by Kerry Tombs
‘This is my solicitor and associate Mr Brockway. Thought it best if he were here.’
Ravenscroft nodded in the direction of the tall, elderly, grey-haired man who stood nervously by Sir Charles’s side.
‘Oh Mr Ravenscroft, I am so glad you have come,’ called out a woman’s voice from within one of the nearby rooms.
‘This is my wife Ravenscroft, Lady Chilton,’ said Sir Charles, as the lady in question entered the hallway.
‘How-do-you-do, Lady Chilton,’ said Ravenscroft observing the look of anxiety in the new arrival’s face.
‘You must help us, Mr Ravenscroft. It is all so terrible! We do not know whom to turn to,’ said the woman grasping hold of Ravenscroft’s hand and staring vacantly into his eyes.
‘Now my dear. You best leave this to Brockway and I to deal with’, said Sir Charles taking hold of Ravenscroft’s shoulder and steering him in the direction of the study.
‘But . . . but I should so like . . . I think it important . . .’ began the woman, her voice full of concern as her words trailed away.
‘I will tell Inspector Ravenscroft all he needs to know. Best if you retire, Mary,’ said Chilton in a firm raised voice. ‘Ravenscroft, after you.’
Ravenscroft and Crabb entered the book-lined study. Chilton and Brockway followed after them, the former closing the door behind the party.
‘You must excuse my wife, Ravenscroft, this affair has distressed her somewhat. Not good for her nerves. Sure you will understand. Well take a seat, man,’ said Chilton indicating that Ravenscroft should take the large leather armchair that was positioned at the side of the marble fireplace.
‘Thank you sir,’ replied Ravenscroft accepting the seat. Chilton seated himself at the other side of the large oak desk which seemed to take centre stage in the room. Brockway took the other chair at the side of the desk. Crabb took up position by the closed door and took out his note book from the top pocket of his tunic.
‘You’re probably wondering what all this is about,’ said Chilton pausing to take a pull on his cigar as he stared at the middle-aged, balding, bespectacled detective seated before him.
‘You said it was a matter of great importance,’ said Ravenscroft feeling slightly uncomfortable in his new surroundings, as he glanced at the old master paintings that hung between the bookcases on the walls of the study.
‘And so it is, man; it is of the gravest concern. I’ll come straight to the point. My daughter has been taken.’
‘I see.’
‘Taken this afternoon from underneath our very eyes! If I find out who is behind this, I’ll have the man hung, drawn and quartered! You just can’t go around taking other people’s children.’
‘You say your daughter has been taken,’ said Ravenscroft leaning forwards in his chair. ‘How old is your daughter Sir Charles?’
‘My daughter, Mildred, is nine years old.’
‘And where was she taken from?’
‘In the churchyard at Dodderhill.’
‘Did anyone witness her abduction?’
‘Well no one actually saw her being taken, but taken she was. No doubt about it. What I want to know, is what you are going to do about it?’ said Chilton taking another puff on his cigar, as he leaned forwards and peered at the detective through the drifting smoke.
‘Perhaps if you could be a little more specific, sir,’ suggested Ravenscroft sensing the impatience in his host’s voice.
‘My daughter was walking in Dodderhill churchyard this afternoon with her governess, Miss Petterson. They were on their way into town — there is a path that leads from the side entrance of the house into the churchyard, then descends into the town. Anyway, Ravenscroft, apparently Petterson went into the church for a minute or so, on some business or other, and when she returned Mildred had gone. Nowhere to be found.’
‘I see. Perhaps your daughter ran off and hid somewhere? A game of hide and seek maybe?’ suggested Ravenscroft.
‘My daughter is not in the habit of running off and hiding!’ snapped Chilton.
‘Did the governess, Miss Petterson make a search of the churchyard?’
‘Of course she did, man.’
‘And what happened next?’
‘She ran back here, raised the alarm, and then the servants ran back to the churchyard and made a more thorough search of the grounds, all to no avail. My daughter was nowhere to be seen.’
