Chapter 11 #3
‘Well, the remaining two robbery victims still need to be questioned about Jane and Maisie,’ Arabella stated, ‘but it’s very much looking as though both Mrs Thomas and Mrs Pettigrew at least are acquainted with the names Eliza and Fanny.’
‘Do we think they know what happened to them?’ Bernice questioned. ‘And if they do, are they keeping the information to themselves out of fear…?’
‘… or because they’re part of the whole sordid operation?’ Charlotte finished.
‘I think Mrs Thomas was afraid,’ Bella confirmed. ‘And so was Sally. I don’t know if they are actually involved in the conspiracy, but I’d wager they’re keeping quiet about these girls out of fear.’
‘And we now have another name. John Thorpe,’ Benedict mused. ‘Where he fits in the operation, we have no idea, but he needs investigating.’ He turned to Billy. ‘Do you think your mother would speak to me about Thorpe?’
Billy shook his head decisively. ‘She ain’t goin’ to talk to no peeler, but I reckon she’d speak to Miss Charlotte as long as she ain’t at work.’ Ben nodded, having suspected as much.
‘Your theory that Margaret Finch organised the robberies alone is beginning to look more and more likely, Henry,’ he continued.
‘Clearly Miss Finch did not know what had happened to Fanny and was concerned – possibly after developing an affection for the girl. The fact that she addressed a letter to John Thorpe is a strong indication that he has some standing within the… whatever it is. However, we don’t know if she actually sent the letter. ’
‘So, do we think it possible that Margaret Finch masterminded the four robberies to amass enough money to investigate what had happened to Fanny?’ Beatrix looked doubtful.
‘She may have wanted to ensure she could buy her back.’ Alex suggested grimly.
‘It’s a bit of a coincidence that she chose the same four households to rob,’ Bernice commented.
‘She might have chosen the victims precisely because all four missing girls had been registered at those addresses,’ Florence suddenly announced. ‘Perhaps she considered it a kind of justice.’
‘But if that’s the case, she must have had help in each house,’ Charlotte frowned. ‘Could it have been one of the guests? John Thorpe is unlikely for obvious reasons, but were there any others at every soiree?’ She turned to Rhys, who looked down at the notes on his lap.
‘There was one other who attended three of the four,’ he answered at length. ‘Evelena Lovelace. The only soiree she didn’t attend was Lavinia Pettigrew’s.’
‘I remember,’ Arabella interjected. ‘It was strange because that was the only one of the four soirees her husband attended. He left early supposedly to return home to her. According to Mrs Pettigrew, she had a nasty cold.’
‘I think a visit to Mr and Mrs Lovelace wouldn’t go amiss,’ Benedict concluded, ‘and as you say, we need to ask the two remaining robbery victims about Jane and Maisie.’ He looked round.
‘It’s getting late. The driver of my hansom cab said he would not wait beyond ten p.m., which allows me fifteen minutes to take my leave. ’
‘You are staying in Torquay?’ Rhys questioned him. ‘You know you are welcome to stay here at Simla.’
‘That’s very kind of you,’ Ben responded, ‘but I think it prudent to keep a little distance.’
‘Charles Drayton,’ Charlotte said through gritted teeth.
‘The very same,’ Ben agreed with a faint smile. ‘I will endeavour to pay a visit to the other two robbery victims as well as Mr and Mrs Lovelace tomorrow. Would you consider attending with me, Arabella?’
Bella started at the mention of her name, then inevitably coloured up as she nodded. ‘Do we have their addresses?’ She asked a little breathlessly.
‘Feel free to take our carriage,’ Rhys offered. ‘I intend to remain at home to write letters of enquiry concerning our friend John Thorpe.’
‘Thank you, my lord,’ Ben acknowledged. ‘Naturally it would be unseemly for us to be alone in the carriage in between appointments…’ He paused, giving an awkward cough.
‘I’ll come,’ Beatrix grated in the tone of someone who’d just agreed to have their eyeballs removed with a spoon.
Ben nodded his thanks. ‘Perhaps it would be best if I meet you,’ he suggested. ‘The other two houses are on Waldon Hill, so the new Pier would be a good location. Would nine a.m. be acceptable?’
Arabella nodded, ignoring Beatrix’s groan. ‘We’ll be there.’
‘I’ll visit Cumpers Hotel,’ Henry declared ‘It would be useful to see this unpleasant individual for myself, and there may be an opportunity to find out a little more about him.’
There was a short silence, finally broken by Charlotte who, as usual did not mince words.
‘I believe you need an additional day for the swelling to go down on your nose, Henry. At the moment, allowing you out in public is most certainly not advisable since its current prominence is likely to remain at the forefront of even the most unobservant individual. In short, the large protuberance currently in the middle of your face is not conducive to an undercover operation.’
The subsequent silence was deathly as everyone held their breath. Only Charlotte herself seemed unaware of it, as she blithely went on, ‘Henry will spend the day recovering and I will take afternoon tea at Cumpers Hotel, along with Alexandra and Bernice.’
By the time she finally stopped speaking, Henry appeared to have lost the power of speech, though the vein throbbing in his neck together with his mouth opening and closing like a fish gave a good indication that he wasn’t entirely happy.
And he wasn’t the only one. Beatrix had a mutinous expression, nearly as bad on learning that her twin was going for afternoon tea. At this point, suppressing a sudden grin, Ben decided a swift exit was wise…
‘I assume there’s no need for me to remind you to be on your guard?
’ he quizzed the room in general, ‘since you already know that John Thorpe might well prove to be a very dangerous man…’ He waited for the nods of acknowledgement before continuing out into the hall where Mrs Dobbin was waiting with his coat.
Whether it was by accident or design, Arabella was the only person who followed him out, and she hovered awkwardly while the housekeeper helped him with his coat. Moments later, Mrs Dobbin discreetly withdrew.
‘Have I told you have very impressed I have been with your investigative skills… Arabella?’ he murmured, stepping closer to her.
‘I come from a family of meddlers,’ she answered with a faint smile.
They stared at each other for a moment, until finally, hesitantly, Ben lifted his hand and brushed a wayward tendril of hair from her face.
Her indrawn breath at the touch of his fingers shot straight down to his cock, and it was Benedict’s turn to suppress what was almost a groan.
Dear God, if she should happen to look down…
Fortunately, at that moment, the doorbell rang, abruptly breaking the spell.
Stepping backwards, Ben hurriedly buttoned his coat.
‘Until tomorrow… Arabella,’ he whispered gruffly, bending his head.
He was gone before she could respond, the slam of the door ringing in her ears.