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a foolish mistake. The lady in question could not even hold a candle to you, Araminta. I’ve forgotten all about her.”
    “Who was she?”
    “I can’t even remember her name,” he lied. “The past is dead and buried. It’s foolish to dwell on it. Especially when we have so many things to look forward to. You’ll love Egypt. It’s so full of magic and mystery.”
    She smiled. “And there was I, thinking it would be the Isle of Wight.”
    “Only the best is good enough for my wife.” He was about to kiss her again when there was a tap on the door. He eased her away and turned around. “Come in!”
    The door opened and a steward brought in a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket. Setting it down, he stepped out to collect some champagne glasses from his trolley. Nigel Wilmshurst took them from him and sent the steward on his way with a tip. After locking the door behind him, Nigel uncorked the bottle with aflourish and poured out the champagne. He offered a glass to his wife then clinked it with his own.
    “As I told you,” he reminded her. “The honeymoon begins here!”
    When he had finished his official duties, Brian Kilhendry went off to find his deputy so they could compare notes. They were still discussing the arrangements for the captain’s table that evening when the visitors arrived. Genevieve Masefield came first, introducing herself to both men and gaining admiring glances from each of them. Once the niceties had been disposed of, she turned to confront the purser.
    “I gather that you don’t have a great deal of confidence in us, Mr. Kilhendry.”
    “That’s not exactly my position,” he replied.
    “Then what is?”
    “You and Mr. Dillman will only be duplicating what Martin and I can do.”
    “Many hands make light work,” said Grandage. “I’m all in favor of that.”
    “As long as we don’t get in each other’s way,” added Kilhendry. “Our stewards act as our eyes and ears, you see. They are our intelligence network. If we’re not careful, we’ll have too many detectives and not enough villains.”
    Genevieve shrugged. “Isn’t that a good thing? Prevention is always better than the cure. If the villains realize they’re outnumbered, they may think twice.”
    “It doesn’t work that way, Miss Masefield.”
    “Then how
does
it work, Mr. Kilhendry?” she pressed.
    Before the purser could answer, Dillman appeared, having delayed his arrival so that he would not be seen with his partner. After a few brief exchanges, Kilhendry took the opportunity to slip out and leave them alone with his deputy. Grandage held achair so that Genevieve could sit down. Dillman took the other chair in the office.
    “Before we start,” said Grandage, taking some papers from the desk, “I was told to give these to you, Miss Masefield. Mr. Dillman already has a set.”
    “The passenger lists?” she asked, taking them from him.
    “And a diagram of the ship until you get your bearings.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Grandage.”
    “Look,” said Grandage with a warm smile, “I know that Brian—Mr. Kilhendry—asked you to report to me, but I don’t want to restrict you in any way. I’m only too delighted to have you both aboard. I know what you did for Cunard. As far as I’m concerned, you have a completely free hand.”
    “That’s encouraging to hear,” said Dillman.
    “Yes,” Genevieve agreed. “We don’t want anyone looking over our shoulder all the time. It would only inhibit us.”
    “I can understand that,” said Grandage. “Just come to me if you need any help.”
    “We will,” said Dillman. “I went on a quick tour of the ship while everyone else was on deck. It seemed the best time to explore the nooks and crannies.”
    “Unfortunately, you were not the only person who thought that.”
    “I don’t follow.”
    “We’ve had our first theft, Mr. Dillman.”
    “Already?”
    “The thief knew when to strike. He got away with some money and jewelry.”
    “Where was the