Chapter 10

We decided to return to the Black Lion and report our activity to Mrs. Barkis. We also decided to eat while we were there. Blathers hoped it would be a free meal.

“I’m so happy to see you.” Clara Barkis welcomed us with open arms. Given her size, both of us did our best to avoid the hug she seemed about to bestow. A handshake from Blathers and a couple of bobs of my head saved us from physical injury.

“Have you had your meal? How about some bangers and mash?” The words were music to Blathers’ ears.

I said, “That would be lovely, Mrs. Barkis. Then if you’ll sit with us for a spell, we’ll tell you what we have found so far and ask you for some more information.”

“Sally will bring the food in a jiff. Now, Mr. Duff, you’ll take tea, as I recall, and Mr. Blathers, how does a pint of bitter sound?”

“It sounds like just the thing, thank ya, Clara.”

Clara brought the beverages to the table, with a pint of bitter for herself. She then grabbed the one chair that seemed to be able to hold her and pulled it up close between us. “Now, me dears, have you found the jewels?”

Blathers supplied the disappointing news. “The pearls were not at the murder scene. But we does have another lead, and we’ll be findin’ out more this evenin’.”

I asked, “Mrs. Barkis, did the lady tell you anything more about the man, John? For example, he was living in a neighborhood where most of the people are either Irish or Jews. Did she say if John was either of these?”

“She did say he was not English, and, Lord save us, she wouldn’t say what his business was. He must have been mixed up in some of the shady dealings that seem to be going on in that part of the town.”

“Has she said how they has met up?” Blathers asked.

Clara told the story the lady had related to her. “It was at a fancy dress ball, it was. I’ve always said no good goes on at them affairs. When my lady attends one of these events, there is always a chamber set aside for her private use, in the case she needs to be alone for a moment. At this event she had not brought a maid with her, because the poor girl came down sick just when it was time to leave. When it became necessary, my lady went to her room alone. When she entered, she discovered him sitting there. I think he must have been in the wrong place by mistake. In any event, she said they just talked, but you know as well as I what kinds of things happen. He must have mesmerized her, for she’s always been very proper.

“When he left he gave her a paper with an address. A few days passed, and then—it must be she couldn’t help herself—she slipped away and went to the address. He was there, and, Lord save us, it must have happened again. That was when she lost the pearls.”

“Why did she have the necklace with her?” I asked.

“It was a mistake, too. It was in the reticule she was carrying. She was to take it to be cleaned. Because she was in a hurry to leave home without being noticed, she grabbed the wrong bag. She put it on a table, Lord save us, next to the bed, and then forgot it. I think the poor woman was quite badly smitten, do you see.”

Blathers took a turn. “I still doesn’t see why this particular jewels is so ’portant to the lady.”

“Her husband gave it to her. It has been in his family for centuries and is very different, and not able to be matched. All of his female ancestors have been painted wearing the necklace. He expects she will wear it, and she is due to sit for the painter next month. She has told him she has sent it to be cleaned, to gain some time, but soon he’ll become suspicious. Will you have another pint, Mr. Blathers?”

“Ah, you’re a fine, fine woman, Clara my dear. A bird can’t fly with one wing, now can it.”

Mrs. Barkis brought more ale and tea. She had another pint herself. “Barkis has himself a cartin’ job today, so I’m in charge of the taps.” Sally served the bangers and mash. The mistress of the Black Lion sipped from her pint and said, “You don’t think that someone will break the necklace up to sell the jewels separate, do you? Lord, I hope not. It will be the end for my lady.”