Covent Garden Caper

by Bettie Jane

  Covent Garden Caper

  A Piccadilly Short Story

  Bettie Jane

  Copyright © 2019 by Bettie Jane and Auburn Seal

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  To My Family

  Contents

  Author Note

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  About the Author

  Also by Bettie Jane

  About Auburn Seal

  Also by Auburn Seal

  Roanoke Vanishing

  Author Note

  Please enjoy this short little mystery while you wait for the next full length Piccadilly Ladies Club Mystery! For other short adventures with the Piccadilly crew, check out the links in Also by Bettie Jane.

  1

  April 1921

  Royal Albert Hall

  Julia approached the grand entrance to the Opera House arm in arm with Mattie. She tried to reconcile that only two months had passed since Frankie’s thoughtful proposal to Mattie right here at the Royal Albert Hall in Covent Garden, but so much had occurred since then that it felt as though ages had passed.

  The gruesome murder of Beatrice Cooper before the memorial at Tyburn Tree was Julia’s first and last paying job. She was somewhat relieved that no other clients had come forward since it gave her and Frankie time to purchase and prepare their offices for the grand opening of Charing Cross Investigations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony—Frankie’s betrothed and Julia’s girlhood friend, Mattie, insisted on a formal ceremony to start the business off with the pomp and circumstance she insisted it deserved—would occur next month, after Frankie and Mattie’s wedding by the sea. The day after they returned from their honeymoon, in fact.

  The building that would house Charing Cross Investigations had ample space for tenants and an apartment for Julia. There had been talk when she first purchased the building with her father’s cash assistance of Mattie and Frankie living in one of the other residential units, but Frankie hadn’t wanted to commit to that. This latest development with Mattie’s father seemed quite effective in changing his mind.

  “Your father really told you that you have to move out immediately?”

  Mattie sighed and nodded her head, her blonde curls bouncing in contrast to the sober topic.

  “The alternative is that I break off the engagement to Frankie. Can you believe he had the nerve to—to—ugh, I simply couldn’t bear it except that my mother has been such a delight. She said she’d help me, that it was not at all unexpected that my father would throw this tantrum when he realized we were indeed getting married this May and not next.”

  “It’s nice your mother is so supportive.”

  “I can’t believe we are going to be neighbors, can you? We are setting off into the world on our own to begin our adult lives—me as a wife and you as a business owner—and we get to live right next to each other. It’s going to be such fun, I just know it. You are sure you aren’t bothered by the change of plan?”

  Julia squeezed Mattie’s arm. “I’m simply delighted, actually. It’s one less tenant I have to find. The building needs to be fully occupied by the grand opening in order for it to begin paying for itself. Frankie’s done a great job so far, and I don’t think we’ll have a problem leasing out the remainder of the spaces given the location is so wonderful, but I’d just as soon you be my neighbor than some random person. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

  “Good.” Mattie sighed. “Can you believe how much has changed since we were here last? It’s only been two months!”

  “That was the best proposal I’ve ever seen, Mattie. Frankie really outdid himself.”

  “He really did.”

  They were joined by Frankie, who took Mattie off to a secluded corner to sneak a kiss or two. Julia waited for the others to arrive. Her thoughts drifted back to her last day at the Opera House back in February.

  * * *

  When they arrived at the grand doors that were the entrance to Royal Albert Hall, the small group was greeted by a full staff who took their coats, offered champagne, and led them to their seats. Frankie told Julia earlier that he had preassigned the seats to maximize the experience.

  Mattie was sitting in the very center of the front row with Frankie to her right. On her left sat Opal, prepared to assist with each phase of the surprise. Oscar sat next to Opal, then Cecil. On Frankie’s right was Jimmie and then Edith, then finally Julia and Jacob.

  They were the only attendees in the venue, and once shown to their seats, they all chatted about the lovely evening, the beauty of the venue, and the fame of Enrico Caruso.

  “Front row!” Mattie exclaimed. “How did you pull this off, Frankie?”

  “This is a private performance, Mattie. Just for us. We had our pick of seats and I thought you might enjoy being front and center to watch your favorite tenor.”

  Mattie was giddy, practically hopping up and down in her seat, her champagne sloshing dangerously. “Just for our small group? Frankie, you have truly outdone yourself. It wasn’t necessary.”

  The look in Mattie’s eyes was somewhere between unadulterated pleasure and concern for what this must have cost Frankie. She wasn’t overly materialistic, but she did enjoy her luxuries. Everyone knew that Frankie didn’t have nearly the resources Mattie was used to, but it likely wasn’t going to affect Mattie at all. After all, she had access to her father’s wealth and there was plenty of it.

  Julia had heard Mattie say on another occasion that she wouldn’t need to marry for money because her father would spoil her with his riches. “A rich husband would be entirely too redundant. Let the rich men marry the poor girls and the waifs. They’ll need the money more than I ever will.”

