When rumors are heard in St. Mary Mead, most likely they came from Martha Price Ridley. She has such a vicious tongue of gossip that many avoid her. She has no concern for whom she might offend. Her residence is just west of the Vicarage, and near the area called the Development. This rich and dictatorial widow was sure that Colonel Bantry was involved in the murder of a young woman found in his library. Upon hearing the news, she went around the corner to the Vicarage to tell of the horrible business to Mr. Clement, the middle-aged vicar.