“Her husband is a member of Parliament and highly respected. She is…how should I say this?” Sir Laughton had attempted to explain. “Somewhat unconventional in her views.”
He had been rather circumspect in his description.
“Perhaps even a bit eccentric.
“I realize that you and Brodie do not usually take on cases about stolen items,” he continued. “However, it would be a favor to me, as well as your great-aunt, as they are well acquainted.
“Lady Ambersley is quite devastated at the loss and is hopeful you will consider making inquiries.”
That was two weeks earlier.
I had discussed it with Brodie, and we agreed that we would make our usual inquiries from a list of staff, servants, and guests provided.
We had received that list the day before, and Sir Laughton had sent round word for Lady Ambersley to meet us at his office to discuss the situation. There, I had explained how we worked, the inquiries we would make on her behalf, yet warned that there was no guarantee that it would bring the recovery of the necklace.
To that end, I had also explained to her that the theft of such a valuable piece of jewelry might very well result in the necklace being either sold off to an unknown buyer or broken into smallerpieces and then sold. Such was the reality for items of value that were stolen, including jewels.
Brodie remained at the office this morning to take care of some correspondence regarding another inquiry about our services. And then, of course, the unexpected visit from Mr. Dooley.
Eccentric. A word that had often been used to describe my great-aunt. It was most certainly an understatement for Lady Ambersley—Kitty as she preferred that I call her.
For our meeting she had arrived at Sir Laughton’s office wearing a brilliant purple gown with a purple satin coat over and a matching turban.
It was not the turban that was somewhat amusing. Aunt Antonia had been known to wear them from time to time. It was the small dog she carried that also wore matching purple satin.
“The dog’s name is Bitsy. She would be no more than a mouthful for the hound,” I added.
I then spoke of the meeting with Lady Ambersley that followed, although it seemed that Brodie was very likely not listening, considering the frown on his face and the lines between those dark brows.
I was not surprised. The news about Constable Martin’s death was dreadful, and admittedly a far more serious matter that Kitty Ambersley’s dog.
“I explained how we usually proceed with an inquiry and also explained that the necklace might very well have been broken up and sold in pieces or smuggled out of the country.”
He eventually looked up, the frown still there.
“Ye will be acquainted with most of the people on the list of names she provided. It might be best if ye were to make the necessary inquiries. I need to let Mr. Conner know about Constable Martin. They worked together for a number of years. And then I want to make inquiries among those I know.”
“Of course. I would like to help,” I added.
He looked at me. “I thank ye for the thought, lass.” He shook his head. “It is somethin’ I need to do and the places I need to go…”
I understood, I really did, and I knew that he had the experience to keep himself safe and was perfectly capable. Still…
“When will you begin?” I asked as we returned to the office.
He didn’t reply, which told me that he already had. Perhaps in that conversation with Mr. Dooley.
“I will make the inquiries for Lady Ambersley.” Although I was not looking forward to the appointment I had made for later that afternoon and wondered if Bitsy would still be wearing purple satin.
It might have been something in my voice.
“It’s not that I dinna want yer help, but there are things here that…” Brodie started to explain.
“I understand. Hopefully this will be resolved quickly.” I thought of Maddy Martin. “For everyone’s sake.”
He went into the adjacent room that served as our bedroom whenever we were on a case and returned late at night, or in the event of dreadful weather.
The single room had been quite plain with only a bed and washstand when I first sought his inquiry service.
