I looked at each aspect of a case as if it was but a piece in a puzzle that eventually revealed another piece, and then another.
Sir William and Lady Strachan’s staff provided tea and coffee while Brodie spoke with Sir William and James Allendale about what we knew, what we had discovered, and what we now needed, and that included access to Eleanor Strachan’s body for evidence.
“There has still been no word from Abberline,” Sir William commented. “However,” this with a look over at Lady Strachan, “I’ve made arrangements and will provide you with the information.”
Arrangements, of course, indicated information where Eleanor Strachan’s body might be attended. I was impressed with Lady Strachan’s fortitude in what I knew was an emotionally difficult situation.
Brodie then wanted to see where the young woman’s body had been found at the curb in front, just down the way from the residence toward St. James Park.
The men departed so that Brodie might make his investigation there while I remained with Lady Strachan.
“Might I perhaps see that photograph of the young women at Wimbledon?” I asked.
It was an exact copy of the one I had first seen in Amelia Mainwaring’s room, and included four young ladies as well as four young men that also included James Allendale.
Brodie had grown suspicious when two young women in that photograph were murdered. Now, it did indeed seem as if someone was deliberately targeting them. But whom, and for what reason?
If he was correct and it certainly seemed so, then the young woman standing next to Eleanor Strachan might be in danger as well.
So far, Sir Avery had managed to prevent news of the first two deaths from appearing in the newspapers. Once it was made known, there would be a new wave of panic about London.
“Anne Pemberton,” Lady Strachan provided. “She and Eleanor attended school together and then traveled to France before Eleanor became engaged. She will be devastated.”
I then told Lady Strachan that it was imperative that Brodie and I speak with the Pemberton family as well.
“As I remember, there were supposed to be five girls in the photograph,” Lady Strachan added. “Another member of the club.”
She didn’t remember the name.
A fifth young woman who might also be in danger?
“Who would have that information?” I asked.
“I suppose that would be the manager at Wimbledon. He’s only been there a few years, but quite instrumental in developing the site and the club. Is that helpful?” she asked.
When Sir William and Brodie returned, I then inquired what he knew about the manager of the club as he was one of the founding members.
It seemed that Albert Hughson, was an avid sportsman from a respectable family, who had been injured in an accident that prevented his further participation in sporting activities.
He had, however, channeled his expertise as well as his enthusiasm into the management of the fledgling organization, taking it from a casual lawn sport to a very competitive venture that had grown substantially.
Brodie was circumspect. “Has there been any contact of any sort received by yerself in this matter?” he asked Sir Strachan. “A request for financial compensation perhaps?”
Sir Strachan shook his head. “No. We have provided substantial contributions for the purchase of additional land surrounding the courts as well as provided for the hiring of an architect to design a permanent clubhouse.”
“And Mr. Hughson has not expressed difficulty of any kind?” he suggested.
“No, absolutely not. You think that he may be responsible?”
I knew the reason for Brodie’s questions and as I had learned through our past inquiriesabsolutely not, did not always mean that.
Albert Hughson could most often be found at the clubhouse or on the grounds according to the information Sir Strachan provided.
“And I would prefer that ye do not contact the man regarding this,” Brodie insisted. “However, we will be speaking to him. He may be able to offer information that could be useful.”
“I refuse to believe that Mr. Hughson would be involved in this,” Sir William replied. “I have known him for years, and his family as well. His father is a physician.”
Physician? I immediately thought of those traces of ether crystals we had noted on Amelia Mainwaring’s body. Would we find the same with Miss Strachan? And where might that lead us?
