“I never would have guessed it,” Admiral Hoddle said, dabbing at his face with a handkerchief. “A thief, all this time. ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,’ and all that.”
“These treasures were laid up by my grandfather,” Mr.Risewell said, standing. “And I intend to determine what was stolen.”
“Oh yes,” Mrs. Risewell said. “We had better. The inspector did say he would send a man for our statement.”
Mira strained to think up an excuse to go with them. A glance at Byron told her that he was doing the same.
“Would you like someone to make a list of what was taken as you look?” Byron said, pulling out his notebook. “It would make it easier when the constable comes.”
Mary Sherard rolled her eyes at the suggestion, clearly upset by Byron’s insistence on meddling, but Mr. Risewell easily agreed. “Capital idea,” he said. “I’d be much obliged to you.”
“Do you think that anything was stolen from Miss Risewell?” Mira asked.
“Oh, I hope not,” Mrs. Risewell said. “I lent her one of my grandmother’s necklaces day before yesterday.”
“I’ll find her and we can check together,” Mira said.
“Yes, please do,” Mrs. Risewell said. “Though I’m not sure where she’s run off to now. Perhaps she’s with Miss Renaldi and Miss Harris. I directed them to the conservatory. Thought the light would do her some good.”
“I’ll check there first, then,” Mira said, standing.
Admiral Hoddle stood as well. “I’ll come with you. I ought to bring Maureen home. After all, she’s had quite the trying morning, poor thing, and is probably is in need of some peace and quiet.”
“You don’t happen to know the way to the conservatory, do you?” Mira asked, halfway down the hall. “I’m afraid I’m not particularly acquainted with the house.”
“I’ve visited a few times since I came to Bath,” Hoddle said. “A striking house, though I’d say it could do with some trellises and ivy to cover up some of the old-fashioned brickwork. I think the turn is here.”
“It was kind of you to become Maureen’s guardian,” Mira said. “You and Mr. Harris must have been close.”
“We were like brothers,” Hoddle said. “I’d do anything for him. Wish I could turn back time and stop the blaggard who shot ‘im. This way, I think.”
“Yes, I had heard about that,” Mira said, turning down a new hall with him. “A burglar, wasn’t it? Do we know what was stolen?”
“Nothing at all. The coward ran.”
“No wonder Miss Harris is so upset at all this,” Mira said. “It must have brought back so many painful memories.”
“She’ll be better in a few days, after some rest and time alone.”
Mira frowned. Knowing her own experience, she couldn’t imagine it would do Maureen much good to be alone for too long. “Might we come visit her tomorrow to see how she’s getting on? Perhaps we could bring her with us to church. I’m sure the atmosphere could only do her good.”
He screwed his face up a moment in thought. “I’m sure she would like that, yes. Though I think we ought to avoid too much excitement.”
“Of course.”
They reached the conservatory and found all three women within, huddled on a bench, plants all around them. The midday sun shone through the glass paneled walls.
“Maureen, dear, how are you doing?” Hoddle said, moving to his ward.
“Better.” Maureen’s voice cracked.
“I’ll see about getting more tea.” Theresia stood, making to leave the room, and Mira followed her.
“I’m afraid I have some news for you,” Mira said.
“Me?” Theresia frowned.
“It seems that some of your mother’s jewelry was found onMr. Treadway’s body.”
