by Dilly Court
‘She’s had a hard life,’ Rose said hastily.
‘You don’t have to tell me that, miss. I’ve got sisters and I wouldn’t want any of them to have to suffer what that nipper has in her short life, but she must learn to abide by the law.’
‘And she will. I’ll see to that.’
Palmer laid his notebook on the table. ‘Might I ask you a question, Miss Munday?’
‘Yes, of course. What is it?’
‘Have you anything to do with the piece in the newspaper? You seem to know a lot about the criminals named in it.’
‘I wrote it,’ Rose said simply. There seemed little point in prevaricating when Palmer had obviously guessed her secret. ‘I’ve only recently started working for the Leader. It was the first thing I’d written for them, apart from a review of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera.’
‘It’s not the sort of story I’d expect a young lady to follow up. In fact, I don’t know of any other ladies working in the newspaper business.’
‘It came about by a series of mishaps.’
‘Would you care to explain? I have a report to write, Miss Munday.’
Yet again Rose found herself going through everything from the moment she stepped off the ship, but this time she was able to make an official complaint about the men who were living in the Captain’s House, and she made sure that Palmer wrote it down in his notebook. She had just brought him up to date with the events leading to Clarissa Colville’s death when Mrs Leary knocked and entered. Her plump cheeks were flushed and she answered Constable Palmer’s questions at length, gesticulating and adding her own opinion until Rose began to feel sorry for the young policeman. All his attempts to stem the flow fell on deaf ears, and, in the end, it was only the arrival of Flossie that put a stop to Cook’s denunciation of Gilroy and her thieving, conniving habits.
‘And the mistress would still be alive if that woman hadn’t crept in and dosed her with laudanum,’ Mrs Leary continued, ignoring Rose’s attempts to persuade her that it was Flossie’s turn to speak. ‘That’s murder. You need to arrest Gilroy, Constable.’
‘Thank you, Cook,’ Rose said hastily. ‘That was most useful. I’m sure Constable Palmer has taken down every word.’
‘Ada Leary,’ Cook called as Rose hustled her out of the room. ‘Have you got that, Constable?’
‘Some people don’t know when to shut their traps,’ Flossie said, sighing. ‘What can I do for you, Constable?’
After calming Maria’s worries and having managed to convince her that the police were intent on catching Regan, Rose went off to work. Muffled against the bitter wind that roared upriver bringing with it ice-cold conditions from the north-east, Rose finally arrived. She forced herself to stroll into the main office as if nothing was wrong. Nicholls glared at her.
‘What sort of time d’you call this? Mr Radley’s been looking for you.’
Rose acknowledged him with a casual nod, and went to knock on the editor’s door without saying a word.
‘Come in.’
Radley’s tone was not encouraging but Rose opened the door and went in anyway.
‘Good morning, Mr Radley,’ she said brightly. ‘Sorry I’m late but I’ve been dealing with the police.’
‘What have you done, Miss Munday? Are you in trouble?’
‘No, sir. I witnessed a suicide and it’s connected with the woman I mentioned, anonymously, of course, in my article. It all ties in and the police are looking for Gilroy and Regan.’
Radley took off his spectacles and polished them on his tie. ‘Write it up and put it on my desk.’
Rose tried to look casual, but in reality she had been expecting a good telling-off, if not the sack for coming in so late. ‘Yes, sir. I’ll do it right away.’
‘Just a minute, Munday.’
‘Yes, sir?’ Rose hesitated in the doorway.
‘I’m afraid I have some bad news.’
Rose could tell by the tone of his voice that this was something out of the ordinary. ‘What is it, sir?’
‘I had a cable from Alexandria. Eugene is missing.’
‘Missing? What does that mean?’
‘Apparently he accompanied a party of soldiers into the desert, and they were ambushed by tribesmen. There were fatalities, but Eugene wasn’t among them. He hasn’t been seen or heard of since.’
Shocked and stunned by the news, Rose hurried through the outer office, ignoring the questions thrown at her by Nicholls. She sat at her desk and forced herself to concentrate on writing the account of the tragic occurrence at Pier House, but she was careful not to mention names. Cora and Flossie would be in considerable danger if Regan were to discover their whereabouts, as would Sparrow. Rose worked diligently until late afternoon, but Eugene was never far from her thoughts, and as soon as she had finished she placed the work in front of Radley. He read it without comment until he reached the end.
