‘You’re certain?’ the constable asked.
‘Yes. The dark brown fluid found in the stomach and jejunum – part of the small intestine between the duodenum and ileum…’ The constable nodded as he wrote furiously. ‘Constable Philby, there is no mistake. The pathologist’s report is quite clear – Mrs Bellamy was poisoned!’
Blowing out his cheeks, PC Philby raised his eyebrows. ‘Right then. Thank you, Dr Shepherd. I’d best be having a word with the husband now.’
The two left the study and as the policeman joined Prudence and Nathaniel in the parlour, Dr Shepherd left to go on his rounds.
Constable Philby felt the animus radiating from Prudence the moment he stepped into the parlour but chose to ignore it. ‘I need to speak with the staff next if you don’t mind, Mr Bellamy.’
‘Certainly, Constable, I’ll show you to the kitchen myself.’
Following the master of the house, the policeman settled into a chair by the table. Nathaniel left them to it.
‘I think I need to speak with you ladies separately,’ Philby said.
Bridget began to wail. ‘No, I ain’t moving away from Cook!’
Seeing the girl was clearly petrified, the constable relented. He felt he would gain more by interviewing them together.
‘Very well, tell me what you know about Mrs Bellamy’s illness.’
‘I’m Doreen Jellicoe, the cook, and I cooked all her meals. What’s going on?’
‘Mrs Bellamy died in suspicious circumstances, Mrs Jellicoe,’
‘Miss – I never married. Oh my God, you don’t think it was one of us surely?!’ Doreen was aghast.
‘I need to find that out, Miss,’ the PC said quietly.
‘How did she die then cos we all thought her lights just went out,’ Bridget said.
‘You are…?’
‘Bridget Swanson, the maid,’ she answered with a cheeky smile.
‘Well, Miss Swanson, she was poisoned.’
Both women’s hands flew to their chests in shock.
‘Now then,’ the constable began again.
Notes were taken meticulously throughout as the two women answered the policeman’s questions.
Bridget wondered if she should tell him about finding the small phial of liquid in Prudence Kenton’s drawer. Her mind weighed up her options as she listened to Doreen prattling on. If she divulged this information she would be taken to task for rifling through Prudence’s possessions and most likely dismissed from her post. Then she’d be out of work with no possibility of finding another job, for she would receive no reference from this household. On the other hand, if she held her tongue and that phial was found, could she be seen as complicit in the crime?
Lost in her thoughts, Bridget suddenly realised the talking had ceased and cook and copper were staring at her.
‘Was there something more, Miss Swanson?’ Philby asked.
‘I – there’s – oh blimey!’ Bridget’s hand shot to her mouth.
‘Bridget, if you know something you must tell me,’ the bobby said gently.
‘I found a bottle – of liquid – with a label on. I couldn’t read it so I ain’t sure what it was. Do you think it’s important?’ Bridget squirmed on her chair.
‘It could be. Where did you find it?’ The constable leaned forward and his pulse quickened. Could this be the lead in the case he was looking for?
‘In Miss Kenton’s drawer!’ Bridget blurted out. There she had said it but then she withered beneath the cook’s glare.
‘What were you doing in that one’s drawer?’ Doreen demanded to know.
‘I was cleaning and – I only took a quick look! I wanted to see her silk…’
‘That’s enough!’ Doreen boomed. ‘She ain’t going to be happy when she hears about this, I can tell you!’
‘Bridget, can you describe the bottle and the label?’ Philby asked trying to quell the cook’s outburst.
‘Give us that pencil,’ Bridget said. Slowly and very carefully she drew the letters she’d seen on the label. Passing the notebook back she nodded. ‘I’m sure before you ask.’
The policeman read what she’d written, then his mouth fell open in surprise.
Bridget led PC Philby back to the parlour and before they parted company he whispered, ‘Not a word, Bridget. This is police business now and I’ll get to the bottom of it, all right?’
The maid nodded and fled back to the sanctuary of the kitchen feeling contrite about going through Prudence’s things, but better for having told the police about it.
