After a lengthy conversation, Mona put the phone receiver back into its cradle.
“Bad news, Miss Mona?” Violet asked.
Mona sat in a chair by the window and stared at the world humming outside.
“Miss Mona? May I do anything for you?”
“It seems our trip to England has been postponed. Lord Farley’s father is ill. Very ill. Lord Farley is going on the next available boat and does not wish us to accompany him. He feels his father is dying, and this would not be an opportune time to visit.”
“Surely, you can understand. Everything will be topsy turvy. It is only natural he would want to sort things out before you came.”
Mona nodded. “I do. I certainly do, Violet. It’s just that we waited too long for me to meet his father. We wanted it to be perfect, but neither life nor death waits for perfect opportunities. I really should be by Robert’s side and helping. He shouldn’t be on his own facing this.” Mona didn’t voice that she was worried Robert would start drinking again.
“Lady Alice and her husband, Mr. Nithercott will be only a phone call away if Lord Farley needs help.”
“I feel I should be with Robert.”
Violet got a look of rapture on her face. “If his father dies, then Lord Farley will become duke. Just think of it—you will be a duchess.”
“Robert’s father dying changes everything for Robert and myself.”
Violet’s face fell. “Does it? In what way?”
“There will be great pressure for Lord Farley to marry one from his own class. I am just a commoner and an American at that.”
“You are richer than any of those folks,” Violet said indignantly.
“That doesn’t matter to the British. They put more emphasis on titles and lineage. Oh, they like money and they might welcome mine, but it might not be enough for me to marry someone in Lord Farley’s position.” Mona rose from her seat. She was agitated and wanted to smash something. “Let’s not think about that, Violet.”
“Shall I start packing for home?”
“Not yet. I have some unfinished business left to do.” Mona needed to see Alice Roosevelt, but hesitated going out by herself. She did not want to be approached by another agent and felt she would be targeted if alone. Mona got the weird feeling she was being spied upon. “When do the lads get here?”
“The Pinkertons and Samuel with Jamison shall be arriving this afternoon on the three o’clock train. Rupert Hunt will be at the hotel by eleven tonight. I got his telegram this morning.”
“Any word from Dexter Deatherage?”
“Nothing as of yet.”
“Then he hasn’t heard about Robert’s father. That’s good. It hasn’t hit the papers yet.”
“What shall we do then?”
“Well, I feel discombobulated and strange. Let’s go to the dining area and get something to eat. When a woman can’t break, smash, or shoot something, the next best thing is to eat something sweet and have a nice cup of tea. I understand the Willard’s cinnamon bread pudding is awfully good.”
Violet looked at her wrist watch. “Then what?”
“I think we should stay in our rooms until the gentlemen arrive.”
“Is there something going on, Miss Mona? You seem awfully skittish since Mr. Scott visited. Did he say something to you unbecoming?”
“No, Violet,” Mona lied. She did not want to involve Violet unless it was absolutely necessary. “I’m just upset about our trip being canceled. I’m worried about Robert.”
Violet bit her lip. It never occurred to her that the Duke’s death could cause a break between Miss Mona and Lord Farley. She had just assumed that once the grieving period was over, they would get on with the marriage. It all seemed so complicated now. She wanted to hug Mona, but knew her employer was not the hugging sort. What could she do to make Mona feel better?
Mona followed Violet out of the suite and to the main floor by way of the stairs. “Wait a minute, Violet. I want to send a cable to Mr. Deatherage. Please go ahead and order for me.”
“All right.” Violet headed into the dining room.
Mona approached the front desk and rang the bell.
A clerk stopped putting letters and telegrams into guest room key slots. “Yes, miss?”
“I’d like to send a telegram, please,” Mona said, scribbling on the Western Union form. “I’d like it to go out now.”
“We can accommodate.”
Mona handed the paper to the clerk. As the hotel clerk read it, he turned pale. “Are you sure you want to send this, miss?”
“Word for word. Just as I wrote it.”
IF I SHOULD DIE, NOT A NATURAL DEATH STOP INVESTIGATE STOP UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES LET AUNT MELANIE TAKE OVER STOP SEND CODED REPLY STOP