Sick of Shadows - M. C. Beaton [30]
“Roger Dallow.”
“And who is this Roger Dallow?”
“He’s the blacksmith’s son. I think he and Dolly were very much in love.”
“And is he in the village? May I speak to him?”
“Oh, he left, right after Dolly went up to London.”
“And where did he go?”
“Nobody knows. You see, his father is a brutal man. I think that was the bond between Roger and Dolly. They were both bullied by their parents. I am sorry I cannot tell you any more. I assume that is why you invited me for tea.”
“I could just as well have asked you these questions at your cottage,” said Rose. “Do you find it difficult to make ends meet?”
For the first time colour appeared on Miss Friendly’s pale cheeks. She hung her head. “Papa was fond of hunting and hunting is an expensive sport. When he died I had to sell his horses, my jewellery and pictures and furniture to pay his debts. The church charges me a low rent but I have nearly reached the point where I do not think I can go on paying it. Forgive me. Ladies should not talk of such things.”
“Oh, we talk about anything,” said Daisy. “Don’t you worry about it.”
“Can you sew?” asked Rose.
“Yes, I am a very good seamstress. Do not judge me by my clothes. It is a long time since I have been able to afford any material and . . . well . . . I gave up troubling about my appearance.”
“Our lady’s maid, Turner, is not very expert with a needle but is an amiable creature and I would not like to lose her.” The main reason Rose liked Turner was because Turner never reported any of her doings to Lady Polly. “Perhaps you might consider working for me? You would have a comfortable room and board and you would not need to worry about the rent.”
Miss Friendly burst into tears. Rose handed her a handkerchief and waited.
“It seems like a miracle,” she gasped when she could.
“Then we will return to your cottage and you may pack a trunk and we will send a fourgon for the rest of your things later. My parents’ secretary will advise the church of your leaving.”
Lady Rose should really have put Miss Friendly in a second-class compartment, which is where servants normally travelled. But the woman looked so frail, she decided to buy her a first-class ticket. Full of food, Miss Friendly fell asleep as soon as the train moved off.
“That was right decent of you,” said Daisy.
“I think when this murder is solved that I should get involved in charity work. My parents cannot object. It is quite fashionable to do so.”
“Do we have enough work for her?” asked Daisy. “We’re always getting new clothes.”
“There is plenty of work. Servants’ clothes often need to be altered. Hats need to be trimmed. I will make sure she is kept busy.”
Aunt Phyllis started to complain about the employment of Miss Friendly, but Rose silenced her with a haughty glare, and saying, “You have no right to question who I engage.”
To Rose’s relief the housekeeper, Mrs. Holt, actually welcomed the newcomer, privately planning to have several of her own gowns made over. Miss Friendly was given a small bedchamber off the second landing and shown the sewing-room in one of the attics.
Matthew Jarvis called on her to get the details of whom to notify in the church and where to send the fourgon. To Miss Friendly’s amazed delight, she found she was to get a salary as well.
Then the housekeeper, under Rose’s instructions, presented Miss Friendly with two bolts of cloth.
“Lady Rose says you might want to begin by making some frocks for yourself.”
The next day, Miss Friendly began to work, the sewing-machine humming under her clever fingers, stopping occasionally to caress the rich cloth. As she worked, she began to search her mind for everything she knew about the Tremaines.
Perhaps she had forgotten something that might help Lady Rose’s fiancé with the investigation.
Harry called on Rose that evening. He listened carefully while she told him about the blacksmith’s son. “I’ll tell Kerridge. He might have followed the Tremaines to London. I would like to speak to this woman myself. I will go to Apton Magna tomorrow.”