The Sign of the Gallows

by Susanna Calkins

  ‘I see. Coded messages to hide military and state secrets make sense. I’ve never heard of them being used by tradesmen, or just between individuals for merrymaking.’ Duncan fell silent, apparently thinking. ‘Would they usually use a messenger or pass the message directly?’

  ‘That I don’t know,’ Lucy replied. ‘I think there is usually someone who plays the role of messenger. At least when they are sending these ciphers as games.’ Had Adam ever sent anyone such cryptic messages? Perhaps in those more carefree days before the plague and Great Fire had torn their worlds apart. ‘They told me that they were determined to solve the puzzle, although it might not be possible without the key. However, Master Hargrave was going to reach out to a scholar of mathematics that he knows from Cambridge and ask if he might be able to decipher the message.’

  ‘I see. That would be helpful.’ From the stiffness of his reply, Lucy could tell that he hated to ask the Hargraves for such assistance.

  She touched his sleeve. ‘Duncan, there is a jeweller on the Strand who might be able to answer some questions about the ring. Who crafted it, who might have bought it – that sort of thing.’

  ‘That is a good idea,’ Duncan replied. ‘When would you be able to visit the jeweller? Are you free now, perchance?’

  Looking up at the sun, Lucy tried to determine the time. ‘Is it about two o’clock? I have another hour or two of selling to do before Master Aubrey might expect my return.’ She glanced at her dress, which was looking rather worn. ‘However, I’m thinking that I might change my dress before we go.’

  ‘You look sprightly enough to me.’

  ‘I should look better for a trip to the jeweller’s, to ensure he takes me well,’ Lucy said, before continuing. ‘If you can retrieve the ring from the jail, you can meet me over on the Strand in about thirty minutes. I’ll be in front of the Red Lion. With any luck, I can sell a few pieces from my pack to offer Master Aubrey as some fruitful proof of my labours.’

  ‘Pardon me, sir,’ Lucy called a short while later to the costermonger, whose handcart full of old cabbages, carrots and other withered-looking vegetables was blocking her path. This time of year, fresh vegetables and other produce were getting scarce, even though the new greenhouses had started to help ensure that people had something other than root vegetables. ‘I should very much like to get around your cart.’

  The vegetable man scowled at her. ‘Well, you’re a pert miss,’ he said. ‘Can’t you see my wheel is broken?’

  Looking down, she could see that the wheel had indeed cracked in half, making it likely unmovable. Right now, she’d have to squeeze between two stands, and the cart looked well lodged into place. The man was still trying to pick up some of the vegetables that had dropped on to the ground, brushing the dirt off one by one and placing them back into the cart. She was just helping the man tug the handcart to the side of the path when Duncan’s voice came booming behind her. ‘Mind the way! Constable’s business,’ he called. ‘Move this cart along.’

  Although he growled a muffled oath, the vegetable seller nevertheless moved his cart out of the way with great difficulty.

  ‘You brought the ring?’ Lucy asked the constable. ‘Let us be quick, then.’

  They walked quickly, not speaking. Duncan appeared to be lost in thought. Finally, he spoke up. ‘Lucy, there is something I have been wanting to ask you, and now seems to be as good a time as any.’

  ‘What is it?’

  Duncan hesitated again. ‘Had you known that Adam had planned to return?’

  Has he been writing to you? Lucy could almost hear the underlying doubt in his question. She swallowed. ‘He hadn’t told me, no. I do know that his father was most satisfied to see him returned, hale and in good spirits.’

  ‘In good spirits,’ Duncan repeated, guiding Lucy gently around some steaming manure. ‘Do you know why he returned?’ Then, before she could answer, he added more questions. ‘Is he planning to stay? I thought he was assisting with the development of a new law code in the colonies. Could they be done with that already?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Lucy replied, suddenly desperate to change the subject. ‘There’s the jeweller’s shop, just ahead.’

  To her surprise, Duncan handed Lucy the ring as they reached the shop. ‘I think it would be better if the questions came from you, rather than me. It is not uncommon for people to distrust men of the law like myself, even when they have nothing to hide. I will just play the role of your protector, and let you do the talking.’

  ‘As you say,’ Lucy said, passing into the shop.

