“I am certain that you are all aware of what happened to Lady Victoria earlier today,” Benedick began.
The servants nodded.
“As the man has not yet been caught, I will be remaining in this house until he is.”
There were whispers and murmurs amongst the staff and Victoria could only imagine what they were assuming.
“My name is Benedick Valentine and I am an investigator with the Thames River Police. I am here solely for the protection of your mistress.”
His words seemed to calm some of the more concerned and older servants in her household.
“I would like you all to be on alert for any strangers in the area. I would also ask that you check that every window and door is locked to prevent intrusion.”
“I will see it done, Mr. Valentine” the butler assured him.
“As will I,” the housekeeper said as she sent a challenging look to the butler. The two had always competed with who should truly be in charge of the household, often overstepping and performing the duties of the other. Victoria did not have the patience for their bickering today, especially when the hierarchy in a household was well established. These two simply did not like each other, which often made matters difficult for not only her, but the other servants who weren’t certain who to obey when there were conflicting assigned duties.
“The rest of you may go except for the footmen, whose names Lady Victoria will now provide.”
She could only assume that he meant the footmen who had been born in Seven Dials because they had not discussed anyone else. “Charlie, Hank and Jimmy.”
Benedick nodded. “The rest of you may go.”
The three youngest footmen looked at each other with concern. Given where they came from, they were slow to trust and no doubt feared for their positions.
“The housekeeper and butler may also return to their duties,” Benedick instructed. “Please close the door after you leave.”
The two looked at Victoria for instruction. She simply gave a quick nod, much to their disappointment because they believed that they should also know all the confidences within the household.
“Are we in trouble?” Hank asked.
“Are we to be sacked?” Charlie inquired with worry.
“Is it because I was unable to catch that man?” asked Jimmy.
“It is none of those things,” Victoria assured them. “But I did share some information with Mr. Valentine.”
Nervously the three looked at Benedick and waited.
“I understand that you were raised in Seven Dials.”
The three reluctantly nodded as their shoulders dropped in shame.
“Lady Victoria tells me that you came to her when you were around fourteen years of age. Is that correct?”
“Aye,” the three muttered.
“To survive so long, I can only assume that the three of you are quite good with your fists.”
It was with those words that she saw their spines straighten just a little and a shoulder went back.
“If that is the case, then after me you are the next in line to defend and protect Lady Victoria.”
The three were now standing tall, their shoulders back and chins lifted.
“I am certain that you have likely faced men like him before, whereas the other servants in the household have likely only worked in the homes of gentry and I doubt they would do well defending themselves let alone Lady Victoria.”
Hank looked at her and frowned. “Did you know him, Lady Victoria? Is that why you know he is dangerous?”