‘Did Miss Petterson see anyone else in the churchyard at the time your daughter was taken?’ asked Ravenscroft.
‘No. I believe not.’
‘You mentioned that there is a path that leads from the churchyard down into the town. Your daughter could have run off that way?’
‘I’ve told you, Ravenscroft, that my daughter is not the kind of girl to run off on her own. Damn it man, it is clear as a pikestaff that she has been taken,’ growled Chilton chewing on his cigar.
‘After your servants searched the churchyard, what happened next?’
‘What do you mean — what happened next?’
‘Well, did you report the matter to the local constabulary for instance?’ asked Ravenscroft looking up at Crabb for a moment to see that his constable was taking notes.
‘No. I was not in the house at the time of my daughter’s disappearance. I was visiting the works at Stoke Prior, on business you understand. One of the servants rode over there with the news. Of course I returned to the house as soon as possible. My wife and I then gave orders that the grounds, and then the house were to be searched from top to bottom. The servants found nothing. That was when I decided to send for you, Ravenscroft.’
‘Forgive me sir, but why did you send for me? There is a perfectly good station in the town I believe, they could have dealt with this matter.’
‘I sent a message first to your superior, whom I have met socially on a number of occasions. He recommended you. Said you were the best man to deal with this matter, and that you were not too busy at the moment. Now what I want to know, is what you are going to do about finding my daughter, Ravenscroft?’
‘You said, Sir Charles, that you believe your daughter has been taken?’ said Ravenscroft choosing to ignore the last remark.
‘Well of course she has been taken, man,’ replied Chilton irritably.
‘Can you think of anyone who would have taken your daughter sir?’
‘Plenty, man. Look here Ravenscroft, I’m an important local business man, as I am sure you know. Salt is my business. Most of the town is dependent on my endeavours. I inherited the business from my father. It wasn’t much then, but over the years through damned hard work I’ve made a success of it. We have a tidy pile put by, for a rainy day, if you understand my meaning — and you don’t get where I am today without treading on a few toes on the way,’ said Chilton leaning back in his chair and brushing away the surrounding smoke with a brisk swat of his hand.
‘But no particular name comes immediately to mind?’
‘No. I’ll have Brockway here draw up a list of those I’ve had dealings with recently, if you think that would be of assistance. You can do that, Brockway?’
‘Of course sir,’ replied the solicitor.
‘Why do you think your daughter was taken sir?’ asked Ravenscroft.
‘Money! Someone has obviously taken her — and they want money, I have no doubt of it.’
‘But you have received no communication as yet?’
‘No. If I had, I would not be sitting here like this would I? Get my daughter back Ravenscroft. She is all my wife has in this world. I’ll pay you well,’ said Chilton stubbing out his cigar in an ashtray, before rising quickly from his seat.
‘We will do our best, sir,’ said Ravenscroft feeling compelled to stand likewise, and realizing that his host was anxious to draw their conversation to an end. ‘However, I cannot accept any payment. That is against police regulations.’
‘As you wish Ravenscroft, as you wish. Now, where do you want to start?’
‘Perhaps I could ha
ve a word with Miss Petterson, the governess,’ suggested Ravenscroft.
‘Whatever for?’ asked Chilton.
‘She was the last person to see your daughter before her disappearance.’
‘Yes I know, but I’ve told you what she said. Can’t see what else she can tell you.’
‘Nevertheless sir, I would like to hear the account of your daughter’s disappearance from Miss Petterson in person, if I may,’ requested Ravenscroft firmly.
‘Very well then,’ sighed Chilton opening the door and calling to one of the servants to fetch the governess.
‘And if I could have that list Mr Brockway, as soon as possible, I would be obliged,’ said Ravenscroft turning towards the solicitor.
‘Of course sir,’ replied Brockway forcing a brief smile.
‘You have known Sir Charles long?’ inquired Ravenscroft.
‘For the past thirty years, or more. I was previously employed by his father, Sir Christopher.’
