1
September 10, 1818
The air was cool.Chilly even.A hint of mildew clung to it.Most likely because the room lacked windows and was hard to air out.
Lying on a narrow table, Polly Griffin took a deep breath and released it slowly.There was no need to fret.No reason for her pulse to race.She was in capable hands.All would be well.The surgeon whose help she’d sought came highly recommended.Her usual physician, a man who’d helped cure her ailments numerous times in the past, had sent her here.Doing so surely meant he believed in the treatment she would receive.
According to what she’d been told since she’d arrived, the procedure would be quick.Not entirely painless, but simple enough that she would be able to get back to work tomorrow.This assurance pleased her immensely for if there was one thing she’d no wish to do, it was to disappoint her employer.
Lady Ottersburg was a lovely woman who treated all her servants well.Unlike other members of the peerage, the viscountess engaged her servants in conversation, even going so far as to take an interest in their families.The lady always remembered which footman had a sickly parent or if a maid was about to become an aunt.It was most impressive and helped instill a sense of worth in everyone who worked at Ottersburg House.
Polly considered it a distinct honor to serve there.Even if she feared her dream of becoming the viscountess’s personal lady’s maid would never be realized.Such promotions were rare.More so when Rose, who currently filled the position, had not yet turned thirty and was far more qualified than Polly, who’d only been employed to attend the downstairs.
Her day started early.By five o’clock she was in the parlor, opening the curtains to let in the morning light.The grate would be cleaned and the fire re-laid, after which she’d set about sweeping the rugs and wiping down every surface with a damp cloth before she moved on to the next room.
Lady Ottersburg often claimed her home to be the cleanest she’d ever set foot in.High praise that made Polly proud of her job.It also filled her with a desire to prove herself capable and worthy of the lady’s regard.To not disappoint her.As Polly feared she might if it became known that she’d gotten herself with child out of wedlock.
She’d have to leave Ottersburg House before she started to show, to prevent her sin from rubbing off on the family.Worse, to avoid the awkward conversations and pitiful looks that would likely precede her inevitable departure.Mama would never forgive her or the diminished financial support such an outcome would lead to.She herself would have to live with the guilt of knowing she’d ruined numerous lives in a foolish moment of weakness.
This was for the best.A quick procedure to help her take control of her future.
She turned her head and allowed her gaze to sweep the lime-washed walls of the room she was in until she found the surgeon who stood nearby.He wore a kind expression that seemed to convey immense understanding for the predicament in which she found herself.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, his voice soft.Gentle and soothing.“It’s important I make sure all of my tools are at the ready before we begin.”
Polly nodded as best as she could.“Of course.”
He glanced at her and the pleasant smile curving his lips put her further at ease.All would be well.No need to be anxious.
She wriggled her fingers and the rope that would hold her still while the surgeon worked chafed her wrists.Additional restraints had been used on her legs and ankles.A necessity, she’d been informed, since the slightest movement on her part could prove disastrous.
“Drink this.”A cup was pressed to her lips while a helpful hand lifted her head.
A shiver of apprehension curled around Polly’s breast.“What is it?”
“Just a bit of laudanum to help you relax.”
“It smells different than usual.”
A calm look full of understanding filled her vision.“Because of the wine and herbs I added to mask the bitterness.It makes the flavor more agreeable.”
A thoughtful notion, Polly decided.She’d always hated the way the stuff tasted.But if it was mixed with other ingredients, it might not be so bad.
She parted her lips and the liquid entered her mouth, surprising her with a hint of berries, ginger, possibly sage, and something she failed to identity.It was sweet too and not entirely unpleasant.Truth be told, she wouldn’t have guessed it contained any laudanum at all had the surgeon not mentioned it.
“That’s it.”The cup was tilted a bit more to help her drink.“You’ll feel the effect of it soon.”
Polly lowered her head until she was staring up at the ceiling.Fine cracks lined the plaster, like a web of veins shooting out in every direction.She blinked, then blinked again when her vision blurred.It was as if a haze had descended over her eyes.A woozy sensation spread through her limbs, reminding her of that time years ago when she and her cousin had pilfered Uncle Theo’s bottle of brandy.
It had to be… Had to be…
She tried to think, but her brain was empty.Vacant.And then she was falling backward.Into herself.As the world around her vanished.
* * *
The fog creeping over the Thames had started to retreat by the time Chief Constable Peter Kendrick arrived at the docks.He peered out of the carriage window at the smudged silhouettes of buildings emerging through the gloom.Dawn had broken nearly an hour ago, but heavy cloud coverage cloaked the streets, reducing visibility.
The carriage slowed and while he waited for it to pull to a halt, Peter allowed himself a moment to reflect on the turn his life had taken in recent weeks.That damned case involving Adrian Croft had been an upheaval.Peter had been sacked.A young and competent Runner named Jackson, who presently sat on the bench beside him, had taken his place for a time.As a private citizen, Peter had worked with Jackson, who’d ignored Peter’s dismissal.Together, despite opposing forces, they’d managed to root out corruption within the legal system.The results of those cases had seen Peter reinstated, though the impact of what had occurred continued to linger elsewhere.
