Decked with Folly (28 page)

She was closer now, close enough to see his face. He was smiling, his eyes sparkling, his voice eager as she drew even nearer.

“It took me a few evenings to finish it. I had to work in the rain to get it done. I was worried it wouldn’t be finished in time, but I made it.”

In spite of herself, she glanced up, wondering what the heck he was talking about. And then she saw it.

It was beautiful—sturdy and picturesque, with a roof and a window and a railing to hold onto—every child’s dream. The most perfect structure she had ever seen. Now she understood. Now she knew why he was late that night and why he was soaking wet. He had come out here in the woods, in the cold snow and rain, to build her children a tree house.

“It’s a Christmas present for the twins.” He looked at her, his voice anxious now. “Do you think they’ll like it?”

Once more an unfamiliar tear slid down her cheek. Dan wasn’t the only man who could make her cry. “They will love it,” she said, her voice breaking. “They will bloody love it.” In a rush of gratitude, she reached up and planted a kiss on his cheek. “You’re a good man, Clive Russell. Thank you.”

She stepped back, digging in her apron pocket for her handkerchief. When she looked at Clive again his cheeks burned, and he avoided her gaze.

He looked down at his feet instead, and cleared his throat. “You’d better be getting back inside. I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

“Right.” She slid his jacket from her shoulders and handed it to him. “Here, I won’t need this now. I’ll run back.”

He nodded, still without looking at her, and took the coat.

She started back the way they’d come, but after a few steps, she paused and looked back. “Happy Christmas, Clive.”

His smile lit up his face. “Happy Christmas, Gertie.”

Flashing him a grin, she turned and ran down the trail. What a bloody fool she’d been to suspect him of killing Ian. She should have known he wouldn’t hurt a fly. Just wait until the twins saw that tree house. They were going to go crazy, that’s what. Grinning, she broke into a fast trot and headed for the club.

 

 

 

Seated in her office, Cecily tried to make sense of what she had learned that morning. She wasn’t really surprised to learn that Sidney Barrett was behind the theft from Lady Roslyn’s room. What she didn’t know was if that was simply a coincidence, or if he was also the man sent to find the jewels that Ian had taken from the gang in London. If so, then he was quite possibly Ian’s killer. In which case, what was Gloria doing with him and where were they going?

Cecily leaned her chin in her hands. Something kept niggling at her brain, insistent and urgent. Something she knew, yet did not recognize. It had happened to her before, more than once and always just before she had solved whatever was puzzling her.

Think.
Carefully she went over everything she knew, or didn’t know. There were so many questions unanswered. So many possibilities, and yet . . . something told her she already knew the answer.

Resting her chin in her hands, she tried to listen to what her subconscious mind was trying to tell her. For some reason, her thoughts kept going back to the twins. Something Lillian had said. Cecily shook her head. All she could remember was something about an elf. With a sigh of exasperation she got up from her chair and wandered over to the window.

From there she could see the yard below, leading out to the back gate. The weather, capricious as ever, had changed again. A gray sea now threw angry waves at the shore. It looked as if a storm might be brewing.

What was Gloria doing with Sidney Barrett? Somehow it just didn’t make sense. Cecily thought hard.

What was it that kept tugging at her mind? Something important. Something the twins had told her. What had they talked about? Father Christmas and elves.

Suddenly, it all fell into place. Of course. She needed to talk to the twins. Right away.

CHAPTER 22

Cecily reached the kitchen just as Gertie burst through the back door. The housemaid started to say something, but Mrs. Chubb, having just pulled a tray of coconut tarts from the oven, jumped in first.

“Gertie McBride! Is that any way to behave? Look at your cap. It’s hanging on by one pin. It’s a wonder you didn’t lose it.”

From across the room, Gertie glanced at Cecily. “Sorry, m’m.” Hastily she tugged her cap straight and tucked the stray hair back underneath it.

Mrs. Chubb swung around, her face creased in dismay. “Oh, I didn’t see you there, m’m. What can we do for you?”

“I need to speak to Gertie right away.” Cecily checked herself. “At least, I need to talk to the twins and I’d like Gertie to be there.”