‘Very good, Miss Munday. Take this to the print room and tell them to put it on the front page.’
‘Yes, sir. Right away.’ Rose hesitated in the doorway. ‘There’s just one thing …’
Arthur Radley took off his spectacles and sat back in his chair, regarding her with a hint of a smile. ‘Yes, you may go now. Give my regards and commiserations to Cecilia, and tell her not to worry about her brother. Eugene is a survivor.’
Cecilia was in the middle of packing, or at least Lindon was doing the work and Cecilia was sitting on the edge of her bed, supervising.
‘Rose!’ Cecilia stood up, holding out her arms. ‘I’ve been trying to get in touch with you since last evening. I sent Giddings to Great Hermitage Street but you weren’t there.’
‘I was in Pier House with Maria, and I’ve only just heard about the guvnor. Mr Radley told me when I arrived in the office. I was late because I had to deal with the police after Mrs Colville threw herself into the river.’
‘What?’ Cecilia sat down again. ‘Are you talking about Maria’s grandmother?’
‘Yes. I’ll tell you everything later, but is there any more news of your brother?’
‘None, I’m afraid. I’m leaving tomorrow morning, first thing. I’ve sent a cable to my parents to let them know.’
‘I am so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.’
Cecilia dabbed her eyes with a crumpled handkerchief. ‘I don’t think I can do this on my own. Come with me, Rose. Please say you will.’
Chapter Fourteen
Rose was torn between loyalties to Maria and Cecilia, both of whom had taken her in without question and treated like family. Now each of them needed her help and support, and it was going to be a difficult choice to make. Then there was Sparrow – how could she abandon a child who had no one to love and care for her? Lastly there was her job at the newspaper that had been hard won, and would be even harder to maintain, given the misogyny of the men who were employed there.
Rose sat in the cab going through all the arguments in her head, but she was no nearer a conclusion when she arrived at Pier House. Cecilia had been understanding when Rose had explained why it was so difficult to choose, but she must make a decision and make it quickly.
Cora answered Rose’s knock on the front door. ‘Thank the Lord,’ she said, dragging Rose over the threshold. ‘You’ve come just in time.’
‘Why? What’s happened?’
‘We’ve been invaded by toffs. At least, Maria’s mother is all right, but her stepfather is a loony. He wants to paint me with nothing on – in the buff – naked. He said so in front of his missis and she never batted an eyelid. I never heard the like in all me born days.’
Rose controlled a desire to giggle with difficulty. ‘I’m sure he meant nothing by it, Cora. Mr Dorincourt is a famous artist. Some of his paintings hang in the National Gallery.’
Cora rolled her eyes. ‘Ta very much, but I don’t want to be a spectacle for all and sundry to gawp at.’
‘I’m sure that won’t happen, and you can always say no.’ Rose peeled off her gloves and u
ndid the ribbons on her bonnet. ‘Where are they now?’
‘In the blue parlour with Maria. Izzie’s put the little ones to bed, and Sparrow is in the kitchen with Mrs Leary.’
Rose dropped her bonnet and cape onto the nearest chair. ‘I’d better make myself known to the Dorincourts before I go upstairs. I was about Sparrow’s age when I last met them and I doubt if they will remember me.’
‘Good luck, that’s all I can say. And watch out because he’ll want you to take your duds off and pose for him. You’ve still got your figure, but I lost mine years ago.’
Rose was still chuckling when she reached the blue parlour, but she paused outside the door and composed herself before entering. Maria was sitting next to her mother on the sofa while Freddie lounged in a chair by the fire. The years had been kind to both Grace and Freddie, and they looked little different from the memory that Rose had of them. Grace must be in her mid-forties, but, despite her prematurely white hair, she was still an attractive woman with a kindly expression. Freddie, who was probably in his early fifties, had put on weight and his dark hair was streaked with silver, but had retained much of his former panache and the mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes was unchanged.
Maria rose to her feet. ‘Rose, dear, come and meet my mama and stepfather.’
