The Ledbury Lamplighters (2 page)

As he locked the door to the safe, he went over in his mind once more the words that the stranger had used – ‘should any of these documents ever find their way into the public arena, then the very foundation and stability of our country would be placed at risk’. It all sounded very mysterious and important. But what had the stranger meant by those words? If the envelope and its contents
were all that important, why had he been chosen, above all others, to be the guardian of such property? Why had he been instructed to take the package to Cocks and Biddulph if the stranger failed to return in May? Why had the stranger not chosen to take it there in the first place? The more he thought about it, the more puzzled he became.

Finally he came to the conclusion that no amount of deliberation on his part would throw any light on the intriguing matter. Extinguishing the light in his room, and after dampening down the remainder of the small fire and buttoning up his overcoat, he closed the door to his office and turned the key in the lock.

‘I think you can safely leave off that now, Perkins. What is not done now can safely wait until the festive season is over.’

‘Right you are, Mr Midwinter,’ replied the clerk, closing his ledger with an eager flourish.

‘Put out the candles and let us return to our families for the festive season.’

‘As you wish, sir.’

Closing the outer door behind him, Anthony shook hands with his clerk. ‘A very Happy Christmas, Tom, to you and your family.’

‘Thank you most kindly, sir. May I wish the best of the season to you and your wife, Mr Midwinter. Strange sort of gent, sir, to seek us out at such an hour,’ replied his clerk, stamping his feet on the snowy ground.

‘Strange indeed, Tom. Strange indeed.’

‘Damn this collar stud!' exclaimed Ravenscroft, pulling a face as he looked into the mirror.

‘Samuel! I do believe that is the first time since our marriage that I have heard you use such language,' reprimanded his wife, shaking her head.

‘I am so sorry, my dear. It's just that collar studs and I never seem to get on well together. I don't seem to have too much of a problem during the morning, but these formal occasions can be irksome. No, it's no good. It just won't fasten.'

‘Let me, Samuel,' said his wife, crossing over to where he was standing and reaching up to the offending collar. ‘Just breathe in a little.'

‘I am breathing in. If I breathe in any more I will be dead!' complained Ravenscroft.

‘There we are. All done.'

‘Thank you. The joys of having a wife who can be employed to do up one's collar studs.'

‘I hope you did not marry me just on that account?' teased his wife.

‘Indeed not. There was your cooking to be taken into consideration as well.'

‘Samuel Ravenscroft, may I remind you that it was I, rather than yourself, who was instrumental in securing our union.'

‘And it was the best day's work that you ever managed. I cannot believe that such a miserable fellow as me could have been so
fortunate to have married such a beautiful woman as yourself. Hardly a day passes by when I do not give thanks for the salvation of my soul!'

‘Now it is you who is being foolish, Samuel.'

‘You are right as always, my dear. What is this ball we are attending, anyway?' asked Ravenscroft, picking up a brush from the dressing table and vigorously employing it upon his trousers.

‘The Lamplighters' Ball.'

‘Strange name to give to such a social occasion.'

‘It is an old Ledbury tradition. The lamplighters see in the New Year.'

‘And how do they do that exactly?'

‘Well, between the hours of eleven and twelve the lamplighters go round the town extinguishing all the lamps that they can see. Then at twelve o'clock they light them all again. Something to do with dampening down the flames of the old year and letting in the light of the New Year. I believe that they also attend the ball, which is named in their honour, and do something with all the lights there.'

‘All seems rather quaint and old-fashioned,' remarked Ravenscroft, replacing the brush on the table.

‘In the old days I believe the lamps were lit with oil, but now the town has gas. But each lamp still has to be turned on and off by hand.'

‘You seem remarkably well informed about all this, but I still don't know why we have been invited.'

‘You are now a man of importance in the community, Samuel, and as such you must take your rightful place within Ledbury society.'

‘I think you are over-estimating my position, my dear. I am sure that the majority of the citizens of Ledbury have not the slightest awareness of my presence in the town. They are all far too busy going about their everyday business to notice me. Anyway, most of my time since my arrival here has been spent either in Malvern or Worcester,' grumbled Ravenscroft, looking out of the window where he could make out the lamp flickering down the street.

‘All the more reason that you – we – should attend the ball tonight. You will have a wonderful opportunity to meet at first hand all the potential lawbreakers within the community,' laughed
his wife.

‘Lucy, I have been here six weeks and during that time all I have managed to accomplish is the apprehension of two railway navvies who were fighting in the marketplace one night, and the recovery of one lost bicycle and a basket of washing! Hardly major crimes, by any count.'

