Page 11 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
“Did Miss Foulger also have a dedicated spot inside the charity?” asked Landover. “Might the bag be there?”
“She did.” Beth’s eyes widened. “And I didn’t think to look. I only just noticed she didn’t have it.”
“Will you show me her space?”
“Of course.”
They all followed as Beth led them inside. She bypassed the long tables and headed for a corner, where a stuffed chair sat next to a table that held a lamp and several piles of fabric. “Glynn sat here to work.She always said she had enough of an uncomfortable perch at the market. When she came in here in the evenings she wanted to be at ease, both in her friends and in her seat.”
“Did she come here every evening?” asked Landover.
“Not every evening, but most, I would say.”
“Did you come as well, Beth?” asked Gyda.
“Yes. We both came often. There is always so much work to be done—sewing, pressing, packing. And the company was fun and lively while we worked. Some ladies just came in to socialize while they knitted socks or scarves. But even the older ladies pitched in when we had a shipment to get ready to send out to one of the other towns.”
“I don’t see a bag like the one you described,” the sergeant said, walking around the chair and lifting the folded pieces of fabric to look between them.
“No. It’s not here,” Beth agreed. “But I don’t understand why she didn’t have it with her.”
“Perhaps the killer took it,” Kara suggested.
“But why? She wouldn’t have had anything valuable in it.”
“Perhaps the killer didn’t know that.” Landover shut his notebook with a snap. “Is there anything else you can tell me, Miss Williams?” he asked. “Anything that could explain what happened to your friend?”
“No.” Beth hesitated. “Do you truly think Mr. Yardley killed her?”
“I think I’d like to speak with him,” the sergeant said noncommittally.
“I can help with that, I believe,” said Mr. Royston as he approached again. “I have addresses on file for most of our volunteers. If you would care to step into my office, sir?”
“Yes. Thank you.” Landover turned to Beth. “Thank you, Miss Williams. You have been extremely helpful.”
Beth blushed.
“I’d like to send a message to the coroner’s office,” the sergeant said as he left with Mr. Royston. “I need to arrange for the transport of the body…”
Beth’s shoulders drooped as the men moved out of range.
Kara stepped in to rub her arm. “Perhaps you should come to stay with us at Bluefield for a few days.”
“Thank you.” Beth sighed. “But I think I just want to go back to Lake Nemi. I want to curl up in my own bed and just—”
“Have a good cry?” asked Gyda softly.
Kara knew that her friend understood exactly what Beth was feeling.
“Yes.” The girl squared her shoulders. “And then I’ll get back to work. Glynn believed in the work we do here. The best way to honor her is to continue it.”
“I’ll go with her and spend the night in my rooms at the club, if you don’t mind going back alone?” Gyda asked.
“Of course not.” Kara smiled at Beth. “Let’s meet in a few days. Perhaps we can organize a gathering to honor your friend and bring attention to the charity?”
“Oh, yes.” Beth brightened a little. “I would love that.”
Kara and Gyda placed Beth between them and walked her through the crowd gathered in the entry and in front of the building. Murmurs of comfort and sorrow followed them. Kara saw Gyda and Beth into a hack, then turned to walk down the street to where her coach waited. She’d nearly reached it when a young girl crossed the street and stopped just before her.
