by Jack Murray
His reflective mood was interrupted by a knock on the door. ‘Come in,’ he shouted. Lady Emily entered his room nearly causing Curtis to fall off his seat. He stood immediately and reached for his jacket. She shook her head and motioned for him to sit down. All of a sudden, his worries returned, he looked up at Lady Emily nervously.
‘Lady Emily, how can I help? Is there something you need?’
‘No, I wanted to talk to you.’
Unusually for Lady Emily, she seemed nervous to Curtis and, for once, unsure of herself. She walked hesitantly over to the desk and looked at the picture on the wall. After a few moments she looked at Curtis, who had remained standing, and said, ‘We never really spoke about what happened.’
Curtis nodded and looked at the picture also. The sense of sadness lay heavy with him as he looked at the picture on the wall. He forgot the worry he’d felt regarding his future at Cavendish Hall.
She continued looking at the picture and asked, ‘Do you hear from her?’
‘Yes, every Christmas,’ responded Curtis, ‘She sends me a card.’
‘Where is she now?
‘Near Lancaster. Lord Gresham’s estate. She’s still a governess,’ replied Curtis. Then in a faraway voice he added, ‘I never reply.’
Lady Emily seemed surprised by this and looked at Curtis, ‘You never forgave her?’
Curtis fought back tears said almost in a whisper, ‘I didn’t know how to.’
He looked at Lady Emily. She realized it was not that he was an unforgiving person; he genuinely seemed at a loss as to how to absolve her. Nothing in his life had prepared him for the pain of betrayal by someone he lived for. In that moment, Lady Emily understood how much hurt had been caused by her husband’s adultery and she felt ashamed. Looking at Curtis, Lady Emily wanted to say something to comfort him. With some dismay, she realized that she didn’t know how either. A life of unswerving certainty had not prepared her for the space between sympathy and disdain, right and wrong, fidelity and betrayal. Like him, she was lost in an emotional desert.
Finally, she said, almost to herself, ‘I forgave. At least he thought I forgave. There isn’t much choice if you’re a woman. A part of you expects him to stray. You hope it won’t happen. You hope when you have a family this will protect you,’ she laughed bitterly, ‘How naïve.’
Curtis nodded, and she looked at him. His face showed gratitude, so much so she had to look away before the remorse overcame her. Turning back to the picture she said, ‘I hope it’s not too late,’ then looking back at Curtis added, ‘I’m glad we talked.’
‘I also, Lady Emily.’
She took her leave. Curtis watched her leave the room before sitting down. He looked up at the picture. Without looking away he opened a drawer in his desk and took out a small sheet of paper. Taking a pen out of his pocket he began to write.
Chapter 31
28th December 1919: Whitehall, London
Chubby Chadderton put the phone down following his call with Kit. The documents he he’d requested were sitting on his desk. However, some pieces of the jigsaw were missing. He walked to the door and peeked out.
‘Miss Brooks, can you get me Spunky?’
‘Pardon me?’ said a confused Miss Brooks.
‘Can you get me Spunky?’ repeated Chubby somewhat chagrined.
Miss Brooks was beginning to look alarmed.
‘Spunky Stevens, Miss Brooks. At the S.I.S,’ said Cubby with exaggerated patience.
‘Oh, I’m sorry sir. Immediately.’
Chubby closed the door and shook his head. ‘I don’t know what gets into her sometimes.’ He returned to the desk and sat down to await the call from his yesterday evening’s drinking partner. The phone rang. Chubby picked it up immediately.
‘Hullo, is that you, old chap? Yes, I’m better now but let’s not go into last night. Another time. Look I need to see you pronto. Kit needs our help. Let’s meet at the Savoy, I’ll fill you in.’
-
Fifteen minutes later in the Savoy Grill, Chubby was seated with a strong coffee to hand. He thought it prudent to set the tone with Spunky otherwise matters could get out of hand, as they so often did, when they were together.
