That was enough for him to manage a smile. “Thank you, sir.”
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“Oh?”
The Director gestured toward the damaged portion of the Yard. “I’m not saying I like the reason for it, but the blast has given us the excuse to make some changes. We’re having several offices added, and one of them is yours. Thought it was time you had your own.”
Henry blinked. “Oh. Thank you, sir.”
“Pleased you’re here, Field. Now go home and get some rest.” Reynolds turned away only to look back, this time with a knowing look. “Unless you’re headed to Mrs. Greystone’s. If you are, please give her my regards.”
Henry smiled again, this time genuinely. “I will.”
He looked forward to thanking her again for her help, to holding her, and telling her how much he loved her. His futurewouldn’t be complete without her, regardless of whether they were solving cases together or enjoying a conversation before the fire. But he had to be patient. He’d promised not to pressure her and he intended to keep that promise. For now, he would enjoy every moment they spent together, and allow the future to take care of itself.
Epilogue
One week later
Amelialistenedinsilentadmiration as a much leaner version of Louisa Elmcroft regaled them with the tale of her stay at Hollowgate Heights.
“It was an experience I will never forget.” Her eyes were dark with concern as she stared at Amelia. “I would never have guessed the sanatorium would close the day after my departure, let alone learn such horrors occurred while I was there.”
Aunt Margaret, who’d accompanied Louisa to Amelia’s for tea that afternoon, shared a concerned look with her niece before returning her attention to her friend. “We’re very relieved you emerged from the place unscathed.”
And alive, but Amelia kept the thought to herself.
Louisa had sent word to Aunt Margaret the day after she’d gone home, something Amelia hadn’t learned until she’d returned from the modiste’s.
“As am I. My stay there was challenging enough, without knowing what was happening to others.” The woman stared inthe distance, suggesting unpleasant memories had taken hold. “There were times when…when I wasn’t sure I’d survive.”
“Truly?” Aunt Margaret’s teacup rattled in its saucer as she set it down. “Why was that?”
“Well, the fasting...” Louisa pursed her lips. “It was more challenging than I could have dreamed. I thought I might perish from the lack of complete sustenance.”
“I can’t imagine.” Amelia shared a concerned look with her aunt, hoping never to experience such a thing.
“And the hydropathy.” Louisa shuddered. “The baths weren’t so terrible, but—” She hesitated, looking between them. “Excuse me for speaking plainly, but you are both my friends, so I know I can be honest.”
Amelia and her aunt both nodded in response.
“The…the enemas were incredibly challenging to endure. I can’t begin to explain what went through my mind after an hour or more of a treatment.” She took a sip of her tea. “In truth, the memory alone is enough to give me nightmares.”
“I’m sure.” Amelia gave her a sympathetic look. “But you survived.”
“And I feel amazing.” Louisa straightened, clearly proud of herself for having survived the difficult treatments.
“I’m so pleased you are in good health,” Amelia added. Her aunt’s friend appeared to have a confidence that had been missing before, but no amount of weight loss was worth risking one’s life.
“Thank you.” Louisa paused, her gaze holding on her teacup. “I can hardly believe Dr. Thorne wasn’t even a doctor. To learn she killed some of the patients—it’s simply incomprehensible.”
Amelia still had difficulty grasping what the woman had done. To not only murder those she’d decided wouldn’t survive long, but also steal their money, showed a lack of morals and empathy which made her stomach turn.
Henry had pressed for the truth and discovered a sum of six victims who’d died by her orders, and whose rightful heirs had been denied their money. And those were the ones the ‘doctor’ had admitted to.
MissThorne was now in prison while she awaited trial, along with the members of her staff who’d been implicated, and the solicitor. Mr. Collins, who’d aided the investigation, was expected to receive a lesser sentence, from what Henry had said. Several patients had come forward, offering to testify against the woman for her inhumane practices, even as other outraged patients came forward in support. It was going to get complicated. Thank goodness Hollowgate Heights had been closed and the terrible scheme ended.
“And thank you for trying to visit me,” Louisa continued as she looked at Amelia. “I’m sorry my reply was so brief and cryptic, but I’d just completed a treatment and wasn’t…quite myself.” She shook her head. “In truth, a staff member told me what to write and I was so fatigued, I obeyed. I appreciate you attempting to see me more than I can say.”