‘Dear Samuel, I suppose life in Ledbury must be rather dull for you after all the excitement of Whitechapel. Perhaps it will be only a matter of time before someone is murdered in the town, and then the good citizens of Ledbury will be more than anxious to call upon your services so that they can again sleep peacefully in their beds at night.'

‘Now I know that you are teasing me. I must admit, though, that I was more than pleased to put London behind me. Everyone chasing around, looking for that awful Ripper character and having no success; police being blamed for everything, uniformed officers being jeered at in the street. No, I thank God for my appointment here – even if life is somewhat unexciting at present. But then if I was still in Whitechapel I would not now be here with you, my love, and that is what I most desire in all the world.'

Lucy came forward and kissed him on the cheek.

‘And now, my dear, it is time that we put in an appearance at your Lamplighters' Ball before they extinguish all the lights in the town and we have to find our way there in the dark.'

After giving final instructions to the maid in regard to the welfare of her son, Lucy and her husband made their way slowly down Church Lane. As they walked past the old timber-framed buildings, the flickering lamps threw beams of light across the snow-covered cobbles.

Crossing the main thoroughfare at the marketplace, they entered a large black and white building on the other side of the road.

‘Good evening, sir. Good evening, madam. Welcome to the Feathers. If you would care to leave your outer garments here, you will find your host and hostess in the large room upstairs,' said a smiling footman as they entered the building.

After depositing their coats with the attendant, they climbed the old wooden staircase and made their way along the landing of the hotel, being drawn forward by the sound of music further down the corridor.

‘Good evening to you, sir, madam. And whom do I have the honour of addressing?' asked an elderly grey-haired gentleman at the entrance to a large room.

‘Samuel Ravenscroft – and Mrs Ravenscroft.'

‘Ravenscroft? Who's Ravenscroft, my dear?' said the man, shaking the new arrival's hand as he turned towards his wife.

‘I believe Mr Ravenscroft is the local police sergeant, recently arrived in the town,' replied their hostess, shouting in her husband's ear.

‘Inspector,' corrected Ravenscroft uneasily.

‘Don't think I've seen you around,' muttered his host.

‘I have only been here for six weeks, sir, although my wife has lived in the town for three years. I spend quite a great deal of my time in Malvern and Worcester. That is perhaps why I am not much in evidence.'

‘Hmm. More crime in Worcester, I suppose?'

Ravenscroft smiled.

‘Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs Ravenscroft,' said the gentleman, taking Lucy's hand and bringing it to his lips.

‘I hope you will enjoy the ball,' said their hostess, somewhat nervously.

‘I'm sure we will,' replied Ravenscroft, giving a short bow and guiding his wife into the room.

‘I don't think I have seen so many people in Ledbury in one place before,' said Lucy, as they made their way through the throng towards a waiter who was holding a silver tray.

‘Who on earth was that who welcomed us?' asked Ravenscroft, helping himself to two glasses of wine.

‘I believe his name is Montacute. He is the manager and owner of Cocks and Biddulph, the local bank. I think he and his wife live at The Gables, that large, imposing house on the way out of the town,' replied Lucy.

‘They must have plenty of money to live in such a house. I should think they would need to employ at least a dozen servants or more to keep them in any degree of comfort. The wife must be about half his age.'

‘She is very attractive,' offered Lucy.

‘I am sure I did not notice – but then you are certainly the most attractive person in the room tonight.'

‘Samuel, stop flattering me.'

‘You're Ravenscroft, ain't you?'

Ravenscroft turned.

‘Onslow at yer service. Major Onslow. Late Bengal Lancers, and now master of the Ledbury hunt.'

‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance, sir,' replied Ravenscroft, shaking the hand of a late-middle-aged man of somewhat squat appearance and freckled brown complexion, who sported a large, turned-up, white moustache.

‘And who is this fine lady?'

‘Allow me to introduce my wife, Mrs Ravenscroft.'

‘Delighted, ma'am. Delighted. Mrs Ravenscroft, you say? What a pity. All the best women are spoken for,' said the major, giving a sigh before taking Lucy's hand and kissing it.

‘There is a Mrs Onslow?' coughed Ravenscroft.

‘Wish there was, my man. Wish there was. Far too busy out in India to have had time to study the field. Now I'm far too old for any decent filly to cast her gaze in my direction.'

‘I'm sure that is far from the truth, sir,' said Lucy, smiling.

‘You think so, ma'am? Perhaps there is hope for me yet? Should have met you before yer husband snapped you up! There would have been no faltering in the starting blocks then, I can assure yer. Me timing has always left a lot to be desired. Like a word with you about the hunt whilst yer here, Ravenscroft.'

‘I'm afraid I don't ride.'

