Page 44 of The Marquess of Secrets

She was polite, but their effortless, conversational intimacy had disappeared. Last night she retired early and took dinner in her room.

Robins sat on the divan opposite and refused the offer of tea. And refused to give his coat to Youngston. He fidgeted, flipping through the pages of his notebook, clearly uncomfortable. Not used to such surroundings, or did he have bad news to impart?

“The theft of drugs at St. Thomas Hospital took place thirteen days ago, long after Miss Chesterton departed. So far, the hospital is keeping the theft quiet; they believe it was done by someone in-house. They’re questioning staff, especially those with access to the keys of the various medicine cabinets. Opium, cocaine, and morphine were part of the inventory taken.”

Robins looked up from his notebook and met Lydia’s gaze. “There has been no police report—as yet, nor have you been named officially as a suspect, Miss Chesterton.”

A gasp of relief escaped Lydia. Then she quickly collected her emotions and held them in check.

Robins glanced down at his notes. “However, there is genuine concern about your disappearance amongst the staff and administrators. I suggest you write a note to those in charge, claiming you had to leave London due to an emergency. Offer your resignation with the hope you may contact them for a reference in the future. Make your apologies for the sudden departure and whatnot. I think it best you establish a timeframe and reason for your exodus to further separate you from the theft.” Robins flipped through the pages of his notebook as if searching for information.

“I concur. Miss Chesterton, what Mr. Robins suggested is prudent. We can find you employment elsewhere, far from Mr. Huntsford,” Harrison interjected.

She gave him a wan smile in reply.

“And now we come to Surgeon Huntsford,” Robins said. “It’s not a pretty tale. He has disappeared from his residence. He sold what possessions were left in the place and departed in the dead of night. Was the rent in arrears, Miss Chesterton?”

Lydia flushed, clearly embarrassed. “Yes, I tried to keep up with current payments.”

“I spoke to the landlord; he was quite angry, for Huntsford sold a few pieces of furniture that belonged to the flat. I encouraged him to place a debt collector after Huntsford, for the total debt is more than ten pounds, grounds for incarceration in a debtors’ prison. It would be one way to pursue justice. The surgeon’s current residence is a squalid room in Whitechapel with a Miss Fannie Slickson, a place, one of my men found out; he has stayed on several occasions in the past.”

Lydia’s flush deepened.

So, her lover had cheated on her. Harrison was not surprised.

“As for his position at St. Thomas Hospital,” Robins continued in a flat tone, “He works four shifts in a row, then takes several off. It’s during this period he indulges in his vices. At work, he’s sober and competent enough not to arouse suspicion. There is also no suspicion surrounding him regarding the theft. You believe it was him, Miss Chesterton?”

“Huntsford always managed to put on a public face of respectability. I’m not surprised. But he had discussed the robbery in length. He talked of not stealing the keys but making wax impressions and having keys made. You see, he thought to take a little here and there. I explained that inventory is done at the end of every shift. Even a small amount missing would be noticed. He must have decided to take it all in one lot.” Lydia frowned, her brows knotting in worry. “How can it be proven that he’s behind the theft?”

“There is no way to verify this burglary unless a witness saw him,” Robins replied. “Unless you testified in court, which means—”

“Which means my sordid past with him would be publicly exposed. My lack of character—and lack of courage. I should have approached the head nurse about this the moment he started planning his reprehensible scheme. But I didn’t want to reveal our relationship. At first, I didn’t believe him. When I realized that he was, all I thought of was my own safety and self-preservation. How utterly selfish. The first moment I could, I escaped.”

“He has privately hired Willis as I originally thought. Why, Miss Chesterton, would Huntsford be seeking you out at this juncture? Desperate enough to find you that he hired a copper for the job?” Robins asked.

Lydia wrung her hands in what Harrison guessed was agitation. This must be extremely discomforting to relive, but he admired her honesty.

“He’s claimed on more than one occasion that I am his possession. From what I know about him, he’s angry I’ve left, misses the control he wielded and misses my steady income. He wants me back under his thumb. Huntsford believes it is his right.”

She bit her lower lip. “I would be a handy person to blame the theft on should suspicion turn his way. I now understand that Huntsford is the type of man who would metaphorically throw you under the wheels of a moving carriage to protect himself.”

Robins turned to Harrison. “What do you wish to do, my lord? I can have this landlord report the debt immediately. Give up his location. He would be arrested and held until his hearing in debtor’s court. It would give us time to decide how to proceed. As in bringing further charges.” Robins tucked his notebook in his side pocket. “We would need more proof than Miss Chesterton’s testimony. No offense, miss.”

“Would he have the drugs on him?” Harrison asked. “He could be arrested for having the stolen goods in his possession.”

“Ah, true, my lord. But we managed to inspect the room when the occupants ventured out to the local pub. We could find nothing beyond the paraphernalia that arises from frequent drug use. An opium pipe and needles are not evidencing enough to indicate his involvement in the theft. Huntsford is clever by keeping his stash private. Miss Slickson may not even be aware. When the surgeon is working, she also works, if you get my meaning. Huntsford would not want to keep his drugs in such a public place. She has men visiting at all hours during his hospital shifts.”

Harrison glanced at Lydia; she was flushing furiously. His doctor’s mind turned to the possibility of sexual diseases. Had she unprotected sex with this Huntsford, a man who was indiscriminate with his choice of partners? As a nurse, she must be well aware of the risks.

“What do you wish to do, Miss Chesterton?” Harrison asked.

She met his gaze. “About Huntsford?”

“Yes.”

A furrow appeared between her brows, and both he and Robins waited patiently for her reply. It was not for them to decide on her fate. The choice must be hers.

“If it’s all the same to you, my lord, I believe it best to not show our hand too soon. All Huntsford would have to do is sell the drugs in his possession, and he would be able to pay his debt and avoid incarceration,” Lydia said, her voice firm.