“Why, I explained that to you, Sir John. It was a simple deduction based upon an observation.”
“You’re lying,” he almost screamed. “Someone has ferreted it out, and has told you. It could not have been Percy. He was away when it happened, so it must have been someone else.”
“I assure you that you are jumping to a conclusion that is incorrect. Surely, I have amply demonstrated my ability to see what others do not.”
Sir John reflected upon that for a moment. I could see the struggle between suspicion and reason play out across his face. Reason finally emerged triumphant, and he smiled wanly.
“Of course, you are right,” he conceded. “It was simply that your unexpected statement caught me quite unawares, and I reacted badly. I do apologize, sir.”
I nodded in response.
“Uncle, you gave us quite a scare. I thought you had given up the ghost for a moment.”
“Sorry, my boy,” he rubbed his chin in contemplation and seemed to make up his mind about something. “Since it seems that you have very nearly guessed my secret, I may as well show you.”
Sir John arose from the sofa and crossed the room to the painting. He reached up to the top of the frame and I heard a distinct click. He gently grabbed one side of the painting, and the frame swung open revealing a hidden wall safe. Percy gasped, and I noted the fine craftsmanship that had gone into the design that disguised the presence of the safe.
“I had this secretly installed while you were gone, Percy. What do you think?” said he, as he closed the frame again hiding the safe from view.
“Why, it is a cunning idea, uncle. I should say that any object in there would be quite safe.”
“Indeed it would be,” said Sir John. “Any thief would have to find the safe first, and then the manufacturers assure me that if I ever lose the combination it would take a special drill to open it. It is quite secure.”
“But if you were to lose the combination that would be most inconvenient, or what if someone was to discover it?” asked my friend.
“There is no way to steal the combination, Percy, as it is not written down. Only the master craftsman who designed the tumblers, and I, know it.”
“That seems a very secure system, uncle, but suppose you forget the combination?”
“Can you believe that the Queen’s Golden Jubilee is less than ten years away?” asked Sir John, in a dreamy voice.
“I beg your pardon, uncle?” asked Percy.
“Who would have thought when she was born that she would serve as monarch for so long? I am a great admirer of hers, you know?”
I wondered if, perhaps, the old gentleman was still feeling the effect of his recent shock. However, further conversation on the subject of the queen was interrupted, as the door to the music room opened and George Hardwick walked in.
Chapter Six
George Hardwick started a bit at seeing us.
“I am sorry to interrupt,” he said. “I did not realize, uncle, that you still had the room.”
He made as if to withdraw, but Sir John brought him up short.
“I will send for you shortly, George,” he said. “I have to speak with Percy first, but I want to go over some of the estate bills with you later. I will be quick, as I wish to be done by one o’ clock.”
“Of course, uncle,” he replied, and quietly left the room closing the door behind him.
“He is a thoroughly good boy,” said the older man.
I did not speak, but it occurred to me that George Hardwick was well beyond the years one might be considered for boyhood.
“Smart as a whip, although he doesn’t advertise it the way his cousin does,” continued Sir John. “Gave up Cambridge, you know, to care for his mother and now he is my right arm here.”
All thought of the wall safe was gone, as the older man had grown wistful.
“Well, enough of that,” he finally said. “Percy, you will be affected less than the others, but I did wish to speak to you before I broke the news to them.”
“I am all yours, uncle,” said Percy.
I murmured my pardon, and rose to leave the two men to speak in private.
“No, no, please remain, Mr. Holmes,” said Sir John. “This is nothing that will be a secret for very long.”
I complied with his wishes and sat once more. Percy looked anxious, but calm, as his uncle started pacing in front of his desk.
“Percy,” he began, “I have told you previously that there was to be no large inheritance for you when I am no longer of this earth.”
“Of course, uncle,” he replied. “You have been most generous and I appreciate all you have done for me. I expect nothing else from you. Your niece and nephews are, after all, your closest relatives.”
“Quite, quite,” muttered Sir John. “But what you do not know, and must now be told, is that I have had several severe set backs in my finances, and I shall not be able to pay for your schooling or continue the stipend I have allowed you. I am sorry, my boy.”
“Oh, uncle,” cried Percy, “I care nothing for myself, I will get by, I assure you, but I am in ashes to hear of the state of your own house. What are you to do?”
“I will be fine, my boy. This is not the first time I have been at the bottom looking up. I will rebound, but for now matters will be dicey for a bit. I am hoping that my book will provide some income. It is a dashing good read.”
Percy appeared somewhat doubtful at the idea that his uncle’s personal memoir of his discoveries would appeal to a mass audience, but he stayed his tongue.
“Matters are going to be a bit worse for your distant cousins though,” said the uncle. “I wish Agatha had not brought up the matter of children, but the fact is that old bargains cannot hold and there will be adjustments. Irene does desperately want children and so do I.”
“Sir, do you mean that George, Robert, and Jane are to be disinherited? That will be a bitter pill to swallow, for they have thought their entire lives that they would be your heirs.”
“I know,” he admitted. “But they will adjust. Why, look at you. You have made it most of your life with little help from others.”