  A quick glance around revealed the shop to be empty of customers, which Lucy was grateful to note. She thought it would be harder to ask about the ring if others were about. The walls were lined with wooden cabinets with glass doors, behind which displays of sparkling bracelets, rings, earrings and hairpieces could be seen. No cheap jewellery for the masses – this is what bankers, lawyers and merchants might buy their wives and daughters.

  For a moment, Lucy stood in awe by one gorgeous display. Gold posy rings were laid carefully upon red velvet. Above the rings were even more fantastic items. Rings with sculptures of tiny houses and figures set on top or inlaid into the circlet. Elaborate pendants depicting tiny marble statues akin to what the Greeks and Romans had created in a bygone era. Beautifully crafted elephants and camels and parrots carved into brooches, inlaid with rubies, amethysts and other precious gems. ‘How marvellous,’ Lucy said, reaching out to gently touch one of the rings.

  ‘No touching!’ a man barked from the corner, causing her to flinch and drop her offending hand.

  Beside her, Duncan stiffened, though he did not say anything, as the man stepped towards them, staring down at them in a menacing way. He looked as if he could knock the constable down in one blow. Obviously, he was there to protect the merchandise and jeweller from thieves and harm.

  Looking around, Lucy spied a man with greying brown hair standing at a table in the corner, appearing to be fixing the clasp on a bracelet. Smoothing down her dress, she approached the jeweller, glad that she had bothered to change into one of her finer Sunday dresses. She did not wish to look as if she’d been sent by her mistress to make inquiries, but rather that she was there of her own accord. ‘Pardon me, sir,’ she said.

  ‘Yes, miss?’ the jeweller asked, his eyes flitting between her and Duncan, before returning to Lucy. ‘Do you wish to purchase a pendant? Or something for your hair? I can see that you are of a simple nature.’

  ‘What? Oh no,’ she said, quickly pulling the ring from her pocket, laying it in front of him on the table. ‘We do have a question about this piece. I was wondering if you might be able to tell us anything about it. Who made it? Who might have bought it?’

  The jeweller glanced at Lucy speculatively before picking up a brass flea glass off the table and holding it over the ring to examine it more closely. ‘Intriguing,’ he said, studying the inscription and peering at the ring’s two faces. Then, after a few minutes, he set the ring and flea glass down, and gave Lucy a questioning look. ‘First, I need you to tell me how it came into your possession.’ He frowned at the constable. ‘Did you give it to her?’

  ‘The lady found it,’ Duncan said, gesturing to Lucy. ‘We’d like to learn more about where it came from.’

  ‘Found it?’ the man in the corner scoffed. ‘That’s a tale we’ve not heard.’

  ‘I didn’t steal it,’ Lucy protested, feeling mortified as an image of Sid rose in her thoughts, as she’d seen him earlier, his head and hands locked inside the pillory, being pelted with rotten vegetables. How he’d laugh if he’d known that she’d be accused of theft herself just a short while after she’d advised him to change his ways. Her cheeks burned a bit. ‘I didn’t.’

  The jeweller held up his hands. ‘That’s not what I was suggesting, although, of course, I will not engage in the trade of stolen goods. Rather, I simply meant that this is not a ring that I would want my own daughter, who is likely around your age,
to give or receive.’

  ‘Why do you say that?’ Lucy asked, exchanging a glance with Duncan.

  ‘I suspect that this memento mori was created to remind the wearer that life is fleeting. That one moment you are full of life and rosy-cheeked like this cherub’ – he tapped the cherub’s face, before turning it over to expose the skull – ‘while the next moment you are dead. There is nothing between that moment of life and death. Not very cheery, of course, but there you have it.’

  ‘That’s what Adam said,’ Lucy murmured to Duncan.

  ‘Moreover, I’ve seen these memento mori worn by individuals who are seeking to warn others that they should not be trifled with,’ the jeweller added. ‘They serve as a type of warning to those around them. As a gift, I could see it meant to be viewed as a reminder of the imminence of death, or perhaps even as a warning.’ The jeweller continued to stare at the ring. ‘I must say,’ he said, ‘these dual faces are very unusual. Most often, you see just a skull. Like these.’

