by Kerry Tombs
‘Shall we go and see who resides here?’ asked Crabb.
‘I don’t think so at this time of night. Look, there is a brass plate affixed to the side of the gate post,’ said Ravenscroft walking over to the sign. ‘Perhaps this will give us some indication as to who the owner of this imposing residence is?’
‘What does it say?’ asked an eager Crabb.
‘Good God!’ exclaimed Ravenscroft. ‘It says “Worcester Pauper and Lunatic Asylum”. No wonder Lady Chilton did not wish to go to such a place!’
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LEDBURY AND WORCESTER
‘How absolutely dreadful,’ said Lucy as she and her husband sat at the breakfast table in Ledbury the following morning. ‘It sounds as though that terrible man has sent his wife to the lunatic asylum at Powick.’
‘She could have been visiting someone there, I suppose,’ replied Ravenscroft pouring himself another cup of tea. ‘But somehow I don’t think so. It was quite late at night, and she was certainly very reluctant to go there.’
‘Does that awful man have the right to send his wife to that ghastly place?’
‘He may have a good reason. By all accounts Lady Chilton has been ill for some time, and I certainly found her confused and melancholic when I spoke to her, but sending her for treatment to that place seems a bit drastic when she could be treated in her own home. Until just a few years ago, when a woman married a man, she and all her possessions more or less became his sole property, and he could do what he wanted to do with them, within reason of course.’
‘Then it was a good thing that the law was changed,’ replied Lucy indignantly.
‘I do not make the laws, my dear, I only enforce them,’ said Ravenscroft bringing the cup towards his lips.
‘Well, what are you going to do about it?’ continued Lucy in the same vein.
‘Tom and I will visit the asylum today and see what is to be done. You may rest assured that I will do everything that I can to bring this case to a satisfactory conclusion, and see that Lady Chilton is restored to her family.’
‘It sounds very much as though her husband does not want her. I would not have put it past him to kidnap his own daughter to cause his wife’s breakdown.’
‘That sounds a bit fanciful,’ said Ravenscroft. ‘And if he had arranged for his own daughter’s abduction, where would he have hidden her?’
‘Where do you think the poor girl is then?’
‘I wish I knew. After we have been to the asylum, I intend having a word with Brockway. He may be the key to this whole business. I know he lied to me when I told him about the man who abducted Mildred Chilton.’
‘Your mysterious man with only three fingers?’
‘Yes. I am sure Brockway knows the identity of this man. He also seemed to be taking Lady Chilton’s side last night. Perhaps he can also enlighten us on that matter as well.’
‘I do hope you find the poor girl soon.’
‘At least it would appear that she was not with that Drew/Huddlestone woman in Worcester,’ said Ravenscroft taking another sip of tea.
‘Unless she and the man with three fingers were working together? He could be holding her somewhere, before selling her on to Drew. It is quite terrible. I could not sleep all night for seeing that room again in Worcester. That poor boy, he looked so scared and afraid. And the baby. I am sure it was Miss Corbett’s baby I could hear upstairs. I saw what looked like the baby’s shawl downstairs. Then when you found the remains of that poor girl under the floor, it all became so awful,’‘ cried Lucy becoming increasingly agitated.
‘Do not distress yourself, my dear. We do not know how the poor girl died, and it was obviously some time ago. At least we know that it was not Mildred Chilton. I am confident that she is still alive,’ said Ravenscroft trying to sound reassuring.
‘I do hope so. I wish the whole of this ghastly business was over with; that you had been able to find Mildred Chilton safe and well, and that I had been able to rescue those poor children.’
‘You must not reproach yourself, my dear. It was very brave of you to enter that house on your own. Anything could have happened to you there. You should have let your Mr Shorter accompany you inside,’ said Ravenscroft replacing his cup and wiping his lips on his napkin.
‘That would only have aroused suspicion,’ replied Lucy.
