I had previously been inside a men’s club in another inquiry case and knew what to expect as we stepped down from the coach and approached the main entrance.
Other than the street number 37-38, there was nothing to reveal that it was in fact a very exclusive club with rumors and gossip speculating over the activities that went on inside. Those included the usual card games, gambling, betting between members and guests, and of course, certain activities that went on discreetly in those rooms upstairs.
The fact that a woman might call on them could be for only one reason, and the doorman was quite surprised when I informed him that I wished to speak with the director of the club.
“Do you have an appointment?” he inquired after regaining his composure. “Miss…?” he added as an afterthought.
“Lady Forsythe, on behalf of our client.”
There was the faint lift of the eyebrows, usually a result when I used my formal title.
“And your client would be?”
I presented him with one of our calling cards, tastefully printed with our names—Brodie and Forsythe—and the address of the office on The Strand, along with that note from His Highness. He stared at it.
“Are you going to leave us standing at the street?” I inquired in my best imitation of an affronted lady.
“No, it is only that…Brodie and Forsythe, Private Inquiries?” he read the card, then looked up at me. “That is unusual.”
“I am certain Sir Barton-Fellowes would not care for this conversation to continue on the street,” I added.
“Of course not, Lady Forsythe,” he assured me more than a little surprised at the name I presented him as it was not well-known who the present chairman was at any given time. Another of those closely guarded secrets.
“Then, please let him know that we are here.”
“Of course.” He stood aside and we entered the foyer of White’s.
“I will announce your arrival to the chairman.”
I thanked him and he set off across what could have passed for an elegant front entrance of a palace.
“That is the first time I’ve heard you use your title,” Lily whispered as we waited.
“Desperate moments require desperate measures,” I replied.
Yet, it remained to be seen if my performance would achieve the meeting I hoped for.
“And you know the chairman’s name?”
“There is usually more than one according to Aunt Antonia. She is somewhat an authority.” I did not go into details.
“She is well acquainted with Sir Anthony, and I took a chance that he might be about.” I did not go into details about her acquaintance with him either.
The attendant returned, somewhat contrite.
“Sir Barton-Fellowes will see you now. If you will follow me.”
I caught the look Lily gave me and smiled.
“I must say, Lady Forsythe, this is somewhat of a surprise.” Sir Barton-Fellowes rounded his desk in greeting and took my hand. “We don’t normally have lady visitors.”
I thanked him for meeting with us.
“And this young lady would be?” he inquired.
“Miss Lily Montgomery,” I made the formal introduction.
“A very old and distinguished family,” he replied with a curious look at Lily. She nodded with a polite smile.
