“We have no information on Sir Collingwood’s whereabouts after that last night at His Highness’s country home at Sandringham. Point of fact, no one saw him leave. So, it would seem that is the place to start. Are you familiar with Sandringham?”
“I have been there on occasion, though it was some time ago,” I replied.
I had accompanied my great-aunt to a holiday party she was invited to attend on behalf of the Princess of Wales after the latest construction of the manor was completed.
I didn’t elaborate that it had included a weekend of shooting sports. My great-aunt had taken first prize, besting several of the men.
“That could be helpful” Alex commented. “Although,” this was added with a look first at Brodie, then myself, “it is some distance from London. It may require an overnight stay.
“The servants have been instructed to make every accommodation. There is also an inn nearby the rail station,” he added. “Sir Avery will want to know how soon you will be able to depart.”
“There are arrangements that must be made,” Brodie replied. “The morning train would seem best.”
Arrangements? I did wonder if there was another case he was working? Or some other matter?
“Yes, of course,” Alex replied. “I will see that your travel is arranged and meet you at the station. The train leaves St. Pancras at quarter past ten each day, and arrives in Sandringham, with the manor at Sandringham just beyond by coach.”
He looked at me then at Brodie, as if anticipating some objection. There were several, however none that were mentioned.
“I will be at the rail station promptly tomorrow morning,” I replied, then turned to leave.
“I’ll make certain one of our drivers is available for you now,” Alex replied, glancing from Brodie to me.
“That is not necessary,” I informed them both.
“Not at all, Miss Forsythe.” Once again there was that glance at Brodie then me. Alex picked up the mouthpiece to the device on his desk.
“Yes, right away,” he confirmed. “A driver will be at the street entrance momentarily.”
“Mr. Brodie?” he then inquired.
“No need for an extra driver. I will continue on after Miss Forsythe is delivered to Mayfair.”
Delivered! Like a parcel, or coal for the coal bin!
“As I said, not necessary,” I stiffly informed them both. “It’s not so late at night that I cannot find a driver of my own.”
“I do apologize, Miss Forsythe. You are far too valuable to the matter at hand. Sir Avery would insist of the Agency providing a driver for you as well,” Alex replied.
At lease I was valuable to someone!
“Very well,” I replied. “Is there anything else?”
“I will provide any additional information when we meet at the rail station in the morning.”
The meeting with Alex concluded, I spun about and headed for the entrance at the street at the same time I fought to bring my thoughts and emotions back under control.
I suppose I should have known that Brodie might be there as well, but I had foolishly not considered that. The telegram I had received at Old Lodge said nothing about it and I was not prepared for it.
And in that brief exchange, I had sensed the anger that was still there. Except for the one brief comment that necessary inquiries could easily be made by one person—himself, there had been little if any recognition that I was even in the room!
What did you expect after the way you took yourself off with just that brief note?That little inner voice that had the way of speaking up at the most inopportune moments intruded once again.
And now?
I really did need to speak with Templeton about the subject of muses and interfering spirits. There had to be a way to quiet that bloody nagging little voice that wasn’t at all helpful at the moment.
I navigated the hallways, made a wrong turn, and ended up in that part of the Tower that was in fact a prison, in front of one of those ancient cells where others had been imprisoned down through the centuries.
