The Venetian Venture Read Free Page A

get his leg over. Not that he had wanted to. No fear! Jane Ponsonby-Slimhad been noted for her girth, her piety and her ear-splitting bellow. She was still on the circuit and to be avoided at all costs … He returned his attention to the speaker.
    ‘You see,’ Bodger had lisped earnestly, ‘as I was saying, the book belonged to my great-uncle, rather a fine scholar, and I am most eager to retrieve it from Venice and have it permanently on display here. The British Museum has shown an interest and a man called Stanley is being most cooperative – sending out some young woman to see what she can do. But you know what girls are like, they lack staying power.’ (Huh! Not Jane Ponsonby-Slim, thought Edward.) ‘And since reinforcements never come amiss, and since you know Venice and are about to go there I thought you too could do a little research. As said, it doesn’t hurt to have more than one person on the trail. Naturally your time would be well remunerated, successful or otherwise. And of course should you by chance find the thing and bring it back I should be
most
grateful!’
    How grateful? Edward had wondered. ‘Well,’ he said slowly, ‘I daresay I could manage—’
    ‘And naturally
were
that to happen I think a bonus would be in order don’t you?’ The man put a hand on Edward’s lapel and ran a plump and questing finger down the edge and lightly touched the hip pocket. ‘I think I recognise the cut of your jib – Titchbold & Tomkins isn’t it? Very wise if I may say. A good-looking young man like you ought always to invest in decent suits. Tell you what, get hold of the book and send the bill for the next one to me. Mind you, I should want to see you in it of course!’ He had given a sly chuckle and proceeded to jot down details of where the search should begin.
     
    Thus, in a reflective mood, Edward ordered another gin and tonic and contemplated his trip to Venice. Like thousands of others he had to admit to liking the city, and of course it was very handy Lucia having a tolerable flat near the centre. At least the measly husband had been useful in that respect!
    Nevertheless whenever he went there he was conscious of the fact that he was merely the kid brother reliant on his sister’s benevolence – charity really. It would be pleasant to have his own place or indeed to afford one of the better hotels: a fortnight in the Gritti would be acceptable. Ah well, one day perhaps … meanwhile at least something had come his way via this Bodger fellow. Fee and expenses had sounded pretty good (certainly enough to cover the T & T bill), and who knew, if he really could lay hands on the book a superlative suit could be his. (And oh yes he would make sure it was top notch all right. Nothing less than the finest stitching for Edward Jones!) He smiled at the prospect. The chap had been right: good features did indeed deserve the proper accoutrements. And after all, quite apart from being a source for classy tailoring the contact might just turn out to be of some long-term benefit – boring old ponce.
    And thus it was that in a mood of muted optimism Edward Jones set out for Venice and his fate.

CHAPTER THREE
    The advent of Felix and Cedric to the Palazzo Reiss had been marked by confusion, noise and rain; conditions which made Felix feel weak and his companion angry.
    ‘I understood,’ complained Cedric icily, ‘that your cousin’s residence was blessed by a private landing stage. Why the boatman chose to drop us off at this distance I cannot imagine.’ He gave another heave to his suitcase and stubbed his toe on a cobble.
    ‘Didn’t you hear what he said?’ Felix snapped, oppressed by the rain and piqued by the implied criticism. ‘He said the landing stage was broken and won’t be repaired for at least twenty-four hours. Apparently they are working on it now.’ The claim was endorsed by a nearby hammering. ‘He told me quite clearly and in good English. You evidently weren’t