‘Yes, I suppose you are right. Anyway, I must away. Time to collect Tom at the Wells and make our way to the asylum at Powick. I am sure that this will be the day that we finally reach the truth and reunite Mildred and her mother, and who knows we may yet find this Drew woman as well,’ said Ravenscroft rising from the table and giving his wife a kiss. ‘Take care my dear. I am sure all will soon be well.’
* * *
‘Formidable, dreary old place,’ muttered Crabb as the two men stood outside the front gates to the Worcester Pauper and Lunatic Asylum at Powick. The thick early morning mist still hung in the air, partially obscuring their view of the surrounding grounds, whilst adding to the intense stillness of the scene. Ravenscroft turned up the collar of his coat, seeking to protect himself from the cold damp, whilst Crabb uttered words of comfort to the horse as he secured the reins to a nearby tree.
The two detectives began to walk down the long driveway, passing a group of men who were busily digging a trench on one side of the grounds.
‘Come on you men, put some heart into it,’ shouted one of the figures who had the appearance of an overseer of some sort.
‘Poor devils,’ muttered Crabb. ‘I should not like to be out here, digging away, on a morning like this.’
‘No, I’m inclined to agree. Obviously those men have to earn their keep.’
‘Rather them than me.’
‘The place reminds me of a fortress. They clearly don’t want people to come here in the first place and, once they are here — usually as the result of some misfortune that has befallen them — then they are not too enthusiastic about letting them go,’ replied Ravenscroft as they reached the front door and he pulled the long wrought iron bell pull.
Some moments elapsed before the two men heard the sound of a large key being turned inside the old oak door.
‘Visiting time is at four o’clock,’ said an old woman partially opening the door.
‘We are not here to visit any of the patients. My name is Detective Inspector Ravenscroft, and this is Constable Crabb. We would be obliged if we could speak with the Superintendent,’ said Ravenscroft smiling.
‘Superintendent is busy at present, you’ll have to come back another day,’ said the woman beginning to close the door.
‘We are here on urgent business, which cannot possibly wait. It is of the utmost importance that I speak to your master concerning the admittance of one of your inmates,’ said Ravenscroft firmly, whilst making sure that his boot had been placed into the partially opened space between the door and the frame.
‘I’ll see if he is available,’ grumbled the woman, admitting the two men into the cold entrance hall, before shuffling down the corridor.
‘I think I preferred it outside,’ said Crabb looking around him at the stark interior.
‘I agree it is not very welcoming, but then I suppose they get very few visitors here,’ said Ravenscroft.
‘No! No! Take it away!’ shouted a voice somewhere in the distance, followed by a loud wayward laugh.
‘My God, what was that?’ said an alarmed Crabb.
‘One of the inmates I would expect. Some years ago I had the misfortune to visit a similar establishment in London. I must say I did not particularly enjoy the experience, and was somewhat relieved when I left.’
‘Come for Mary?’ said a voice suddenly from behind Ravenscroft.
The two men turned to see an old woman dressed in a threadbare dress and tattered shawl standing behind them.
‘You have come for Mary? Come to take Mary home?’ continued the new arrival staring vacantly into Crabb’s eyes.
‘Sorry . . . I . . . don
’t . . .’ began Crabb, taken aback by the new arrival.
‘You like Mary? Come to take Mary away?’ continued the old woman averting her gaze from Crabb to Ravenscroft.
‘I am sorry, we are not empowered to assist you in any way,’ replied Ravenscroft giving the woman a half smile.
‘Why? You not like Mary? You take Mary away. She will look after you,’ said the woman reaching out towards the detective.
‘I cannot help you,’ protested Ravenscroft as the woman placed her hands on his shoulders and stared close into his face.
‘Take Mary away. You look a good man. Mary will give you a good time.’
‘Come on now, miss,’ said Crabb seeking to restrain the woman.
‘You let go of me!’ she retorted. ‘You touch Mary and I will have your eyes out!’
‘Be gone woman!’ bellowed another voice. ‘Get back to your room, Mary. These gentlemen have not come for you.’
Ravenscroft turned again to see a tall, rotund, middle aged gentleman, standing before them.
‘Not come for Mary then? Not want Mary?’ said the old woman staring wildly into Ravenscroft’s eyes.
