“Wonderful. That should be interesting to witness. Will the brat accompany the two of you?”
“He will, if for no other reason than to annoy Brendon. Also, if Samson doesn’t like someone then there must be a good reason, which I will then hunt out.”
“Excellent. See you are learning to take things slowly and carefully,” Kristina said.
The hall clock strike half twelve. Jolene excuse herself and with Samson returned to her suite. Walking in, she wasn’t surprised the ball gown was spread out on the bed, without a wrinkle to be seen. Beside it was the one she planned to wear later.
“Emmy, as I said to the earl and countess, I’ll be taking Samson with me this afternoon.”
“To make sure the marquis behaves?”
That was one thing she’d not thought about as Brendon tended to never act inappropriately. Of course, that was in public, not the confines of the closed carriage, so yes, having her collie did serve two purposes.
“I’ll need his collar on him and the leash. As I’m in brown let’s use the same color for him.”
“M’ lady, I don’t believe he’ll really care which one he wears.”
Jolene giggled then stepped over to where the collars were kept in a box beside her armoire and lifted out the one she had said. Samson grabbed theblack one and bobbed his head.
“Alright, you win with that one. Now, stay here while I eat, then I’ll change and take you for a walk in the garden for a few minutes.”
“Woof. Woof.”
With her hands and face washed, Jolene swept down to the family dining room. Walking in, she smiled that everyone was present, even the youngest, Victoria, at three and ten years of age. What she did like about this, the case wouldn’t be discussed which suited her. Even Eustace wouldn’tsay anything about her going out later, which came as a relief.
Once the meal was finished, she returned to her suite, changed, and had Emmy fix her hair then wearing a bonnet took Samson for the promised walk. That done, Jolene went to collect the book from her father’s office, slipped it into a satchel, then waited by the front door for Brendon to arrive.
At the appointed hour,Brendon walked into the courtyard as her private carriage rolled up, blocking the view from the curious at the gate. Helped in by her father, who much to Jolene’s pleasure gave her escort a glare, she settled on the squab with Samson at her feet.
When the coach rolled past the gates, from habit more than anything, she glanced out one window then the other and groaned.
“What’s wrong?”
“If I’m not mistaken we, or at least I, have been found out. I saw that bothersome Met officer leaning against a pillar, grinning.”
“Which one? Aren’t they all troublesome?”
“They are at that, but this one is the worst. Thomas Spencer.”
“I will agree with you on that. Have you thought over how to approach, in the shop, Mr. Edgerton?”
“In here,” she patted the sack. “I have a book father let me borrow on early English history. It is in need of rebinding anyways. We should be met by the apprentice, but with him dead and the other fired I’d wager the owner will greet us. That’s when I’ll inquire about Jack. We’ll use Christian names, but if need beour surname of Marks.”
“Yes, and I’m not to speak unless absolutely necessary.”
“That’s correct, and along as my chaperone since father doesn’t wish me to be out without one.”
“I thought that was why you brought that walking rug with you?”
When Samson lifted his head and let out a low growl, Jolene had to giggle, not at the collie but Brendon.
“He’s along to chaperone me from you. Now stop talking as I need to consider an explanation for Spencer, for I’m sure he’ll demand to speak with me.”
As they made their way through the streets, Jolene came up with several ideas for when the Met Officer talked to her. At the top of the list, total denial. But, she knew that wouldn’t work as the only time she used her personal carriage was when on a case. By the time the coach stopped and a commonlyattired footman opened the door, she had planned to wait to learn how that interview, with Spencer, went. Now, she had more important things to worry about. Saving Julie Patrick from the hangman.
After spending twenty minutes with Mr. Edgerton and learning that Jack had been murdered, which she already was aware of, Jolene shoved Brendon out the door. Much to her pleasure, he didn’t say anything until they were almost at the Hampshire townhouse. Considering the sour expression on his face, she was glad.
“Why did you push me out of the shop? I wanted to ask him a few questions.”
“I know, and don’t you remember I told you not to say anything. That, and have you forgotten we learned the name of the fired apprentice-Tony Giles. Also, the low growl from Samson. There’s something about the man he didn’t, and now I, don’t like. Would you have your people dig into his past, as something doesn’t appear correct about him?”
“Yes, in exchange for two waltzes at the Stuart ball.”
“If you promise to behave, then yes. Now help me out, and I’ll see you tonight.”
Walking into the townhouse, Jolene instructed Bing that if anyone came wanting or demanding to speak with her the person was to be taken, under heavy guard, to the earl’s office. Then she was to be informed.
With Samson at her side, she retired to her suite, hoping to rest but suspected that dream was going to be short lived.
Chapter Five
After putting her bonnet in the armoire, she walked over to her desk, took out the case journal, and wrote down what she’d learned from the shop owner. That done, she glanced over to the bed and Samson. He’d placed his head on one of the pillows and was watching her.
“Why don’t you sleep on the pallet I helped make for you. It’s just as comfortable as the bed.”
His response was to close his eyes. She groaned.
