Father hurried off to change out of his Sunday best and left me alone in the sitting room with Cal. I noticed that Cal’s Sunday suit was somewhat worn around the cuffs and collar. Men’s clothes were less dramatically touched by the fickle fashion trends that shaped women’s fashions. The cut of Cal’s jacket, the placement of buttons on his shirt, and the pattern of his tie plainly told me that this particular suit had been born back in the 1890s. Father, on the other hand, would have no idea when the suit was made, as would most people who didn’t make it their business to know about the ebbs and flows of men’s fashions. Despite being a very old suit, I noticed that Cal still managed to look very handsome in it.
“He can’t bear to wear that stiff collar one minute longer than he has to,” I explained with a laugh, trying to get my mind off of how attractive the young detective was.
Cal fingered his own celluloid collar with a grimace. “I don’t blame him.” We shared a smile. “Tell me how your case is progressing?”
A little thrill burst inside me. I was terribly proud of the progress we’d made. As willing as I was to give credit to the others who had helped, I was eager to show Cal how I had pieced everything together. He turned out to be an excellent listener. He was appreciative of each clue and resulting deduction, nodding in all the right places.
“The difficulty now,” I summarized, “is in knowing what to do about Lillian Finney. I don’t know if we will be able to file a police report or not.”
Cal smoothed his blond mustache as he thought. “It seems risky to me. You’ve explained Mrs. Finney’s difficulties. If her daughter-in-law has any sense, all she needs to do is say that the items were taken with permission.”
I nodded in agreement, though I felt quite glum about it. “As you pointed out before, Mrs. Finney’s son will inherit one day. It’s possible that no one will question his right to sell his own possessions. What bothers me more is that Lillian has struck Mrs. Finney. Is there anything to be done about that?”
“Without physical evidence or multiple witnesses, it would be a shaky case,” Cal sighed.
We were at an impasse. I had no intention of giving up, but I also knew that further discussion would get us nowhere. I changed the subject. “Are you making progress with the Meriwether case?”
This time, Cal’s sigh spoke of deep tiredness. “I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll ever find a solution to this one. The more we tug at the string, the more things unravel. I knew that gambling was a problem in this town, but I had no idea how many people were involved. It’s shocking. I’ve even heard whispers of an illegal casino being run somewhere nearby.”
“A casino? Truly?” I leaned forward eagerly. “How could a casino be run without the police knowing?”
Cal raised an eyebrow ruefully. “Apparently, very easily. We’ve heard some rumors, but little more. From what I can gather, Hugh Meriwether ran the casino on behalf of someone from Chicago, though I haven’t been able to confirm anything.”
I sat back, mind running. “Has his death caused the casino to close?”
“I don’t believe so. Hugh was a manager, not an owner. I imagine he was easily replaced.”
I felt a new compassion for Jane’s husband, Ned. If there was a casino in town and bookies readily accessible, I could understand how easily he might get drawn into this devastating habit. I’d read about well-bred people who visited casinos and enjoyed an evening’s entertainment there. While I didn’t feel the draw, I could understand why others might enjoy a night of chance. However, for some, the thrill became like a drug they craved again and again.
“Will you investigate the casino?” I wondered.
“That will be a decision for your father. If he wants to move men from investigating Meriwether’s death to the casino, I would understand. We haven’t been able to catch a break yet. It won’t be long until we run out of leads.”
Cal rubbed his forehead wearily. I saw the toll that this case was taking on him written plainly in the lines around his eyes. My heart turned over and a wave of fondness for the young detective swept over me, though the feeling embarrassed me and made my cheeks flush without warning.
“The neighbors described half a dozen people who were on the street that night.” Cal’s glazed eyes were fixed on the empty fire grate as he talked as though he’d gone over these facts dozens of times in his own head already. “No one seemed out of place or suspicious. The maid who cleaned his house had left much earlier in the day and is above suspicion. Though she told us of Meriwether receiving a number of visitors during her time working there, no one stood out to her that day. The only useful thing she was able to do was inform us that several items were missing. All were of moderate value.”
“That’s interesting,” I offered. “What was taken?”
Cal lifted a tired shoulder and dropped it. “A gold watch, some ruby cuff links and that sort of thing. Easily stolen and easily pawned. It’s possible that robbery was the motive all along. Meriwether was a snappy dresser and anyone could have seen him wearing those items.”
“It could simply be opportunistic, too,” I pointed out. “Perhaps murder was the motive and the killer saw a chance to make a few extra dollars.”
“At this point, Rose, I’m afraid that anything is possible.” Cal sighed heavily again.
***
I awoke the next morning with the expectation of spending the day at Maple House, accomplishing very little. I was, therefore, surprised and very pleased to see that a letter had arrived from Mrs. Dennis requesting our investigative skills.
Will groaned when I read the name of the sender.
“Why are you groaning?” I asked irritably.
“This is surely one of Paula’s ploys to spend time with me.”
I frowned at him. “First of all, this letter seems to have little to do with Paula.” I ignored his eye roll and continued a little louder, “Secondly, Mrs. Dennis is hardly the sort of woman to be overly influenced by the likes of her daughter. You remember how fierce she was when we were working on the Flora Dobson affair. I doubt Paula would dare to pull her mother into any marriage schemes she might have.”