Gertie looked surprised, as did the housekeeper. “Well, get along, Gertie. Take madam to see the twins.”

Rubbing her arms, Gertie walked cautiously toward her.

Unable to contain herself, Mrs. Chubb demanded, “Where have you been, out in the cold without your coat?”

“In the woods.”

“What the blazes were you doing in the woods?”

Gertie smiled. “Looking at a tree house.”

The housekeeper clicked her tongue in annoyance. “You’re not making any sense.”

“Clive built it.” Gertie turned to Cecily. “You should see it, m’m. It’s beautiful. Clive was out there every night in the snow and rain building it. The twins are going to love it. He did it for a Christmas present for them.”

Mrs. Chubb gasped. “Fancy that! That was really good of him.”

So that was what Clive didn’t want to tell her, Cecily thought. He wanted to keep it a secret until he’d shown Gertie what he’d done.

“It was a lovely surprise.” Gertie rubbed her arms again. “And to think I thought he might have been the one that killed Ian.”

Cecily started. “Gertie . . . I need to talk to the twins. Now.”

“Yes, m’m.” Looking worried, Gertie barged through the door.

Cecily followed her, hurrying to catch up as she rushed down the hallway.

They reached the door together, and Gertie gave her an anxious look. “I hope they didn’t do nothing to get into trouble, m’m. I know they’re a bit overexcited and all, but Daisy’s been keeping an eye on them—”

Cecily held up her hand to halt the gush of words. “It’s all right, Gertie. They haven’t done anything. I just need to talk to them, that’s all.”

Gertie still looked apprehensive as she opened the door.

Daisy looked up from her perch on the bed, then jumped to her feet when she saw Cecily. “Good morning, m’m.”

“Hello, Daisy.” Cecily smiled at Lillian and James, who sat on the floor playing with building blocks. At least, James was playing, while Lillian watched. “I just want a word with the twins.”

Lillian scrambled to her feet, obviously delighted at the interruption. “Are we going for another walk?”

“Not now, precious.” Cecily bent down until her face was level with the little girl’s. “I want you to tell me about your elf.”

James’s chin shot up and he looked sternly at his sister. “She made him up,” he said, sounding cross.

“Did not.” Lillian pouted. “You saw him, too.”

James’s face turned red. “He said not to tell.”

Cecily turned to the little boy. “Who told you not to tell?”

James looked down at the carefully built blocks and then, with a swoop of his hand, knocked them all flying. “He said if we tell, Father Christmas won’t come.” He glared at his sister. “Now look what you’ve done! Now we won’t get any toys.”

Lillian started to whimper, and Cecily put an arm around her. “It’s all right, little one. I promise you, Father Christmas is coming tonight.”

Lillian sniffled. “How do you know?”

“Because he told me.” Cecily crossed her fingers briefly, hoping she’d be forgiven the white lie.

Gertie, looking worried, bent over her son. “James, you tell me the truth right now. What did you really see?”

James jutted out his lip. “He was a big elf.”

“Where did you see him?”

“He came in here.”

Gertie gasped in horror, her hand over her mouth.

Daisy uttered a shocked cry. “James! He couldn’t have done. I haven’t seen anyone in here and I’m in here all the time.”

“The other night,” Gertie said, her voice hoarse with fear. “I went to the kitchen to get some milk and something to eat. I was only gone about five minutes, but . . .” She swallowed. “I thought Lillian had been playing with my things. That’s when he must have come in and left the candlestick.”

Lillian nodded. “It was the elf. He said Father Christmas had sent him with a present for us and he put it under your bed. He said we weren’t to touch it until Christmas morning.” She shot James a look of accusation. “James said it would be all right if we just looked at it and then put it back. But then Mama came in and took it away.”

Gertie dropped to her knees and pulled both children into her arms. “I’ll never leave you alone again,” she said fiercely. “I swear to God.”

“Then you saw the elf again, didn’t you, Lillian.” Cecily bent down again. “In the lobby this morning?”

Lillian nodded.

Gertie stared at her, while Daisy uttered another muffled cry. “Who was it?”

