Page 20 of Death of a Courtesan
‘You left at what time?’ Salter asked.
‘A little after nine. I went straight home to my rooms in Langley Street. I live alone and spoke to no one, so I’m afraid I can’t prove it. Hopefully you will take my word for it. I am a God-fearing man and always speak the truth. I did not kill Adelaide, but might well be tempted to murder whoever did. He has selfishly deprived London of its best dominatrix.’ He shook his round head, sanctimonious in his disapproval. ‘Those of us who appreciated her unique talents will find her impossible to replace.’
‘Did she seem the same as always last night?’ Salter asked.
‘I noticed no particular changes in her manner. It was her job to give orders and mine to obey them without question. That is how it works. If I took it upon myself to instigate a conversation she would punish me by…well, by withholding punishment. I would not take that risk for any consideration, no matter how curious I might have been about her background, I can assure you of that.’
‘Blimey…’ Salter muttered, earning a frown from Riley.
‘Was there something else you wished to add?’ Riley asked when Grant opened his mouth and then snapped it shut again without speaking.
‘I am unaware if she told anyone this and cannot think what help it will be to your enquiry. However, I will tell you myself rather than have you hear a biased account from a third party.’ He rotated his head, ran a finger around his collar and then looked Riley square in the eye. ‘I offered to help the girl out by marrying her.’
‘You did what?’ Salter’s eyes bulged. ‘When? How long ago?’
‘A few months back. I made her a business proposition. I did not love her, nor she me, but I did have an ongoing need for her services. I saw her regularly, once a week, and it was getting to the stage when that was no longer enough for me. I disliked making the journey to Maiden Lane and waiting my turn if someone got there ahead of me so it would have suited me to have her at home, willing to oblige me whenever the need arose. I told her that I was a man of modest means and that if she became my wife, she would only have my needs to concern herself with, and the rest of the time would be her own.’
‘You said you wanted to help her out,’ Riley said. ‘What did you mean by that?’
‘I should have thought that would be obvious.’ Grant tutted. ‘She need not have intercourse with any man ever again.’
Riley fought to disguise his surprise. ‘You and she did not…’
‘Oh no, inspector.’ Grant looked scandalised by the suggestion. ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness. I would never take that risk, knowing that she had been with countless other men. One never knows what diseases…No, she gave me a helping hand to achieve release, and her permission to do so.’
‘Her permission?’ Riley almost smiled at his sergeant’s bewilderment.
‘She was in control, always. I have a great deal of responsibility in my daily life, sergeant, which sometimes feels like a heavy burden. Part of Adelaide’s skill was to relieve that pressure by reversing roles. She gave the orders. All I had to do was obey them and enjoy myself. Believe me, it can be cathartic.’
‘She didn’t accept your proposal?’ Riley asked.
‘No. I’m sorry to say that she refused to see the benefits and preferred to carry on the way she was.’
‘Did that make you angry?’
‘I looked upon it as an inconvenience, inspector. But then she was a woman. One cannot expect females to have logical brains.’
‘I hear tell she was educated and could hold intelligent conversations on a whole range of subjects,’ Salter said.
‘Maybe so, but she showed a marked lack of sense in rejecting my proposal.’
‘Did you propose a second time?’ Salter asked. ‘I assume you thought she might have had a change of heart when she’d had time to consider the advantages of the match.’
‘I did, but with the same discouraging result.’ He sighed. ‘And so we resumed our normal activities and the matter wasn’t referred to again.’
‘I see.’ Riley steepled his fingers beneath his chin as he studied the man seated before him. Grant stared directly back at Riley, blinking like an owl behind his spectacles, his expression unguarded. He was either telling the truth or was one of those rare individuals who could lie convincingly without giving himself away. Riley had yet to decide which.
‘Thank you for being so candid, Mr Grant.’ He stood to indicate that the interview was at an end.
‘Honesty is the best policy, I find, inspector.’
‘I hope it will not be necessary to speak with you again but if the need arises, you can be assured of our discretion.’
‘Catch whoever did this, Inspector Rochester,’ Grant said. ‘In my opinion, someone who disapproves of or fails to understand the needs of those of us who enjoy domination is attempting to punish us. Sadly, I have absolutely no idea who, but if any thoughts occur to me in that regard I shall be sure to let you know.’
‘Your cooperation is appreciated.’
Grant nodded and shuffled from the office slowly, clearly enjoying the painful reminder of the previous evening that his movements brought back to him.
