Chapter 20

I was told the next day that the doctor had been summoned, but in his customary sardonic fashion had told the messenger that as both his patients were dead there was no need to disturb his repose and he would come in the morning. By the time that I felt strong enough to be about, he had visited, made his inspections and departed.

I took a very few mouthfuls of toast for breakfast - all that I could stomach. The servants went about their duties as if drugged. All were shocked at my discovery and no-one could guess what the future might bring.

At about eleven o’clock I received a message that the vicar had arrived and was asking to see me. I felt unable to refuse and we met in the library. He appeared to be in no way dismayed by the turn of events.

“May I congratulate, you, my dear Miss Greencliffe,” were his opening words, “on a most important antiquarian discovery. I refer of course to the opening of the priest-hole which was undoubtedly constructed by the recusant family that whilom lived here in the reign of Queen Bess.”

He smiled at me benignly. “Might one inquire how you came to make such a fortunate finding, which I understand was at a very early hour of the morning?”

I felt trapped. I could not tell the truth; that my body and actions were not my own, but I must have some plausible explanation. No-one could deny that the situation was singular, and in default of any other account of how I came to find the body I might well be suspected of having had the intelligence from Mr Uttridge. I decided to dissemble.

“I could not sleep last night and decided to go up to the peaceful quiet of the old chapel to compose my mind. Whilst there, I noticed idly that one of the pieces of wood in the panelling was a little out of true, and pulled at it. The concealing panel then came away.”

“A most serendipitous occurrence! But I also understand that little Thomas was with you. How did that come about?”

I forced myself to be calm. Whatever else the man was, he was no fool, and others would be asking me the same questions.

“His room lies beneath the chapel. I can only assume that he heard the noise of the panel falling.”

“Of course.” His smile widened. “The doctor has informed me that the late Mrs Uttridge was killed in the same way as was Miss Jarvis - by a cord twisted around the neck. We therefore seem to have solved two mysteries at once.”

I nodded wearily, and he went on: “Your former employer has, as you will have gathered, committed the sin and crime of felo de se. As a clergyman I may not condone the act, but a more worldly person would regard it as wise, as he would undoubtedly have been hanged for his crimes. It may well be a comfort to his family and acquaintance, however, to know that the law no longer demands that suicides be buried by the public highway. After the coroner has reached his surely inevitable conclusion, he will be buried in our graveyard, but after darkness has fallen and without the rites of the church.

“Our good doctor was somewhat puzzled as to the nature of the poison used, but I was fortunately able to identify some dried husks left next to the body which he supplied to me. They were the dried kernels of the fruit of cerbera odollam or the poison tree as it is vulgarly named. It grows freely along the waterways of the southern Indian province of Kerala, which is a marshy area similar in many ways to our own dear Fens. The ingestion of a single kernel is enough to stop the heart.”

As ever, he could not resist the opportunity to flaunt the compass of his learning and continued: “The properties of this tree were well known to the ancients and it was widely used in assassinations. Most colourfully, the political advisors to the maharajahs employed certain beautiful young widows who were known as vish kanyas, which is to say, poison damsels. Their duties were to inveigle themselves into the favour of enemies of the state and when they were closeted alone with their victim to introduce the cerbera fruit into their food. Indeed, one tale is that they would steep the kernels in oil for some days then anoint their breasts with the infusion. In the subsequent amorous play, the object of their intentions would ingest enough of the poison to render them helpless, whence they could be easily killed.”

I recoiled in disgust. “They are a wicked, heathen people, sir, with their strangulations and poisonings and I wish to hear no more about them.”

The clergyman’s smile did not waver. “Your reaction is most proper in a young lady, my dear Miss Greencliffe. I wished only to inform you of the particulars of this opus tenebrarum - this deed of darkness.”

“You have been most detailed in your explanation, sir. More immediately, may I ask if you know what arrangements will be made for the administration of Southwell Hall?”

Mr Mapes spread his hands to indicate his lack of knowledge. “I can tell you only that the late Mr Uttridge’s man of business has been informed and is at this moment studying his Will. I would assume, as is usually the case, that young Master Uttridge will inherit the estate, but as he is well below the age of responsibility a guardian must be appointed to manage his affairs. I have no detailed information: we will simply have to wait and see.”

Shortly afterwards to my relief he took his leave. Matters were difficult in the days that followed. In the absence of the master, discipline suffered. One of the grooms was found in a drunken state. He was severely censured by the head coachman, but could not be dismissed his service as only his employer had that power. The butler was in a similar quandary with the indoor staff where he found that idleness was becoming endemic. On the principle that keeping people busy will keep their minds off other problems, he declared a general cleaning to prepare the Hall for its new tenant, so the male servants were employed in moving the furniture and shrouding it in dustsheets and the maids in dusting, cleaning, scrubbing and beating rugs.