  Hopefully that statement hadn’t been in jest, because Frankie definitely didn’t have money.

  “How much longer until it starts?” Mattie asked.

  “About fifteen minutes.”

  Julia leaned toward Mattie, who was several seats away, and spoke somewhat loudly. “Mattie, there is still time to hunt Enrico in his dressing room and question his choice of venue. Shall we?”

  Mattie laughed and smirked playfully at Julia.

  “This venue is absolutely perfect. You know how I adore Prince Albert! Don’t be such a snob, Julia.”

  Julia smiled, satisfied that Mattie was having a lovely time and that she seemed to still be clueless, even with all the hints about Victoria and Albert. She was beside herself with anticipation for the moment when Mattie finally put it all together.

  “More champagne?”

  A waiter in a tuxedo offered drinks from a beautiful silver tray to each of the guests who eagerly took their second champagne.

  “I’ll be around once more before the performance begins.”

  They continued to visit amongst themselves about nothing in particular while they eagerly waited for the main event. Only Mattie didn’t know that while Enrico was performing, he was going to introduce Frankie, who would then propose.

  When the Italian tenor came on to the stage, the nine that made up his audience made so much noise that Julia forgot for a moment their group made up the entire audience.

  Enrico spoke briefly to them, welcoming them to his performance, told a few anecdotes about his most recent performance at The Met in New York City, his illness, and his overprotective wife who seemed to have put her foot down concerning public performances.

  “She allowed me,” he said to his small audience, “to perf
orm for you tonight only because she wanted a trip to London from our beloved Naples. When you applaud, remember that you are applauding my wife’s good nature.”

  They all smiled at his obvious regard for his wife. Certainly, she didn’t have to allow anything. He was a famous opera singer, after all. He could do whatever he chose.

  “Whenever you young men decide to marry, be careful to choose a woman who will set aside her concern for your health for a good shopping trip. It may be your only hope for freedom!”

  Once again, they laughed at his joke. He seemed a very likable fellow, which was a bit surprising to Julia since he was so famous. It was nice to see someone who didn’t let that fame or his incredible talent go to his head.

  He took the time to ask each of their names and told a few stories from his boyhood. It was as if they were sitting around a fire in their parlor and chatting with an extended relative. It was all very intimate and extraordinary.

  “I do not suppose you came here to listen to me drivel on about my wife and my childhood, now have you? I will sing for you now.”

  The small chamber orchestra began, and he performed one of his popular pieces.

  They clapped loudly for him when he’d finished.

  “This one is called St. Lucia,” he told them. “It is about the beautiful waterfront district in the Gulf of Naples and a fisherman invited to enjoy a lovely cool evening on the sea. My wish for you is that you all have an opportunity to visit this beautiful place and when you do, think of me. You may have heard it on gramophone, but if not, I have brought records for each of you with some of my favorite songs. A keepsake for this special Valentine’s Day.”

  He sang the beautiful piece, and even though Julia didn’t speak Italian, she could envision the beauty and calm of which he sang.

  The next song he introduced was one that Julia wasn’t familiar with.

  “This piece from Les Huguenots is rumored to be a favorite of the late Queen Victoria who adored the opera. I understand there is a young woman in the audience who is an admirer of Queen Victoria. Mattie, this is for you. Please enjoy.”

  Mattie’s eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite queen, and if Julia was right, her friend was losing the fight to not tear up. She had to be completely overwhelmed with all of this.

  They all stood to applaud the song after the last note. There were tears streaming down Mattie’s face.

  Julia leaned over to Jacob. “I’d say Frankie pulled this off perfectly, wouldn’t you?”

  Jacob nodded but didn’t speak. The emotion in the room was thick and tangible.

  “I have one last song for you this evening. It is a song about a woman who shines as bright as the sun for her true love. I request a little assistance from one of the audience members for this. Frankie Sutton, would you please accompany me on the stage for a moment?”

  Frankie looked surprised, and Julia made a note to compliment him on his acting skills later on. Mattie looked even more surprised and urged him out of his seat. He kissed her cheek and then hurried towards a small door where a steward waited to direct him.

  He disappeared through the door and moments later appeared on stage.

  Enrico shook hands with him. “Welcome to my stage, young sir.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Caruso. It’s a pleasure to be in your company.”

  “Frankie, who are you here with?”

  “I’m here with a group of my friends from childhood, including my girlfriend, Mattie.”

  “Ah, yes, Mattie, the one who adores Queen Victoria, no?”

  Frankie nodded. “Yes, yes she does. She was born on the day Victoria died.”

  “Would you say, Frankie, that Mattie is as bright as the sunshine for you, like the words of O Solo Mio?”

  Frankie looked out at Mattie, who sat staring in adoration at Frankie, and nodded. “Yes.” His voice caught and now even Julia’s eyes welled up with tears.

  This was almost more than she could stand. So much happiness, she felt like she might burst. As if on cue, Jacob squeezed her hand and leaned in to whisper, “O Solo Mio.”