  He pointed to a collection of jewellery in one of the cloth-covered trays. Lucy and Duncan leaned in, examining the intricate pieces crafted from silver and gold, depicting skulls or entire skeletons in coffins. ‘This contrast seems more thoughtful,’ he said, still studying the piece. ‘Perhaps it was specially commissioned by the patron. Or the artist simply designed the piece this way.’

  ‘Do you know who crafted this ring?’ Lucy asked.

  ‘I’m not familiar with the specific artisan, no. However, I’ve seen similar work in the Netherlands and other parts of the Continent.’

  Lucy glanced at Duncan. They probably had all the answers they could get out of the jeweller. ‘I need to be heading back,’ she whispered. ‘Thank you, sir.’

  As they turned to go, the jeweller stood up. ‘I’d spare a few coins to purchase this ring from you, as the quality of the craftsmanship is quite good, but I fear that it would bring ill upon my shop. A piece like this can be troublesome to have around.’

  ‘Why is that?’ Duncan asked.

  ‘There are some who consider such objects to be unnatural, magicked, cursed. I do not believe such foolish nonsense myself, but I do know that is why some jewellery merchants will not carry such objects, nor will they even trade with those who do.’ He coughed. ‘Do you happen to have the other one?’

  ‘Other one?’ Lucy asked. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Such rings are usually sold in pairs,’ the jeweller replied.

  ‘There was no other ring, as far as I know,’ Lucy said thoughtfully, as she allowed Duncan to lead her out of the shop and back on to the busy street. A sudden gale blew and caused Lucy to hug her cloak more closely to her body. ‘Why was he wearing that ring?’ she asked, hating being thwarted. ‘I just want some answers.’

  ‘I know,’ he replied. ‘I want answers, too. At the same time, there’s something disturbing about this ring. Do you not feel it, Lucy?’

  ‘I do not believe the ring to be a magicked object, but I imagine that others might.’ When she picked up her pace, Duncan easily matched her stride. ‘All of this is very strange indeed. A man hanged by someone else at the crossroads. A secret message in his pocket. A ring warning about death. What can we make of it all?’ She sighed. ‘Perhaps when we decipher the message, we’ll get the answers we seek.’

  SEVEN

  ‘I’ve read your piece, Lucy,’ Master Aubrey said later that evening, wiping up the last bit of beef and carrot stew with some hard bread. ‘Have you learned anything about the man’s identity?’

  ‘What man?’ Will asked, draining his cup of ale before peering into the pot to see if anything was left. Her brother had grown so much taller than her these last few years and was far wider in girth and muscle. His work as a blacksmith was long and hard, and sometimes it seemed as if his appetite was never sated.

  Lach snickered. ‘Lucy found another dead body – hasn’t your sister told you about it yet?’

  Will smacked his hand to his forehead. ‘Oh, Lucy. Tell me you’ve not got yourself involved in another odd tale.’

  ‘I haven’t had a chance to tell you,’ Lucy said, beginning to stack the shallow tin plates. Once again, she was left completing some of Lach’s evening tasks. Why she’d allowed this to happen, she didn’t know. Especially when the apprentice would gloat and point to crumbs she had missed when wiping down the table. ‘Indeed, I witnessed something quite strange the other day when I was out peddling my tracts. Perhaps if you did not spend so much time with your lady love, you would not be the last to know now.’ She cuffed her brother lightly on the ear.

  Will stretched, grinning widely. ‘That is so. I can hardly tell my Lina to stop being so enticing, now, can I?’

  Lucy was about to retort when they heard a sharp rapping at the shop door. Master Aubrey pointed at Lach. ‘Tell them we’re closed.’

  A moment later, Lucy heard a surprised greeting from Lach and a familiar voice. Adam appeared inside the shop, his hat in his hand.

  Will stood up and heartily clapped Adam on his back. ‘Good evening, friend! When did you arrive back in London? I did not know of your return.’ Here he threw Lucy a meaningful look. ‘I fear my sister told me nothing of it.’

  ‘Don’t blame Lucy, Will,’ Adam replied. ‘She knew naught of my return.’

  ‘What brings you here this evening, young Master Hargrave?’ Master Aubrey said. ‘We’re honoured to see you twice in two days. That in itself is quite unusual to be sure, particularly since I believe you have yet to buy any of my more recent pieces.’

  Adam bowed his head, acknowledging his words. ‘I will most certainly do so,’ he said. ‘Right now, I have a matter to discuss with Lucy.’

