Page 81 of Unmasking the Diamond
The man nodded, tugged the brim of his cap, and walked off down the lane, whistling softly. When he was out of earshot, Luca exhaled. “How is the Duke of Brackenford tied to all this?”
Rupert adjusted his gloves. “You tell me, my friend. This is your investigation, not mine.” He glanced towards the factory doors. “Though if we linger much longer, Dawlish might send his workers out with clubs.”
Luca nodded grimly, his thoughts still whirling as they started back down the filthy alley. The fog rolled in thicker now, clinging to the air like smoke.Brackenford.The name echoed in his head, dark and heavy with meaning. He didn’t yet know how the duke fit into this, but he would find out—whatever it cost him.
14
Charlotte had just finished dressing for the morning when a soft knock interrupted the quiet rhythm of her maid buttoning her gown.
Sally crossed the room to open the door. Standing on the threshold was the housemaid, Mary—her eyes downcast, hands clasped tightly before her apron as though she feared she might be turned away.
“You wished to see me, Miss?” Mary asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Charlotte smiled warmly. “Yes, I was hoping to ask a favor of you.”
That drew Mary’s gaze up, wide and uncertain. “A favor, Miss?”
“Come inside, and I shall explain.” Charlotte gestured towards the small settee near the window, sunlight pooling over its floral upholstery.
Mary hesitated before obeying, perching on the very edge of the seat as though afraid she might soil it. Sally quietly closed the door behind them.
Charlotte joined Mary, offering what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “You mentioned before that you have a contact employed in Lord Matthew’s household.”
“Yes, Miss,” Mary said slowly.
“I was hoping you could speak to her and ask if she has heard anything more about Lady Matthew’s disappearance.”
Mary blinked, startled. “What sort of information do you wish to know?”
“Anything,” Charlotte said, leaning forward. “Servants see more than they are ever credited with. We believe Lady Matthew was sent to The Chelmsford Asylum.”
“An asylum?”
Charlotte nodded gravely. “If that is true, and if the pattern holds, then we may only have a few months before she…” She trailed off, unable to utter the word. “Before she is lost to us.”
Mary gasped. “That is dreadful.”
“It is,” Charlotte agreed. “Which is why I need your help. I suspect Lord Matthew’s staff may know far more than they let on.”
“I can ask,” Mary said slowly, “but what if they know nothing? Or worse—what if they tell someone I am asking questions?”
“That is a risk we must take,” Charlotte said firmly. “And I shall pay handsomely for any information that reaches me.”
Mary bobbed her head, though her nervous fingers twisted her apron. “I can go now, if you wish it.”
“I wish I could go with you,” Charlotte said.
Mary’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh, no. You mustn’t. If you came with me—dressed like that—no one would give me the time of day.”
Charlotte glanced at Sally before asking, “What if I dressed as a maid?”
Mary looked scandalized. “No one would mistake you for a maid.”
“With the right clothing, they would,” Charlotte insisted. “I could ask the questions directly—without arousing suspicion.”
Mary hesitated. “It would be easier if you came, but?—”
Before she could finish, Charlotte rose, determination flooding her. “Sally, may I borrow your uniform?”
