Despite Flora’s close examination of the panelled wall that separated this room from her own bedroom next door, she could find no trace of whatever had struck it the previous night.
A light knock came at the door and Flora jumped, startled at almost being caught out poking through Eloise’s room. She smoothed down her skirt to compose herself before answering it.
She huffed a relieved breath through pursed lips and went to let in the maid. The woman sketched a curtsey and lowered a tray onto the table in the sitting area and began arranging the cups.
‘I’ll manage that, thank you.’ Flora ushered her out.
‘Is that coffee I smell?’ Flora swung round to where Eloise now sat, her arms wrapped round the hump formed by her raised knees, regarding her with eyes as clear as glass. ‘Excellent! Good thinking, Miss Maguire.’ She patted her curls into place with one hand. ‘That should convince ev’ryone.’
‘I-I thought—’ Flora broke off in mute confusion.
‘I know what you thought, which was entirely the impression I was tryin’ to give.’ She heaved the bed cover onto the floor, grimacing at her rumpled skirt before advancing on the coffee tray.
‘You want everyone to believe you were intoxicated?’ Flora demanded, her governess instincts rising to the surface. ‘Whatever for? That’s not going to do much for your reputation.’
‘Pish, who cares about that, it’s done for anyway.’ Her attempt to smooth out the more obvious creases had no effect, and she gave up with a flap of her hand. ‘And now I intend to take a look in Frank’s stateroom.’
‘Break in, do you mean?’ Flora’s hand shook slightly as she handed her a cup of the hot, fragrant brew from the tray. If Eloise was aware she had been nosing through her belongings she gave no sign.
‘I quite understand if you want nothin’ to do with it.’ Eloise’s smile dissolved and she gave a resigned sigh. ‘In which case, feel free to go to bed with your cocoa like a good little governess.’
Flora bridled. ‘If anyone finds out, you’ll be the first one they’ll suspect. You’re the only one on board who knew him.’
‘Perhaps.’ Her eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘However, I couldn’t possibly have done such a thing. After all, I was so inebriated, that nice Mr Harrington and the governess had to put me to bed.’
‘Please don’t call me “the governess”.’ Flora took a mouthful of coffee to give herself time to think, but regretted it, the brew was too strong and quite bitter.
Eloise took a delicate sip from her cup, though her black-fringed eyes never left Flora. ‘I have to admit, I expected you to go screaming for the captain. I also didn’t bargain on you as my nursemaid, but you’re here now, so do you want to help me or not?’
‘You haven’t yet told me why you want to search his stateroom. What do you expect to find?’ Flora’s heartbeat quickened, but she kept her face impassive.
‘Money, my dear girl. And don’t glare at me like that. It’s my money. I gave it to Frank last night. He insisted he needed it to pay our expenses in London.’
So that was what they had argued about? The dead man’s character slipped markedly in Flora’s estimation if he had expected Miss Lane to pay the bills.
‘How much did you give him?’ Flora added more milk to her cup and ventured another mouthful.
‘Three thousand dollars.’
Flora almost choked, a spray of coffee missing her dress by inches.
‘Well why not? Frank won’t need it now, will he?’ Eloise’s steady gaze challenged Flora to contradict her. ‘I still have to pay my hotel bill in London. I want it back.’
‘What if we get caught?’ Flora’s head filled with unwelcome images of her being escorted off the ship in London in chains by two burly policemen, watched by a distraught Eddy and a calm, but resigned Bunny.
Eloise drained her cup and returned it to the tray. ‘You don’t have to help me, but it will be quicker with the two of us. Are you game, or not?’ Without waiting for an answer, she made for the door.
Quietly seething, Flora followed. Which must have been what Eloise counted on: don’t give your press-ganged accomplice time to reconsider.
On the short walk across the deserted deck to Parnell’s stateroom, her father’s stern, ‘I’m disappointed in you’ look floated into Flora’s head but she pushed it away. She would never admit it, especially to Eloise, but the thought of finding something to prove she was right about Parnell’s death to wave beneath Bunny’s nose was tempting. It would also be the only chance she would have to go into Parnell’s stateroom. She might even find something which could point to his killer.
