“You are with the Holton Agency, and the maid who has disappeared with Fenella, Mr. Fraser’s daughter, was also with them. Can you tell us anything about the agency that may aid our search, Miss Downing?” Bramstone asked.
She noted Detective Fletcher had arrived and was taking notes, and everyone else looked somber.
“I have been with Holton’s for two years,” Eliza said. “They are professional, and I have never had any trouble with them.”
She would not be telling them that she was at present in Mrs. Holton’s bad graces as Eliza doubted that was relevant.
“Do you recognize the name Polly Watts?”
“I don’t, no.”
“Do you know any of the otherwomen who were looking for work through Holton’s, Miss Downing?” Detective Fletcher asked.
“A few. We visit a tea shop sometimes. It’s a place where many who were with Holton’s go upon occasion to discuss things. Also, the person I shared a room with before coming here is with them.”
“Do you discuss things like how terrible your employers and their obnoxious children are?” Alexander Nightingale asked.
“God, can you imagine looking after Lady Alvermash’s brats?” Mrs. Fletcher shuddered.
“What was the name of this tea shop, Miss Downing?” Detective Fletcher asked after shooting his wife a look through narrowed eyes.
“I’m unsure of the name, but I could find it again if you need me to,” Eliza said.
She felt everyone’s eyes on her as she talked, and she desperately wanted to give them something that may help them find the missing girl. Eliza could feel the despair coming off Calder Fraser in heavy waves. She’d lost people she loved once, and it had changed her irrevocably.
“Is there anything else you can tell us about the agency?” the detective pressed Eliza.
“Heather Blackwell told me they dismissed her from their books, and the only reason she could come up with is that she’s engaged.”
“They are very thorough in their vetting process.”
“And this bothers you because?” Detective Fletcher asked.
She had no wish to be disparaging about the agency, but she also needed to be truthful. However, she wasn’t sure what any of this would have to do with the missing girls.
“Nothing needs to leave this room, Miss Downing, but we would appreciate any information you can give us,” Bramstone Nightingale said.
“Mrs. Holton asks many personal questions, which I’m sure most agencies do.”
“What kind of questions?”
“Like do we have family or a husband or beau,” Eliza said.
“That’s a bit too personal, surely?” Mrs. Fletcher said.
“Sylvie, my friend, told me that Heather, another Holton girl, was recently taken off their books and the only reason she was given was that she’d become recently engaged.”
Detective Fletcher scribbled that down in his little book. “Anything else?”
“They are a highly respected agency, and the Holton girls are sent around Europe,” Eliza said.
“Thank you, Miss Downing. If you remember anything else, please let me know,” Detective Fletcher said.
“She was injured,” Mungo said suddenly.
“Pardon?” Calder Fraser said.
“Polly. I commented on the fact that her face was bruised and her lip swollen. She told me she’d fallen down the stairs, but one look at Fenella told me she didn’t believe that was the case, just as I didn’t,” Mungo said.