‘Pity. Don't know what yer missin'. There's nothing quite like the thrill of the chase to improve one's constitution. Let me know if you fancy trying yer hand sometime or other. Sure I can fix you up with a good filly.'

‘Thank you, Major. I'll let you know if I change my mind,' said Ravenscroft, smiling.

‘While yer here, there's something else I need to have a word with you about.'

‘How can I be of assistance?'

‘It's that damn fellow Catherwood!' snorted the major.

‘Catherwood?' enquired Ravenscroft.

‘Sorry. Forgot you're new to the area. Owns a big farm out towards Colwall way. The man's a bounder. No respect for society. Won't let my hunt go over his lands. Says he'll shoot the first dog
that he sees. Damned unsporting of him! Sorry for me language, my dear lady. Very unsporting. Want you to have a word with him Ravenscroft. Tell him to follow the laws of the countryside and all that. Jiggle him up a bit, if you know what I mean.'

‘I don't think I can do that, sir.'

‘Why ever not, man?' asked the major, frowning.

‘Well, unless Mr Catherwood has committed an offence, I have no cause to question him. He would be perfectly within his rights to say who, and who cannot, come on to his land.'

‘Rubbish, man!'

‘I'm sorry, Major, but I don't see what I can do,' said Ravenscroft quietly, trying to placate the master of the hunt.

‘Damn it, Ravenscroft! That sort of attitude won't go down well here. Damned unsporting of yer! Didn't have you down as a lilyfaced townie!' growled the major, turning abruptly away and moving to another part of the room.

‘Oh dear. I think you might have upset the major just a little, my dear,' said Lucy, squeezing her husband's arm.

‘I can't help that. It is just not my job to go around telling people who they can and who they cannot allow on their land,' answered Ravenscroft.

‘Never mind. I'm sure the major might eventually come round to your way of thinking.'

‘I doubt it.'

‘Aren't you going to ask me to dance?' enquired his wife, looking into his eyes.

‘I'm not sure I would be very good at it. It has been quite a time since I took to the dance floor. I also suffer from policeman's foot.'

‘Policeman's foot? Whatever is that?' asked Lucy.

‘Two left feet,' said Ravenscroft, smiling.

Lucy ignored his last remark and, taking hold of his arm, led her husband out on to the crowded dance floor.

‘Strange to see the lamps going out all over the town,' said Lucy, as she and her husband looked out from the upstairs window of the Feathers Hotel. Beneath them they could see the lamplighters extinguishing the lamps in the marketplace.

‘Within a few minutes the whole town will be plunged into darkness,' added Ravenscroft. ‘A good opportunity for
housebreaking, I would say, with everyone of note attending this ball instead of safely guarding their own homes.'

‘It's Mr Ravenscroft, is it not?' asked a voice at his elbow.

‘Yes.'

‘Anthony Midwinter. You were kind enough to assist me when I fell the other day.'

‘Yes, of course, Mr Midwinter. I trust you are fully recovered, sir?'

‘Indeed.'

‘Let me introduce you to my wife. Lucy, dear, this is Mr Midwinter.'

‘Of Midwinter, Oliphant and Burrows, Solicitors of Ledbury at your service.'

‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr Midwinter,' said Lucy, smiling at the elderly gentleman.

‘Strange to see the town plunged into darkness at night. An ancient but not unpleasant custom, I think you would agree, Mrs Ravenscroft?'

‘Yes, indeed,' replied Lucy. ‘I presume that the lamplighters must have held an important role in the life of the town?'

‘Why, yes indeed, Mrs Ravenscroft. The town has always depended on light for its very survival, and the position of lamplighter has always been considered an important one. In medieval times there were just two. Over the past hundred years the town has grown in size and so we now have three lamplighters. A much sought-after position – almost an honour, you could say, to be nominated. Only men of honesty and longstanding in the town are considered to fill the role of lamplighter when such a vacancy arises,' said Anthony.

‘Fascinating. Perhaps you should have been a lamplighter, Samuel, rather than a policeman,' said Lucy, smiling at her husband.

‘Of course, you are the new inspector!' exclaimed Midwinter.

‘I'm afraid so.'

‘My husband was only saying to me, earlier this evening, that he did not have enough to occupy his time, due to the law-abiding nature of the town.'

‘It has not always been so, I can assure you. Ledbury, alas, does have its crimes, like everywhere else. Why, a few years ago, there was even a robbery at Martins Bank. I remember it came as quite
an affront to the town. I'm not sure that they ever caught the perpetrators. Oh, if you would excuse me, I think I can see my wife calling me from near the mantelpiece. I trust you will both enjoy our little ball, Inspector, Mrs Ravenscroft.'