Striding across the spacious hallway and one sharp rap to the door Philby walked into the parlour.
‘Ah constable, please take a seat,’ Nathaniel said.
The waves of hostility hit the PC again as he looked at Prudence Kenton.
‘Was there something more?’ Nathaniel asked.
‘Yes, sir. I’d like to speak now with Miss Kenton.’ There was no ‘if you don’t mind’ this time.
‘Fair enough. I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be in the study.’ Nathaniel sighed. He was doing his best to aid the enquiries but he was being sorely tested being moved from pillar to post in his own house.
The constable nodded his thanks at the way Nathaniel Bellamy was bending over backwards to accommodate his questioning process.
‘Now then…’ he began.
‘What is all this about? I have work to attend to, Constable, and have no time to sit and chat!’ Prudence was instantly aggressive.
‘Miss Kenton, what work is it you do now that Miss…’ the PC checked his notes, ‘Cora is in boarding school?’
‘I – I’m the housekeeper now and in charge of the staff.’
‘I see, and how do you get along with them?’ Philby watched her closely as she answered looking for any signs of her lying.
‘I’m their boss, Constable, I don’t associate with them socially,’ Prudence sneered.
‘And Mr Bellamy?’
‘Mr Bellamy is my boss, and I answer only to him,’ Prudence said off-handedly.
‘What was your relationship with Mrs Bellamy?’ Philby probed.
‘I looked after her while the master was out at work.’ Prudence returned the policeman’s stare.
‘Now I understand Mrs Bellamy was taking medicine prescribed by Dr Shepherd, is that correct?’
Prudence nodded and Philby noted the colour drain from her face.
‘Who administered this medication?’
‘I did,’ Prudence’s voice croaked as she spoke.
Philby made a note of the fact. ‘I see.’
‘What? What do you see, Constable?’ Prudence’s question dared him to accuse her.
Ignoring her question, he went on. ‘Was anyone else in a position to give Mrs Bellamy her medicine?’
‘No. I was the only one, even Mr Bellamy left her care in my hands. Are you going to tell me what all this is about? If not, then we are finished for I must go about my work!’ Prudence was terrified of being found out so she really didn’t want to answer any more questions.
‘I need to speak with Mr Bellamy and I need you to accompany me.’ PC Philby got to his feet and strode to the door. Pulling it open he waited for Prudence to join him before both made their way to the study.
‘Mr Bellamy, I have cause to search this property so I’d be obliged if I could telephone the station for more officers.’ Turning to Prudence he added, ‘Please take a seat, Miss Kenton, until the others arrive. I will let you know when you may leave.’
Philby nodded as Prudence dropped into a chair then reached for the telephone with a thank you to Nathaniel.
It was some time later when another officer discovered the small phial of Belladonna in the draw of Prudence Kenton’s room during their search.
‘I can’t believe you went through her things,’ Doreen said over a cup of tea in the kitchen. Both she and Bridget knew the police were conducting a search of the house as an officer had informed them. Neither had anything to hide and Doreen had been
most insistent the constabulary left her room in the condition they found it – tidy.
‘I was just messing that’s all. I d’aint expect to find anything, and anyway it could have been her own medicine for all I knew!’ Bridget shot back.
‘Bloody hell, Bridget, you can’t go on like this, you’ve got to learn to read!’ Doreen excoriated.
‘I ain’t got the money for reading lessons! Besides I’ve got a good memory – I ’membered them letters for the copper, d’aint I?’ Bridget stuck her nose in the air.
‘Don’t you get all hoity-toity with me, my girl, you were lucky this time. Oh my sainted aunt, what’s going on now?’ Doreen strode to the hall to see what all the shouting was about. Bridget was close on her heels.
Both watched with open mouths as Prudence Kenton, handcuffs on her wrists, was led outside to the waiting black Mariah.
*
On the other side of town, the ‘three musketeers’ arrived at the corn mill excited to be seeing the Fitches again.
Joe banged on the door of the old cottage which was answered by Polly. Each gave her a hug before rushing inside to see Adam.
