“Frederick since he was sixteen, and Ham came from the countryeighteen months ago.”
“When might an opportunity have arisen to search the luggage before it left for Ivywood Hall?”
Thacker stiffened. “We have a large, assiduous staff. I don’t believe it is possible to do so without being seen. What is this about, Captain Ryder? Does it have something to do with his lordship’s tragic death?”
“I’ve yet to discover if it has, Mr. Thacker. You’re confident that everything is as it should be in the running of the house?”
Thacker stood, his face reddening. “I can assure you…”
There would not be much happening here that Thacker was unaware of. Jack nodded but remained seated. “I should like to speak to the housekeeper. And if you could make inquiries of the rest of the staff? I shall call again.”
“I don’t see why…”
“I am here on behalf of her ladyship, Mr. Thacker. With Lord Butterstone gone, it’s possible that you could be seeking a new position. No doubt you’ll need a good reference.”
“Well, yes.” Thacker rose up on his toes. “If you’ll just wait a moment, Captain, I’ll send for Mrs. Muffat. And I’ll find out all I can, of course. Happy to.”
Thacker was ambitious. Ambitious men could be bought. Guilty or not, he looked like a hound caught sneaking the leg of mutton from under Cook’s nose.
As the housekeeper came in, Jack rose from the chair and smiled to put the servant at ease. Mrs. Muffat was a short, thin woman with a capable air. She gazed at him inquiringly.
“What happened after his lordship left for his journey?” he asked.
“The two upstairs maids thoroughly cleaned and aired his lordship’s suite after his departure. His linens were sent down to the laundry.”
“Would the luggage have remained in the room while the maids cleaned it?”
“On that occasion, yes. It was delayed. The staff members traveling to Ivywood Hall were ready to enter the carriage, but one of the footmen was busy elsewhere.”
“Do you recall the incident?”
She settled her shoulders, appearing affronted. “I keep abreast of everything, sir. That ensures a well-run household. A footman had been sent to deliver a note.”
“On whose orders?”
“If not Mr. Thacker, it would be the butler.”
“Do you know what the note was about or to whom it was delivered?”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid I don’t. I had other urgent matters to deal with.”
“I’d appreciate it if you could find out. How long have you been in service here, Mrs. Muffat?”
She clasped her hands to her breast encased in black bombazine. “Since I was widowed, sir. Some twenty years ago, now.”
“And the maids?”
“Beatrice has been with us for about five years. Amy joined the household last week. She replaced Sarah, who was run down by a carriage. A terrible accident, which happened practically outside the front door.”
Jack made a mental note to find out more about the accident. “Amy was procured through an agency?”
“Yes. We use Bright’s Employment in Piccadilly. They are generally dependable.”
“I’d like a word with Amy if I may.”
Mrs. Moffat rubbed her creased forehead. “I’m afraid she isn’t here. She is running an errand for me.”
“Is it usual for an upstairs maid to run errands?”
