Page 47 of Speculations in Sin

I swallowed hard. Mr. Davis knew I’d been widowed, or at least married in the past, but he’d held his tongue about it. He never gossiped about his fellow servants, I was pleased to note.

But he must have overheard Daniel and me discussing Grace tonight, then waited until Daniel had gone to confront me about it.

“She is twelve,” I answered in a whisper.

Mr. Davis’s tight shoulders relaxed. “Then she is not McAdam’s?”

I blinked. “Gracious, no. I’ve only known Mr. McAdam for the last four or so years. Grace’s father is deceased.”

“I see.” Mr. Davis continued to gaze at me as though he’d ask something more, but pressed his mouth closed.

“She lives with a friend,” I said. “That friend was who I visited last night.”

“You do not have to explain, Mrs. Holloway. We all have a past.” Mr. Davis cleared his throat and reached up as though to straighten his hairpiece, remembering at the last moment that he’d removed it. “I was concerned that the little girl was the person unwell.”

“No, she is right as rain, thank the Lord,” I said. “My friend, though, has had a bit of trouble.”

“I am sorry to hear this. Can I be of any assistance?”

Though Mr. Davis’s tone was as stiff as it had been since he’d caught me in his chamber, I read genuine concern in him.

“That is very kind,” I said. I dithered asking for specific help but in the end decided to risk it. Mr. Davis’s information had been key in solving cases in the past. “If you could keep a lookout for any newspaper stories—or any mention at all—about a bank called Daalman’s, that would be of aid.”

Mr. Davis’s brows went up. “Daalman’s? Favored of millionaires throughout the world? Reputed to have invested heavily in the French canal in Colombia? That Daalman’s?”

“Yes, indeed. What do you know of it?” I asked eagerly.

“I was footman many years back to a man who had sunk his entire fortune into Daalman’s and its investments. Lost half that fortune and sacked most of the staff, though he did gain his funds back quickly. He was too wary to hire more servants, so those who remained, like me, did all the work—in a bloody large house too. I’ve seen Daalman’s shares rise and fall over the years. Too much vacillation for me. I bank at a small institution in Regent Street whose interest has been exactly the same for decades. I believe you have to have rather a lot of cash to invest at Daalman’s, in any case. I don’t recommend you bank with them, Mrs. Holloway.”

“No fear of that,” I said fervently. The funereal atmosphere that hid scandal plus the mean-spirited blaming of innocents made me never want my money to touch that bank as long as I lived.

“A building society might be more to your taste,” Mr. Davis went on. “To help you save to purchase a cottage or something when you retire.”

I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps a building society, which pooled money to assist its members to purchase homes, might help with the tea shop I dreamed of. Then again, they mightwant me to be married to a man who would handle this money and shop purchasing for me.

“I will consider it,” I said. “Thank you.”

Mr. Davis paused before he spoke again, as though choosing his words. “I hope your friend does well. If there comes a time where you need someone to look after your daughter, I know a woman of kindly disposition who might be willing. She was housekeeper in the home I worked in before this.”

“She’s in London?” I asked with some hope.

“Bury St. Edmunds,” Mr. Davis answered. “Not far by train.”

No, but far enough. I might have to sacrifice my feelings, though, to make certain Grace was taken care of.

Bury St. Edmunds had been the address on the letters sent to Mr. Davis I’d found in his room. Was this lady looking after his sickly friend? Or was she someone else entirely, a lady from Mr. Davis’s past?

As intrigued as I was, I knew prying would only annoy him. “I do hopeyourfriend is well. Have you had any word?”

Mr. Davis shook his head. “He is gravely ill. I’m afraid it is only a matter of time.”

The grief in his voice was obvious. I softened mine in sympathy. “I am so very sorry. Is there anything I can do foryou?”

“When the time comes, I might have to leave abruptly. I will make certain the correct wines for each meal are marked,” he finished with a whiff of humor.

“I will cover your duties to the best of my ability,” I promised. “Mrs. Redfern will as well. We do not mind in the least.”

Mr. Davis’s expression betrayed skepticism that Mrs. Redfern would be happy to assist. “Thank you, Mrs. Holloway. I appreciate your understanding. Now I will say good night.”

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