A few minutes later Aldric ‘Spunky’ Stevens arrived in the Grill. Dressed in a blue blazer and grey cavalry twill trousers, he was tall, with dark hair and a pencil slim moustache. He would have seemed nondescript were it not for the presence of an eye patch which gave him a faintly piratical look. An otherwise dashing appearance was offset by the monocle in his good eye.
With a cheery wave he said, ‘Hullo Chubby.’ By the time he’d reached Chubby all the diners were looking his way. This was not what Chubby had in mind when he’d suggested meeting away from their respective offices. For a supposedly secret service type, Spunky was one of the least secretive individuals Chubby had ever met.
‘C’mon, tell teacher what happened last night,’ said Spunky after warmly shaking Chubby’s hand.
Chubby laughed, ‘Well she was an interesting filly, I have to say.’
‘Really, sounds like you had a good gallop.’
‘Definitely a stayer once she was out of the stalls,’ replied Chubby conspiratorially.
‘How did she handle?’
‘Jumped all the fences, no refusals. For one awkward moment I thought the game was up when her husband was supposed to be on his way back.’
‘You exited stage left pronto, I’ll bet’ continued Spunky.
‘Did I ever? Anyway, I can’t understand what sort of woollen-headed blighter would let a filly like that loose in the paddock.’
Turning to more serious matters, Chubby gave his friend a brief synopsis on the latest happenings at Cavendish Hall and also what he had uncovered. He finished by saying, ‘So you see, Kit needs us to help him get his man off the hook.’
‘This is the same chap who carried him across Europe?’ asked Spunky.
‘One and, Spunky, one and,’ responded Chubby.
‘Well, anything I can do, old boy just say the word. Now, what do you need?’
‘Ah, now we get to the crux of the issue. I need your help on something which is a trifle unconventional’
‘By which you mean illegal,’ suggested Spunky.
‘Highly, old boy. Highly.’
Chubby then related what was required. Through all this Spunky nodded, noting the urgency of the task.
‘Soon as old boy, soon as. Man’s life depends on it,’ finished Chubby.
‘You’ll know one way or another within the hour.’
‘Excellent, I knew I could count on you.’
Spunky took a piece of notepaper from Chubby containing a scribbled address and went to make a phone call. He returned a few minutes later.
‘All sorted. I’ve asked them to come here with the intelligence. Now, let’s get something stronger to drink.’ He raised his finger to attract the attention of a waiter.
Chubby’s heart sank, he’d barely recovered from the previous hangover. Well, this one’s for Kit, he thought despairingly. A large gin was placed in front of him.
Chapter 32
28th December 1919: Cavendish Hall
Esther and Mary were back in their grandfather’s room. Mary had related all that had passed between her and Kit. When she’d finished Esther summed up what they were both thinking, ‘Let’s hope Harry is innocent.’ Mary remained glum, however.
‘I’m not sure it’ll guarantee I’m forgiven.’
‘Don’t be such a sour puss, Mary. Firstly, it’s not like you and secondly, I think you should trust Kit. Present company excepted, he’s the smartest person I’ve met. Well, Henry too, I suppose. Anyway, you take my point.’
Mary laughed at this.
‘Granted that’s not saying a great deal,’ acknowledged Esther, ‘I’m sure he’ll think of something to help Harry.’
‘I know, but you do realize what this would mean?’
‘No?’
‘If Harry didn’t send those
vile Christmas cards, who did? This person is still free. Who knows what they’ll do now grandpapa is,’ she couldn’t finish the sentence and her eyes filled with tears.
Esther held Mary’s hand. Both looked out the window. Outside they could see Henry walking with Jane towards the Edmunds cottage. Esther looked at her sister, ‘I’m happy for him. I can’t believe someone could change so quickly. He seems more like the old Henry.’
Mary smiled as she looked out the window. ‘I know. Kit guessed what was happening between them. I can’t believe he kept it such a secret. In fact, I can’t believe Curtis and all of them knew and said nothing.’
‘Yes, I was a bit surprised they kept quiet about Henry and Jane. Pleased also, I think.’