  ‘Oh,’ Lucy replied, stepping back. Master Aubrey grunted, and Lach guffawed. They all looked at each other as Adam drew Lucy aside.

  ‘My father has invited the mathematician Neville Wallace to dine with us tomorrow night. When my father mentioned the cipher to him, he was easily enticed.’ He paused. ‘Lucy, we’d like you to join us.’

  Will and Master Aubrey both swivelled to stare at her, while Lach let out a surprised whoop.

  ‘What?’ Lucy asked, swallowing. She could feel a faint flush creep over her neck. How could she attend the supper as their guest? Such an invitation was unexpected to say the least.

  ‘To serve the family’s dinner?’ Master Aubrey asked. ‘Is Annie unwell? Or Cook?’

  Adam straightened up even more. ‘No, sir. My father and I are inviting Lucy to join us for supper. As our guest. We would like her to meet Professor Wallace and his wife. He may have some answers for us about that message that was found, and I wanted – I mean, my father and I wanted – Lucy to be on hand for the discussion. She might have some questions that neither Father nor I might think to ask.’

  Her heart began to flutter, causing her to miss what Will said to Adam next. Although she’d eaten with the Hargraves before, she’d never been invited as a guest when other visitors would be present. Adam’s next words brought her back.

  ‘I can promise you, Lucy, Mrs Wallace is quite kind. To be sure, Professor Wallace would spend the evening discussing the latest treatise on mathematics if left unchecked, but he may be able to provide us with valuable information about that cipher.’

  ‘Everything about that man’s death does seem to hinge on us deciphering that message,’ Lucy agreed. ‘Also’ – she grinned – ‘I do miss Cook’s food.’

  At her words, Adam’s brow cleared slightly. He was worried I wouldn’t want to come, she realized.

  ‘Then you must accept,’ he said, chuckling. ‘I’m certain that Cook will make your favourite dishes – just say the word.’

  ‘That is very kind of you,’ she replied, trying to keep from twisting her skirts.

  To everyone’s surprise, Lach jumped in then. ‘Sir,’ he said to Master Aubrey, ‘we just traded with that old bookseller Richardson for some scientific pieces. Some were on optics. Lots of formulas. Perhaps Lucy could bring a few along, for t
he mathematician to see.’

  Adam rapped his knuckles on the table, looking pleased. ‘By all means, Lucy, you must bring those tracts along. Lach here is completely right. Professor Wallace would enjoy them.’

  ‘It’s settled, Lucy,’ Master Aubrey said firmly, after seeing her try to protest. ‘She will be there promptly at seven o’clock. Lucy, please see Master Adam to the door if you would. We must begin readying ourselves for tomorrow.’

  Lucy accompanied Adam to the front of the shop. The others had remained in the room, although they were likely all eavesdropping.

  ‘Thank you for the invitation,’ she said, twisting at her skirts.

  Adam seemed to have something else on his mind. ‘Did you visit the jeweller today?’

  ‘Yes, I did,’ she started. ‘Hey, wait! How did you know I visited the jeweller?’

  He grinned. ‘Lucy, it was not so hard to follow your thoughts last night. Tell me, what did you learn?’

  She filled him in on what the jeweller had said, including how some people viewed such rings as magicked objects.

  ‘I see,’ he replied. ‘There are many strange things here. I hope Professor Wallace can help us with this. And I look forward to seeing you.’

  Lucy hung her cloak on one of the hooks in the magistrate’s kitchen. She’d arrived at seven o’clock as requested but was at a loss to know what to do next.

  ‘The master will be pleased to see you in the late mistress’s dress,’ Cook said, glancing at her while scraping dough into a pan. ‘It was one of his favourites.’

  ‘Oh, dear. I didn’t realize it was a favourite of his.’ Nervously, Lucy ran her hands down the woven blue silk dress, a fine garment that had once belonged to the magistrate’s late wife. When she’d left his employment, Master Hargrave had graciously given her this dress and several others. She hadn’t wanted to accept them at first, but he had insisted. ‘For your dowry,’ he had told her. ‘Or sell them to provide the apprentice fee for Master Aubrey. Or simply wear them, if you like. These are yours, Lucy, to keep or sell as you please.’ She had been loath to part with this particular one.