“If they did, they didn’t tell me. The fire was determined to be of natural causes and the case was closed,” Eliza said, remembering what her uncle had told her one day, two months after her life had been burned to ashes in that house fire.
“Did you see anyone lurking around that day?”
“I wasn’t there. I had risen early and went for a walk. The sun was just rising as I returned, but I saw the flames. My family were inside and sleeping, and hadn’t known what was happening until it was too late.”
The memories now filled her head, and she was back there again, running as fast as she could to the house that had smoke billowing out of the windows.
“I couldn’t get to them. I tried, and I even got the dooropen, but one of our neighbors grabbed me. I fought him and ran around the house to the rear. I managed to get inside.”
“Easy,” he said as her voice rose.
“I crawled to the stairs and screamed, but the flames were too strong. I woke to someone throwing water over me. Someone had dragged me outside before the house collapsed.”
He was holding her hands, cradling them now between his big, warm ones.
“Your uncle is your father’s brother?”
She nodded. He was unwed, cold and emotionless, but he made sure she was cared for until she shamed him and had been thrown out of his house.
“I am sorry for your suffering, Eliza.”
“Thank you. I too am sorry for what you and your brother are going through.”
He hesitated then, clearly wanting to say something else. “I don’t mean to be rude. It is just my way.”
“Perhaps it is, but then, perhaps I loathe maths equations, but I make an effort to improve by working harder on them,” Eliza said.
“I’ve been this way for many years,” he said through his teeth, clearly not liking her criticism.
“I’ve loathed mathematical equations since I was old enough to read.”
They glared at each other, the momentary peace gone.
“We need to go to that tea shop now. Do you think you can direct us there?”
“I can, yes.” What she wanted to do was fall onto the bed and sleep until she could forget again. Her eyes felt as heavy as her soul. Strange how arguing with Mungo made the numbness inside her ease.
“My niece has been missing for too long, and I worry weare running out of time, especially if her disappearance is in any way connected with the Baddon Boys.”
“I will help in any way I can.”
He exhaled slowly. “I fear for her.”
“If she is related to you, I’m sure she’s strong and opinionated. She will stay safe until you reach her.”
“She is stronger than me and a lot nicer.”
“I’m quite sure you could walk anywhere in London and find at least fifty people nicer than you.”
He snorted.
“Thank you, Mungo.”
“For what?” He frowned.
“The book.”
“It seemed important to you.”