‘Warn me if anyone comes,’ Eloise instructed, inserting what looked like a double hatpin bent at right angles into the lock.
‘Have you done this before?’ Flora whispered. At Eloise’s slow sideways look, she added, ‘Never mind, it’s best I don’t know.’
Flora scanned the deck on both sides, but the boards gleamed empty in the moonlight. The passengers had probably decamped to the saloon, but would start drifting back to their rooms any time now. She began to wish she hadn’t come. What possible explanation could she give if discovered outside a dead man’s cabin? Or worse, inside it?
Seconds stretched, then Eloise straightened, throwing her a brief, dazzling smile. ‘We’re in!’ Grabbing Flora by the elbow, she yanked her inside, closed the door and twisted the latch. ‘Let down the blinds!’
The blinds fell to the ledge with a sequential dull thump, then Eloise flicked the light switch, flooding the room with a sulphurous yellow glow.
A mirror image of Eloise’s, Parnell’s stateroom was bereft of any signs of human habitation, which, Flora reminded herself, was hardly a surprise.
‘You try the bureau,’ Eloise ordered, advancing on the wardrobe, where she dropped into a crouch. ‘I’ll look in here.’
Flora felt a stirring of excitement as the top drawer slid open on silent runners, though it lay empty except for a few sheets of blank notepaper which bore the Atlantic Transport Line logo. What did $3,000 look like anyway?
‘Anything?’ Eloise whispered from her kneeling position in front of the wardrobe, replacing an obviously empty valise.
‘Not yet.’ Having searched the bureau, Flora moved on, but having run out of hiding places in the sitting area, moved into the bedroom and rifled through a chest of drawers. The top drawer contained a pile of card collars rolled together, while a lower one held some silk ties and several sets of underwear, all of which were frayed and discoloured. She opened the next drawer down, stuffed full of immaculate shirts.
Behind her, Eloise dislodged a row of shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe that fell in a series of soft thumps onto the floor. One bounced and came to rest beside Flora. She handed it back, noting the upper was highly polished but the sole looked thin and worn. The contrast appeared incongruous, as if the late Mr Parnell was all front and no substance.
‘I’ll take a look in the bathroom,’ Eloise said. ‘You stay here and search.’
Flora gave a silent nod as a pasteboard folder dropped to the floor from between a pile of shirts she had taken from the drawer. It lay open to reveal a sepia-coloured photograph. Flora placed the pile of shirts on a nearby chair and retrieved the folder.
Her attention was drawn to the photograph in her hand, of a darkly handsome man and a delicate, pretty blonde who wore a wide smile of uninhibited happiness.
A loud rattle of the doorknob froze Flora in place. Panicked, she thrust the photograph into the bottom of the drawer, dumped the pile of shirts on top and slid the drawer closed. A square of paper fluttered to the floor and with an impatient tut, she scooped it into her pocket and ducked down, her every nerve on edge as the doorknob rattled, louder and with more persistence.
Eloise’s head appeared around the bathroom door, one finger pressed to her lips.
‘Darling,’ a high-pitched female voice came from outside. ‘That’s not our cabin. We’re three doors farther down.’
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A muttered curse followed the release of the doorknob and the brace of footsteps moved away, accompanied by soft feminine laughter.
Eloise tiptoed to the door, pulled back the side of the blind with two fingers and peered onto the deck. Turning to Flora she mouthed, ‘They’ve gone.’
Flora released a held breath, a hand pressed to her bodice, beneath which her heart thumped painfully.
‘We’d better go,’ Eloise whispered. ‘Did you find anything?’
Flora shook her head. ‘There’s no money here, not even small change.’
‘Damn!’ Eloise flicked off the light. ‘What a waste of time.’ Easing open the door, she checked both ways before beckoning Flora to follow.
They ran back to Eloise’s cabin, where Flora slammed and locked the door behind them both as if they were being chased. They sat on the rumpled bed and collapsed into fits of nervous giggles like hysterical schoolgirls.
‘I’ve never done anything like that before,’ Flora said when she stopped for breath, a pillow hugged to her chest.
