Old Lanscombe, the butler at Enderby Hall, sadly shakes his head as he thinks about his kind

employer, Mr. Richard Abernethie, who passed away very suddenly at the age of sixty-eight.
Soon they would be coming back from his funeral. He was ill, the family doctor thought that he
would live for another two years. But the Master had never recovered from his son's death, six
months before. Mortimer Abernethie's death was a huge shock because he was such a strong
and healthy young man.
Mr Richard was twenty-four when his father, Cornelius, died, and he had gone straight into the
family business. and ran it successfully . He was like a father to his younger brothers and
sisters. Now Leo, Laura, Geraldine, and Gordon were dead, only Timothy and Cora were left.
At first Lanscombe hadn't recognized Cora when she arrived before the funeral. Because It had
been twenty-five years since they met. And also She had grown so fat - and was dressed in a
loose black dress with too many black necklaces.
As family members arrive for the funeral, Mr. Entwhistle, the family lawyer, observes them and
reflects on their relationships.
He notes Leo's widow, Helen, as a charming woman who hadn't remarried after her husband's
death.
George Crossfield, Laura's son and a lawyer, raises suspicions with his appearance.
Mr. Entwhistle also looks at Rosamund, Geraldine's daughter, a beautiful but silly actress
married to the self-aware Michael Shane.
And Susan, Gordon's daughter with her new husband, Gregory Banks, a pharmacist's assistant,
draw attention for their unconventional match.

Maude, Timothy's wife, appears sensible and always good wife to Timothy, who had been an
invalid for many years. But Mr Entwhistle suspected that Timothy only imagined that he was ill,
that he was a hypochondriac, in fact.
Then he looked next at Cora. Her mother had died giving birth to her. She was an awkward girl,
always saying the wrong thing. She met Pierre who was half French, at art school, ran away
and married him. They spent most of their married life in seaside towns that other painters
seemed to live in, as well. Pierre had died twelve years ago.
CHAPTER TWO:
Mr. Entwhistle, the family lawyer, talks about Mr. Richard Abernethie's will. Cora interrupts,
asking if she's left anything, showing her unique personality. But Mr. Entwhistle ifnored her and
explains that after Mortimer's death, Mr. Richard changed his will to get to know his relatives
better.

The will divides Mr. Richard's belongings into six equal parts. Physical assets go to Timothy,
George, Susan, and Rosamund, while the rest is invested, providing income for Helen and Cora.
After that Helen expresses regret for not realizing Mr. Richard's impending death. Cora then
suggests that Mr. Richard was murdered, leaving the family in shock.
CHAPTER THREE:

Mr. Entwhistle reflects on Cora's startling statement, wondering if there's truth in her words.
The family dismisses Cora's claim, thinking it's due to her usual innocence. Mr. Entwhistle
recalls Cora's phrases like 'I did think from what he said' and 'His death was so sudden,'
pondering about Mr. Richard's last moments.
On the train back to London, Gregory Banks criticizes Cora's sanity. Meanwhile, the family
members consider the potential benefits of Mr. Richard's death. Rosamund playfully suggests
that a murder in the family could be entertaining. The narrative shifts to various characters'
thoughts, revealing hidden motives and desires.
Maude Abernethie contemplates the financial relief after Mr. Richard's death, while Helen
senses something amiss in the family's reactions. The chapter ends with a mysterious lady in
black at a cafe, enjoying cakes and looking forward to the future.