‘Ah Ravenscroft, this is Miss Petterson,’ said Chilton re-entering the room follow by a tall, thin-faced, plainly dressed woman.
‘Miss Petterson,’ said Ravenscroft shaking the newcomer’s hand.
‘Mr Ravenscroft. This is a terrible business,’ said the governess.
‘It is indeed, Miss Petterson. I wonder, Sir Charles, whether I might speak with Miss Petterson alone?’
‘Well yes. I suppose so, if you think it will help.’
‘I do not mind Sir Charles if you should wish to stay,’ offered Miss Petterson throwing her employer an quick anxious glance.
‘I would prefer it, if we talked alone,’ insisted Ravenscroft smiling.
‘Well we’ll leave you to it. Come on, Brockway. Let me know if you want anything, Ravenscroft,’ replied Chilton making his way towards the door.
‘Thank you, Sir Charles. Miss Petterson, if you would care to take a seat. Crabb, bring the chair over if you will,’ said Ravenscroft.
Chilton and Brockway left the room, closing the door behind them, as the governess accepted the seat.
‘Miss Petterson, perhaps we could begin by your telling us what happened this afternoon,’ began Ravenscroft resuming his seat in the leather armchair.
‘Well, I went into the church and when I came out again Mildred had gone,’ offered the governess speaking in a quiet, matter-of-fact voice.
‘If you could tell us in more detail what occurred,’ interrupted Ravenscroft.
‘Yes, of course. I’m sorry. Mildred and I left the house just after three o’clock this afternoon. We walked through the churchyard. I went into the church. Mildred said she would be quite happy looking at the stones. She always enjoyed reading the old inscriptions. Then I came out of the church and found that Mildred was not there. I thought for a minute that she was playing a game, hiding behind one of the vaults or stones, so I called out and then I searched the churchyard. When I failed to find her, I ran back to the house, informed the servants, and we all then made another search of the church grounds, and then the house. It is terrible. I feel so responsible.’
‘Tell me, Miss Petterson, did you often walk through the churchyard with your charge?’ asked Ravenscroft.
‘Yes, we would often walk into town that way, two or three times a week.’
‘When you entered the churchyard today did you notice anything unusual?’
‘Unusual?’
‘Was there anyone else there?’
‘No, no one else.’
‘When you ran back to the house, how long was it before you returned to the churchyard with the servants?’
‘About ten minutes I suppose.’
‘So if Mildred had been hiding, she would have had time to make her way elsewhere?’ suggested Ravenscroft.
‘I do not think that would have been possible. I can assure you that I made a thorough search of the churchyard before I ran back to the house. Had she been hiding there I am sure I should have found her.’
‘She could have slipped into the church when you weren’t looking, miss,’ said Crabb looking up from his notebook.
‘The servants also made an extensive search of the church,’ corrected the governess.
‘And how long were you in the church, before you came out again, and found that Mildred was not there?’ continued Ravenscroft.
‘Not more than five minutes, I suppose, Mr Ravenscroft.’
‘Can you think of any reason why Mildred was taken?’
‘None.’
‘Had you or Mildred spoken to any strangers on one of your recent walks through the churchyard?’
‘No, I cannot recall meeting any strangers recently.’
‘Could you provide us with a description of the clothes that your charge was wearing at the time of her disappearance? Crabb, write this down if you will,’ instructed Ravenscroft.
‘Mildred was wearing a light green dress, with brown shoes and coat, and also a grey bonnet,’ replied the governess.
‘Thank you, miss,’ said Crabb.
‘I wonder whether you have a photograph of Mildred?’
‘Yes Inspector. There is one over there on the small side desk. Shall I get it for you?’
‘I’d be obliged.’
The governess walked over to the table, picked up the photograph, and handed it to Ravenscroft before resuming her seat.
‘Thank you, Miss Petterson,’ said Ravenscroft looking down at the photograph of the young girl with the smiling face and long ringlets.
‘That was taken about a year ago. The image is a particular favourite of Lady Chilton. Since then Mildred has had a different hair-style. The ringlets have been replaced by long straightened hair.’