‘What a dreary life you lead.’ Eloise wiggled backwards onto the mattress.
‘Possibly,’ Flora bridled. ‘However, yours will be somewhat less dramatic with your money out of reach. Where does that leave you now?’
‘I’m not what you’d call broke exactly, but honestly, I could kill Frank for—’ She broke off and flushed prettily. ‘I mean, if he hadn’t fallen down that companionway.’ She wrapped her arms around her bent legs, her chin resting on top of her knees. ‘Don’t mention this to anyone, will you, Flora, but something doesn’t seem right about Frank’s accident.’
Flora stiffened. ‘What doesn’t seem right?’
‘That’s just it.’ She hunched her shoulders almost to her ears. ‘I don’t know. Falling down staircases wasn’t Frank’s style. Pushing people down them, now that’s more like him.’ She stretched her arms luxuriously, yawning. ‘Anyway, thanks for your help, Flora. I’m sorry we didn’t find anything.’
‘Which must strike you as odd.’
‘Odd?’ Eloise’s black lashed fluttered once. ‘In what way?’
‘Bun-Mr Harrington, told me Mr Parnell won a considerable amount of money at cards last night.’
‘He did?’ A frown appeared between her perfectly arched eyebrows. ‘How much of a considerable amount?’
‘Over $2,000, maybe more.’
‘No!’ Eloise bolted upright. ‘The sneaky bas—’ Words appeared to fail her, and sighing, she dropped her chin back onto her knees.
‘The reason I mention it,’ Flora went on, ‘is because that money wasn’t in his stateroom either. He didn’t have a chance to lodge it in the ship’s safe as the purser’s office was closed at that time of night. So either he gave it to someone, hid it, or it was stolen.’
‘And we’ve looked in all the likely hiding places.’ Eloise gave a dismissive ‘tsk’ through her lips. ‘Frank didn’t trust banks either so I doubt he would have given it to the purser.’ Her head jerked up again, pinning Flora with a hard stare. ‘You think he was killed for the money?’
‘I couldn’t say, but as it isn’t here.’
Eloise shook her head. ‘I can’t imagine anyone on board taking such a risk. It’s small change to most of them.’
‘Not necessarily. An ocean liner is a great leveller. Once on board we can be whomever we wish.’ Flora recalled the state of Parnell’s shoes. ‘After all, did you know I was a governess when we first met?’
‘Not at all. It wasn’t until Mrs Penry-Jones said – well never mind what she said. Besides, she didn’t speak directly to me, more in my presence. Women like her don’t talk to actresses. I counted myself lucky she asked me to pass the mustard at dinner.’
‘Exactly what I mean. Anyone can buy a first-class ticket, everything else can be invented to suit their purpose. Maybe Mr Parnell wasn’t what he said he was?’
Eloise slid off the bed and stood, her arms crossed at her waist. ‘Look, Miss Governess, I don’t know what you’re implying, but I haven’t invented or stolen anything.’
‘I wish you’d stop being so defensive,’ Flora cut across her. ‘I wasn’t referring to you.’ Unless her judgement was faulty, Eloise wasn’t a killer. ‘You said you weren’t happy with the manner of Mr Parnell’s death, well nor am I. I believe someone killed him.’
Panic entered Eloise’s blue eyes. ‘I don’t know anything about that. I want to get back what is rightfully mine, nothin’ else. If you spread talk like that, before you know it, I’ll be the one accused.’
‘But surely—’
‘No, I mean it.’ She dragged Flora to her feet by one arm in a surprisingly firm grip for someone with such a slight frame. ‘Thank you for helping me tonight, but I’m not being accused of murder.’ She propelled Flora out onto the deck where a cool wind tugged at her skirt.
Before the door closed, she heard Eloise whisper, ‘Not again.’
Chapter 8
Monday
After a surprisingly restful night, Flora was up and dressed, pouring hot tea from the pot brought by the stewardess, when Eddy stumbled into the sitting room.
‘You look tired, didn’t you sleep well?’ She untucked a corner of his cardigan that had caught in his trousers.