‘Go away Mary before I send you to the laundry room!’ shouted the new arrival.
‘No! You not send Mary there?’
‘Then take yourself off, woman,’ instructed the man.
‘Tomorrow you come for Mary. Come for Mary,’ muttered the woman as she made her way down the corridor.
‘Good morning, gentlemen. You must excuse the old woman. She has been here a very long time. She means no harm. I am Superintendent Woods. How can I help you?’
‘We are given to understand that Lady Chilton was admitted to the asylum yesterday evening?’ asked Ravenscroft coming straight to the point.
‘I am afraid I cannot answer your question, Inspector. Information regarding our patients is entirely confidential.’
‘I appreciate that, Superintendent Woods, but we are investigating a case of murder and childhood abduction in Droitwich, and believe that Lady Chilton may be able to assist us in our enquiries,’ said Ravenscroft firmly.
‘I will concede that Lady Chilton was admitted yesterday evening, but that is all I can tell you about her condition. You will have to see Sir Charles Chilton for more information, should he wish to disclose it,’ replied the official, adopting what Ravenscroft regarded as a cold authoritative voice.
‘We saw Sir Charles yesterday. He is fully informed about our activities,’ lied Ravenscroft.
‘I see, gentlemen.’
‘Perhaps you would now tell us why Lady Chilton was admitted, and how long you expect her to stay with you?’ asked Ravenscroft pressing home his advantage.
‘Lady Chilton was admitted suffering from hysteria, a common complaint amongst ladies of a certain age, but then you would know that already if you have spoken to Sir Charles,’ replied the superintendent casting a suspicious glance at Ravenscroft and Crabb.
‘We believe that Doctor Staples is treating Lady Chilton?’
‘That is correct, Inspector.’
‘I would like to speak with the doctor.’
‘I am afraid Doctor Staples is not here at present, although we do expect him later in the day, should you wish to return then.’
‘Then I would like to see Lady Chilton—’ began Ravenscroft.
‘That is totally out of the question—’
‘It is Lady Chilton’s daughter who is missing. The situation is quite serious. The girl is in the gravest danger even as we speak. I believe that Lady Chilton may be able to provide us with vital information which may assist us in our search for the girl. I also believe that once Lady Chilton is reunited with her daughter, we will see a marked improvement in her condition. This is a situation with which Sir Charles would undoubtedly sympathize, and I am sure that he would be most generous towards you and your establishment for your assistance in this case,’ said Ravenscroft in a quieter voice.
‘I see, well—’
‘And such a visit I am sure would not be incommodious to yourself. I assure you that our visit would be quite short, and that we would show the utmost discretion.’
‘Yes, well, I suppose—’
‘Thank you, my good sir. Then perhaps you would be kind enough to take us to see Lady Chilton?’ smiled Ravenscroft.
‘Yes, of course, gentlemen, if you would care to follow me.’
Ravenscroft and Crabb followed the superintendent up a long flight of stairs and along a drab, unappealing corridor. As they passed by the locked rooms the occasional sounds of crying, and shouting, could be heard from behind the closed doors.
‘This is Lady Chilton’s room,’ said the superintendent stopping at one of the doors at the far end of the corridor, and placing the big iron key in the lock. ‘We try to provide our guests with simple, but comfortable surroundings.’
‘Thank you, superintendent. I wonder if we might see Lady Chilton alone? As she is known to us, I feel sure that she will be less distressed if she saw just my constable and myself, rather than seeing all three of us in the room.’
The official stared at Ravenscroft for a moment, then said, ‘I will wait outside,’ before opening the door.
Ravenscroft and Crabb entered the room, the latter closing the door behind them.
‘Lady Chilton,’ said Ravenscroft addressing the forlorn figure who sat on the chair facing the wall.
‘Who are you?’ asked the figure rising to her feet and coming forwards to meet the detectives. ‘Has my husband sent you to take me home?’
‘My name is Inspector Ravenscroft, Lady Chilton,’ replied Ravenscroft in a quiet reassuring tone of voice. ‘You may recall that we spoke, in your room, a few days ago.’
