Arthur flopped on the sofa, kicking his legs out in front of him, crossing them, before tucking them in.

'Do take a seat, gentlemen. The round snuggle chair is particularly comfortable.  Joc gave it to me for my sixtieth birthday. Of course, it’s better sitting in it when you’ve got someone to snuggle with.  Joc and I have spent many hours in it together, watching Netflix. Joc was my first love at Cambridge, you know, as well as my first Juliet at Stratford.'

'You say was…'  Humphrey interjected.

'Yes, well sadly, neither of us are treading the professional boards any more, but Jocelyn is my best friend as well as my soulmate. In fact, these days, now dear Peter is no longer with us, we are everything to each other. Except for lovers, of course, Jocelyn has always preferred someone a bit more, you know, macho, in the bedroom department.'  Sergeant MacCorkingdale’s boots squeaked as he shifted his feet as Humphrey cleared his throat. Arthur's flamboyant monologue was beginning to irritate.

'Mr Boniface! I'm afraid to have to tell you that your neighbour, and friend, Mrs Robertshaw, was found dead in her bed this morning.' Sergeant MacCorkingdale sucked in an audible gulp of air.

'That's a bit brutal, Sir.'

'Dead!' Arthur surprised them both by countering Humphrey's statement with a laugh. 'Don't be so silly. She's been having you on, darling. Jocelyn can't possibly be dead. People like Jocelyn don't die! Don't be so ridiculous. She was drinking Pink Gin like a trooper yesterday evening. I know she's been out of sorts recently, but she can't be dead! There must be some mistake.'

The post An Insight into The Secret Lives of The Doyenne of Didsbrook first appeared on My Alter Ego and Me.