‘So your employer is determined to run a respectable business, in order to attract distinguished and wealthy clients, and create tasteful portraits,’ said Mina, unable to conceal a smile.
She was obliged to admit to herself that Richard’s disillusionment with the photography business was something of a relief. His expectations of a leisurely and lucrative career had been dashed, and it could not be long before he slid into his usual habits of neglect and be dismissed. She could only hope that he since he was personable and good natured, he would find some sinecure somewhere that would keep him out of mischief.
‘You are much prettier than any of his lady customers, you know, even if you don’t think so yourself. Beckler thinks so.’
Mina remained silent.
‘I mean, you can be a bit frightening at times, and you are always so stern when you tell me what to do, but Beckler doesn’t seem to mind that. I don’t know if ladies admire Beckler at all. He does look like one of those black spidery creatures with long legs that one sees in the summertime. And the features of his face are very pronounced in a peculiar kind of way. Do ladies admire that sort of thing?’
‘I really couldn’t say.’
‘But he knows his business, and works hard and makes money, so that has to be all right. Even Mother likes him. She has always said that you shouldn’t marry, but perhaps she has changed her mind. The only person who seems set against the idea is you.’ He paused. ‘You are giving me that stern look again.’
Phipps and Co
Solicitors
Middle Street
Brighton
March 1872
Dear Miss Scarletti
I have recently had a conversation with one of the senior partners of our firm who recalls the Maritime Queen Insurance case I mentioned in my previous letter. When I last wrote to you, I had assumed that the two absconding officers of the company, Taylor and Randall, had not been found, but he has informed me that a few years afterwards both men were residing in Antwerp where they were engaged in launching a similar scheme. Fortunately, they were recognised and reported to the authorities before the intended victims could be parted from their money. There was a violent quarrel between the two, and Randall was later found dead in circumstances which suggested that he had been murdered, most probably by his former associate. Taylor escaped arrest and has not been seen since, although there have been rumours that he returned to England under an assumed name. I do hope that this is not the case as he is clearly a highly dangerous individual.
Yours faithfully
R Phipps
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Miss Cherry had spent another morning with Mrs Phipps and returned from her expedition looking well and happy and a little flushed. She came to see Mina almost immediately and was too excited even to remove her new bonnet, which Mina could see was very handsomely trimmed.
‘Oh, Miss Scarletti!’ she began, and stopped short to catch her breath.
Mina laid aside her newspaper. ‘What is it, Miss Cherry? No, let me guess. You have received an offer of employment from Mrs Phipps and wish to be released from the arrangement to attend me.’
Miss Cherry looked surprised. ‘I — yes, if that is convenient.’
Mina smiled reassuringly. ‘Miss Cherry, you have been a credit to your profession. I am profoundly grateful for your diligence which I know has gone a long way to ensuring my recovery. And I am delighted that you have been made such an excellent offer. Have no fear, I will set you free. I will also ensure that your account with us is settled without any delay. And I will happily include the free mornings and afternoons.’
‘Why, thank you, that is most kind. But Miss Scarletti —’
‘Oh, think nothing of it,’ said Mina generously. ‘I was wondering if you have seen Mrs Vardy recently? Have you heard anything of Master Franklin Holt? Is he well? I do hope so.’
‘I have not heard that he is any better — but — Miss Scarletti —’ Miss Cherry’s eyes were wider and greener than they had ever been, and the earnestness of her manner commanded Mina’s full attention, ‘do you mean to say that you have not heard the latest news?’
‘The latest? No. Only what I have read in the press. What has happened? I hope it is nothing bad.’
‘Oh, but it is all over town! It is tremendously exciting! I heard it from a lady who came into the draper’s shop and told my mother this morning. It’s Mr Holt. He’s come back!’
Mina struggled to make sense of this declaration. ‘What? Mr Holt? Mr Jasper Holt? The man who was declared dead not so long ago?’
Miss Cherry nodded energetically. ‘Yes!’
‘But where? How? Is he alive?’
‘Oh yes, he is very much alive. He just walked into the police office at the Town Hall this morning and said who he was.’
‘Did this lady see him? How did he appear? Was he well or ill?’
‘She didn’t see him, but she knows a lady who did. Like an old tramp, so she was told, and very poorly. But well-spoken.’
Mina took a few moments to collect her thoughts. She could hardly think that this man could really be Mr Holt, although Dr Hamid had said that the missing man would probably be very ill if alive. If Jasper Holt had been hiding in frugal circumstances, or even living as a beggar, he might well appear old and dishevelled. Suddenly she thought of the broader consequences of this news. ‘Has Mrs Vardy been told?’
‘I don’t know. I expect so. Poor lady, what a dreadful thing for her. I mean, she must be happy that her husband is alive, but — well — I can only imagine that her position is very complicated now. So as soon as I heard about it, I went and told Mr Phipps, and he went to tell his uncle who rushed away to see for himself. Then he came back and said that it was true — a man calling himself Mr Holt was at the Town Hall and a correspondent from The Times was there, writing a report.’
‘The Times? The London Times? That was very quick of them.’
‘Yes. Apparently, the man came down to Brighton this morning to interview the new manager of the Aquarium and found a better story. I thought The Times only printed serious news. I didn’t know it liked a scandal.’
‘All newspapers like a scandal,’ said Mina. ‘I shall make sure to purchase a copy tomorrow.’ She tried to think about anyone else from whom she could glean some news but realised that she would have to wait until Richard was home, unless any of her mother’s friends should pay a visit.
‘And I promise to call again when I can with any more information.’
‘That would be appreciated. I am sure you will be calling here often in the company of your new charge.’
Miss Cherry smiled contentedly. ‘I will. Mrs Phipps is a very nice lady and we suit each other well. She does so enjoy taking tea with Mrs Scarletti. I am only sorry that I didn’t manage to finish reading The Young Woman’s Companion to you. There were so many choice articles. Please say that you don’t mind.’
Louisa Scarletti was not at home that morning. Her previous visit to the Ship Street photographic emporium had been pronounced a success. Entertained by a display of beautiful portraits, she had simply assumed that they were all Richard’s expert productions and her confidence in her favourite son’s artistic genius therefore remained undented. She had easily been persuaded to make an appointment to sit for a photograph, an event which had resulted in a flurry of decisions as to which would be the most appropriate gown to wear and the best accessories, a decision which had occupied Rose’s tireless energies for an entire day.