‘Ravenscroft? Ravenscroft?’ asked Lady Chilton looking vacantly at the two men. ‘Why has my husband sent me here?’
‘We are investigating the disappearance of your daughter, Mildred.’
‘Mildred? Ravenscroft. Yes of course, you must forgive me,’ said Lady Chilton giving a brief smile of recognition. ‘You have found my daughter?’
‘Not yet, ma’am,’ said Crabb.
‘But we hope to be successful within the next day or two. You may be able to help us Lady Chilton. We believe that your daughter was taken by a tall, thin, shabbily dressed man in middle-age. I wonder if you can recall seeing such a man recently.’
‘No, I cannot help you.’
‘The man is not perhaps one of your husband’s business acquaintances?’ continued Ravenscroft.
‘No.’
‘The man has a missing finger on his left hand,’ said Ravenscroft hopefully.
‘I know of no such man,’ replied the other sadly.
‘He is quite distinctive. You know of no one with a missing finger?’
‘No. No. Why do you keep questioning me? I have told you that I do not know the man.’
‘I am sorry,’ said Ravenscroft, worried that he had caused alarm.
‘Why has my husband sent me here? This dreadful place,’ asked Lady Chilton a look of pleading in her eyes. ‘You must take me away from here. I do not deserve this.’
‘I do not have the authority to release you, Lady Chilton,’ said Ravenscroft gently shaking his head.
‘You must help me. I should not be held here!’ exclaimed Lady Chilton reaching out and grasping Ravenscroft’s coat. ‘You must help me leave this place.’
‘Please, Lady Chilton, do not distress yourself. I do not know why your husband has sent you here, but I know that all will be well quite soon, I can assure you. Please take a seat. Crabb, a glass of water if you will,’ said Ravenscroft taking hold of Lady Chilton’s arms and escorting her back to the chair.
Crabb looked around the uninviting room with its two chairs, bed, and washstand, and poured out a glass of water from the flagon that lay on the simple round bedside table.
‘You must help me. Please help me find my daughter.’
‘Drink this, Lady Chilton,’ said Ravenscroft handing t
he glass to the distraught figure.
The woman looked at Ravenscroft for a few moments, before drinking the liquid.
‘Lady Chilton, I realize that the situation in which you find yourself is quite distressing, but I give you my promise that I will find your daughter, and that when I have done so, you will be reunited with her, and that you will be released from this place,’ said Ravenscroft calmly taking her hands, within his own, and looking directly into her eyes.
‘You will find my daughter?’
‘You have my word. All I ask is that you have faith that all will be well. I will return here within the next day or two. That is a firm promise. Be strong, Lady Chilton, for your daughter’s sake. She will not want to see you distressed,’ smiled Ravenscroft.
‘Yes, yes,’ responded Lady Chilton.
‘I will return as soon as I have some news. Until then, my good lady, we will take our leave of you.’
As Ravenscroft and Crabb quietly left the room, Lady Chilton said nothing as she turned to face the window.
‘Thank you,’ said Ravenscroft as the superintendent turned the key in the door.
‘If you will follow me gentlemen, I will see you out.’
‘I will return in a day or so for Lady Chilton,’ said Ravenscroft as they made their way back along the corridor.
‘I am afraid I cannot release Lady Chilton without Sir Charles’s permission.’
‘Of course. I will bring such authority, you can be assured. Until then I would be obliged if you would take special care of the lady, and see that no harm befalls her, and that she has everything she wants,’ said Ravenscroft taking a coin from his waistcoat pocket and handing it to Woods.
‘Thank you sir. I can assure you that Lady Chilton will be well looked after.’
‘Thank you. Tell me, Superintendent, are any of your patients permitted to leave the asylum of their own free will?’ asked Ravenscroft as he began to descend the stairs.
‘No sir. We take special care of our inmates here. It would not do for such people to roam freely. They can only be released if their condition improves, and only then with the authority of their doctors and relations. It is very rare that anyone leaves before their time.’
