Part 17 (2/2)

*I can't condone what you did,' he said, *but I appreciate you were both acting in the best interests of the family.' He fixed his attention on Rory. *Euphemia and I have suspected my elder brother of more than one nefarious act, but I cannot imagine him killing or arranging to have killed, as he would have to have done, his own half-sister.'

*Is it more incredible than killing his own father?' I asked.

*There was never proof,' said Bertram defensively.

I dropped the point. Once, he had been certain of his brother's guilt, but that was in the heat of grief and pa.s.sion for justice. The pa.s.sage of time had tempered this and he was, like most men, keener to seek an easy resolution.

*You heard him arguing with Mrs Wilson on the evening of her attack,' said Bertram. *Is it possible he didn't know? That the revelation Beatrice unleashed caught him by surprise? My father died suddenly. Perhaps he had intended to tell us, or at least Richard, about Sophy, but never did.'

*You mean Mrs Wilson thought he knew, but he didn't?' said Rory. *Mrs Wilson said as much.'

Bertram nodded eagerly.

*With all respect, sir, wouldn't that have made him all the more likely to act?'

*But it doesn't make sense,' I said. *She wouldn't be ent.i.tled to anything under his last will, would she?'

Bertram shook his head. *If she hadn't been simple, perhaps, but no, nothing at all. The only claim she would have had on the family was a moral one. I admit Richard might have felt as an MP he would have had to settle money on her or Mrs Wilson, but he's rich enough for that not to matter.'

*But Beatrice wanted to write a story about it,' I said. *And she had convinced you to help her.'

Bertram sank his head into his hands. *I know. I know. I led her into danger. My wretched, wretched family.'

Rory coughed. *Perhaps we should all retire to rest now, sir. It's been a long day and we have much to think about.'

*Yes,' I said. *I think that would be wise. If you would be willing to request sight of Beatrice's notebook from the police or her family a whoever has it a it may make matters much clearer.'

*I need to think,' said Bertram. *I hope at the end of all this I will have reason to feel grateful to you both. I do accept that you had the interests of justice at heart.'

And with this he walked unsteadily from the room.

*Och, these Staplefords,' said Rory. *They make me regret I ever came south of the border. I'm away to my bed and you should do the same, la.s.s. No doubt yon mannie will have a fine scheme by the morning.'

The way he said ”fine” made it clear he thought it would be anything but. I could not but agree. I slept fitfully, worried about what the morning would bring.

I awoke to a brilliant day with a sky of quite breathtaking blue peeping through my curtains. Looking out the window I saw the people of the city going about their business briskly and with the liveliness that such an unexpected sunny day always engenders. It was a reminder to me that whatever fills our own hearts the world continues to turn. Only a few days ago Miss Wilton would have looked out at a similar tableau from her own room never dreaming that this would be the last building in which she would sleep and that she would never see her home again.

I was in a melancholy frame of mind as I made my way down to the breakfast hall. Bertram was already seated. I was unsure of the protocol now Beatrice was gone, but it was a public place and I was posing as a lady's companion, so I took my seat by him. Rory, of course, as a butler was not able to join us.

Mr Bertram cracked the top of his egg decisively. *I have decided what our next step should be,' he said. *You and I, Euphemia, will visit Dr Frank's asylum and enquire directly what happened to Sophy. I will say I have only recently become aware of her existence due to the sudden nature of my father's death and I wish to know what became of her.'

*It is a very direct course of action,' I said.

*We will leave a note at the reception saying where we have gone. You may also send word to Edward if you wish. I shall mention this if the situation seems to become at all threatening. You see, I have thought this through.'

*But if the asylum is in any way implicated in her death what makes you think that they will admit it?' I said. *We have already met Dr Frank and he was fully aware of who you were. He showed not the slightest sign of defence or nervousness.'

*He didn't let us see around the asylum as Beatrice asked,' retorted Bertram.

*But I don't think they do that any more,' I said. *He told us they have commissioners who inspect them and who can arrive at any time.'

Bertram sighed. *You're very naive, Euphemia. A little money in the right places would ensure that the asylum always had notice of such visits. Clerks make very little money.'

*I cannot help but feel this is precipitous, sir.'

*Well, I am going after breakfast,' said Mr Bertram. *You can either come with me or wait at the hotel. So far you and Rory have done all the investigating, but this is a family matter and I must attend to it personally.'

He had a stubborn set about his jaw that I recognised. It was the same expression he had used when he had repeatedly refused to listen to my warnings about White Orchards' cellar. *I will come with you,' I said. *Please give me a few minutes to prepare.'

I returned to my room and s.n.a.t.c.hed up my coat. I then made my way to the front desk as quickly as I could. Mr Bertram was not in sight. With the help of my friend the concierge I obtained the number I needed from the operator. My hand shook as I held the telephone. After an interminable wait I was put through.

*Could I speak to Mrs Mason, please?'

*Can I say what it is about?' asked a polite female voice.

*I visited two days ago a about my daughter. She may be joining you. I'd rather not give my name.'

*Of course, ma'am.'

There were a few clicks and Mrs Mason's voice came on line. *How can I help, my dear?'

*I'm struggling with my final decision,' I said. *It really is the thought of what happens next. When she is grown. I wondered if it might be possible to speak to one of your charges who had moved on to the next stage.'

*I see,' said Mrs Mason. *There is an issue of confidentiality.'

*Of course, but you mentioned someone a Amy, was it? Who was a friend of Sophy's?'

*Yes, I did, didn't I?'

*I wondered if she is still at the same asylum that Sophy attended.'

*I have not heard she has moved,' said Mrs Mason with admirable discretion.

*Although I did wonder if she might be too upset to see me. Was what happened to Sophy recent?'

There was an intake of breath at the other end of the phone.

*The family doesn't talk about it,' I said quickly. *In the same way I imagine they will not talk about my daughter when her time comes.' I managed a little half-sob.

*It's kind of you to consider Alice's feelings. Alice, not Amy. I don't know how she will take it. Sometimes these simple souls accept matters of life and death much more easily than we do.'

*So it was recent.' I said.

*Very,' said Mrs Mason. *I do not wish to be unsympathetic, but I feel I have already said more than I should. I give you my word that should you decide to place your daughter with us I will ensure she has the very best care and attention.'

*I have no doubt of that,' I said sincerely. *Thank you.'

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