‘I had a strange dream, about Meely.’ He stifled a yawn. ‘I was six again, and she took the ladder away from my tree house when I was still inside.’ He rubbed his eyes with both hands. ‘I dreamed she left me there for days, not just until suppertime, which was what really happened.’
‘How ungenerous of her. I take it you forgave her? In your dream I mean?’ Flora knew all about strange dreams, but this one didn’t sound too disturbing. In response to his sleepy nod she continued, ‘now, have you and Ozzy any plans for the day?’
‘Not really.’ Eddy flopped into a chair. ‘We’ve played all the deck games and seen as much of the ship as the crew will let us. We tried to sneak into the engine room, but some burly chap in an overall ordered us out.’
‘I should think so. I hope you won’t try that again. It’s dangerous down there.’
‘Jolly hot too.’ Eddy scratched his head and yawned. ‘The other boys are still talking about Mr Parnell’s murder. Have they got any ideas as to who did it?’
‘Have you been worrying about Mr Parnell’s death, Eddy?’ Flora asked gently.
After what happened the previous night she could so with some reassurances herself, but right now Eddy was her main concern. Knowing this moment was bound to come, she was prepared to offer reassurances she hoped were convincing, though her own doubts loomed as large as ever.
‘Whatever for?’ Eddy said. ‘It’s exciting to think a madman is throwing people down staircases. Ozzy says I won’t have to buy any tuck for a month with a story like that to tell at school.’ His eyes widened as an idea struck him. ‘Maybe Ozzy and me could hide behind a winch or something and catch him at it when he selects his next victim?’
‘Don’t you dare, and you shouldn’t joke about such things.’ Flora’s cup rattled as she handed it to him. ‘Besides, who exactly is saying Mr Parnell was killed deliberately?’
Eddy’s lower lip trembled. ‘I didn’t make it up, Flora, honestly. Giggles told the second officer he thought it wasn’t an accident.’
‘Who is this Giggles? One of the other boys?’
‘It’s what everyone calls Captain Gates, because he’s always laughing.’
The name suited the man, with his sparkling eyes and animated features that spread into a smile at the slightest provocation. The passengers certainly seemed to like him and clamoured to be invited to dine at his table.
‘Yes, I suppose so. Although I trust you’ll always address him as Captain Gates, and nothing else?’ Flora concealed her worry behind brisk authority. Bunny was right in that the boys on board were going to make the most of this and any attempt to keep them quiet was doomed, so she might as well find out what was being said. ‘What exactly did the captain say?’
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‘We were in one of the lifeboats and heard him quite clearly.’ Eddy swiped a biscuit from the tray and took a bite.
‘What were you doing in a lifeboat?’ Flora pushed aside all thoughts of the captain.
‘Playing pirates.’ His grimace showed he regarded the question as ridiculous. ‘He was talking to that German chap with the moustache. “The matter warrants further investigation.” were his exact words.’ Eddy spoke through a mouthful of biscuit. ‘That means he thinks it was a murder, doesn’t he?’
The mention of the German sent Flora’s thoughts racing in another direction. How was he involved? He reached for the plate of biscuits again, but Flora got there first and moved it out of his reach, and though he scowled at her, offered no protest other than a soft sigh.
‘What was Mr Hersch’s response to that, Eddy?’ Flora forgot her initial thought to pursue the misuse of the lifeboat for the time being.
‘Dunno. He mumbled something, but Ozzy kicked my shin at that point and I had to shift position.’
Eddy glanced up at the mantel clock and gasped. ‘Blimey, it’s nearly time for breakfast, and I’m not even completely dressed.’ He slurped half his tea in one gulp, then headed for his room.
‘Eddy!’ Flora gasped. ‘Since when do you use words like that?’
He turned back with his hand on the bedroom doorknob and shrugged. ‘Ozzy says it sometimes.’
‘It’s a profanity, which I’m certain would be frowned upon at Marlborough.’
Eddy murmured something unintelligible just as the door closed with a bang, but Flora chose not to ask him to repeat it.
Perhaps it was a good thing he was off to boarding school.
*
Bunny was seated alone at their table when Flora entered the dining room for breakfast. He gave their combined order to the waiter, with whom he exchanged views on the continued good weather and their current speed.
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