Mrs Rawson was also in a somewhat awkward position as strictly speaking she had no authority to incur debts on her own authority. Fortunately, however, the tradesmen made no difficulty in filling her orders, calculating no doubt that they were bound to be paid in the end.

I attempted to do my duty to tutor Thomas. The poor child was now an orphan and although we had not told him so, he would come to know in time that his father had murdered his mother. He was very subdued, but I talked to him of matters that I thought would please him, especially of foreign places such as Africa with its lions, tigers and giraffes. He liked discussing these and looking at their pictures in my textbooks. The day came and passed that we were normally due to visit Manor Farm for our riding lessons, but I did not think it appropriate in a period of mourning.

As it happened, Captain Holman visited us. One of the maids brought me a message that he had arrived to see me, and I went down immediately to the entrance hall, where he was waiting, dressed in his riding clothes.

“My dear Miss Greencliffe,” he said, taking my hand. “I cannot tell you how shocked I was to hear the news of your dreadful discovery and of the death of Mr Uttridge. I have allowed a few days to pass, but I could not restrain myself any longer from visiting you and seeing for myself that you have everything you need.”

“You are very kind, Captain,” I said. “Shall we go into the parlour and talk?”

I led the way into the parlour, after having asked one of the maids to bring us tea, and asked the captain to be seated, being careful to avoid indicating that chair favoured by my erstwhile employer. The tea came and was poured and we were left alone, although I left the door somewhat open for propriety.

The captain initiated the conversation. “I can frankly say, Miss Greencliffe, that my first concern is for your own safety and comfort. Can I take it that you have taken no harm from that frightful experience? If you wish, I would be more than happy to arrange that my own physician call on you and prescribe anything that may be necessary in the way of a nerve tonic or other remedy.”

“You are very kind, captain, and I appreciate your words,” I replied. “I feel well enough. The horror of the discovery was great when it was made, but no doubt it will fade with time. I believe that our principal concern should be for the child. As you may have heard, he was actually with me when I found the body of his mother. Fortunately, it was wrapped in a carpet so he did not actually see the corpse. He evidences no great signs of distress, but he is a very contained little boy and I fear that the experience may be working within his mind.”

“You are quite right: the child comes first. Perhaps I can suggest that he resumes his riding lessons as soon as the funerals are over? He has shown us that he is fond of the sport and there is nothing as good as fresh air and exercise to banish morbid thoughts.”

“I agree with you, and I greatly hope it will be possible. But of course, I do not have the power to make the arrangements. The vicar has visited us and he tells me that a guardian must be appointed to take care of Thomas’ welfare. Until that person takes up his or her responsibilities I do not feel that I can do anything beyond my usual duties. In that however, I am doing everything possible to keep his amused and stop him from brooding.”

“I understand, and I am sure that your instruction is the best that he could possibly receive.” He hesitated and seemed to steel himself before saying: “If I may broach a more personal matter, madam, I have over the time of our acquaintance developed a great admiration for your character and qualities. In addition, I have felt the need for someone to share my life. I would be happy beyond measure if you would allow me to provide you with my protection. In short, madam, I wish to ask for your hand in marriage.”

It had been easy enough to guess that he had been about to make such a proposal and I found myself able to reply calmly.

“I am exceedingly grateful for your kind words and your most generous offer, sir, but I cannot consider marriage at the moment. You must understand that the discovery of a murdered body has distressed me beyond measure, and in addition” - I faltered here - “there are other reasons I cannot discuss. Despite the kindness of all that I have met, I find this region odious to me, and as soon as arrangements can be made to continue my pupil’s education, I intend to return to my parents in the Lake Country.”

Captain Holman appeared very much taken aback by my reply: most probably he had not expected to be refused. He looked at his feet. “May I ask if there is someone else that you favour more?”

“No, Captain,” I replied firmly. “There is no-one else and your own qualities greatly recommend you to me. I will always remember your kindness, and the pleasure that I have had riding in your company, It is simply that as I have said, I can no longer abide to be in this district.”

He bowed his head in acquiescence. “I completely understand, madam. To see the victim of a murder after it had lain concealed for a year would harrow even the strongest man, and the effect on a young woman is something I can barely imagine. The mere fact that you are not prostrate with anguish is a credit to your resilience.” He took up his hat, anxious now not to prolong the scene. “I expect to have business in the North in the New Year; perhaps I might be permitted to visit you at your home?”

I smiled wanly. “You would be most welcome, sir.”

“Then may I thank you for your time, madam: if there is anything you should need before your departure I beg you to remember me.” He bowed and left me.

