The Widow (Silver Linings Mysteries Book 1)
Page 34
“Well now, how delightful to see you all again, and under such happy circumstances,” the elder Mr Stratton said. Happy circumstances? For the first time, Caroline felt a flicker of interest. “Miss Milburn, may I present to you my nephew, another Mr Stratton you see, who has just joined us from Portsmouth now that my father is unhappily not able to undertake as much of the business as was his wont. Nephew, this is Miss Milburn, and Miss Elinor Milburn, and Miss Penelope Milburn.”
“Delighted! Delighted!” he cried, executing his bow with a flourish. “So happy to make your acquaintance, especially with such wonderful news to impart. Such an exciting day for you all, and for me also, for you are my very first clients. Do come into my office. Mind the rug! There is a worn patch just there, so do take the greatest care. My uncle will be just next door if you have any questions which I am unable to answer, but he is entrusting your case entirely to me. This way, ladies.”
All the time, the wide smile on his face never wavered, and Caroline decided that his enthusiasm was genuine. Whether he was always thus, or it was related to the information he had to convey to them, or whether it was merely the effect that Lin had on him was uncertain. Probably the latter, she decided, for he could scarcely take his eyes off her.
The clerk followed them into the office, and fussed about arranging chairs on one side of the desk. When they were seated, the clerk withdrew and Mr Stratton took his own seat. The desk was entirely empty, and although the shelves lining the room were laden with serious-looking tomes, there was not a thing out of place, not a document or a pen holder or an opened book to be seen anywhere. Mr Stratton was indeed very new to Romsey if he had not yet had time to clutter his office with the detritus of his occupation.
“Now then, ladies, to business,” he said, the smile widening even further. “There is good news, but, as is so often the case, there is some rather sad news for me to impart first.” The smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression, and his voice dropped to a low, sympathetic tone. “I am very sorry to have to inform you that your grandfather has died.”
There was a long silence in the room, as the sisters exchanged glances.
“This is indeed sad,” Caroline said, “but it is hardly news, Mr Stratton. Both our grandfathers died some years ago. Grandfather Milburn departed the world some ten years ago, and Grandfather Carter before Mama was even born.”
“Ah,” he said, and for the first time he looked uncomfortable. “Is that what you were told? I regret to inform you that you have been misled. Your maternal grandfather was not called Carter and he did not die until last month.”
“That cannot be so,” Caroline said. “His name was George Carter, and he was a soldier in the 37th Regiment of Foot. He was killed in action in India.”
Mr Stratton gently shook his head. “His name was Abraham Wishaw. He was a hop merchant, primarily, although he dabbled in other commodities. He died just a few weeks ago when the ship bringing him from Ireland foundered.”
And in that moment, every truth in Caroline’s life crashed in pieces to the floor.
END OF SAMPLE CHAPTER of The Lacemaker
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