‘We’ll have to clear it with the others about you staying here but if they disagree then we’ll all move out and find somewhere else,’ Adam told them as Polly and May provided tea and a slice of bread and dripping.
It wasn’t long before Echo arrived back from scavenging around the market stalls. From his jacket he pulled two woollen sweaters for the girls who squealed their delight. He was then introduced to the new members of their group. Echo welcomed them warmly.
They were all chatting happily around the fire when the door flew open and Flash charged inside slamming the door shut behind him.
‘Phew! That was close – had the rozzers on my heels today. Hey – who’s this?’ Flash said as he registered the new faces.
Adam made the introductions ending with, ‘We were wondering if it would be all right for them to stay here with us. What do you reckon, Flash?’
The leader made a show of thinking it over. He knew it would be no use arguing as it would only cause ructions. So relenting, he agreed on the proviso the boys pulled their weight in helping to feed them all.
‘You have to be careful not to bring the coppers here an’ all,’ Flash remonstrated.
‘We ain’t soft!’ Rodney bristled.
Adam realised he would have to watch these two as both were used to being top dog.
‘Ar well, I was just saying,’ Flash answered before dropping into his chair.
Moments later Digit walked in. Throwing purses and wallets on the table, he nodded at the newcomers and settled into his armchair without speaking a word.
Matt and Joe exchanged a grin at the way the lad had greeted them, clearly nothing ruffled his feathers.
Echo and the girls giggled together as they placed the pelf in the box beneath the floorboards. Joe explained to the others how they had outwitted the teacher at the orphanage in order to escape.
After a meal of bread and cheese Flash allocated jobs to be undertaken later that day.
33
Ruth and Celia were happily enjoying sharing a bottle of gin and putting the world to rights. The few children in their care were meandering around the garden, the cold air nipping at their noses.
‘This place is going to the dogs,’ Ruth muttered whilst refilling their tumblers.
‘We still have some children though,’ Celia replied.
‘But for how long? Una seems hell bent on ruining us. No sooner kiddies are brought in than she sells them on.’ Ruth glanced through the window at the little ones who were now running around playing a game of ‘tag’.
‘I wonder where the others went when they took off,’ Celia mumbled.
‘I heard Una yelling at you for “mislaying” them.’ Ruth shook her head as she spoke.
‘Ooh, she frightens the life out of me,’ Celia said with a shiver.
‘The only one who stood up to her was that young Rodney.’ Ruth smiled at the memory of the boy facing up to Una Reed.
‘I do hope those children are all right,’ Celia said worriedly.
‘I think they will be fine. It’s my guess they’ve found Adam and Polly and the Johnsons and they’re all living together somewhere,’ Ruth nodded at the gin bottle on the small table.
Celia shook her head, ‘Best not, save it for later, eh?’
Ruth however was not about to wait another moment and topped up her own glass.
Eyeing the bottle Celia conceded as she proffered her glass, ‘Oh go on then!’
‘Celia, we can’t go on like this – we have to get out and soon!’ Ruth wailed.
‘How? I have little in the way of savings…’ Celia began.
‘I have a bit so maybe we could find a house to rent between us. I’m sure we would be able to secure work somewhere. What do you think?’
‘Count me in. Besides if Una catches us…’ Celia held up her half empty glass, ‘she’ll sack us. Maybe it’s better to leave now rather than wait to be dismissed.’
‘Right, time to write out our resignations.’ Ruth moved to her small bedside locker and drew out paper, ink and pen.
Each completed the task feeling excited trepidation, knowing whatever happened they would be free of Una Reed and her orphanage.
Placing the letters back in the drawer Ruth sighed with relief. ‘Whilst you teach afternoon class, I’m off out to find us a property to rent.’
‘To our new life,’ Celia said as she held up her drink.
‘Our new life,’ Ruth repeated and the clinked glasses sealed the deal.
*
Dilys Linton answered the front door mid-afternoon to a huge man.
‘I’d like a word with Miss Reed please,’ the giant said gently.
