Page 22 of A Devious Secret

Chapter Four

Stephen stared at the brown brick townhouse on the edge of the fashionable part of Town. It was well-maintained but the bricks were showing signs of wear. He had been standing in this same spot for what felt like hours, but he was dreading this upcoming meeting. He was here to offer his condolences to his first lieutenant’s family. He had worked closely with Benjamin, and he mourned the man’s death deeply.

He let out a sigh. He better get this over with before his courage waned. The only consolation was that he wasn’t making a condolence call on a widow this time. Benjamin had left behind his parents and a sister, but, thankfully, no wife.

He crossed the busy street, skirting the carriages, and approached the main door. He picked up the knocker and tapped three times on the door.

The door opened and a middle-aged butler with black hair stared back at him. “May I help you, sir?”

Stephen removed a calling card from his waistcoat pocket. “I was hoping for a moment of Mrs. Heathcote’s time.”

The butler accepted his card and glanced at it. “Do come in, Mr. Wycomb,” he said as he stood to the side to allow him entry. “I will see if Mrs. Heathcote is available for callers.”

“Thank you,” Stephen acknowledged.

As the butler walked off, his heels clipping on the polished tile, Stephen’s eyes roamed the modest entry hall. The papered walls had a floral pattern and it contrasted nicely with the ornate woodwork that ran the length of the hall.

The butler stepped out of a room and informed him, “Mrs. Heathcote will see you now, sir.”

Stephen felt like his boots were made of lead as he approached the drawing room. He knew how these meetings usually went but he felt obligated to do it.

Mrs. Heathcote was standing next to a camelback settee and a thin-faced young woman stood next to her. The matron’s hair was mostly white, but a few dark strands still resided.

A smile came to Mrs. Heathcote’s lips as she greeted him. “Captain Wycomb,” she said. “What an honor it is to have you in our home.”

He bowed. “The honor is mine, Madam.”

Mrs. Heathcote gestured towards the young woman. “Allow me to introduce my daughter, Miss Grace Heathcote.”

Stephen turned his attention towards Miss Heathcote. “It is a pleasure to be meeting you.”

Miss Heathcote dropped into a curtsy. “Captain Wycomb,” she murmured.

A long clock chimed in the corner and Stephen attempted to gather the strength to proceed with this most difficult conversation.

Mrs. Heathcote waved her hand over the tea service. “Would you care for some tea?”

“No, thank you,” he said. He didn’t want to overstay his welcome. He wanted to say what needed to be said and be done with it.

As he opened his mouth, Mrs. Heathcote spoke first. “I am pleased to be finally meeting you. Benjamin always spoke so highly of you in his letters.”

“That is kind of you to say.”

Mrs. Heathcote returned to her seat and her daughter did the same. “Please take a seat, Captain.”

Stephen walked over to an upholstered armchair and sat down, knowing it would be rude to refuse her invitation.

Mrs. Heathcote leaned forward and poured a cup of tea. She placed the teapot down and picked up the cup. Then she extended him the cup.

“You look like you could use a cup of tea,” Mrs. Heathcote said.

Stephen accepted the cup. “Thank you, kindly.” He took a sip of the lukewarm tea before he lowered it to his lap. “I was Benjamin’s captain for two years on theHMS Intrepid.”

Mrs. Heathcote nodded. “Yes, and he cherished that time with you.”

“As my first lieutenant, we worked closely together, and I grew to depend on him and his expertise,” Stephen said.

Mrs. Heathcote retrieved her teacup and took a sip. “Did you know that Benjamin snuck off and joined the Royal Navy?”