It was a relief to us all when the solicitor called two days later. He was a tall and cadaverous man with a bluish complexion. His nose in contrast was large and red, and he had wrapped himself in a scarf against the cold. With him came a lady of perhaps fifty winters whom he introduced as Mrs Warby; Mr Uttridge’s elder sister. A meeting was called of the senior staff, this being myself, the butler, the housekeeper and the land steward. It was held in the estate office, as being most convenient for business of this sort. One of the footmen had arranged chairs for all about the great desk.

The solicitor began by laying a large pile of papers on the desk and shuffling through it to find the one he wanted. “Good day, ladies and gentlemen,” he began. “We meet on this sad occasion - that is to say, on this occasion.” I thought with grim amusement that he had used his conventional opening at the reading of a Will, but had realised before it was quite too late, that it was authored by a murderer, and one should not express sorrow at his demise. He continued, “The entire property, aside from some small bequests to friends and to retired servants, goes to the late Mr Thomas Uttridge’s son, also having the name Thomas. The Will also makes provision for the eventuality that the testator will die before his son attains his majority, as is the case here. He nominates his sister; born Miss Alma Uttridge and now styled Mrs William Warby, as guardian. Mrs Warby has kindly agreed to take up her duties with immediate effect and I look to you ladies and gentlemen as the senior figures in this establishment to give her all the help she may require.”

There was a general murmur of acquiescence at this.

Mrs Warby now spoke up for herself; she struck me as being a capable woman who was likely experienced in running her own household.

“I am very pleased to meet you all,” she said. “My brother, whatever his faults, was a most able man of business and I do not doubt that all of you are worthy of your employment. We may however need to employ additional staff. In the matter of the rents for example,” she said, nodding towards the land steward, “we may require a secretary. I am not myself good with figures and as I was widowed some years ago, I have no husband to help me with this task. I would wish to meet you all individually later on to discuss what matters need attention.”

The solicitor made some further concluding remarks regarding probate, then left us alone with our new employer.

“May I show you to your chambers, madam?” volunteered Mrs Rawson. “We have, with your permission, given you the late master’s room, but it has been thoroughly cleaned and all the linen changed.”

Mrs Warby acquiesced to this and after bidding us a brief adieu was led off by the housekeeper.

Now that the transfer of authority was complete, there was a general feeling of relief among us all. It seemed to me that everybody went about their duties with a lighter step and more willingness. For myself, I went to my room and gazed out over the landscape. My hatred grew as I stared at it. Cold, wet and bleak. Endless pools of stagnant water and acres of flat, muddy fields. Foul and unclean. How I longed to be once more in my own land of windswept crags and mountain streams.

A few hours later, when I assumed that Mrs Warby would have made herself comfortable and taken some refreshment, I sent a message asking to see her in her room. On receiving the acceptance I made my way along the passageway and knocked on the door.

“Enter!” came the reply.

I did so and stood before her. “We were briefly introduced at the meeting this morning, madam,” I said. “You may recall that I am little Thomas’ governess, Catherine Greencliffe.”

“I am pleased to meet you Miss Greencliffe. As I said earlier, I see no reason to make changes in the staff at present and I have two little boys of my own that need tutoring. I am sure that you will do very well.”

I had prepared my story. “It is that which I wanted to speak to you about, madam. As you may know, it was I that discovered the body of the late Mrs Uttridge and the shock was severe. I do not think that I can continue to be happy at Southwell Hall with that memory and I have come to beg your leave to depart.”

Mrs Warby seemed taken somewhat aback, but not unsympathetic. “Well, Miss Greencliffe, if that is your wish then so shall it be. We lack a few weeks of Christmas, but in these unfortunate circumstances, I will instruct the butler to pay you to the quarter day.”

“You are most generous, madam. If I many mention one other matter, it was Mr Uttridge’s wish that Thomas be brought up in the Catholic religion, of which I am an adherent. I hope that my successor will be able to continue this.”

Mrs Warby’s expression became stubborn. “I see no need for that. The Protestant religion is the creed of England and is a very good one. There is no requirement for Papistry now that my brother and his wife are both dead. I told Tom from the first that no good would come of his marrying a Frenchie, but he would never listen to me.”

“It is of course your decision as guardian, madam. May I bid you good day.”

I returned despondently to my room and began to pack my trunk. The next morning I rose very early; breakfasted and took general leave of the servants. Abrahams sent a message to say that the trap was ready to take me to the station and I went to the main door where Mrs Rawson was waiting to bid me farewell. I thanked her warmly for all her kindness. Little Thomas was also there with his nurse and I knelt and embraced him for the first and last time.

“Goodbye Thomas,” I whispered. “I hope we shall meet again someday.”

“We will, Miss Catherine,” he replied bravely. “Thank you for everything.”

I gave no backward glance as the vehicle drew away. For myself, I was quit of Southwell Hall and I prayed that all those who had been wronged or had done wrong in that place would now be at peace.

THE END