‘I don’t suppose you remember me,’ Rose said tentatively. ‘I was at Caroline’s wedding, and Maria’s.’
Grace Dorincourt turned to her, smiling. ‘Of course I remember you, Rose. It’s good to see you again.’ She sent a warning look to her husband. ‘Don’t embarrass Rose by demanding that she sits for you, Freddie. I’ve seen that look on your face often enough to know what it means.’
Freddie Dorincourt stood up and crossed the floor to grasp Rose’s hand. He raised it to his lips. ‘You’ve grown into quite a beauty, Rose. Of course I remember you, too, and my wife is right – I would love to paint those lustrous green eyes and silky Titian hair. You have the complexion of a milkmaid and my fingers itch to immortalise you on canvas.’
‘That’s enough, Stepfather,’ Maria said, chuckling. ‘You’ve already scared poor Cora half to death and I don’t want you to frighten Rose.’
Freddie shrugged. ‘I think it would take more than a compliment or two to alarm this young lady. She has a determined chin and a martial sparkle in her eyes. I know when I am beaten.’
‘Freddie,’ Grace said sternly. ‘Remember this is a serious occasion. My mother has met her death in the worst possible circumstances. We’re facing a court case against a former servant, and possible murder trial.’
‘I always look on the bright side of things, my love.’ Freddie shuffled back to his chair and sat down. ‘She was a dreadful creature, and she treated you and Maria shamefully. I refuse to mourn for the woman.’
‘Well, she can do no harm to anyone now,’ Maria said firmly. ‘It’s just having all this hanging over us that I find hard to bear.’
‘We’re here with you now, Maria.’ Grace reached out to lay her hand on her daughter’s arm. ‘Freddie and I will stay with you until everything is settled.’ She fixed her husband with a warning look. ‘We will, won’t we, dear?’
‘Oh Lord. Yes, I suppose so. Anyway, it will give me time to visit a few old friends at the Royal Academy, and maybe I’ll even pick up a few commissions while I’m in London.’
‘Freddie, really!’ Grace raised her eyebrows, but her eyes were smiling.
‘What about you, Rose?’ Maria asked anxiously. ‘Is everything all right?’
‘I was reinstated at the newspaper, but I have to go away for a while.’ Rose glanced anxiously at Maria’s parents, gauging their reaction, but they seemed more interested than annoyed.
‘Why?’ Maria demanded. ‘Where are you going?’
‘Eugene is missing. Apparently he accompanied a party of soldiers into the desert and they were taken prisoner. Cecilia is frantic with worry and she’s leaving for Egypt in the morning.’
‘And I suppose she wants you to carry her luggage,’ Maria said bitterly. ‘That’s the trouble with people like her. They expect everyone to drop everything when they so much as crook a little finger.’
Grace shook her head. ‘That doesn’t seem fair, dear. Is this man Cecilia’s husband?’
‘No, Mama. They’re brother and sister, and I don’t see why Rose has to accompany Cecilia. I need Rose here. And there’s Sparrow. Am I supposed to look after her? What happens if that awful man comes looking for her?’
‘I’ll take her with me.’ Rose looked from one to the other, her mind made up. She would not leave Sparrow where she was not wanted.
‘Don’t be silly,’ Maria said crossly. ‘I didn’t mean what I said. Of course she can stay here, Rose. You can’t take a child to a war zone.’
‘I believe the conflict is settled.’ Freddie stretched out his long legs. ‘I’d say you have enough on your plate without taking in an orphan, Maria.’
‘Sparrow seems a bright little thing,’ Grace added hastily. ‘I like her, Freddie. Even though I’ve only spent a short time with her. The child has promise.’
‘Stop there, Grace.’ Freddie held up his hands. ‘I draw the line at adopting an urchin.’
‘She must remain here, if you’re set on going, Rose.’ Maria managed a weak smile. ‘I’d much rather you stayed, but I know how fond you are of Eugene, and if your editor wants you to do a story about it, I suppose that would be good for your career.’
Rose stared at her nonplussed. She had not given a thought to her job or what Arthur Radley might say if approached, but Maria might have had a brilliant idea. ‘Maria, you’re wonderful. I hadn’t thought about it like that.’ Rose backed towards the doorway.