“That is true,” said Percy, with an odd air of detachment.
“At any rate, the boys are still young and can make their own way, and Jane should have married already. Perhaps, now she will. It is possible, Percy, that they will look back on this as the best thing that could have happened.”
Once more Percy seemed doubtful, but again reserved his reply and essayed his own question. “So when will they be told, sir?”
“I will tell them tomorrow. There is no need to do so before we have our small family celebration tonight. Then they will have a fortnight to adjust before I make the formal announcement and present Irene with the Spider Diamond necklace.”
“Uncle, are you quite sure you wish to make the necklace a present just now?”
“Why not? It is mine to give, is it not?”
“Of course, sir. I only mention because of the state of your finances. If matters are as bad as you say, the Spider Diamond represents most of your accumulated wealth. Perhaps, caution should rule and you should retain it in the family instead.”
“But it will be in the family, Percy,” he replied jovially. “Irene is to be my wife and the mother of my children.” He stopped and grew wistful. “My boy, I lost my chance at love over twenty years ago and I do not mean to lose it again. The diamond was to be a bridal gift then and it shall finally meet its destiny.”
“I am sure that you know best, sir,” replied my friend. “Uncle, if there is nothing further, I believe Holmes and I would like to refresh from our trip a bit. We came straight in upon the noon meal and we have not even been to our rooms as of yet.”
“My goodness, I had no idea,” said Sir John, with palpable distress. “I would not have kept you had I known, but, Percy,” his voice softened, “I only wanted to speak with you first since the way forwards seems a bit harsh for you. I would change it if
I could, but circumstances will not allow it.”
“Please, uncle, give it no further thought,” said the young man. “I wish you and your bride all the happiness in the world. I will see you this evening to celebrate your announcement properly.”
I gave my agreement with Percy and we both shook the old gentleman’s hand and made ready to take our leave. We were still short of the door, when Sir John’s voice called to us.
“Just remember, boys, the safe is a secret, and I would ask you that it remains so.”
We agreed and exited the room. We were no sooner out the door, than the butler Hudson was at my elbow.
“If you gentlemen are ready I will show you to your rooms,” he intoned. “They have been prepared and I have taken the liberty of unpacking your things and stowing them away.”
“Of course,” said Percy. “Lead the way, Hudson.”
Percy put his arm through mine, and we followed the portly butler up the stairs to the second floor. Hudson was wheezing heavily by the time we reached the top of the stairs and I noticed a sheen of perspiration of his forehead. I wondered how the heavyset butler managed to perform his duties while carrying his great bulk.
We were shown down a hallway to our rooms. Percy had the one immediately adjacent to mine, and I had barely had time to sit down before my friend burst through my door and threw himself onto a small sofa by a window. He drew a cigarette from a case and lit it. He watched the smoke drift dreamily up to the ceiling before looking over at me.
“Well, Holmes, this day has held a bit more drama that I expected, or I dare say, you expected,” he said, with a laugh.
“I must say, Percy, this has not been the sedate holiday that you promised me, although I hold you blameless as you could not foretell the events.”
“You know, Holmes, perhaps this is all for the best in any case.”
“How so?” I asked.
“Simply that if you are to make detection your vocation, and not merely an entertaining avocation, then you will have to observe more than just the surface. You will have to gain a better understanding of the human animal. My goodness, this is your very laboratory, Holmes.”
“It is true that human nature is a part of crime, and I have not overlooked this, I assure you, but I had hoped for a more contemplative holiday.”
“In all seriousness, Holmes,” said Percy, “the dinner this evening, and the formal party to announce the engagement in a fortnight, are unavoidable social contracts, but all your other time is yours.”
“So you say, Percy,” I said, with a laugh.
“Believe me, Holmes. Aside from the two events I have outlined, your time is your own. The house is enormous and you socialize as much, or as little, as you like. The library, which you have seen, is huge, the smoking room is well appointed and a welcome refuge from the ladies, I might add. In addition the laboratory is at your disposal. I assure you that it is first rate, for an amateur such as my uncle, and it is free of other people much, if not most of the time.”
Percy made a persuasive case and in reality I had little choice but to remain upon the estate even had I desired to leave, on the account of my finances.
“Very well, Percy. I am sure that you are correct and the present excited state of affairs will not endure for long. Besides, I do wish to hear more of your uncle’s explorations. You do not think he would mind sharing some of them with me do you?”
“Mind? Dear fellow, he will be thrilled to be asked,” said Percy. “However, Miss Stuart might know more about them these days than my uncle. His memory comes and goes, while she has gone through all of his correspondence and journal entries from those times.”
“Then she has been of aid to Sir John in his literary work?”
“Oh, indeed. I believe that is why most of us are a bit taken aback by this romance. You see, she has been quite serious about the work and has seldom socialized with the family. I have the idea Robert had her in his sights, but c’est la vie.”
“Your uncle’s wall safe is a interesting item,” I observed.
“Yes, he does like his small inventions. I have no doubt that the hinged picture was his design, and he probably made it himself.”
“Then the laboratory is a wood working shop as well?”