‘I know what you mean. Gosh when I saw Jane earlier in the kitchen, I was struck by how beautiful she is. I mean, I was aware but hadn’t thought of it like that. Then when I saw Henry and her, my goodness, where have the years gone?’
Esther laughed and then her eyes also began to sting with the tears that came from the memory of children in a library with Governess Curtis.
‘Are you thinking of the library; all of us together?’ asked Mary.
Esther couldn’t speak but just nodded.
Mary continued, ‘It was such a happy time. I wonder where she is now. Curtis never speaks of her. Of course, I don’t feel it’s something I have a right to ask about.’
They silently watched the two young adults walk all the way to the cottage, reflecting on a world always changing, moving this way and that like light rain caught in a breeze. As they gazed out of the window, there was a knock on the door.
‘Yes?’ responded Esther.
The door opened. It was Miss Buchan. ‘I’m sorry to bother you but Doctor Bright has just arrived. I took him to the drawing room.’
‘Thank you, Miss Buchan, we’ll be down presently.’
Miss Buchan withdrew. The sisters looked at one another. Both broke into grins.
‘Don’t just sit there, you ninny, what are you waiting for?’
-
In the garage, Strangerson and Devlin were drinking tea and smoking. When both had drained their cups, they climbed into the Austin.
‘Jolly kind of you to invite me for a spin,’ said Strangerson.
‘You’re welcome Mr Strangerson, I’d a feeling you fancied the idea of putting her through her paces. You’ve definitely driven before?’ asked Devlin with an apprehension he could not hide.
‘Yes of course, many times. Just not one of these chaps,’ said Strangerson patting the bonnet appreciatively.
Devlin gave some brief instructions on how to start and get going. A few minutes later they were driving out of the garage. The car sped along, Strangerson making sure not to go too fast. This settled Devlin down. His appraisal of Strangerson was of a man who enjoyed speed. In this he was not far wrong and by the time they reached the empty road Strangerson decided to let the Austin show him what she was capable of.
-
Kit sat alone in the library. He tried to read a book but put it down impatiently. Still feeling restless, he walked over to the window to get a better view of the driveway. Finally, he saw what he had been waiting for. Devlin and Strangerson were driving in the Cavendish car away from the Hall towards the village.
After they reached the open road, he looked back at the photograph on the wall. It had been there in front of him, and Cavendish, all this time, if he had only known. Another glance out of the window and he saw Devlin and Strangerson moving out of sight. He walked away from the desk and left the library to go upstairs. There were voices in the drawing room, but he did not stay to find out who was there.
-
Richard Bright sat in the drawing room. He felt unaccountably nervous. Just like a schoolboy, he supposed. This agitation had not left him since he had departed Cavendish Hall the previous day. Unable to sit still, he rose and went to the window. There was a slight drizzle making water droplets on the window. They trickled down the length of the window, distorting his view. Cavendish Hall had that effect on you, he realized.
He looked in the mirror. The old tweed suit was showing its age. It was time to invest in a new suit. This would be one of his first priorities when he finally returned to London. He heard a gentle knock at the door.
‘Come in.’
The door opened, and Esther glided in. Bright gave a small sigh of relief. They looked at one another before Esther smiled and said, ‘Is this a professional call, or do you have other reasons for visiting?’
Bright frowned, ‘Are you always so flirtatious with men you barely know?’
‘Yes. I’m afraid you’ll just have to get used to it,’ replied Esther before adding, ‘Alternatively you could find something to cure me.’
‘I have something in mind, Esther,’ replied Bright with exaggerated care, ‘Are you sure you want to undergo the treatment? It’s long term with some interesting side effects.’
‘Will you attend to it personally?’ asked Esther.
Bright nodded.
Esther walked forward towards him smiling, ‘Well Doctor, it looks like I’m in your hands now.’
-
Strangerson was having an absolute ball driving the Austin. Once they reached the open roads, he put the car through its paces reaching sixty miles per hour on an empty stretch of road. Devlin was relaxed about Strangerson driving at speed when the road was wide and empty but his instructions to slow down at corners were ignored or greeted with laughter. Strangerson was having too much fun.
