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Our little circle was complete when Peter joined us. Since becoming assistant manager, he rarely had free time, but Mr. Hobart often insisted he take a few minutes’ respite in the parlor. He gathered up several biscuits, poured himself a cup of tea from the teapot, and eased himself onto a chair with a loud sigh. He dunked the gingerbread into the cup and watched it drip before taking a bite.
I gave them an update on the case and asked for their thoughts. All agreed that the widow most likely knew about the mistresses.
“A woman senses these things,” Harmony said.
“That’s what Harry claimed.”
She narrowed her gaze. “So you’re sharing the investigating with him?” She shook her head. “Doesn’t he have enough paying work? Why does he have to take yours, too?”
“His current investigation has links to this murder. I can’t divulge any more than that, but I can assure you,hehas a client, whereas I do not.”
“Can we do anything to help?” she went on.
“I’ll let you know if I think of something.”
She looked disappointed to be given nothing to do. She truly must be bored.
“I know the cook at the Polo and Gun,” Victor said. “Want me to ask him what Rigg-Lyon was like?”
“That would be excellent,” I said. “Thank you, Victor. Ask about Mr. Hardwick, too, and what his relationship was like with the victim. According to Mrs. Rigg-Lyon, they were friends, but he didn’t seem to know the victim decided not to retire, so perhaps they’d grown apart.”
Victor gave me a lazy salute with a forefinger to his temple.
“I know Hardwick,” Frank said. “He used to stay here with his parents when he was a boy.”
“And?” I prompted.
He shrugged. “There’s nothing to tell. I didn’t know him well.”
“Where does he stay when he comes to London now?”
“He lives in London. His parents have an estate somewhere in the country; I can’t remember where. They never come to the city, anymore. They’re horse people. You won’t catch them buying one of them noisy death traps.”
Goliath rolled his eyes. “Here we go again.”
Frank wagged a finger at him. “If they don’t run us over, they’ll choke us to death with their fumes. Imagine if every horse is replaced by an automobile. The fumes’ll be as thick as cream in this city, just you wait and see.”
“At least we’ll be able to cross the road without stepping in manure.”
“It’s all right for you lot, you work inside. I’m mostly outside. You saw the state Miss Fox came home in yesterday after riding in Lord Dunmere’s contraption. She was a right sight. No offence, Miss Fox.”
“I’m so glad you told me not to be offended, Frank. It softens the blow.” I reached for a gingerbread, unable to wait for my own afternoon tea. “Is Cobbit still talking about going on strike?”
My question was met with a chorus of groans. “You had to ask,” Harmony muttered.
“And why shouldn’t he go on strike?” Frank said to no one in particular. “He’s got a right.”
“Sir Ronald will fire him,” Peter warned. “You should caution Cobbit against drastic action.”
Frank crossed his arms. “I think he and the othersshouldstrike, and I might go out in sympathy. Disruption is the only way to get through to Sir Ronald.”
Goliath kicked Frank’s ankle and indicated me with a jut of his chin.
I put up my hands. “I won’t say a word to my uncle.” I stood. “I have to get ready. Harmony, are you free to fix my hair before the concert?”
“I’ll fix it now and again tonight.”
“No need, unless it’s messy.” I touched my hair. Perhaps the wind had destroyed the arrangement.