“Mothers are every bit as interested in marriage schemes as their daughters,” he pointed out.
“That may be true, but you are hardly the sort of man Mrs. Dennis hopes Paula will marry.” It felt cruel to point it out, but I was determined to win the argument.
Will rolled his shoulders as though to shrug off any offense my words might have given. “What does her letter say?” he growled.
I lifted an eyebrow at his tone, but said nothing. I chose, instead, to shake the paper in my hand as though to smooth out the wrinkles, and read, “’Dear Miss Lunceford, I understand that you have opened your own detective agency. I have need of your skills. Please visit at your earliest convenience as this particular situation requires immediate attention. Yours, Mrs. Virginia Dennis.’”
I cocked my head as Will considered these words. I knew that he couldn’t resist being offered another case, especially since the situation at the Finney’s was at a bit of an impasse.
Finally, he sighed heavily and said, “All right, Rose. Shall we go to the Dennis’ now?”
I got to my feet with a bounce and fairly skipped over to collect my hat and gloves. All the way to the Dennis’ house, I marched confidently while my partner’s long-legged strides were decidedly less enthusiastic.
We were shown into the Dennis’ morning room where both mother and daughter sat, hands busy with embroidery. Mrs. Dennis looked as imperial as she always did. She was the formidable sort of woman with whom I was very familiar, having been raised by a grandmother who was cut from the same cloth. Paula was regularly intimidated by her mother, but I felt right at home in her very formal, very severe presence.
I spared a glance for Will, wondering how he was handling the older woman’s chilly stare. Will had grown up with society women just as I had. He often bragged that he had a gift for getting all sorts of wome
n to give him exactly what he wanted. His specialty seemed to be convincing cooks to sneak him snacks and shop girls who allowed him to hold their hands while they shared a soda. However, today he seemed to have left his charm at home.
Perhaps it was the combination of Paula’s hopeful glow and her mother’s disapproving glare, but my partner was entirely uncomfortable. He didn’t flash his winning smile once as the two women waited for us to take our seats. I felt sorry for him even as I smirked inwardly. There was something so satisfying about seeing Will Edwards uncomfortable around a young lady. I had a feeling that it was good for him.
“We’ve come in response to your invitation,” I began. “How can we help you, Mrs. Dennis?”
The older woman swiveled her frosty expression in my direction and began, “I’ve asked you here to help with a strange situation that has arisen. Paula reminded me of the help you gave during the unfortunate incident which occurred here earlier this year and assured me that you’d be able to help.”
Ah, so Paula did have a hand in our hiring. I shot a quick glance at Will whose attentive expression momentarily flickered annoyance in my direction before carefully composing itself once again. I made a point not to let the tiniest smile sneak onto my lips as Mrs. Dennis continued to appraise me.
“We’ll do whatever we can,” I promised, though I still had no idea what it was that we were here to investigate.
Mrs. Dennis looked between us, frowned in indecision, then let out a small sigh and began. “As you know, our family hosts a number of events each year here in our home. We work very hard to make sure it is a showplace. Our guest lists are rather large and important people come from all over the state to attend.”
I was sure that Will felt the jab about important people. I happened to know that, despite Paula’s begging her mother repeatedly, the Edwards family was never invited to any of their parties. This had never bothered Will before. In fact, we’d regularly laughed over his delight in not having to spend the evening avoiding Paula’s amorous attention. Did it bother him now? I couldn’t quite tell since he’d looked uncomfortable since I’d first received Mrs. Dennis’ note.
Our hostess lifted her chin smugly and adjusted herself in her seat, much like a brooding hen might. She went on, “The gardener has brought it to my attention that the flowers under one particular window are always trampled after each event.”
Silence stretched. I tried to think of something to say. Trampled flowers was hardly a crime. Why did this matter?
Will cleared his throat. “Every party, the same flowers are trampled under the same window. Is that correct?”
“Yes. Isn’t that what I said?” Mrs. Dennis barked.
“Forgive me,” I said as meekly as I could. “I’m afraid I don’t understand your concern. I would imagine that garden parties would result in occasional accidents with plants.”
Paula glanced nervously at her mother and clarified, “The window is on the side of the house away from where the party usually is held. Mother is afraid that someone is coming or going through that window when the house is busy. It would be easy for a thief to come in and out without being seen.”
“I see,” Will said. “Have you noticed anything missing from your home?”
“Nothing of value,” Paula answered with a special smile just for Will.
The recipient of said smile shifted uncomfortably.
“It’s possible that someone is fraternizing with our help,” Mrs. Dennis amended. “Our events must go off without a hitch. I do not want any distractions or inappropriate trysts occurring.”
I pursed my lips. It didn’t surprise me that Mrs. Dennis was the sort of woman who expected her servants to be under her complete control. I’d had enough interactions with this family to know this about my friend’s mother by now. Still, I wondered how the maids felt about having such a disapproving eye on them all the time.
On the other hand, when I put myself in Mrs. Dennis’ place, I did understand her concern. It would be very disconcerting to know that someone was coming into my home without my knowledge or approval. Particularly if that person was entering in such a sneaky manner.