‘Would you mind if I retained the photograph? It may be helpful in our enquiries.’
‘Yes, I am sure that Lady Chilton would not object.’
‘Thank you, Miss Petterson. May I ask how long you have been Mildred’s governess?’ asked Ravenscroft.
‘I have resided here for the past three years. Before that Mildred had been in the care of a nurse, but when she attained the age of six, Sir Charles and his wife thought it best to employ a governess.’
‘And before that? Were you employed as a governess elsewhere?’ asked Ravenscroft interested in knowing more of the governess’s history.
‘Yes. I was a governess with Lord and Lady Roberts of Warminster House. I looked after their son for five years.’
‘And why did you leave that employment?’
‘Charles, my charge became old enough to go to a boarding-school.’
‘Thank you, Miss Petterson, I am obliged,’ said Ravenscroft suddenly standing up. ‘I know it is dark and late at night, but I would like to visit the churchyard. Would it be possible to obtain some lanterns, and then if you would accompany us, retracing your steps this afternoon, that would be most helpful.’
‘Yes of course. I will see if I can get one of the servants to go with us,’ replied the governess rising from her chair and walking over to the door.
‘Oh, just one more question Miss Petterson — why did you go inside the church?’ asked Ravenscroft smiling.
‘Why did I go into the church?’
‘Yes, Miss Petterson — why did you go inside the church?’
‘I cannot remember. Oh . . . I . . . yes, I wanted to see what hymns had been selected for next Sunday’s service.’
‘Why was that?’ asked a perplexed Ravenscroft.
‘I like to see which hymns have been chosen, so that Mildred and I can go over the words together.’
‘I find that rather strange, Miss Petterson.’
‘I am sorry, Inspector, I am not making myself clear. Because we all attend church on a Sunday morning, and because Mildred has to join in the singing, I find it helps her if we can go through the words beforehand. That is why I went into the church, to see which hymns had been selected.’
‘I see. Thank you, Miss Petterson.’
‘I will go and ask the servants for some lanterns.’
> ‘I would be obliged.’
* * *
A few minutes later Ravenscroft, Crabb and the governess accompanied by the servant who had first greeted their arrival, closed the front door of the house behind them.
‘Now, Miss Petterson, if you would kindly retrace the route that you and Mildred took to the church today,’ requested Ravenscroft.
‘Yes. If you would care to follow me, gentlemen,’ replied the governess leading the way down the path at the side of the building. ‘This leads through the kitchen gardens to the side entrance.’
‘I see that the door is bolted on the inside,’ said Ravenscroft when the party arrived at the end of the garden. ‘Was it locked this afternoon?’
‘No, it is only bolted in the evening. As you can see it opens out at the end of the road and just over there is the gate that leads into the churchyard,’ indicated Miss Petterson.
The group made their way through the gate and up the narrow path that ran towards the church; the servant took the lead, holding the lantern high so that all could see their way.
‘Here is the church, gentlemen,’ announced the governess presently, bringing the party to a halt.
‘And is this where you left Mildred?’ inquired Ravenscroft.
‘Yes. I remember that she said she would like to read the stones, whilst I went inside,’ replied Miss Petterson.
‘Church appears to be locked, sir,’ said Crabb after stepping into the porch and failing to turn the large metal handle on the outside of the door.
‘I believe the vicar locks the door at night. There have been one or two night thefts in the area recently, Inspector,’ said the servant.
‘That is interesting, Mr. . . ?’
‘Jukes sir,’ replied the servant.
‘Thank you Mr Jukes. So, Miss Petterson you went through the door into the church, leaving your charge here, and then you returned five minutes later to find that she had disappeared?’ asked Ravenscroft addressing the governess.
‘That is correct, Inspector.’
‘Tell me, Miss Petterson, when you went into the church, did you leave the door open, or did you close the door behind you?’
‘I cannot remember. I may have closed the door behind me, but I am not sure.’