Not sure if she was going to be bothered by Spencer, she didn’t ring for Emmy to help change into a robe. If her presence wasn’t requested in her father’s office in the next thirty minutes, then she’d ring for the maid.
She went over to the chairs in front of the fireplace, picked up a book, and had barely started reading when a knock interrupted her.
“Enter.”
Bing stepped in.
“M’ lady, are you receiving visitors?”
Aware this was the proper time for members of the ton to call on friends,she wascurious who it might be. To the best of her knowledge, she wasn’t expecting acquaintances, but trouble yes. Something told her she didn’t have much of a choice.
“I’m not, unless father has requested me?”
“His Lordship did, m’ lady. That gentleman has called specifically for you, and is cooling his heels in the office as you requested.”
“Thank you. Would you please invite the countess to join us?”
“Her Ladyship is already aware the man is here.”
Closing the book, she stood, called for her collie,and then together they went to her father’s office. Just before the door,Jolene stopped, bent over, and whispered, “If you don’t like him you may growl at the man.”
For her effort, she earned a quick lick on the nose, bringing a smile to her lips. Straightening her shoulders, Jolene stepped into the doorway and was immediately waved in by her father. Easily, as he was always sticking his nose in places not desired by her, she swept in and up to the settee where her mother was seated. Sitting beside her, Jolene finally peered over to Thomas Spencer, of the Met Police who was on, as she called it, the punishment chair. Hard-seated and straight-back.
It had earned that title since it was where, in her boisterous youth, she’d been seated while being disciplined by one or both parents.
“You wish to speak with me, m’ lord?”
“Yes, Lady Jolene. This gentleman has several questions he’d like to ask you in regards to your current case.”
“To begin with, he’s no gentlem
an but a bubble-headed member of the Met who goes around arresting the wrong person for a crime they didn’t commit. The injured party then applies to me so their name may be cleared.”
“I beg to differ with you, m’ lady. Everyone I’ve taken into custody was guilty of the crime they were charged with.”
As much as she wished to argue with Spencer, she knew it was pointless. She stood by her words in describing the man who couldn’t find a clue if it hit him in the head.
“What would you like to learn, not that I’ll tell you.”
“Earlier, I noticed as you departed here in your private coach, the one you take when working on a case. You were accompanied by the Marquis of Lange. Are you working on finding the murderer of Jack Cooper?”
“For your information, Samson was with me as well. In regards to the carriage, I had chosen to use it as my horses hadn’t been exercised for several days. Not to mention the fact I had His Lordship’s permission to use it and for the marquis to join us. As for the Cooper case, I’m afraid I am unable to confirm or deny if I’m looking into it.”
“Ah, so you admit that you are. Trust me when I say you are wasting your time. We already know who the killer is, and it’s just a matter of time before she’s taken into custody.”
To do that, first you’ll have to find her, and only three people know where she’s hiding.
With what he’d said, now Jolene was able to get a few of her questions answered.
“What makes you believe it’s a woman? Where is your evidence?”
“Be careful how you answer those questions in regard to the ladies’ sensitivities,” Robert demanded.
“I have it on excellent authority that Jack Cooper and Julie Patrick were seen arguing the day before he was found dead. Also, he was stabbed in the chest, so whoever did the deed had to know him very well, such as Patrick. From what I’ve garnered from other sources, this hadn’t been the first time they’d exchanged harsh words. Inone point, it was overheard she threatened to stab him. That is enough evidence for not only myself but my superiors as well.”
“Words supposedly said in anger isn’t enough proof. You should know that, otherwise you wouldn’t have ascended to the rank you are which is probably one step above dogcatcher. Haven’t you ever said something in anger? Only to regret it later and not stab the person?”
“M’ lady, I resent your categorizing me as such. As for as you said, ‘in anger’ no I haven’t. The individual who gave me this information has nothing to gain.”
“And who might that be?” Jolene queried.
“Tony Giles.”
From the panicky expression on Spencer’s face, Jolene knew he wasn’t supposed to mention the man. Now she had a dilemma, tell him what she’d learned or keep it to herself. She considered remaining silent but chose to take the questioning in another direction, one for her benefit.
“Might I ask you a question?” She didn’t wait for a reply. “You told us that this Julie Patrick stabbed him, in the chest if I’m not mistaken. Is that correct?”
“Yes, m’ lady.”
“Was he killed where he was found or someplace else then the body moved?”
She was about to prove Julie didn’t murder Jack if the answer was what she hoped.
“No. There was evidence he’d been taken to The Thames.”
“Darling, I do believe I’m aware of where you’re going with this and agree with your line of thought,” Kristina said.
“Thank you. I appreciate your confidence in me.”
Now, she choseto be a little more polite to the man. Only then might she get the answers she needed.
“In your estimation, how much did Jack weigh? And how big is this Julie Patrick?”
“He was about nine stones, and she is slighter than you.”
“Father would you be so kind as to have Ethan and Lucy join us?Then enjoy observing Mr. Spencer as he becomes amazed.”
While they waited for her brother and the daughter of her parents’ valet and maid to arrive, Jolene chose, since he’d been so good, to pet Samson.
