The Regency Detective

by David Lassman

  Catherine continued talking for another hour or so, outlining the way in which her school was run, giving specific examples of the curriculum, and eventually concluding with an invitation for all those in the room to take it upon themselves to re-educate themselves as women and to throw off the burden of knowledge that had been foisted on them by men. On concluding her speech, Catherine then received the most rapturous applause Mary had ever heard.

  After the lecture, Catherine remained at the lectern for questions. Mostly they were about women’s education but one regarded marriage. It was asked by one of Mary’s travelling companions.

  ‘Do you think a woman can remain true to herself if she is married?’

  Catherine smiled.

  ‘Yes, if the husband is away on business all the time.’

  There was more laughter around the room.

  ‘Seriously, however, I wholeheartedly believe that the responsibility lies solely with the woman herself, to ensure in her own mind the man she plans to marry will not stand in the way of her continuing personal development; whether this is through reading of particular books or the pursuit of suitable creative and artistic activities. If she believes he will, then she only has herself to blame when he does.’

  ‘But what if the woman has to marry, say for money?’ The question came from another member of the audience.

  ‘My dear, I hope no one in this room is ever put into that situation. The road of matrimony for financial reasons is surely the road to the spirit’s dissolution. I truly believe it is better for a woman to live a financial impoverished existence, rather than a spiritual one.’

  Another round applause was forthcoming and this lasted until Harriet stepped forward and said: ‘We will have one final question.’

  The person sitting next to Mary raised her hand. ‘May I ask if you are married? And if so, does your husband have any single male relatives?’

  Once the laughter from the room ceased, Catherine answered.

  ‘No, I am not married,’ she said, without regret in her tone.

  Harriet then brought the evening to a close. There had been several questions Mary wanted to ask, but she did not yet have the courage of her convictions to ask them. Nevertheless, the evening had proved most enlightening and her spirit felt lifted from the trials of the last period of time.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Swann stood next to the dining room table in Great Pulteney Street and studied the map spread out across its surface. He had purchased it from a bookseller’s shop, located nearby in Argyle Street, earlier in the day and on returning from his evening meeting with George and Bridges at the Fountain Inn, had unfurled it to its full extent, weighting it down at each corner with four vases he had requisitioned from various parts of the house. The map was a detailed one of Bath and from the date on its top-right corner, it could be seen to have been published that very year.

  Through the conversation he had not long finished with George and Bridge’s contact, Swann had decided not to return to London but remain here, at least for the time being. He had acquired the map of Bath before making this decision, having done so with the intention of studying it purely for his own interest, but he now looked at it with more purpose. Now he had made his decision to stay in the city he wanted to become acquainted with every inch of its layout, especially the Avon Street district. This particular area still lacked comprehensive details in places on the map, the cartographers no doubt not wanting to risk their lives for the sake of completion, but there were enough features and landmarks included to give him the foundation upon which to build his geographical knowledge of the locale.

  He had brought the map out immediately on his return from the meeting at The Fountain Inn and was still studying it when Mary returned home from her aunt’s gathering. Ordinarily she would have instinctively screamed on entering the dining room to find a ‘stranger’ there, especially such a rough-looking one as this, but on her arrival, Emily had warned Mary about her brother’s disguise, which in his haste to survey the map, he had not taken the trouble to remove.

  ‘Jack, I hope you apologised most profusely to Emily for scaring her earlier. How could you have been so thoughtless?’

  Swann mumbled a response but continued surveying the city.

  ‘Jack, Jack! What are you doing? And could you not at least have changed out of those ragged-looking clothes.’

  ‘Look Mary, it was here. I am sure of it,’ he said, pointing to a particular place on the map.

  ‘Sure of what, Jack?’ she replied.

  ‘Where I saw him, it was only for a moment but I am sure he had a scar down his right cheek and when our paths crossed, I felt as if I had been punched in the stomach.’

  ‘What are you talking about? Who punched you?’

  ‘One of the men I have been searching for all these years.’

  ‘Why have you been searching for him? You are not making any sense Jack. I do not understand?’

  Swann turned and looked intently at his sister.

  ‘A man I saw on the street in Bath today was the accomplice of the man who murdered my father.’

  ‘How can you be certain it was him?’

  ‘I cannot,’ replied Swann. ‘But I have always relied on my instinct and it now tells me it is the same man who my father scarred with a poker that night, which is the reason, you will be delighted to hear, I have decided to stay on in Bath, at least for the time being.’

  ‘That is most coincidental,’ replied Mary wistfully, ‘as I have considered what you proposed on your first day here and I believe it would be appropriate if I moved to London with you.’

  ‘What has changed your mind?’ said a surprised Swann. ‘Is it Lockhart, has something happened between you two?’

