“He’d been quite unhappy about something,” Mrs. Craddock went on. “Though he would not tell me what. I admit, I did not pay much attention to him, as I had my mind set on leaving without anyone getting wind of it.”
“You left about a week ago?” I recalled what Miss Farrow had said, that Miss Purkis had disappeared long before Josh had gone.
“I did. I went with Mr. Craddock to Worthing—to his sister’s as I said—and we married there, by special license. I never saw Josh after I left.” Sadness filled her words. “He was a truly good soul, that lad. Many join the Friends seeking what they cannot find either in their church or their day-to-day lives. Some find that peace, but others are never truly quiet in themselves. Josh was an exception. He was filled with the Spirit.” Tears wet her eyes. “But even that could not save him from evil.”
“The evil was in the world,” I said, anger tinging my words. “I intend to find the villain who did this and see that he is punished.”
“I agree you should, though it won’t restore Josh to us.” She shook her head. “I feel deep sorrow for Josh’s father—Clive is a troubled man.”
I recalled what Bickley had told me when I’d met him on the shingle, that he had hoped to find peace in Brighton, but it had eluded him.
It was time I politely ended the conversation, but another question occurred to me. “I beg your pardon, Miss Purkis—er, Mrs. Craddock. What sorts of plants do the Friends grow in their garden?”
She regarded me with bewilderment. “In the garden? All sorts of things, depending on the season. Runner beans, cabbages, courgettes, peppers when it’s warm enough, onions, herbs. We have an apple tree that bears glorious fruit in the fall.”
“Comestibles only?” I asked.
“The Friends raise what they need. Some of the extra is sold at market to maintain the building or fund charitable works, though that income is sparse.”
“What about flowers? There is a vine ... ”
Mrs. Craddock looked doubtful. “Some of the edible plants do flower. And the herbs. The vine is honeysuckle, which was on the house when it was purchased.”
No poppies then. “Do they use plants for medicines?”
“Of course. Nettles, mint, valerian …”
“Valerian helps with sleep, if I remember aright,” I said, fixing on it.
“It does indeed. So does sitting quietly and contemplating the sea. I do agree with the Friends that ingesting all sorts of substances to soothe one’s nerves is self-indulgent.”
I barely heard her. I wondered if a large dose of valerian could have made me groggy and forgetful. I would have to ask the surgeon, if Denis hadn’t already sent him away.
Mrs. Craddock watched me curiously, clearly wondering at my change of topic. I bowed to her once more.
“Forgive me. I am very happy to find that you are well.”
“I am quite well. I believe marriage will suit me, even at my advanced age.”
She was in her sixties, like the bishop, but her back was straight, her step lively, her hair only touched with gray. Some people aged rapidly in my experience, others hardly at all.
“I predict a long and happy life for you both,” I told her. “I too found happiness late.”
“Not all that late.” Mrs. Craddock’s eyes twinkled. “Compared to me, you’re still quite a young man, Captain. But yes, I believe you are correct that I will be much happier now. I will not return to the Friends.”
She was adamant. I respected the Quakers for their devotion and the kindness they showed to the downtrodden, but I could see that if one was not happy with that way of life, it could be difficult.
“Look after Bickley,” Mrs. Craddock went on. “Losing his son is a terrible blow to him. He lost his wife, and a brother too, you know. Well, a half-brother.”
Poor Bickley had certainly seen his share of tragedies. “He has gone to stay with his sister.”
“I am glad. Much better for him. Good day to you, Captain. Well met.”
I wished her a good day in return, and we parted, I with the feeling of having been put in my place.
* * *
Mr. Quimby was out,but I left him a message to call on me at his earliest convenience. I next turned my steps to Denis’s lodgings, not entirely expecting to be admitted.
