Page 37 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
“I believe so. I haven’t seen anyone but Emelia, but the good news is that she has agreed to take Jeanette on. I believe they are currently bonding over the fact that they both love primroses and also that neither believes that a room is truly clean unless the baseboards have been dusted.”
“A match made in heaven,” Niall said. “Let’s call Gyda and Beth down. I only want to tell this story once.”
They all gathered in the parlor, and Niall told them everything he and Wooten had learned. “I do believe that Jeanette should stayhidden away here for a time, though,” he said as he finished. “I very much doubt there will be any official charges brought against young Fred Arnold. Until we see if his father can keep him in line, you’ll be safer here,” he told the girl.
“I’ve already sent word to Helen about taking my spot at the Canterbury for a few weeks,” Jeanette said. “I want my shot here, in any case, to see if we suit.”
Emelia invited them all in to breakfast, but Jeanette asked to be introduced to the staff instead. “Best to start off like I mean to go on. Better not to have any confusion.”
Emelia saw the wisdom of that. Jeanette hugged Kara before she left and dipped a curtsy to Niall. “Thank you both. I don’t think anyone has ever been so nice to me, not since my mother passed.”
“Keep yourself safe,” Kara whispered.
Niall turned as the women headed belowstairs, lifting his nose and inhaling deeply. “I smell rashers of bacon.” He glanced at Kara. “I want breakfast and my bed, in that order.”
She laughed. “Let’s go. Emelia won’t mind if we begin, I’m sure.”
“If you eat quickly, you can make the next train out,” Gyda said with a glance at the clock.
“After you, then,” Niall said.
Beth fell in beside Kara as they trooped into the dining room. “I wanted to thank you for the flowers. One of the volunteers is a skilled artist—we hung his sketch of Glynn at her workspace and placed the flowers beneath them.”
“That sounds like a lovely tribute. How are plans going for the memorial? Has the charity agreed to allow you to hold it there?”
“Yes. It’s starting to come together. Mr. Royston has been surprisingly supportive. He’s approached me several times, asking all about our plans.”
“I spoke with our cook about a possible menu. Just trays of finger foods, she thinks, if that is fine with you.” Kara put a hand to her head. “Oh, saints! I was just with Maisie this morning! I should have put in an order for her little tartlets.”
“There is still time. We’ve been discussing ways to present the work that Glynn did, to best showcase the charity. I think it would be best to wait a few weeks for the memorial, so that everyone’s emotions are not so raw.”
“That’s likely wise,” Kara agreed.
“The coroner has signed the burial form, so now Glynn can be laid to rest.” Beth bit her lip. “We took up a collection to pay for the expenses. The burial is to be tomorrow.” Her eyes glistered with unshed tears, and Kara’s heart wrenched. “Mr. Royston has agreed to attend. He may be the only one to be at the graveside.”
“Oh dear. That is sad.” Kara looked to the buffet, where her husband was piling food onto a plate. “I’ll have a word with Niall, shall I? We might persuade him to attend.”
“Do you think he would?” Beth asked hopefully. “I hate to think of Glynn being buried without a friendly face to see her put to her rest.”
“Mr. Royston is not friendly?” asked Kara.
“He’s… efficient. He likes things done a certain way. As long as his secretary keeps things smooth, he is easygoing enough. But friendly? I wouldn’t have said so before, but he’s been attentive lately.” Beth looked doubtful.
“I’m sure Niall will agree to go to the cemetery, but why don’t we have a small gathering to offer up prayers for Miss Foulger at the charity building? Since the women cannot attend the burial, we can gather to say our own goodbyes?”
“Oh! Yes. That is the perfect idea.” Beth grasped her hand. “Will you come?”
“Indeed, I will. It will be an honor.” Kara looked over to find Niall happily piling bacon between slices of toast. “Let Niall eat, then I’ll take him home to get a few hours of sleep.ThenI will bring up our plans for tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much, Kara.” Beth hesitated a moment longer. “I hope you won’t mind if I mention it, but Gyda isn’t sleeping well. Emelia and some of the women here have mentioned finding her outside in the garden in the middle of the night.”
Kara pursed her lips and gave the girl a nod. “She was doing the same in Scotland. Sitting outside for hours, staring up at the sky. I think she finds it easier to think of Charles out there.”
“She cared for him, very much.”
“She did. She does. They grew very close, very quickly. They made plans. Now she has to find a way to go on without him.” Kara could not imagine trying to adjust if she lost Niall. Her heart and mind shied away, refusing to contemplate such a thing.
Beth swallowed. “Gyda mentioned that Rob McRae is coming to stay with you?” she asked with forced casualness.
