Page 24

‘Oh, this old thing,’ their hostess responded with a tinkle of laughter. ‘It’s very last year, I’m afraid, but decent dressmakers are so difficult to find in the Bay. Can we offer you some tea?’

‘That would be most gracious, thank you.’ Henry smiled warmly at the lady of the house, who coloured up in response. Indeed, so fiery were Mrs Lovelace’s cheeks that Charlotte was reminded that her brother had been quite a catch in his younger years, and underneath all the gruffness, the handsome face and quick wit was still in evidence if one was prepared to look for it.

Eveline Lovelace was evidently more than willing…

The small talk continued until after the tea was brought in, and in the end it was Edward Lovelace who finally broached the reason for their visit.

Unbeknown to Henry, Charlotte had concocted a story vastly different from the one they’d agreed upon before climbing in the carriage.

‘We are here on behalf of the survivors of Paignton Orphanage,’ the matron declared, ignoring her brother’s incredulous glare. ‘I assume you are aware of the dreadful fire that destroyed the building.’

‘Why, yes,’ breathed their hostess, her voice positively oozing sadness. ‘I’ve had nightmares about those poor children.’

‘Quite,’ countered Charlotte, suspecting that Evelina had barely given the fire a thought until that very moment.

‘Well…,’ the matron went on with the slightly hushed air of someone about to share some previously unknown gossip. Evelina obligingly leaned forward, as, it had to be said, did Henry…

‘The thing is,’ Charlotte went on, ‘I’m certain you’re aware that many of the children went on to be placed into domestic service through the Pembroke Domestic Agency… until of course poor Miss Finch came to her frightful end.’

Evelina frowned, glancing over at her husband. This certainly wasn’t what she had been expecting.

‘I… we weren’t well acquainted with Miss Finch,’ she murmured. ‘Not that we weren’t shocked at her demise of course. Dreadful business.’

‘Naturally,’ Charlotte agreed, ‘and we can only be thankful that the culprit was found.’

Evelina’s nod was so violent, her head looked in danger of falling off. Charlotte felt the deep satisfaction of knowing her words had most definitely provoked an uneasy response, even though their hostess was no longer exhibiting the extreme reaction Benedict and Arabella had described. Henry too was watching their host and hostess with interest.

‘I must confess,’ Charlotte went on carefully, ‘that I was rather hoping you were familiar with the agency and the charity it supported. Mrs Washington Singer was speaking with me just the other day, asking if I knew of someone who might take up the mantle now that the agency is no longer running….’ She paused, noting the sudden gleam in Evelina Lovelace’s eyes. Clearly their hostess was familiar with the name Singer…

‘What made you think of Evelina?’ Edward asked abruptly.

‘Oh, your wife’s name came up during the investigation into the jewellery thefts,’ Charlotte responded airily. ‘Perhaps you are aware that my brother runs a private detective agency?’ Her words provoked no reaction, and Charlotte shifted a little, her corset suddenly unaccountably tight. Had she misjudged Evelina Lovelace’s appetite for society?

Fortunately, Henry chose that moment to finally help her out. ‘Your name was mentioned in glowing terms by Mrs Lavinia Pettigrew. She mentioned all the wonderful work you did for the children in Miss Finch’s care…’ He paused and looked towards Charlotte.

‘Raising money and ensuring the children were placed in good families,’ his sister obligingly continued. ‘But now the agency is closed. Mrs Singer would like someone to ensure that the monies raised by the ladies of Paignton goes to another worthwhile children’s charity. And who better to administer such a worthy operation than someone who has already shown such a kind heart.’ She smiled and took another sip of her tea, sparing a quick glance towards Henry, who looked as though he didn’t know whether to throttle her or offer a bonus.

‘Well… I did help Miss Finch on occasion, it’s true,’ Evelina responded uncertainly. ‘We… we obviously moved in different circles, but I was always happy to recommend the Agency to my many friends in the Bay…’ She paused before adding hurriedly, ‘I was of course as surprised as everyone else to discover she was behind the jewellery thefts.’

‘She must have been very desperate to have committed such heinous crimes,’ Charlotte sighed. ‘I suspect the poor woman may well have been in a lot of debt.’ She shook her head and took a sip of her tea before adding abruptly, ‘This is a very fine room. I love the pianoforte. Do you play?’

‘I think Evelina prefers to listen.’ Edward smiled indulgently at his wife.

‘I enjoy being surrounded by beautiful objects,’ their hostess added, blowing her husband a kiss. ‘Edward spoils me most dreadfully, though he frequently tells me I have expensive tastes.’

‘She certainly has a wonderful eye,’ her husband agreed, ‘though I confess even a wonderful eye can run rather ahead of a man’s ledger from time to time.’ He laughed lightly, though there was a slight edge to it neither Shackleford missed.

‘A problem I’m more than familiar with.’ Henry chuckled. ‘What is it you do for a living, if I may ask?’

‘Insurance mostly,’ Edward Lovelace answered. ‘I have always had a head for figures and handle several accounts on behalf of a solicitors. They count several prominent households in Torbay as clients.’

‘Do their clients include any of the unfortunate ladies robbed by Miss Finch?’ Henry asked, sympathy colouring his voice.

‘Only one, fortunately,’ was the clipped response. ‘Mrs Pettigrew’s emerald necklace.’

‘Fortunate indeed,’ Henry countered, while Charlotte noted Evelina’s sudden preoccupation with her skirt.

‘Did you do any work for the Pembroke Agency?’ Charlotte asked.