The question seemed to surprise her—it surprised Constance too, for she had never really considered Anthony—but Bella thought about it. “Only about his going away from home to university, but I wouldn’t say he was worried, precisely—just the usual concerns parents have, I suppose, that he wouldn’t go wild and get into all sorts of trouble. But Anthony isn’t really that kind of boy. Papa was proud of him.”
“Of course,” Solomon said.
Bella stood up. “I must go. Mama will need me… The funeral is this afternoon.”
Hat was dispatched to fetch a hackney, which she did speedily. Finally alone again, Constance looked at Solomon. “Anthony?”
“A boy gets up to mischief without considering the consequences. St. John sounds the sort of man who would do anything to protect his son.”
“It would have to be something wretchedly serious for him to be blackmailed over it! Besides, how would Veronique find out find out about it?” Even as she asked the question, she knew it was foolish. Like a servant, only without the loyalty, dressmakers would overhear a lot of private conversation, rumor, and gossip. She drew in a breath. “Perhaps that is what Zenobia is not telling us, from loyalty to St. John. If she knew about Anthony’s trouble, but not about the blackmail, then she would see no reason to pass it on.”
“I would like to speak to him,” Solomon said. Then he shook his head. “But even if this is true, I don’t see how it helps us find St. John’s killer.”
“Neither do I,” Constance said bleakly.
*
Janey had timedher visit to the tea shop perfectly. Veronique’s assistant was allowed half an hour for an early luncheon late in the morning, just before the busy period for the shop, when the wealthy ladies of leisure were most likely to call.
From her position opposite the tearoom window, Janey could also see if Anne Morris walked past and be able to follow her. She had the coin for her tea in her pocket, ready for a swift departure. But Anne, clearly a creature of habit, came in almost exactly when expected.
Janey smiled and waved to her. The girl’s face lit up in recognition and she changed direction to come up to her.
“Join me if you like,” Janey said cheerfully. “I was just debating whether or not to have a cake and another cup of tea. Now, I will.”
Anne sat down. “Much more pleasant to have company,” she agreed. “Since you have the time, I’m guessing you were not engaged by that lady yesterday?”
Being interviewed for a position nearby had been yesterday’s excuse to be idling in the tea shop. Janey wrinkled her nose. “The old bat had already given the position to the girl before me. A waste of my time. So I got to thinking…” She broke off to let Anne order her sandwiches, and then, with a thrill of daring, Janey also ordered cakes and another pot of tea. Well, she had to do her job properly, and Constance rarely quibbled…
It would be even more pleasant if Lenny could join them, she thought wistfully, but she didn’t really expect him until the afternoon.
“What were you thinking?” Anne asked when the waitress went away.
“Aboutyourplace, the dress shop. Maybe I should think about a change. I got no experience, mind, but I can sew neatly enough to be a lady’s maid, so I might be some use to the likes of your mistress. I don’t suppose she’s thinking of taking on anyone else?”
“She does mention it from time to time, because we’re terribly busy. But she never actually gets around to it. If you like, I’ll mention you to her this afternoon.”
“Would you?” Janey asked eagerly. “I’d really like to work with you. We’d have a laugh, wouldn’t we?”
Anne smiled shyly, and Janey felt an uncharacteristic twinge of guilt. The girl was quiet and didn’t seem to have many friends, and here was Janey taking advantage of her for her own ends.
Silver and Grey’s ends,she comforted herself.
“Would Madame Veronique like me, though?” Janey asked, as though anxious. “Would I suit her?”
“Well, she insists everyone is well spoken and polite, which you are.”
Hear that, Mrs. S?Janey gloated.
“I don’t see why she wouldn’t like you,” Anne said.
“Then I’d fit in? What’sshelike? You said she’s a bit of a tartar.”
“You have to do just what she says, take the scolds, even when they’re unreasonable, and never,everanswer back a customer who’s rude.”
The last was well beyond Janey’s capabilities, but since it didn’t really matter, she said brightly, “I can do that.”
The waitress brought a fresh pot of tea, a plate of sandwiches, and another of cakes. Anne seized a sandwich at once while Janey tested the tea. Since it was still a little pale, she swirled it a bit.