“Sid Barrett.” Cecily straightened. “He was leaving the lobby when you brought the twins in to see me. I don’t have time to explain everything now. Gertie, find Archie Parker. Tell him to meet me at the flat over Abbitson’s, the butcher’s shop. Tell him to come right away.”

Gertie scrambled to her feet. “Isn’t that where Gloria was living?”

“Yes. I believe Sidney Barrett is taking her there. He probably thinks Ian has hidden something he wants in the flat and could be forcing Gloria to find it for him.”

Gertie gasped. “Then he did know Ian before. Pansy was right.”

“If I’m right, then Gloria might be in danger, so please, hurry, Gertie.”

“It’s all my fault. I told him about Gloria. He didn’t know about her until I told him. If he hurts her—”

“Gertie . . . please. Find Archie Parker.”

“Yes, m’m. Right away.” Dropping a flustered curtsey, Gertie lunged for the door. “What about Mr. Baxter? Won’t he want to know where you’re going?”

“Mr. Baxter isn’t here. If he does come back before I return tell him I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Yes, m’m.” Gertie dragged open the door and fled out into the hallway.

Daisy looked frightened as she gathered the children close. “What shall I do?”

Cecily smiled at the twins, both of whom were staring at her with fear on their faces. “Just stay here and make sure the twins have plenty to keep them occupied. We want them to be tired so they’ll sleep tonight.”

Lillian’s eyes lit up with hope. “Father Christmas is really coming tonight?”

“Yes, he is.” Cecily moved to the door. “And I happen to know that he has a very special surprise for both of you.”

She could hear their squeals of excitement as she hurried up the hallway to the stairs and thanked the power of Christmas magic.

Out in the lobby she cornered a footman and ordered him to have Samuel ready the carriage once more. Then she hurried upstairs to fetch her coat and scarf.

A few people were wandering in and out of the lobby when she rushed down again, but she could see no sign of Gertie or Archie Parker. She would just have to leave and hope that he caught up with her.

Baxter had not yet returned, and she left a message with Philip to tell him she’d be back shortly. Then she hurried out to the stables, where Samuel was almost finished harnessing the horse.

“Has Mr. Parker been out here yet?” she asked, as Samuel cinched the last strap of the bridle.

“No, m’m. Was he supposed to meet you?”

“I’m sure he’s on his way.” She lifted her skirts to climb into the carriage. “Tell one of the footmen to get the trap ready for Mr. Parker. He’ll be following me into town.”

“Yes, m’m.” Samuel disappeared into the stables, then a short time later hurried out again. Opening the carriage door, he stuck his head inside. “I couldn’t find Sid, so I told Lawrence to drive Mr. Parker into town.”

Settling back, she nodded. “Very well. Thank you, Samuel.”

“Yes, m’m.”

She felt the carriage sway as he climbed up onto his seat and gathered the reins. It was just as well she had Samuel with her, she thought, as they trundled across the yard and through the gate. Waiting for him to close the gate behind them, Cecily thought about what she might do once she reached the flat. She really hadn’t thought much about it until now.

The best thing to do would be to wait for Archie Parker to arrive. If Sidney was a killer, it wouldn’t be wise to tackle him, even with Samuel by her side. On the other hand, Gloria could be in danger. She wasn’t holding Sidney’s hand after all. He’d been leading her out onto the street. Probably against her will. In which case, time was of the essence.

The carriage jerked as Samuel nudged the gray forward. Cecily felt a stab of apprehension. She could only hope that Gertie had managed to find Archie Parker and that he was right behind her.

The sound of church bells, as they entered the town, reminded her that it was Christmas Eve. The carriage rattled up the High Street, scattering busy last-minute shoppers, until they pulled up outside Abbitson’s, the butcher’s shop.

The name had been changed twice in recent years, but to Cecily, it would always remain Abbitson’s. The shop was crowded with anxious customers, all jostling for the best last-minute bargains. Geese hung upside down in the window, alongside turkeys and chickens, all of them looking pale and forlorn without their feathers.

Cecily hastily looked the other way. She had trouble equating a steaming, golden roast turkey with the live variety strutting around a farmyard.

The door opened and Samuel poked his head through the gap. “Did you want to wait for Mr. Parker, m’m?”