home to visitors. The footman appeared to feel that a plainly dressed, middle-aged man of uncertain origin ought to have gone to the servantsâ entrance, and he made to close the door in Chaseâs face. To stop him, Chase gave his name quickly. âIf your mistress is not available, be so good as to fetch her maid to me. My business cannot wait.â
A shade of uncertainty crossed the young manâs face. He took a step back, allowing the door to crack wider. Chase did not hesitate but pushed past him to find himself in a groin-vaulted entrance passage dominated by a staircase of stone and iron. The first thing that struck him was the deathly quiet in the house, as if life itself scarcely thrived here. The hall, hung with ugly portraits and perfectly spaced gilt-framed mirrors, was clean and cold, offering no hint of the ownerâs personality. Somewhere above, Dryden Leach would be breathing his last, though a pall of mourning had already descended. Through an open door leading off the entry, Chase glimpsed a spacious, richly appointed library with large windows and decorative columns.
The footman left him standing there, and some minutes passed before a woman came down the stairs and moved toward him, her feet making no sound on the marble floor. She was a thin, drab, bespectacled person, sporting the single adornment of a shiny silver crucifix around her neck. She had brown hair confined in a tight bun and prim, colorless lips that did not smile.
âGood day. I am the childrenâs governess, Miss Elliot. Albert said you have an important message for the family, Mr. Chase, and I thought someone should come down to receive it. Would you wish to write a note?â
âI much prefer to talk to you.â When she glanced around in dismay, as if wondering where to conduct this unauthorized conversation, Chase added, âDo not trouble yourself. We can speak here, Miss Elliot. I will take but a few minutes of your time.â
âIâm not sure how I can be helpful. Are you a friend of the family, sir?â
âIn a manner of speaking.â He was not surprised by her puzzlement as he hadnât told the footman he was a Bow Street officer. He went on quickly before she could ask him to explain his presence. âI understand your employer is gravely ill. How is he today?â
âI wouldnât know. I have been with the children all day.â
âHas the doctor seen him?â
âI believe he came this morning, but we have not been toldââ
âCan you tell me the surgeonâs name, Miss Elliot? I might have a word with him to see whether anything further can be done for his patient.â
She hesitated, then said, âA Mr. Thomas Fladgate.â
âWhat of your mistress? She must have assistance in the sickroom, surely? A nurse?â
Miss Elliotâs voice rose in distress. âShe allows no one to share the burden with her. Iâve scarcely seen her since Mr. Leach was brought home in the hackney.â
âIt seems a great a responsibility. I suppose the footmen carried your master upstairs?â
âYes, sir, he was in a dead faint.â
âWho paid the driver?â
âThe butler, Mr. Isherwood.â
âHas anyone spoken to Mr. Leach?â
âJust the surgeon and Mrs. Leach. I understand the patient has been prescribed laudanum to ensure his rest. Iâ¦I didnât know what to say to the childrenââ She looked at him with huge eyes framed by tiny, gold-rimmed spectacles. âI must return to my duties, Mr. Chase. Is there a message?â
A new voice spoke. âThat will not be necessary.â
Startled, Chase looked up to see a tall, black-draped woman standing at the bottom of the staircase. She had descended so quietly that neither he nor the governess had caught her approach. One hand resting on the banister, she stood for a moment watching them before she glided forward. âThank you for