Page 61 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
“You won’t find that sort of information here,” Louisa told her. “Perhaps in the office of the timber works, where such files are kept?”
“Well, that’s where I will look, then,” Mary vowed. “I will do what I have to.”
Gyda sent Kara a questioning look. She took a moment to consider, then gave a slight shake of her head.
“We might be able to help,” Kara told Mary. “We have a friend who is very good at ferreting out that sort of information. We will consult him. Is there a way we may contact you?”
Looking vastly relieved at the offer, Mary rattled off an address. “It’s a boardinghouse in Wapping, so do be careful if you come looking for me. It’s all I can afford.”
“We will be in touch,” Gyda assured her.
Mary turned to the gathered mill workers. “You lot look out for each other. Don’t fall for that man’s evil ways.”
“We ought to go and warn Fiona,” said Louisa. “She’s the only blonde, of all of us.”
“Tell her now,” Mary urged. “Before he can sink his claws in.”
She might have continued, but a call came from the front of the building. “Nieces!”
“That’s us, then,” Gyda said.
“Thank you for sharing your stories,” Kara told them all. “Would you mind if we checked in on you again, perhaps in a few months’ time? To be sure that you are still being treated properly?”
“Come and visit us then,” Louisa said, settling her hat over her head. “We’ll be here, with good luck and the Lord willing.”
“Amen,” Kara said as Stayme called again and Gyda turned to go. “Amen.”
Chapter Thirteen
Niall took Bethstraight to Wooten’s office, sat her down, and let her explain about Lily and the smock, chiming in with his own observations when she looked to him for reinforcement.
Wooten was effusive in his praise for the girl. “Very good observational attention, Miss Williams. You have given us a lead just when we most needed one. Thank you.”
“A lead that does not include your lost suspect,” Niall said. “There is no way that Yardley could have gifted Lily that smock. He has been in custody. She was wearing the thing this morning, before the cobbler made his run for it.”
Wooten blinked at him. “How do you know about that, Your Grace? Andwhatprecisely do you know of it?”
Niall recounted his morning’s adventure. Beth gasped at all the appropriate moments, but the inspector merely pulled at his notebook and began to write.
“Good heavens,” Wooten muttered, once Niall had finished. “Well, I suppose his escape is not so critical now, with this new thread to follow, but the entire thing is a disaster for our reputation.” He gave Niall a wry glance. “Which you know is unstable at the best of times.”
“Yardley was not quiet about the unusual treatment he’s been subjected to.”
“Frye.” Wooten sighed. “He never would have been able to pullsuch a stunt had the commissioner not been busy with a family issue. I tried to alleviate the worst of it, but we are of an equal standing in the detective’s division. There was only so much I could do.”
Niall raised a brow. “Now it is your turn, Inspector. I saw Mr. Stephen Jephson stalk out of here this morning with you slipping silently into his wake. What was all of that about?”
“Yes. In a moment, please.” Wooten finished writing, then stood and went to open the door and poke his head out. “Poulter? Poulter? Ah, there you are,” he said as a constable came in response to his call. “Poulter, are you familiar with a flower seller named Lily?” He glanced at his notes. “Young, usually in want of a bath, pigtails, works several spots in the West End?”
Poulter nodded. “Yes, sir. I think I know the girl you mean. She’s a bright one. Funny. Makes change faster than a seasoned merchant.”
“Excellent. Listen, Constable, we’ve got a bit of a situation. The girl has gone missing, andaftershe was spotted wearing the missing garment from Miss Glynn Foulger’s missing bag.”
The constable straightened, understanding the implications at once.
“Quietly, and without attracting attention, search out a few others who would know the girl on sight. Head out, split up, and see if you can locate her. Be advised that she has recently cleaned up a bit. And go gently, Poulter,” the inspector warned. “The girl has done nothing wrong. We need to keep her from becoming another victim. If you find her, bring her in, but be sure to tell her we will make sure one of her friends will meet her here.”
Wooten glanced back, and Niall nodded agreement at the same time as Beth.
