We left Maudie in July having tripped upon a stone, herself down and her washing tumbled on the grass where she'd spilled it. Young Contable Wicket was hopping off his cycle and giving her a hand up. After helping her right herself, he gave her a slight pat on the arm and a winning smile, and she said to herself, "I shall marry that one."

Constable, says Maudie, There's something I want to ask you about.

Yes? asked Contable Wicket

Lord Elroy, they say, is in Paris for the summer, correct? The washing that came from the manor... in it was one of his shirts, all covered in blood!

Constable Wicket's face showed surprise and horror.
Wisht, woman,what are you saying? He must have been near when they gutted a deer.

Oh, no, it's not deer blood! It smells different - and believe me, I am well acquainted with various human smells. Furthermore, Constable, it was barely dry, that blood, and the Lord is supposed to have left a week ago!

Hmmm, says the Constable, This may bear some looking into. Thank you for reporting, it Maudie- now go on and don't worry about it any more. I'll contact you if I have more questions. He gave her a whisper of a kiss on the cheek and ducked his head shyly.

So they parted, The Contable's thoughts disturbed and his blood racing, and Maudie with a lighter heart and a slightly elevated pulse.