“What is yer aunt’s acquaintance with Lady Mainwaring?” Brodie asked as we waited.
“Through Sir John,” I replied. “He had overseen my aunt’s financial affairs with the bank for over thirty years before he was appointed to the new position.”
Those affairs were quite substantial with the family fortunes that went back several hundred years that had grown considerably with business interest across the empire along with the properties she owned in England, Scotland, and France. It was said that she was wealthier than the Queen.
My sister and I were her only family. However, neither of us cared a fig about inheriting our aunt’s wealth. I was quite capable of supporting myself, and Linnie had received a substantial settlement including her now former husband’s estate upon her divorce.
More power to our aunt if she was able to spend every last farthing indulging whatever whim took her fancy. And there were several whims that included travel in spite of her age, a growing fascination with automobiles, and renovating her home at Sussex Square.
She was at present deeply involved with the architect in that regard, and I suspected that it had more to do with the man than his designs for the house. As I said, more power to her.
But returning to the matter at hand, I then asked Brodie about his suspicions.
“Do you believe it might be someone in the family?”
“Or possibly a connection of the family who might have access to the young woman,” Brodie replied.
It was then that Sir John arrived. He was quite tall with graying hair and side whiskers, his features drawn. Brodie introduced himself and expressed his condolences. Sir John nodded in my direction.
“I appreciate your meeting me this afternoon,” Sir John told us. “Obviously this is a very difficult time. Lady Mainwaring is indisposed. You understand, of course.”
We were directed to those chairs. A servant silently appeared, and Sir John requested tea.
Over the next hour, he explained when that second photograph had been received earlier that morning, sent in an envelope by one of the courier services.
“I thought nothing of it, as I often receive dispatches from the central office. But when I opened it…”
He hesitated, then continued.
“Our daughter was to have spent the evening and then a stay-over with her friend, Miss Beatrice Ainsley-Townsend. We have subsequently learned that their daughter received a message that Amelia was not feeling well and cancelled the plans.”
However, the Mainwaring’s daughter had still left their residence as originally planned. There were several very obvious questions.
Where had she gone after leaving the Mainwaring residence? Obviously a driver would have accompanied her. Where had he taken her, if not to the residence of her friend?
What had happened afterward, as it seemed that second photograph was taken at some time during the previous evening? And by whom?
And when was the poor girl’s body found?
“After receiving that photograph and the note, I contacted her friend’s family and learned that Amelia never arrived at their residence.”
“What of your coachman?” Brodie asked. “Have you questioned him?”
“Of course,” Sir John replied. “Amelia directed him to Kensington where she told him she was to join Miss Ainsley-Townsend at Harrod’s for a bit of shopping. She assured him that they would hire a driver when their purchases were completed and continue on to the young woman’s residence.”
I exchanged a look with Brodie. A ruse? For what reason?
“After hearing from the Ainsley-Townsends, we received word that Amelia had been found.” He paused again, overcome, then gathered himself.
“She was found as you see her there. I contacted our personal physician, and he was able to arrange to have her received at the hospital.”
“And you’ve made the appropriate notification with the authorities?” Brodie inquired.
“I would prefer to keep this matter as discreet as possible for now. A man in my position… You do understand,” Sir John explained. “With the hope that you may be able to find whoever has done this.”
“If we are to proceed, sir, we will need the name of yer physician,” Brodie replied. “As well as any other persons you might have perhaps had a disagreement within the past.”
“Surely you’re not suggesting that whoever did this might be known to us?”