‘Best come in then.’ Dilys smiled before leading him to Una’s office. Knocking once, Dilys swung the door open and led the man into the room. ‘Bloke to see yer,’ she muttered then left closing the door behind her.
‘I wondered how long it would be before I saw you,’ Una said leaning back in her chair.
‘Hello Una. Expecting me, were you?’
‘Indeed, I recognised your handwriting on Adam Fitch’s letter. Billy Marshall as I live and breathe. Take a seat and tell me what I can do for you after all these years.’ Una was under no illusions; she knew why her old school friend was here. He had written to young Adam after teaching the boy to box. Now he had come to visit, but Billy was in for a nasty surprise. Una had no idea where Fitch or the other escapees were.
‘It’s nice to see you Una, you look well,’ Billy said as he settled his bulk onto an old upright chair.
‘As do you,’ Una replied subconsciously brushing a stray hair back into place.
‘So, you know I wrote to Adam Fitch,’ Billy began.
‘Yes, and that you taught him your trade,’ Una replied.
‘Don’t be angry, the lad had problems,’ Billy said feeling like a child again beneath Una’s glare.
‘I know and although I hate to admit it, his boxing lessons proved useful in defeating his foe.’
‘It wasn’t just that, Una, the lad was protecting his sister.’
‘And living here,’ Una spread her arms to encompass the room.
Billy nodded. ‘He’s had a rough time over his young years.’
‘No more than any of the others in the orphanage!’ Una’s words were sharp as if endeavouring to justify her own choice in life.
‘Those two kiddies are special,’ Billy went on.
‘How so?’ Una asked. She was intrigued and wanted to know more.
‘I knew their dad,’ Billy said quietly. For years he’d kept his counsel regarding this secret.
‘Billy—?’ Una was aghast at the sudden thought that he could possibly be the children’s father.
‘No, it’s not me, Una,’ Billy said as he shook his head.
‘Then you knew Mr Fitch, the man who brought them here to me?’ Una probed.<
br />
‘No.’
‘Billy, I think you should stop this cat and mouse game and explain,’ she said on an exasperated sigh.
Sitting quietly, she listened intently as Billy Marshall explained everything.
*
‘It’s getting harder to scavenge enough,’ Adam said as everyone sat eating their meagre meal of hard cheese and stale bread.
‘Then you’ll have to learn how to pinch stuff!’ Flash snapped.
‘We ain’t stealin’!’ Polly retorted.
‘Fair enough, but that means you won’t be eating!’ Flash responded with a shrug.
‘… Eating,’ Echo repeated.
‘We will have to find work,’ Matt put in.
‘Ha! Good luck with that.’ Flash laughed.
‘Look, there’s not enough food for all of us, so something has to change,’ Adam said.
‘You ain’t happy – you can always bugger off!’ Flash felt again his leadership being challenged and was not at all happy about it.
‘No!’ Echo shouted. ‘I don’t want Polly and May to leave. They’re my friends, Flash!’
‘I know, Echo, but it ain’t me who’s complaining, is it?’ Flash raised his eyebrows in question.
Echo began to pace the room wringing his hands in consternation. ‘Flash, please don’t chuck them out – please!’
Polly went to her friend and placed a hand on his arm, ‘Don’t worry, Echo, our Ad’ will sort summat out.’
‘Our Ad’ is not the leader here – I am!’ Flash was on his feet pulling Polly roughly away.
Adam was facing Flash in an instant. ‘You touch my sister again and I’ll knock you out!’
Flash stepped back remembering that Adam could box. ‘I think it’s time you lot left then.’
‘Noooo!’ Echo wailed throwing his arms out in front of Polly and May to prevent them leaving.
‘Echo, Flash is right, if we stay there’ll be trouble and I don’t want that,’ Adam said gently.
‘…that. I want to go with Polly and May,’ Echo said.
‘Well you can’t!’ Flash yelled.
‘He can so, if’n he wants to,’ Polly answered.
Suddenly there was furore as Flash’s hand smacked Polly across the face. Echo screamed, Polly cried and Adam made good on his promise and punched Flash squarely on the jaw.
The Five Shilling Children Page 20
