Foxe and the Path into Darkness
Page 28
‘Of course I’ll meet her, Mr Foxe,’ Mrs Matthews replied. ‘If she suits, she can live here in one of the servant’s rooms in the attic. Can’t she, Ann?’
Ann Weston agreed eagerly so that was settled, and Foxe departed in a welter of more thanks and good wishes, assuring Mrs Matthews over and over again that it was entirely proper to give her the banker’s drafts in the box since the original owners of the stolen money could never be traced. He hadn’t dared mention his forthcoming marriage for fear the two women would have detained him still longer. The news was already spreading about the city and they would find out soon enough.
Later, as he helped his master down from the carriage outside Foxe’s own house, Henry was still puzzled by what Foxe had done.
‘That must all have been taken from his own business, master. So far as I’ve heard from you, Belton never had the opportunity to steal much from anyone else.’
‘We can’t prove that, Henry, though I expect it’s quite likely to be true. But Mrs Belton will be more than happy with the return of her jewels, accompanied by yet more cash. Why not use Belton’s villainy to help someone else? I only suggested he stole from a variety of other people to make Mrs Matthews accept the money. She would be far too honest to do so if she thought I knew to whom it had belonged in the first place. The rest of what I said was true anyway. She definitely deserves some compensation for all the trouble and upset Belton caused her. I’m certain that, had he been able to leave at a time of his own choosing, he would have emptied her till—and her strongbox, if he could—and taken the choicest pieces from her shop too. He didn’t care for her in the least. She was simply of use to him. It’s obvious he had no conscience whatsoever and put his own needs before anyone else’s without a moment’s hesitation. All he was focussed on at the end was getting away from Norwich with as much money as he could.’
‘I hadn’t thought of that,’ Henry said. ‘Now I can see you were right to do what you did, master. I only hope that brings an end to this business.’
‘As do I,’ Foxe replied. ‘I need to concentrate on preparing this house to receive my bride, while Miss Lucy needs to spend more time at home getting herself ready as well. I’m well and truly on the mend, Henry. Another week to ten days and the wedding can take place.’
Lucy Halloran and Ashmole Foxe were duly joined in matrimony in her parish church ten days later to the great joy of both their families and households. The Dean of Norwich had insisted on performing the actual ceremony, with the agreement of the parish priest. Then, now being Mr and Mrs Foxe at last, the couple left the church to find the street outside thronged with well-wishers from almost every level of Norwich society. The sun shone and the breeze blew warm from the south, as if even the elements approved of what was taking place.
Their return to Foxe’s house was like a triumphal procession. The whole staff stood outside to greet them, along with those who worked in the shop. Then once inside, they were able to relax and savour the pleasure of being united at last. They talked and drank tea together and dined, then soon decided that it was time to retire for the night.
It would be quite improper to concern ourselves with what took place after that, save to say that each of them was more than satisfied with the other—which is as it should be.
THE END
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Dedication
Author’s Note
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26