‘Where are you going?’ Maria demanded. ‘It’s only an hour until we dine.’
‘I have to find Mr Radley. I’ve decided to go to Egypt with Cissie. That’s if you are sure you are all right without me, and if you don’t mind looking after Sparrow.’
‘I can see that your mind is made up, but you must tell the child and make things right with her. I don’t want a broken-hearted waif left on my hands.’
‘I’ll speak to her now, and if I’m not back in time for dinner don’t wait for me.’
Rose found Sparrow seated at the kitchen table enjoying her supper.
Mrs Leary looked up from the pan she was stirring on the hob. ‘If you’re looking for Cora she’s gone home. She said she didn’t want to wait on table with him looking her up and down as if she was a side of beef in Smithfield market.’
‘Mr Dorincourt is an artist,’ Rose said patiently. ‘I think he wants her to model for a painting.’
‘I’ll be a model.’ Sparrow gulped down a mouthful of bread and jam. ‘He can paint me, if he likes.’
Rose ruffled her hair. ‘Maybe he will.’
‘Flossie’s outside having a smoke,’ Mrs Leary said grimly. ‘I won’t allow the habit in my kitchen.’
‘It’s Sparrow I came to see.’ Rose pulled up a chair and sat down, taking Sparrow’s sticky hand in hers. ‘I have to go away for a while, but I will be back as soon as I can.’
Sparrow snatched her hand away and leaped to her feet. ‘You promised you wouldn’t leave me.’
Mrs Leary sniffed and turned her back on them, muttering something unintelligible.
‘I’m not leaving for good, but it’s to do with the newspaper and I have to travel to Egypt.’
Mrs Leary dropped the wooden spoon sending a spray of soup over the hob where it bubbled and hissed until it burned away. ‘Heaven help us. They’re killing each other over there.’
Sparrow’s hand flew to her mouth and her eyes filled with tears. ‘Don’t get killed, Rose.’
Rose reached out to wrap her arms around Sparrow’s skinny body. ‘The war is over, according to the papers, so it’s quite safe.’
‘Then why are you going to a foreign country?’
‘The man I worked for at the newspaper is missing and his sister has asked me
to accompany her to Egypt. I’m hoping my employer will pay me for the story when I return.’
‘Take me with you, Rose.’
Rose smoothed Sparrow’s tumbled hair back from her forehead. ‘I would if it were possible, but it’s no place for a child. I’ll be back in time for Christmas.’
Mrs Leary stood, arms akimbo. ‘That’s less than two months away. You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.’
‘I’ll be back for Christmas even if I have to walk all the way,’ Rose said, giving Sparrow a hug.
‘Easy to say.’ Mrs Leary retrieved the spoon and turned back to the range.
‘I believe you, Rose.’ Sparrow slid her stick-like arms around Rose’s neck, clinging to her as if she would never let go.
Next morning Rose arrived at the house in Tavistock Square to find Cecilia in the entrance hall counting the items in an impressive pile of luggage.
‘You came, then,’ she said casually. ‘I knew you would.’
‘And I have Mr Radley’s blessing.’ Rose tried not to sound too triumphant, but it had been a hard-won victory. It had been sheer luck that Arthur Radley was still in his office when she arrived in Fleet Street and she realised that he, too, was worried about Eugene, despite the off-hand way in which he had treated his cousin. Rose had put her case, expecting to be rebuffed, but eventually he had agreed and had gone as far as giving her money to pay her way.
‘I don’t know how you managed it, but well done. Maybe Cousin Arthur has a heart after all. I always thought his veins were filled with printer’s ink.’
Lindon had been standing at a respectful distance, but she stepped forward. ‘Might I say something, Miss Cecilia?’
‘Yes, what is it? Have we forgotten anything?’
‘There are only two sets of tickets,’ Lindon said smugly. ‘Unless Miss Munday has managed to book her own.’
‘No, I thought I might get mine on the way.’ Rose had not given it a thought, but she was not going to admit it in front of Lindon, who was looking at her with a scornful expression in her dark eyes, and it occurred to Rose that the woman was jealous.