“Oh, everything you can imagine, Holmes. I will show it to you tomorrow if you like.”
“That would very much meet with my approval, my dear fellow.”
“Then you shall see it. It really is a wonder.”
“I am surprised that Sir John could keep a secret like that in this house. Do you imagine that no one else knows of the safe’s existence?”
Percy gave me a shrewd look and then began laughing.
“Have I said something amusing, Percy?” I asked.
“It is simply that everyone knows about the safe, Holmes.”
What? Sir John made a special point to ask us to keep it in confidence.”
“I realize that, but Jane wrote me about it months ago. Her and George and Robert all are aware of its existence. I am not certain about Aunt Agatha, but my cousins know, and for that matter probably half of the staff knows. Hudson knows almost certainly.”
“And Sir John is unaware that his secret is out?”
“Blissfully unaware I would say, but knowledge of the safe does not mean access to the Spider Diamond inside. My uncle alone knows the combination, as you heard him say.”
“So you believe the Spider Diamond Necklace lies within.” I said.
“Where else would it be, my dear fellow?”
Chapter Seven
Percy soon left me to my own devices, and I determined to see a bit more of the home and the grounds. I wandered from my room and saw that the home, which had been a beehive of activity earlier, seemed deserted, at least of servants. As I descended the stairs I saw Miss Hardwick in the great hall quietly reading. She gave me a nod, but did not indicate she wished to speak, so I passed through to the library.
The immense personal library of the estate would dwarf the collections of many public libraries, and I spent a few minutes perusing the books available. Sir John was known to be a man with a curious and agile mind, and his library reflected that in its eclectic selections. There were many novels of fiction by the great, present, and past authors of the world, he had the works of Shakespeare and Dickens among others, but these were supplemented by a large collection of non fiction books. Some of these were from the scientific realm, whilst others were tales of adventure and exploration. One day soon, I knew, Sir John expected to have his own experiences join the others on his bookshelves.
My quiet contemplation in the library was not to last, as George and Robert Hardwick were in the conservatory playing chess and loudly arguing with one another over strategy and skill level. I strolled that direction, and observed the game for a while.
Robert was the more voluble of the two, and spent most of his time attempting to irritate his more sedate cousin. It was an obvious attempt at gamesmanship, and one that I thought hardly befit a gentleman. This was apparently the usual manner in which play was engaged as neither man showed any surprise at the others verbal sparring.
Robert was playing the white pieces, and was employing the Rasmussen Gambit. This was a difficult strategy in which both bishops were sacrificed early in order for white to gain a dominant position on the board. When done correctly it was unstoppable, once the black rook was taken. George apparently did not recognize the gambit as he was engaged in the Sapperstein Defense. While not a bad choice on its own merits, it was not particularly effective against the Rasmussen Gambit. After a bit of time I left the two alone to continue their battle mano-a-mano.
I soon found myself upon the grounds. The lack of servants within did not extend to the outside and I observed over a dozen men and boys going about the daily drudgery necessary for the upkeep of a great estate, such as this one.
I asked one of the men where I might find Sir John’s laboratory, and followed the directions to the rear of
the house. The laboratory was a clean looking building of recent brick construction next to a cart shed of much older birth. Finding no lock on the door, and mindful that my host had given me carte blanche on the estate, I entered the new building.
The inside of the laboratory was clean and orderly, with a strong chemical smell present. There were the expected assortment of beakers, along with mortars and pestles. There were moldings and other tools used for work with metallurgy, as well as a variety of woodworking materials and tools. In all, it was a quite satisfactory workshop, and I was glad to know that it was at my disposal, should I care to use it.
I had almost made myself ready to go, when I heard someone approach. The door opened quietly and the figure of Jane Grafton appeared. She seemed a bit startled at my presence and stopped in her tracks, but she recovered quickly.
“Why, Mr. Holmes,” she cried. “I had no idea you were about on the grounds.”
“I was inspecting your uncle’s fine workshop,” I replied. “I hope I have not intruded upon any plans of yours to use the facilities.”
She laughed out loud at the very idea. “I do not expect you should ever find me among the ranks of amateur scientist. No, I merely came by to see if I had left a scarf here. Uncle was at work on one of his experiments the other day, when Aunt Agatha sent me down here after him. I do not see the scarf, so I must have left it elsewhere. May I show you around the grounds a bit, Mr. Holmes?”
The lady was most insistent, so I complied with her wishes and we exited the building. We strolled about the estate for the next hour. The lady had begun our tour by talking quickly and pointing out every landmark loudly and confidently, but as time went by she became less loquacious. Near the beginning of our walk, I saw Percy coming around the corner of the house. He simply returned the wave of Miss Grafton, and continued alone. Near the end of our stroll, we came upon Miss Hardwick, who had apparently abandoned her reading and was busy tending a flower garden without the aid of any of the estate workers. Just after this, Jane Grafton announced that, perhaps, we should return to the house and prepare ourselves for the party of the approaching evening. I acquiesced, and we returned to the house through the main entrance.
The Spider Web (A Sherlock Holmes Uncovered Tale Book 4) Page 4