Part 15 (2/2)

*Aye, la.s.s. I've always suspected you had a secret or two. But is now the right time to tell me? We've got enough on our plates as it is, don't you think?'

*Oh, I don't know. My head is spinning with all this. I want to be honest with someone.'

*Will it change things between us?'

*It might,' I admitted.

*Yer no married to Mr Bertram, are ye?'

I laughed out loud. *Oh no, it's nothing as awful as that!'

Rory's eyes twinkled. *In that case if it's something that's going to open up another long discussion I think we should leave it for now. Tell me after all this. If you still want to.'

*All right.'

*I'll remember you wanted to tell me,' said Rory.

*That's good.'

*So where do you think we go from here?'

*You're right. We need some proof of something.'

*We could go back to the asylum.'

*Back?'

Rory showed me the address. *Didn't you realise the asylum Sophy was sent to was the one Beatrice wanted to investigate? Mrs Mason mentioned Dr Frank.'

*Beatrice was further along in the investigation than we are.'

*Aye, it was a right shame about her.'

*I hope so,' I said under my breath.

We arrived back in London towards evening. Merrit dropped us off at the hotel and took the automobile round to the garage without a word. I found his singular lack of curiosity unnerving, but Rory took it in his stride. *He's a model servant,' was his comment. *Doesn't ask any questions.'

The memorial service was long over, so I steeled myself to face a barrage of questions from Mr Bertram. However, when I enquired of him from the concierge I learned he had not yet returned to the hotel. I left a message at the front desk that I was to be called when he returned and retired to my room. I meant to only close my eyes for a moment, but travelling is remarkably fatiguing. I was dreaming that Beatrice Wilton and I were in a crowded dining room. She was trying to tell me something important as she pa.s.sed me a cup of tea, but the sound of other diners clattering cutlery and chatting drowned out her words. She was becoming increasingly agitated. I, on the other hand, was consumed with the necessity of explaining one never drank tea with dinner. Finally with an expression of exasperation Beatrice slammed a book down upon the table making the dishes jump and startling the room into silence.

I woke up on the edge of the sound unsure if what I had heard was real or still in the dream. My curtains, undrawn, showed a night-black sky. The room was full of shadows and I had the eeriest feeling I was not alone. My heart knocked loudly in my chest and my breath caught in my throat. By sheer effort of will I lay perfectly still. I reasoned if the intruder had not harmed me, believing I was asleep, then they might well depart leaving me unmolested. I squinted into the darkness. Without light my room seemed preternaturally enlarged. I could see nothing but the shapes of the furniture.

A sharp knocking at the door brought me bolt upright. *Help,' I squeaked.

The door, which I had foolishly left unlocked, opened. Rory stood on the threshold and the gas light from the hall flooded in.

*There's someone in here,' I cried, springing from the bed and running towards him.

Rory turned up the gas. There was no one there.

*I think you've had a bad dream, la.s.s,' said Rory.

*I was so sure,' I said sheepishly.

*Dreams can be powerful things,' he said kindly, leading me into the room. We sat either side of the cold fire. *I'm sorry to disturb you, but I've had a thought that might help us.'

*Is Mr Bertram back?' I asked.

*I've had no word, but I imagine he must be.'

*I left word I was to be sent for when he returned.'

*It's late, Euphemia. He may have superseded your instructions.'

*I suppose so, but it's odd.'

*It's hardly a normal time.'

*But what will he have been doing?'

Rory sighed. *I don't know. I imagine he's been with Miss Wilton's family. There will have been many questions. For all I know the family is demanding an inquest.'

*But wouldn't they have had to do that before she was buried?'

*It was a memorial service today, wasn't it?'

*Yes,' I rubbed my eyes. *Of course. There is still time. What did you want to see me about?'

*We need some evidence one way or another and I've thought of someone who can give us some?'

*Who?'

*Mrs Wilson.'

*But she's in a coma.'

*Not any more. Word came to the hall before I left that she was improving. I heard Dr Simpson tell Lord Richard she was having periods of lucidity.'

*But then she could be in the most terrible danger!'

Rory produced a pamphlet from his pocket. *I don't think we can get away with borrowing the automobile again, but we could get a train to the town where the hospital is. There's a milk train that leaves in two hours that would get us there this morning. If we caught the afternoon train back we'd only be gone the day. Your Mr Bertram might not even notice we were missing. We could leave word we had business out of town.'

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