Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death (The Grantchester Mysteries)

his unsettling visit to the doctor Sidney was at his desk. On it he had placed the figurine of a little girl feeding chickens that Hildegard Staunton had given him: with Mädchen füttert Hühner inscribed below. He found it curiously consoling and would sometimes break from his work to think about what she might be doing or imagine what advice she might give him. He took out the letter she had written, thanking him for all that he had done, telling him that he would always be welcome in Germany. He only had to ask, and he could arrive at any time.
    ‘You know that whatever happens in the world,’ she had written, ‘I will always remember your kindness and be grateful. You know that I am here.’
    Sidney put down Hildegard’s letter and tried to concentrate. He was trying to work without disturbance before the arrival of Mrs Maguire with her dusting, her conversation and his lunch. Monday was always shepherd’s pie and Sidney was almost looking forward to its simple consoling pleasure when another visitor interrupted him.
    It was one of his parishioners, Mrs Agatha Redmond, a farmer’s wife, who often helped out with the floral decoration of the church. A smile played across her ruddy cheeks. ‘It’s a fine morning, Canon Chambers, is it not?’ she began. ‘Nice to see sunshine after the snow.’
    Sidney noticed that Mrs Redmond was holding a black Labrador puppy. Already he began to suspect that something was up. ‘Is it about the flower rota?’ he asked.
    ‘Oh no. It’s nothing of the sort.’
    ‘Then would you like to come in?’
    Agatha Redmond hesitated and then looked down at the puppy. ‘Isn’t he lovely?’
    ‘Yes,’ Sidney answered uncertainly. ‘I am sure he is. A fine specimen.’
    ‘I’m glad you think so.’
    ‘I do,’ Sidney continued as surely as he could. He had never been that keen on dogs. ‘Indeed I do.’
    ‘Then I’m so pleased,’ Mrs Redmond continued. ‘Because Miss Kendall asked me to give him to you. Isn’t he gorgeous? He’s only eight weeks old.’
    ‘I didn’t know you knew Miss Kendall?’
    ‘She met my husband on a train. Then she telephoned.’
    ‘It’s very odd that she didn’t say anything about it.’
    ‘She wanted it to be a surprise.’
    ‘Well, it’s certainly that, Mrs Redmond. Perhaps I am to keep him for her until she comes to collect him?’
    ‘Oh no, Canon Chambers. I don’t think you understand. This dog is for you. He’s a present.’
    For a moment Sidney could not quite take in what was being said to him. ‘But why?’
    ‘Miss Kendall thought you were rather down in the dumps. She said that you needed cheering up. There’s nothing like a Lab for company, and the black are better for conversation I find.’
    Sidney was astounded. He could not understand how Amanda could have done such a thing. Why of all things in the world would he have need of a dog? It was hard enough looking after himself.
    ‘But I’ve no idea how to . . .’
    Mrs Redmond interrupted. ‘I’ve brought a booklet with instructions and there’s a basket for him in the car. The important thing is to get him house-trained as soon as possible. When he’s older, of course, you can take him on your visits. He’ll be very popular.’
    ‘I dare say . . .’
    ‘Shall we set up a space in the kitchen? By the back door, I think. I’ll need some newspaper.’ Mrs Redmond picked up a copy of the Church Times . She was quite unstoppable. ‘This will do.’
    Sidney gave himself one last chance, ‘But I knew nothing about this. I haven’t the foggiest idea how to look after a dog.’
    ‘You’ll soon get used to him. Try looking at the vicarage from the puppy’s point of view. You’ll get a whole new perspective on things, Canon Chambers, a dog’s eye view of life. I find it so very consoling. After a while, you’ll wonder how you ever did without him.’
    Mrs Redmond put the Labrador down on the floor and the puppy made a last-ditch bid for freedom. ‘Steady now, Archie . . .’
    ‘He’s called Archie?’
    ‘You can change the name, of course. But you need to decide soon so he can get used to your commands.’
    ‘I don’t think I’ve given a command since the Army . . .’
    ‘Well, perhaps it’s time you resumed, Canon Chambers? There are only five to remember: “come”, “sit”, “stay”, “heel” and “lie down”. You need to be clear and consistent. Then you can add words such as “basket”. Talking of which I must go and fetch it