  ‘No. It is merely that Bath perhaps becomes tiresome if one does not partake of its social activities and London offers more opportunities for the expansion of the mind in the arts and other worthwhile subjects. As for Edmund, he can visit me in London, as he is often there on business. I do believe we are also less likely to have our windows smashed there, despite the bleak picture you painted of it.’

  ‘I am thrilled to hear this, my dear sister, though for the time being I hope you understand that I must stay in Bath. I have to at least make an attempt to find the man I saw: I owe it to my father. I have been searching for these men since I was old enough to be able to do so and I will not stop until both of them have either been justly punished through being hanged or else I learn they are both dead.’

  On witnessing Swann’s determined expression, Mary decided in that moment she would adhere to her brother’s wishes and stay with him in Bath for as long as he wanted to be here.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Later that night, after Swann and his sister had finished their conversation, they retired to their respective bedrooms, but neither of them with the slightest intention of sleeping straight away. Mary, on entering her room, had taken a writing board and placed it upon her lap as she sat up in bed.

  She had two pieces of correspondence she wanted to complete. One, she felt, was through obligation, the other through sheer rapture. The former was a reply to a letter of condolence which had been sent from one of her mother’s friends. The two women had grown up in Bath, had moved away after marrying and then both had returned to their home city on their husband’s retirement. There the similarities ended. While Mrs Austen had given birth to a relatively large family, Mary was her mother’s only foray into the act of childbirth.

  The Austen family were away from Bath at the present time but on hearing the sad news, Mrs Austen had written post-haste. In the letter she relayed how she felt as if she had to put pen to paper to convey her sadness as to the loss of a dear friend. She also expressed that on the family’s return she would dearly like to pay a visit in order to offer her condolences in person and, if Mary was agreeable to it, would bring her daughter, Jane.

  Mary thanked Mrs Austen for her thoughtfulness and agreed it would be most
welcome for her and Jane to visit after they had returned, whenever that may be.

  She finished the first letter and then turned to the second, which she felt a growing excitement to write. She took a new sheet of paper and began.

  Thursday 20th October, 1803

  Dearest Aunt Harriet

  I write this letter to you late at night, still exhilarated following the evening’s talk. I never knew anyone of our gender could speak with such elegance, fluidity and clarity of mind and express thoughts that I realise I have had all my life but never dared express them to myself, let alone share them in public.

  In regard to our brief conversation after the talk and the mentioning of my brother’s proposal I should accompany him back to London, I have news regarding your suggestion I do this and become your ‘eyes and ears’ there. Jack was still awake on my return and whereas before he was adamant of returning to London as soon as possible, he has now decided to stay on in Bath for the foreseeable future.

  The move to London has therefore been postponed for the time being and I shall await your instruction as to how I can best be of assistance to the cause here in Bath.

  Your most appreciative niece

  Mary Gardiner

  Meanwhile, Swann had retired to his bedroom to complete his journal.

  Swann sat in the wooden chair, beside the table he had especially brought up to the bedroom from downstairs for the very purpose and opened his journal. He paused for a moment to compose his thoughts, which had been racing all evening and were still doing so, and then began to record the dramatic news he had learnt earlier that evening. The words flowed out of him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Bath, Thursday 20th October, 1803

  It is hard to believe that it was only yesterday that I recorded in this very journal my incredulity at the series of events which had occurred since my arrival in Bath, and yet those of today have surpassed even them.

  The Malone I have been searching for all these years is indeed not dead, at least not by the hand of Wicks. The man who was murdered earlier this week is, in fact, Thomas Malone, who I know now from Rosie to have been the twin brother of the man I seek, which is why the description I had of him initially matched that of the other man.

  Thomas Malone did, indeed, leave Ireland for England in 1787, apparently having fallen foul of the Rightboys, a secret reformist organisation who sought to bring about certain changes to Irish society through whatever means necessary, to which this particular Malone had refused to join. His brother, Sean, the man I seek, however, had already left Ireland four years earlier. This was 1783, the year my father was murdered, which means Malone had not been long in the country when he committed the crime. Whether Thomas Malone came straight to Bath or initially went to London to join his brother there, I believe, is now irrelevant.

  As to the present whereabouts of Sean Malone, I do not know. He could still be in London, although with the connection between the Malone family and Bath established, coupled with the sighting of the Scarred Man, the man I have decided to call Malone’s accomplice, I have decided my search must remain in this city until such time as it takes me elsewhere.

  I do hear Mary’s words echoing in my mind though regarding the Scarred Man. ‘Are you sure it was him?’ But I know it was. I could not bring forth evidence in a court of law to support my case, but I know it to be true. The only ‘evidence’ I can go on is my instinct and this tells me it was him. I felt his presence as he passed me on the street, as surely as if it was Malone himself, and the same way I felt at the fair, when I was sixteen, and believed I was in the presence of Malone.