After twenty minutes driving at speed through the Lincolnshire countryside, a thoroughly contented Strangerson and a terrified Devlin returned to the safety of Cavendish Hall.
Climbing out of the car, Strangerson passed judgment on the Austin as being the absolute pip. Devlin had been around Englishmen long enough to able to understand that this represented a high watermark of praise. He was relieved to be back in one piece, and even more relieved to learn Strangerson did not own a car. The man was a maniac behind the wheel and capable of creating carnage in a populous place like London.
Devlin walked through the kitchen without a word to anyone and made his way upstairs. At the top of the stairs, he met Kit. They nodded to one another and Kit put several pound notes into his hand. Devlin returned downstairs richer but with several years less on his life, he reflected ruefully.
-
Just after lunch, Inspector Stott arrived with Miller and Constable Coltrane. Kit met them at the door. He immediately led all of them into the library. Under Stott’s arm was an envelope and Kit looked at it, then Stott, with something close to hunger in his eyes. Stott handed him the report.
Kit read the report in silence. When he had finished, he said, ‘Constable, if you and Harry want to go downstairs and have some lunch, we’ll wait here. Harry, can you ask Elsie to send some sandwiches up for Inspector Stott, please? I’m sure he’s famished.’ Stott nodded: he had a very agreeable recollection of the food at Cavendish Hall and was already looking forward to what Elsie could provide.
After Harry and Coltrane had left, Kit updated Stott on what he had learned as well as what other information he was waiting to receive. A few minutes later Elsie appeared with a tray of sandwiches for the voracious Inspector. Stott listened intently while he ate. Kit outlined his plan for the afternoon and what Stott’s role would be.
The sandwiches were polished off with remarkable alacrity by Stott. On Kit’s instruction the Inspector made some phone calls to the Metropolitan Police in London. Almost as soon as he had made these calls, the phone rang. At the other end of the line was a well-oiled Chubby.
‘Chubby,’ exclaimed Kit, ‘What news?’
Chubby was still at the Savoy, and a long lunch with Spunky was taking its toll. ‘I have to say, old boy,’ said Chubby, ‘I hope you close this case soon, I’m not sure my liver can handle it.’
‘Still with Spunky then?’
Chubby glanced over at the gentleman in quest
ion who raised his glass in response. ‘Yes,’ replied Chubby, ‘He sends his regards.’
‘Have you anything to report?’ asked Kit
‘You were right, Kit. All present and correct.’
‘I thought so. I’m with Inspector Stott. He’s the one, if you remember, holding Harry. At my request he made some calls to the Metropolitan Police. I imagine they’ll soon be at the scene.’
‘Not a problem, I gather Spunky’s team has been and gone, so to speak,’ added Chubby.
Kit breathed a sigh of relief, ‘I’m glad to hear it. Last thing we need is for them to meet up with our friends from the police. Pass on my thanks to Spunky. I owe him.’
‘Will do old boy. Case closed, then?’
‘Almost. I’ll let you know what happens. Take it easy on the gin. Spunky isn’t always the best influence in these matters.’
‘This is true but suffer I shall for such a noble cause. Pass on my thoughts to Esther and Mary.’
‘I shall, bye Chubby and thanks again.’ Kit hung up. The Inspector looked at Kit shrewdly.
‘I suspect I don’t need to know all the details of your call.’
Kit laughed and regarded the stout policeman with a smile. ‘I think not.’ Then getting up from the desk, he walked towards the door and said, ‘Time to assemble everyone.’
Chapter 33
Kit walked into the corridor just as Bright and Esther were leaving the drawing room. They were holding hands. Both were startled when they saw Kit. A broad grin broke out on Kit’s face and he said, ‘I’m glad to see one or both of you have seen sense.’
Esther looked up at Bright and smiled, ‘I’m not a mind reader.’
Bright laughed, ‘That is something men have never been very good at. Especially me.’ Then looked serious for a moment, ‘After what we all went through, I decided that I’d never sit back or be a bystander on my own life. You don’t know what the future may hold.’
