Page 49 of The Viscount of Shadows

Chapter 17

Claudia stood before the house Detective Simpson lived in. How to work this? God knows if she was followed. She did her best to avoid suspicion. While standing at the water pump, however, Claudia had the distinct feeling someone was watching her every move. Perhaps it was a blessing that copper had grabbed her arm and escorted her out of the park.

Regardless, she was here now. Claudia tugged the bell, and a woman, obviously a maid considering the white apron and cap, answered the door.

“Deliveries are around the rear,” the older woman bellowed. The maid tried to close the door, but Claudia stuck her boot across the threshold.

“Detective Simpson, is he in? It is a matter of utmost importance that I see him. It concerns a significant case.” Claudia spoke in her own voice. “I am in disguise. I work for The Galway Investigative Agency.”

The maid arched a dubious eyebrow. “Do you have a card?”

Claudia fought back her frustration. Losing her temper would not be prudent. “No, because I am in disguise. I need to speak to him right away.”

“He’s not here.”

Oh, no.

“Did he go to the police station on Lancaster Road?” she asked, disheartened.

“I have no idea. The detective rents rooms here. I am not his keeper. He comes and goes as he pleases. A boy brought a note earlier. I had to wake Mr. Simpson out of a dead sleep. He dressed and left right away.”

Hell’s bells.

“Do you still have the note?”

The maid blew out an exasperated breath. “No, I never read it. I gave it to Mr. Simpson. Take your foot out of the door.”

“Please, I need to leave a message for the detective.”

The maid pushed on the door, attempting in vain to close it. Claudia winced from the pain of the heavy oak door slamming against the side of her booted foot.

“Hannah. Show the woman into the foyer.”

The maid stood aside, opening the door wide. An older woman, elegantly dressed in an afternoon tea gown, stood in the vestibule. She looked to be in her mid-sixties or a little older. Her blonde and gray hair was carefully arranged in an upswept style. “I am Lady Ainsworth, and this is my home. What is the meaning of this?”

Claudia turned to the maid. “Please close the door.”

The lady nodded, and the maid fastened the lock.

Claudia tore off her cap, and some red hair tumbled to her shoulders. “My lady, I am Claudia Ellingford of The Galway Investigative Agency. May I please leave a note for Detective Simpson? After, I will go to his police station and not bother you again. I would not be here if it weren’t an urgent matter regarding a case I am working on for a viscount. Detective Simpson offered his assistance.”

“James.” Lady Ainsworth motioned toward a tall, muscular footman. “Take Miss Ellingford into the morning room and allow her to write a note. Then escort her out through the rear entrance.” Lady Ainsworth pivoted to meet Claudia’s gaze. “In case you were followed here.”

“Yes. Very shrewd, my lady.”

“I have my moments. I will ensure your missive is given to Detective Simpson, but it may be some hours before he returns. Mitchell keeps ungodly hours. I will place footmen at the front and rear entrances and ask them to bring the detective to me immediately. When he returns.” Lady Ainsworth examined her. “Perhaps a change of clothes? To throw off any scent?”

Claudia couldn’t help but grin. Though she had washed, there no doubt was still an equine odor lingering about. “I believe we could use you at our agency, my lady.”

The older woman looked pleased at the compliment. “Tosh. I am a voracious reader, especially the works of Arthur Conan Doyle. Moreover, you have brought a little excitement to this widow’s dull day. Which clothes do you prefer? Male? Female?”

Claudia had heard of the author, but as with Oscar Wilde, she had no time these past years to purchase any books, let alone read them. “It should be clothes similar to these, my lady. It makes it easier to move about certain streets.”

“Hannah, find some clothes for Miss Ellingford. James, escort Miss Ellingford to my desk in the morning room. You will find paper in the top drawer. Can we bring you tea or food, my dear?”

“Thank you for the kindness, but I must dash as soon as possible.”

“Promise you will come for a visit soon. I want to hear all about this case you are working on. We will have afternoon tea.”