“You wish to speak with us, m’ lord?” Ethan said after bowing, while Lucy curtsied.
“Not myself, but Lady Jolene does, and do as she directs without complaining.”
“Of course, m’ lord, we never misbehave,” Ethan uttered.
Examining the young girl, and having met Julie, Jolene knew they could almost pass as sisters as far as their sizes went. Her brother, on the other hand, she’d have to trust Mr. Spencer.
“Would you agree that Mr. Markson is about the same size and weight of Jack Cooper?”
“I would. From the description, vague at best, the young lady could be the same for Patrick.”
In a whispered voice, Jolene explained what she needed from both youngsters.
“All right, Ethan, lie down then, Lucy, try to pick him up.”
After several attempts, Jolene told the young girl to stop before she hurt herself. She then focused on Spencer.
“As you plainly see, Lucy wasn’t able to move my brother. M’ lord, would you ask Lord Eustace to join us, and, Lucy, you may go. I’ll make sure Cook knows to give you extra pudding at dinner.”
“Thank you, m’ lady. It’s chocolate, my favorite.”
When her other brother stepped in, he smiled on noticing his brother lying in the middle of the floor.
“Let me guess, you wish for me to try to pick him up?”
“Please,” Jolene replied.
Jolene kept her attention on Mr. Spencer, since she was well aware Eustace could, as he’d done on many occasions, easily pick up his brother.
“Without dropping him, set Ethan down,” Robert directed firmly, earning a groan from Eustace, then added. “You are both dismissed.”
“Yes, m’ lord.”
She waited for her brothers to leave. “As you plainly see, a girl of Julie Patrick’s size couldn’t lift Ethan while Eustace easily could. So, again I say, are you now still convinced she murdered Jack Cooper then moved the body?”
Before he could answer Bing knocked on the doorframe.
“Lady Jolene, this was just delivered from the Marquis of Lange. The messenger said it was very important.”
Taking the note Jolene broke the seal, opened and read it.
Jolene,
I know this is quick, but I just received word back from a reliable contact regarding Tony Giles.
The man has been in trouble with the law before. Even to the point of having spent time in Newgate.
My person said Giles is a liar andcheat, and to protect himself would stop at nothing. That, I believe, includes murder.
Brendon
She handed to sheet to her mother who read it then gave it over to her father. Finally, she permitted Mr. Spencer to read it.
“M’ lady, do you know who this, for lack of a better word, informant is?”
“Sir, I assure you that she doesn’t. In our former line of work, of which you are well aware, secrecy was and is paramount. I’m sure Lady Jolene has connections, where we don’t inquire, who are able to find out something about an individual,” Kristina told him.
“Who knows, I might even have a person or people within the Met who have helped me out in the past,” Jolene added which caused, much to her happiness, Spencer to pale.
“I believe you except about the Met. With what I witnessed with the youngsters and now reading this from the marquis, I believe you that Julie Patrick is innocent. Which begs the question, who is the murderer?”
Jolene smiled, to herself, that she was starting to make progress in the investigation. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about Spencer following her about, thus impeding her search for the killer. As much as she would like to recommend they work together, following separate paths would be for the bestso she chose not to bring up the subject. With the time getting on, as this had taken longer than expected, she needed to nap. She hid poorly, a yawn.
Once Spencerleft with a promise to keep her info
rmed of his investigation, Jolene stood.
“Dear, before you go, do you believe he might wish to speak with Julie?” her father inquired.
“Of that, I’m not sure but will think about it.”
With Samson at her side, she retired to her suite and easily fell asleep.
Chapter Six
After being returned to the settee where her mother was ensconced, Jolene thanked, again, the senior son of a well-respected viscount then glanced around for her brother and Brendon. Not spying either, she turned.“Have you seen Eustace and the marquis? I wish to speak with him in private on the veranda. To do that, my brother will have to act as my chaperone, if he wishes to or not.”
“Your brother is over near that group of young ladies, I believe in the hope of speaking with Lady Sarah. As for Brendon, isn’t that him over by the gaming room?”
Jolene craned her neck so she could glance past several of the guests who were partially blocking her view of where the marquis stood.
“Yes, he must have had his back turned when I looked that way a moment ago.”
Catching his attention, she touched a finger to the tip of her fan and smiled when he separated from the group he was with. She then did the same to Eustace, earning a scowl from him which she ignored, forcing him to attend to her.
When both gentlemen came up to her it was, much to her pleasure, Kristina who directed Eustace to chaperone Jolene while she spoke with Brendon.
Stepping out onto the flags, Jolene glanced around for a spot without guests who could overhear the conversation. She found one all the way to the left which was also lit by candles. Settled with her back against the balustrade and Brendon to her right, she told him of the meeting with Mr. Spencer and what they had learned.
“Then when I received your note he understood everything I had told him was true. Have you been able to learn any more about Giles?”
“No, I haven’t. I did send a letter to my man of business, the one used for finding out things about people. I instructed him to dig into Mr. Edgerton’s business and personal finances.”
“Thank you. I had planned on requesting exactly that from you. I would guess the search might take a few days?”
To Save a Lady Page 3
