I could only imagine how that would go over.
Sir Avery and Sir William continued to discuss what was now a third murder in the case with Brodie, that included what we had learned about the first two murders, Brodie’s conversation with the constables who were on the watch at Hyde Park, and his conversation with Mayhew.
Lady Strachan sat quietly throughout, refusing to be left to the outer office, as details were discussed, including that of the method by which their daughter had been killed.
As I listened to the conversation between the men and provided information that we had been able to determine, I was aware that Lady Strachan was watching me.
“Lady Mikaela Forsythe,” she repeated the introductions that had been made. “I know your family.”
Considering my father’s somewhat dismal exploits, I wasn’t at all certain what she might know.
“Lady Antonia Montgomery is my great aunt. My sister and I were raised by her.” I left it at that as my aunt was the only one I truly considered family, after my sister, and our mother.
“Your sister is Lady Litton?” she replied.
“Lady Forsythe now. She has once more taken our family name.”
She nodded. “I remember that unfortunate situation.”
That unfortunate situation being the first inquiry case I had taken to Brodie when Linnie disappeared.
“I heard that was resolved quite dramatically. I seem to remember… that you were injured.”
Dramatic was one word that might describe that situation. In the process of following clues and desperate to find my sister, I had the misfortune to be shot, though I had obviously recovered.
I didn’t go on and on about such things, but many of the details of that case had been included in the dailies in spite of the royal family’s best efforts to prevent it.
“Mr. Abberline was involved?” Lady Strachan asked.
Abberline had been a constant obstruction in the matter, and I had feared that my sister may become the next victim due to his blundering and negligence.
Even though Sir William’s initial response to Abberline was quite critical, there was no way of knowing if there were otherconnections. It was one of those matters that needed to be handled… diplomatically. Abberline was known to have been appointed chief inspector by someone high up as they say, although Brodie had never learned the person’s name or position.
Whatever Sir Avery Stanton might know in the matter, he had remained discreet, although there was obviously no love lost for the man and when needed, as in our present case, he made it clear to Abberline that Brodie and I were to lead the investigation into the murders.
It did seem that either Mr. Abberline had not received the memorandum regarding that, or deliberately chose to ignore it to his own advantage.
How best to answer Lady Strachan’s question?
I caught the look from Brodie as he had obviously heard that part of our conversation.
Be careful, that look said.
Careful,when what I would have liked to do was drop the man into the river tied to a sack of rocks.
Oh, dear. See Mr. Abberline flailing around in the river. Oh, my, he just went under!I imagined, but of course didn’t say it.
“Mr. Abberline is a very busy man. There are many crimes to investigate,” I replied diplomatically. And that was as much explanation as I was willing to share.
Lady Strachan nodded. “Do you have thoughts as to who might have done this?” Her voice broke softly.
“I believe that it may have to do with a photograph that was taken much earlier. We have been following information on that.”
“Another photograph?” she asked.
In for a penny, in for a pound, I thought. While I understood perfectly how dreadful the situation was, I also knew that Sir William and Lady Strachan might be able to provide additional information that could be very helpful.
I proceeded carefully as I knew this might be the only opportunity to ask our questions with everything they were going through that included the publicity from that dreadful photograph in the daily and now with arrangements to be made for their daughter’s funeral.
