The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

December 6, 1926

Kenward awaits Archie at Styles. He introduces Superintendent Charles Goddard, Kenward’s corollary from a nearby county, who will share leadership of the case. Archie hopes this new man will like him more than Kenward does. Kenward has an “interesting development,” and Archie briefly worries that Kenward has learned of his affair with Nancy. He’s surprised when Kenward reveals that Agatha has written to Archie’s brother, as Agatha and Campbell Christie do not have a regular correspondence. Kenward doesn’t appear to know about Agatha’s letter to Archie but finds it odd that she would write to Campbell and then, in turn, that Campbell would reach out to Peg, not to Archie directly. Archie brushes this off, saying he and Campbell speak less frequently than do Campbell and Peg. Campbell reported that Agatha referenced visiting a health spa, but he disposed of the letter itself. The envelope, however, shows a postmark from Saturday morning, the first day of Agatha’s disappearance. It was sent from London. Archie frames this as good news that indicates Agatha was alive and well after her disappearance. Goddard counters that someone else could have posted the letter. Archie finds Goddard’s manner softer and ruminates that while he believes Kenward thinks Archie murdered Agatha, Goddard appears to believe she is still alive.