Page 14 of Beyond the Grave
"Quite right," he said with a laugh. A nervous laugh, if I wasn't mistaken.
"This D.D. is a woman, and she would have worked here a few years ago."
He clasped his fingers together and pressed them to his lips as he thought. "No, I'm afraid I don't know any Miss D.Ds."
I had not said she was unmarried. "Not a single one?"
Another shake of his head. "I'm afraid not. Ah, here's Miss Redding with the tea."
Miss Redding backed into the room then turned gracefully and placed the tray on top of one of the posters. She poured and handed me a cup with a smile.
"I hope you'll stay a few moments more," Mr. Golightly said. "Perhaps I can give you a tour of the auditorium. We might even catch a few moments of the rehearsal." The piano player completed the tune with a flourish, but no applause followed, only a shouted direction to begin again.
"That's very kind of you," I said. "But I do have more questions, as it happens."
His face tightened, ever so slightly, but the friendly smile remained in place as if it were painted on. "Indeed. May I inquire something of you first, Miss Holloway?"
"Of course."
"What relation are you to Mr. Holloway of Belgravia? Cousin? Sister?"
"I'm afraid I don't know a Mr. Holloway from Belgravia."
His smile slipped off. He dropped his cup in the saucer with a loud clank, causing Miss Redding to pause on her way out. She narrowed her gaze first at her employer, then me.
"You are not here to discuss investing in The Alhambra at Mr. Icarus Holloway's request?"
"No, I'm here to make inquiries about Miss D.D. and a certain woman once known as Julia Templeton, before her marriage to Lord Harcourt."
Miss Redding's gasp was almost drowned out by the piano. She tried to cover it with a cough. And then she did the most extraordinary thing. She screwed up her face as if she'd tasted something sour, huffed out a miffed sound through her nose, and exited the office.
"I am sorry, Miss Holloway," said Mr. Golightly, rising. "I know no one by the name of Templeton, Harcourt or D.D. Allow me to assist you up the stairs." He extended his hand toward the door, his forced smile once more in place.
It would seem I wouldn't even be allowed a single sip of my tea. I followed him out of the office and up the stairs to the public part of the theater. This time he did not offer me a hand or friendly smile, and left me there alone, in the gaudily decorated promenade, to find my own way out. It was the most fortunate turn of events that I could have hoped for.
Once he was out of sight, I reopened the door and headed back the way we'd come, my ears alert for any sounds beyond those of the piano. Mr. Golightly's office door was closed, thank goodness, so I continued further into the bowels of the theater. The corridor was narrow and airless, its musty smell not at all pleasant. The housemaid in me saw dust and cobwebs at every turn, but not even a thorough clean could hide the peeling paint, scratched skirting and patches of mold.
I found Miss Redding in a small kitchenette near the end of the corridor. She just stood there, her fingertips pressed to the scratched surface of the small table, her head bowed as if she were praying or thinking. I cleared my throat, and she jerked in surprise.
"Miss Holloway!" She smiled and peered past me. "Is Mr. Golightly with you?"
"He was called away." I hoped he didn't suddenly appear behind me and order me off the premises. "Forgive me, but I couldn't help noticing your reaction when I mentioned Lady Harcourt. Did you know her?" There was no time for subtlety or veiled questions. I would have to be blunt if I wanted answers before Mr. Golightly discovered I had not immediately vacated the premises.
"I…" She shot a glance to the doorway and bit her lip.
"Perhaps a little privacy for such a delicate matter is required." I shut the door and gave her my sweetest smile.
"May I ask what this is about?"
"Of course you may, but I must press upon you the need for discretion. You see, there are rumors circulating that connect Lady Harcourt to The Alhambra, and her husband's family would like to have them confirmed or denied."
"His family?"
"Yes. He's dead, you see."
"I know that."
"The family hopes the rumors will prove false, which I'm sure they are. They're quite scandalous in nature."And you, Charlie, are quite the liar.I blamed my misspent youth and an insatiable curiosity regarding Lady Harcourt. It had become more and more obvious to me that she must be associated with The Alhambra. I also hoped that I'd read Miss Redding's reaction correctly. She did not like Lady H.