“How would you like us to help you?” I asked, determined to be of help.
Mrs. Dennis speared me with her regal gaze. “You, Miss Lunceford, may attend the party as a guest. You will watch the help for any signs of something unusual going on. Mr. Edwards,” she said his name with definite coolness, “will watch from outside, concealed nearby.”
I glanced at Paula whose smile faltered. There was no doubt that she’d been envisioning herself dancing with Will. Poor girl, I thought.
“That sounds fine,” Will nodded. “I’ll be in place before the party begins.”
“As will I,” I agreed. “I’d like a chance to observe the window from the inside and observe the help as they prepare for the party.”
Chapter Nine
This was acceptable to our client and so Will and I were shown the window in question before we took our leave. We talked over the case on the way back to Maple House and both agreed that it was unlikely that something nefarious was taking place.
“If nothing has gone missing and no one has reported anything going wrong, I doubt that a crime is taking place,” observed Will. His hands were in his pockets and he walked with his usual long strides. From his relaxed shoulders, I could tell that he was glad the meeting with the Dennises was over for now.
I tugged at my gloves and tried to keep up with my partner. Having much shorter legs, this was frequently a problem. “If someone is sneaking in for a romantic moment with one of the maids, Mrs. Dennis won’t be happy.”
“The girl will be fired without a reference,” Will added.
That would be a shame, but there was little we could do about it. Maids knew the expectations of their mistresses and heaven help them if they disobeyed.
Will and I spent the afternoon quietly. We each had far too many mysteries that needed solving to be able to engage in interesting conversation on any other topic. Since we’d already discussed Mrs. Finney’s case, Jane and Ned, and the stalled situation with Hugh Meriwether’s death, neither of us had much to say. Though, if Will’s mind was like mine, he couldn’t think of much else.
I walked home for tea and to dress for the Dennis’ party still pondering the mysteries that swirled around us. I found myself grumbling inwardly that they were all stalled out and had to give myself a good scolding. Hadn’t I been disappointed in the lack of mysteries only a short time ago? Now we had a solid case at the Finney’s house, never mind that we were stymied.
Perhaps this mystery at the Dennis house would be easily solved and help me to feel as though I’d accomplished something. I decided to put all the other mysteries out of my head and spend the evening focusing on resolving this one case.
June helped me to dress after tea.
“Which do you prefer, miss?” The maid indicated my formal green gown and the ivory gown.
“I haven’t worn the green in a long time,” I decided.
“That one is very pretty on you,” June said with a smile and crossed the room to help me remove my day dress.
We chatted comfortably as we worked. Over the past months, June and I had developed a familiar routine and a friendly relationship. I’d had my share of lady’s maids before, but June and I had a special friendship. When she’d first come to work for me, June had admitted being involved with a criminal ring and we’d had a close call with the ringleader.
Most women would have fired June immediately, but her explanation moved me and I couldn’t resist keeping her on. The result was a very grateful maid who worked hard to prove that she was both appreciative and no longer involved in anything underhanded. I, in turn, was more understanding and willing to help explain how to do things that most lady’s maids already knew.
Now, months later, June knew exactly how to fix my hair, choose my gown and accessories, and draw my bath. I knew about her family and had an interest in
the activities she was involved in at her church.
Since this was a formal party, we pulled out all the stops. June secured my head frame so that she could arrange my hair around it in the full style that was the height of fashion. She pinned and curled and we gossiped while I handed her pin after pin.
Then, she secured me in the correct corset, pulling it as tight as it would go. My best dresses were tailored for my smallest corseted figure. I wouldn’t be able to eat much or dance too vigorously, both, at least in my grandmother’s eyes, would be an advantage as refined ladies did neither.
Once my dress was in place, June moved to select gloves for me as well as to bring my jewelry box over. The whole process occurred automatically and I felt a moment’s satisfaction that we’d both arrived at such a comfortable place.
June wished me good luck on the case and handed me my reticule. I thanked her and whisked downstairs to the waiting carriage. Father had yet to arrive home and so there was no opportunity to ask for him to escort me to the Dennis’. The carriage bumped along and I sat back, enjoying the quiet rumble of the wheels on the packed earth. This was the last chance I’d have for the next few hours to sit and not have to be analyzing everything that I saw.
As much as I enjoyed investigating, I had to admit that it was tiring work. There was never any guarantee that we’d be successful and yet the client expected us to figure out what they could not every time.
Mine was the first carriage to arrive since I’d made sure I was the first guest. I was told that Paula was still dressing and I was to make myself comfortable. Then the footman hurried off to see to his other tasks before being stationed at the door for the evening.
Undoubtedly, the footman had meant that I was to wait in the library, out of the way. I had no intention of getting out of the way and made my way to the rooms on the first floor on the east side of the house, where I knew the window in question was.
This entire side of the house was dark as it would be unused by the guests. The morning room, of course, would be left alone until the sun rose. Next to this were Mr. Dennis’ private rooms; his gun room and his snuggery where he did whatever mysterious things men did to entertain themselves in a quiet evening.
Betting on Death Page 7
