Chapter 6 #2
I called for a driver, then went to the parlor. I hoped to meet with Sir Anderson-Fitch, the lawyer who had employed Thomas Ellsworth. Sir Laughton, my lawyer, who was acquainted with Sir Anderson-Fitch, was to send a message to the office on the Strand when the meeting had been arranged.
As I waited for the coachman to arrive, I opened my notebook and wrote down what I had discovered in that telegram—the initial of the person it was intended for along with the initial of the person with whom a meeting had been arranged, along with the name of a hotel in Brussels and that date that meeting was apparently supposed to take place.
It had been written in what was known as ‘High-German,’ a more proper version of the German language than found in rail stations and on the streets.
That told me something as well.
I went to the office on the Strand. Before I left for my meeting with Sir Anderson-Fitch, I wanted Mr. Cavendish to make inquiries among those he knew who worked for the City of London transportation services. Specifically, the night Thomas Ellsworth was murdered.
From past inquiry cases, I was aware there would be a record of locations served, along with the names of the drivers who had taken the routes and locations.
Even though the robbery and murder had taken place over a month earlier, the information might be helpful. Then, after my meeting with Sir Anderson-Fitch, I needed to call on Lady Ellsworth to let her know the progress that I had made.
Mr. Cavendish greeted me upon my arrival. “And you have the lad with you as well.”
The furry beggar.
“Don’t let him fool you,” I cautioned. “He has been well fed.”
“I thought he might be putting on a bit of weight. Next ye know he’ll be applyin’ for his union card and making other demands.”
The hound padded past and entered the alcove. He emerged with a bone and promptly set to gnawing on it.
I explained the information I was after. Mr. Cavendish nodded.
“Mr. Jarvis may be able to assist with that,” he replied. “He’s been known to pick up an odd fare now and then. With the name Ellsworth, he might have heard something.”
Mr. Jarvis was a regular driver about the Strand and adjacent parts of London that included the courts, the Tower, and St. James’s, where there were several men’s clubs. He had been most helpful in the past.
“What of Mr. Brodie?” Mr. Cavendish inquired.
That remained to be seen. I had sensed a frustration with the work he’d been given. Yet I also knew that he would not walk away from the responsibility. It was not who he was.
“I shall continue here with our inquiries for now. I’m expecting a message from Sir Laughton.”
He nodded. “This was delivered earlier by courier.” He handed me an envelope.
Thomas Ellsworth’s employer had agreed to meet with me this morning. I glanced down at the watch pinned on my shirtwaist.
There was just enough time to go up to the office, make my notes, then depart for Sir Anderson-Fitch’s office.
I went up to the office to make recent notes, few as there were at present, before departing.
“Wot of the hound, miss?” Mr. Cavendish inquired when I returned for a cab to take me to my meeting with Thomas Ellsworth’s employer.
That might be a bit difficult to explain to Sir Anderson-Fitch.
Rupert had returned and now sat at my feet. As a cabman arrived, he trotted across the sidewalk and waited expectantly. Not the first time, I was certain he understood everything we were saying.
“No need,” I assured him. “My meeting is at the law offices and early in the day. And I hardly think he is suitably attired for an appearance near the Royal Courts.”
Sir Anderson-Fitch’s office was at the Inns of the Court, spanning Chancery Lane and Fleet Street, and very near the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.
The ‘inns,’ as they were called, were four imposing four-story sandstone buildings with inner courtyards, gardens, and chapels.
The Inn of the Chancery, where his office was located, was smaller than the others and provided schools and lodges for junior clerks connected to the major inns. It was here that Thomas Ellsworth had taken the law and studied.
I had not been here before. Yet Sir Laughton had provided instructions for navigating the labyrinthian buildings, hallways, and offices.
The cabman stopped before a side entrance, and I stepped down. In spite of four floors of offices, two libraries, and rooms for students who stayed over, I was able to find Sir Anderson-Fitch’s office in a timely manner.
I announced that I was there for my meeting, then glanced about the well-appointed office as his assistant went to inform Sir Anderson-Fitch that I had arrived.
He promptly returned and escorted me into the private office of Sir Thomas’s employer.
Sir Anderson-Fitch stood and greeted me as I entered the office.
“Lady Forsythe. I must say that I was somewhat taken aback at your request to meet. However, Sir Laughton is a long-time friend, and let us simply say that it was not a request that I was inclined to refuse.
“Please, do sit. Obviously, you are not here in need of a lawyer when you have the assistance of one of the most esteemed, if somewhat ruthless, lawyers in England. What is it then that brings you here?”
Sir Anderson-Fitch was of medium height with neatly trimmed side whiskers in the fashion of the day for most men. Not unpleasant in his appearance, he was dressed as one might expect of an attorney who represented clients such as the Ellsworth family. He watched me intently.
I had no way of knowing if anything had been said about Lady Ellsworth acquiring my services, nor how it might be received when I explained. Yet, I was hopeful Sir Anderson-Fitch might be able to provide some insight into that last night when Thomas Ellsworth had been tragically murdered.
“Lady Ellsworth is an acquaintance of my great-aunt, Lady Antonia Montgomery. Through their friendship, Lady Ellsworth is aware of inquiries we have made in the past on the part of others, including the Prince of Wales.”
He nodded. “Yes, I am familiar with the particular incident you have mentioned. Most fortunate that it was resolved without harm to His Highness or his family. Yet I do not believe you are here on his behalf. I would have been made aware.”
I then explained that Lady Ellsworth had recently made a visit to my great-aunt in the matter of the death of her grandson.
“Such a tragic situation,” he replied. “He was associated with my office, but then you would know that, considering the reason you are here.”
“She is most determined to see the party responsible found and made to stand trial for the murder,” I explained.
He nodded. “As would I, Lady Forsythe. Thomas Ellsworth was a fine young man and I had hoped...”
“Yes?”
“I had hoped that he might become a permanent member of my firm when he completed his internship. He had a fine mind for the law, exceedingly clever, and had overcome...some difficulties to become the young man I was pleased to bring to my profession.”
His voice softened as he looked away for a moment, and in that moment, I thought it might be more than the loss of an associate in his firm. That gaze returned as he seemed to have composed himself.
“You must forgive me, Lady Forsythe. His death was a dreadful shock. I still find myself trying to hand off a case file to him or to find him in the adjacent office. I do miss him.”