“We know little else,” Tennant said. “And I doubt Doctor Lewis’s autopsy will yield surprises, but one never knows.”
“Julia Lewis?”
“Yes. That is all for now, Lady Styles, unless you have a question before I leave.”
When she shook her head, he stood. “The commissioner thought you might prefer to inform the Prince and Princess of Wales unless you want me to do it.”
“No. I will tell them. And Princess Louise. I dread breaking the news to her even more than the Princess of Wales.”
“May I ask why?”
“Princess Louise loathes being fussed over by servants, but Lizzie was the exception. The princess was very fond of her.”
“Was the princess aware of Brigid Dowling’s travel plans?”
“Yes, Inspector. And she was as curious as I about what the girl planned to say.”
“Brigid Dowling’s proposed visit to Marlborough House was generally known?”
“Yes. I don’t know how this affects your investigation, but we leave tomorrow afternoon for Osborne House. Christmas with the queen on the Isle of Wight, by Her Majesty’s command.”
“When do you return?”
“After the new year. So, if you have additional questions …”
“Lady Styles, you realize the person responsible for Brigid Dowling’s death not only knew the day she arrived in London but also where she stayed. That person either committed the crime or arranged it.”
She held his eye. “I do realize, Inspector.”
“I’ll ask you to think carefully, and before you leave—”
“I’ll think of little else. You’ll have my list of those who knew Miss Dowling’s movements before I leave for the Isle of Wight.”
“Thank you, Lady Styles.”
She stood but didn’t move to the door. Then she turned to him. “I am a woman who lives in other people’s houses. But my title and my position as a senior attendant to the princess protect me. Lizzy Dowling had no such shield. And now her sister.”
Tennant hailed a hansom on Marlborough Road and gave the cabbie the address of the Lewis town house.
Tennant settled in for the ride to Finsbury Circus.Not chilly, exactly, Tennant thought, assessing the temperature of his first meeting with Julia.Restrained.But what could he expect after his abrupt departure and a nearly six-month absence? Whenthe cab rattled to a stop at number 17, gaslight from lamps flanking the front door cast a golden glow across the house’s limestone façade. He wondered if the atmosphere indoors would match its warmth.
Julia carried her medical bag into the library, glancing at the clock. She wasn’t sure when Richard would arrive, but she wanted to be ready. She covered a side table with a white towel and lined up surgical scissors, wads of cotton wool, and a bandage roll. She added a bottle of carbolic solution and pulled up a chair.
Dr. Andrew Lewis twisted around in his seat. “For Richard?”
“Yes.”
“And how did you find him? You know your great-aunt will quiz me tomorrow at luncheon.”
“Even Aunt Caroline can’t expect much from a reunion at a morgue.”
“Don’t be too sure about that.”
“You can give her a firsthand report. That sounds like his cab now.”
“I doubt it’smyimpressions she wants to hear.”
Andrew Lewis was on his feet with his hand outstretched as Mrs. Ogilvie led Tennant through the library door. “Richard.” Dr. Lewis turned his handshake into a pat on the upper arm. “Come, sit by the fire.”
