Ceddie was invalided out before the end, so I didn’t hear … . He’s staying at Crowswood Place for the Regatta.”
    â€œHe’s keen on rowing, too?”
    â€œNot particularly, nothing more than messing about in a punt or a skiff on the Isis. But it’s quite a social occasion, after all. I say, he and I and some others are going dancing at Phyllis Court Club this evening. Would you like to come?”
    â€œNo, thanks,” said Daisy. A pity, for though she wasn’t keen on dancing, it was just the sort of do she ought to write about. But nothing could induce her to go out for the evening with DeLancey.
    Rollo broke in. “You’re not going either, DeLancey. Our Thames Cup heat’s first tomorrow. No larking about tonight for anyone. And I want the four in the boat in quarter of an hour to practise a few starts. Tell the others, will you?”
    â€œOh, I wouldn’t care to break up such a charming tête-à-tete .” the stroke said sarcastically.
    â€œI’ll tell Cherry,” said Daisy, standing up, “and I’ll take a cup of tea to Aunt Cynthia, since it doesn’t look as if she’s going to turn up.”
    As she approached the pair by the balustrade, she heard Dottie say vehemently, “And in the ninth place …”
    â€œMy apologies for nipping your ninth point in the bud,” Daisy interrupted with a chuckle, “but your captain calls, Cherry. A practise for the four in fifteen minutes.”
    â€œI’m on my way.” He dropped a kiss on Dottie’s cheek. “Don’t lose track of number nine, darling. You may persuade me yet.”
    Looking after him, Dottie said affectionately, “The oaf would have conceded by now if I wasn’t a year behind him. I’ll
say this for him, he doesn’t refuse to take my arguments seriously just because I’m a woman.”
    â€œHe wouldn’t dare, would he?” Daisy observed. “What with his mother being a don.”
    Dottie laughed. “True. He’s been properly brought up. Blast, my tea is stone-cold and I’ve barely had a sip. I hope there’s some left.”
    They returned together to the tea-table. Daisy hunted in vain for a biscuit, a slice of cake, or even a sandwich to take to her aunt. Every last crumb had vanished.
    â€œAnd what’s more, guzzling now won’t spoil their appetites for dinner,” said Tish, presiding over the ruins. “Here’s a cup of tea for Mother, Daisy. She’ll have to make do. Oh, by the way, no fun-fair today, I’m afraid, as they’re taking the four out now.”
    â€œNever mind. I’d as soon wait for Alec. As for going dancing with that beast DeLancey—catch me! Do you know his brother?”
    â€œLord DeLancey? No, I’ve never met him, but I know he’s