Page 47 of One Last Smile

Eliza and Dr. Chalmers are romantically involved. Eliza works as his secretary now. Before then, Minnie worked for him, and she and Dr. Chalmers were also romantically involved. Minnie became pregnant with his child, and he urged her to abort. She didn’t, and he redacted the proof anyway. Either she walked safely into the future, as Oliver claims, or she was kidnapped and murdered.

It’s possible she did leave, and Oliver spoke the truth. But if so, then why the lies? Why act as though she was taken with foul play by some unknown party? Why try to convince me that Alistair is the killer?

Rupert simply wanted the baby gone. He didn’t want the responsibility. That could be motive enough to murder her, or it could be motive to let her leave and simply say nothing. With no record of the pregnancy, there would be no proof that he was the father. I am not familiar with the court system in Britain, so perhaps she could challenge him later and prove he was the parent. Perhaps that would be motive to murder her too.

But Eliza… I don’t know. I know she lied, but she could be lying to protect Oliver. Or perhaps she simply didn’t see Oliver leave with her the night she disappeared. She could be the culprit, an accomplice, or simply another foolish young woman taken in by a charismatic older man.

The key will be to determine if her relationship with Dr. Chalmers started before or after Minnie’s disappearance. He could simply enjoy boffing his secretaries prior to every workday, or he could have taken to Eliza before Minnie, seeing her as a consolation prize in place of Veronica. Eliza does take after her somewhat in appearance, and it’s not exactly rare knowledge that men prefer youth.

In any case, I still need more. I can’t show these pictures to the police and tell them my hypothesis about Eliza and Dr. Chalmers.

So I decide to confront her. God knows it’s the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done, but I can no longer dance around this. I won’t ask about Minnie’s disappearance. I’ll present myself as an older woman trying to give her matronly advice without alerting her mother to her mistakes. Then I can mention Minnie and say that I suspect Dr. Chalmers was using her the same way.

It’s not a foolproof plan, but maybe she’ll reveal something. At the least, I can determine how long things have been going on between her and Dr. Chalmers.

That dinner is the longest of my life. I smile and laugh and joke with the others as though I’m part of the family. The suspense is nearly enough to kill me. I look at Eliza, and every sly smile, every flush in her cheeks reminds me of what she was doing earlier that day.

How could she be with him knowing what he did to Minnie? How, if she wasn’t also complicit?

I’m jumping to conclusions. First things first.

After dinner, the family slowly disperses. I manage to learn that Eliza plans to take a walk in the west garden after dinner. It’s a clear night and a full moon, and she wants to enjoy the fresh air.

“That sounds lovely!” I interject. “Could I join you?”

It’s horrifically impertinent of a servant to invite herself to such an outing, but Eliza smiles graciously. “Of course. A fellow stargazer?”

“Well, I don’t know about that,” I demur, “but I like the pretty lights.”

Oliver laughs at that. “You’ll have to tell us a story about pretty lights one of these days. I’m sure you’ve seen your fair share.”

“I don’t know exactly what you’re trying to say, Oliver,” Eliza replies, “but I’m sure it’s some sort of nasty joke, so shame on you.”

He grins at her. “Perhaps I’ll join you, and we can all tell stories about what goes on in the dark.”

I struggle to contain my fear. I need to talk to Eliza alone.

Lucas glances at me, and a knowing look flashes across his face. He turns to Oliver and says, “Actually, I was wondering if I could ask you some advice later.” He blushes and says, “You see… I spoke with Tilly over the phone earlier today. She’s visiting over the summer holiday, and she and I were thinking about… well…”

He glances at Veronica and reddens a little. Oliver gets the hint and winks at him. “Say no more, little brother. I shall turn you into the world’s most successful Lothario.”

“What’s that?” Veronica asks.

“Nothing, Mother,” Oliver replies. “Lucas here has just saved our sister from a thoroughly annoying evening.”

Eliza rolls her eyes. “And I am grateful to him, though disgusted by his reasons. Honestly, is that all boys ever think about?”

You’re one to talk, I don’t say aloud.

***

We finally head to the gardens. Eliza talks brightly about her day, gossiping about the patients they saw and confiding her relief that Alistair’s visit was brief. “I like him well enough, but he does linger sometimes.”

I wait until we’re out of view of the house, then turn to her. “Eliza, I’ve come across some disturbing news.”

Her smile fades. “Oh?” she says warily.

I meet her eyes. “I’ll just come out and say it. I know about you and Dr. Chalmers.”

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