  The mixed emotions I have experienced today have left my mind in turmoil. I began the day supposing Malone to be alive, only then to believe midway through that he was, in fact, dead by another’s hand. I now realise these latter emotions to have been unfounded, yet nevertheless they have proved to be most revelatory. When I thought my quest at an end, but not through my own labours, I did not feel justice had been served. This has led me to realise that I will not be satisfied unless I administer the final blow to end Malone’s life myself, in the way he did to end my father’s, and see him die before my own eyes.

  My thoughts return to the Scarred Man. If I am sure that it was him, then what is he doing in the city and does he know the where-abouts of the man I seek? I cannot believe it is mere coincidence that he is here and so I feel I will only find out the truth by questioning him to find out what he knows of Malone.

  At the same time as continuing the search for Malone, through the Scarred Man, I will attempt to diminish Wicks’ criminal activities in the city and also endeavour to discover Lockhart’s secret, for I know he has one. Finally, I will do all in my power to protect Mary from what I see as her aunt’s dangerous influence.

  I aim to visit Fitzpatrick tomorrow and inform him of my decision to stay and take the opportunity to ask him if he can acquire rooms from where I can conduct my investigations, as I do not want a repetition of last evening and the broken window. Given my decision to stay on in the city, I will also attempt to acquire the services of George and Bridges.

  I do not know what the coming period has in store for me, but I relish it and will rise to any challenge that may befall me. Meantime, however, it is now time for bed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  The art of deceitfulness came easy to Richard J. Kirby. From a very early age he realised one could literally get away with murder through knowing the ‘right’ people. He had become a magistrate for his own gain after his arrival in Bath, and it had not taken long to form his ‘understanding’ with Thomas Malone. He had acquired all the trappings that went with being a successful ‘businessman’, including an office in the King’s Circus, membership of several exclusive men’s clubs and all the other perks that came with his connection to Malone. But loyalty, for Kirby, only lasted as long as the situation was agreeable to him, and on learning from an associate in London that Malone’s time controlling Bath was coming to an end, he had switched allegiance to the man rumoured to be his successor: Wicks.

  Kirby was about to leave for the next court session in the Guildhall when Wicks appeared at the door to his chambers.

  ‘What are you doing here? I told you never to be seen at my chambers.’

  ‘You better watch your attitude, Kirby,’ growled Wicks, ‘I own this city and I own you, and don’t ever forget it.’

  Kirby realised it was not the time or place to argue, so he capitulated.

  ‘So to what do I owe this pleasure?’

  ‘I’ve come to give you some good news. The scheme involving Bristol worked well and our associates in London are pleased. They have given their permission for it to run as often as we think necessary. You can also use your man again.’

  ‘Good,’ said Kirby. ‘I’ll let him know.’ He picked up a file and said, ‘I heard about Evans.’

  ‘Yes,’ replied Wicks, ‘he won’t be troubling us any more. Have you been given charge of the investigation?’

  ‘No, Fitzpatrick has been but I will convince him I should take over. I assume it was Tyler who killed Evans?’

  ‘It doesn’t matter who it was, just make sure the murder remains unsolved.’

  ‘There is bound to be outrage over his death, most likely from the Chronicle, as Evans had some standing in the city, but you can count on me,’ assured Kirby.

  Wicks nodded his approval and his manner relaxed slightly.

  ‘I have a new girl, you’ll like her,’ said Wicks. ‘She’s just your type.’

  Kirby smiled licentiously. ‘I’ll pay a visit tonight, then. So when are we to run the scheme again?’

  ‘I’ll let you know. But this could be worth a lot of money. Are you sure you can trust your man?’

  ‘Absolutely. Lockhart is also the one meeting that trouble-maker, as you wanted.’

  ‘Does he know the real reason for the meeting?’ enquired Wicks.

  ‘No. I merely convinced him it would be a go
od idea. He is interested in the troublemaker’s sister but he mentioned that there has been a misunderstanding between them. I advised him to arrange the meeting to clear it up.’

  ‘What exactly is he going to tell him?’ asked Wicks, slightly concerned.

  ‘Nothing approximating the truth, that is for certain,’ replied Kirby.

  Both men laughed.

  ‘Right, I am due in session in five minutes.’

  The two men then left, each in their own way considering how they could get rid of the other once they had outlived their usefulness.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Swann went out of the main door of the house in Great Pulteney Street, the house he would now be staying on in for as long as it took to track down the Scarred Man, and began his journey to Queen Square. He was on his way to Fitzpatrick’s office to tell the magistrate of his decision to stay longer in Bath, one he knew Fitzpatrick would be happy to hear, especially as Swann intended to offer his services while he was carrying on his own investigation. The air was fresh and it was a glorious autumn morning as he passed Argyle Street and then crossed Pulteney Bridge into the city centre.