  Julia squeezed his hand in return and held back the sob of happiness that tried to overtake her so she could focus on the event unfolding on the stage.

  “Mattie, please join us on the stage as well,” Enrico invited.

  Mattie stood, her hands shaking, and made her way to the stage via the same route Frankie had taken.

  Enrico continued to speak while Mattie made the short trek.

  “The lyric, ‘This sun, my own sun, shines from your face; it shines from your face’ is very special. Keep in mind that in times of darkness, you are each other’s source of light.”

  At that moment, Mattie walked on to the stage, Enrico began to sing, and Frankie dropped to one knee, opening a small ring box and extending it out to Mattie as she neared.

  Everyone watched Mattie, knowing what was coming, and they were well rewarded for their patience.

  It took her a moment to realize what was happening. First, she looked at Frankie like he was mad, kneeling down when this famous singer was performing for them. Then her eyes traveled to the ring box in his hand and she stopped walking. She was still several steps away from him and Julia knew she hadn’t seen the details of the ring yet.

  Mattie looked from the ring box to Frankie, out to her friends in the audience, then over to Enrico Caruso, who continued his dramatic performance with a wide smile on his face and joy in his eyes.

  Mattie faced Frankie and ran the last few steps across the stage to drop to her knees in front of him. They stared into each other’s eyes for a brief moment before Frankie tipped the ring box so Mattie could see the details. The moment she realized it was a serpent ring with an emerald setting in the fashion of Queen Victoria, she let out a gasp that was louder than even Enrico.

  She collapsed into Frankie’s arms and he held her for a moment. He then pulled the ring from the box as if in a question. She nodded, and he placed it on the ring finger of her left hand in answer to her answer. He helped her to her feet and they danced on the stage with Enrico Caruso serenading their first dance as a betrothed couple.

  When the song ended, the couple turned to face Enrico and applauded passionately.

  Enrico shook Frankie’s hand. “You, sir, have done a fine job of proposing to your sunshine. May you find the strength to outdo yourself for the rest of your life.”

  He kissed Mattie on the cheek. “Mattie, my dear. Do not forget to go shopping sometimes and give this one freedom to be himself. If it were not for my own sunshine, I would not have been able to be here today to witness such a wonderful example of young love. Congratulations, darling couple. May you find joy and love always together.”

  After a final farewell to Enrico, the couple made their way from the stage and back to their friends who stood and greeted them both with smothering hugs and kisses.

  With congratulations given, Mattie turned to Frankie. “Thank you, my love. This was more than I could have ever dreamed.”

  Frankie pulled her close. “As are you. More than I could have ever dreamed.”

  Edith spoke. “You really didn’t guess a thing? You had no idea?”

  Mattie paused and looked around, a bit guilty.

  Frankie’s face held shock.

  “Had you guessed it, Mattie?”

  “Well, not entirely. I knew there was a ring. I overheard you on the phone one day, but I had no idea it was a serpent ring. I simply adore this ring, Frankie.” She stared at him, transfixed, as though she didn’t believe it was truly there. “I knew there would be a proposal sometime, or at least I’d hoped there would be, but I wasn’t suspecting tonight. Once I learned where we were going, I was a bit suspicious, then when I saw the flowers…I was almost certain, but didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

  Mattie blushed. “Honestly, when he announced his last song, I felt a little bit disappointed because I thought it might not happen but was so pleased with the whole evening that I got over it qui
ckly. It didn’t sink in until I was on the stage with you and saw you go down on one knee. So, you see, you did pull off the surprise. The details from Queen Victoria’s and Prince Albert’s lives were truly beautiful touches that I could never have expected in a thousand years. This was a perfect evening, Frankie. Perfect.”

  She kissed him again, much to the delight of their cheering friends. When they came up for air, it was Opal’s turn to chime in.

  “What do you think? Shall we go dance at the Candlelight and celebrate the happy couple?”

  The waiter came around with more champagne.

  “Yes,” Frankie said. “Let’s enjoy our champagne and then get rowdy.”

  “I’ll never forget this night. What a dream come true.”

  More hugs all around and a final toast, and then they set their empty champagne glasses on the serving tray and filed out of Royal Albert Hall and into the cool London evening, with nothing but happy possibilities in front of them.

  * * *

  “Julia? Julia!”

  Julia came out of her reverie, feeling sentimental from her trip down memory lane, and found her friends had arrived. Edith, Jimmie, Opal, Oscar, and Cecil all stood in front of her.

  “Oh, hello friends. You’ve made it, I see. I doubt this evening will be as exciting as Mattie and Frankie’s engagement, but I suspect we can make it a close second if we get creative.”

  “Speaking of the love birds, where are they?” Jimmie asked.

  Julia tipped her head toward where Frankie and Mattie had disappeared.

  “Around the corner canoodling somewhere. Someone should simply get them a hotel room. Honestly, they are rather embarrassing to be seen in public with these days.”