Page 51 of With Good Grace
‘We must assume that Molly knows about them,’ Jake mused.
Olivia nodded. ‘I seem to recall that she was loitering when I discovered the letters and told Parker about them. I thought nothing of it at the time. And, of course, we have spoken of them several times since then. There is every chance that she overheard us at some point.’
‘But that does not explain why Mrs Granville would recommend Molly to you, Olivia,’ Jake said, convinced that he was missing something vital. ‘What possible advantage could there be to her?’
Olivia shook her head, looking sick with worry. ‘I have no idea, but we ought to go to Kensington and talk to Sarah. I shall know immediately if she is not being honest.’
Reed returned to the room. ‘We have thoroughly searched Molly’s sleeping quarters and questioned the other servants, Jane in particular, my lord. None of them know anything about Molly, other than that she was sweet on that curate. Jane says she was very close-lipped about her family and never said much about her circumstances. And there is nothing amongst her possessions that lends any clue as to her current whereabouts.’
‘That would have been too much to hope for,’ Jake muttered, asking Reed to have Jane sent in.
‘Oh, madam,’ Jane said when she joined them, her eyes blotchy with tears. ‘What a thing to have happened.’
‘It is not your fault, Jane.’
‘Excuse me, m’lord, but Mr Reed says that Molly must have sent that message about my mother.’
‘We think it highly likely, Jane,’ Jake replied. ‘She knew about your mother’s illness and that you were staying here. Few other people did.’
Jane nodded. ‘I wish I knew why she has taken against you, madam, when you are such a kind and considerate mistress. And I am sure Master Tom has never done anything to drive her to such extremes. He is just a babe.’
The footman despatched to speak with Molly’s curate returned.
‘Graves knows nothing about a meeting to help fallen women, my lord, nor did he send for Molly. In fact, he has not seen her for several weeks. He implied that their friendship was never anything more than that. Molly developed a sudden interest in the workings of his chapel and he never turns away a willing pair of hands in his efforts to help the poor.’
‘And yet Molly had everyone believe they were sweethearts,’ Olivia muttered. ‘How odd. Perhaps her feelings for the curate were not returned and her disappointment caused her to recklessly abscond with Tom.’
Jake sent her a reassuring smile. ‘The diversion that enabled the abduction was created quite deliberately. Molly has neither the wits nor the resources to arrange such a thing and the curate has no reason to. No, someone else told her what to do.’ Jake dismissed Jane and thanked the footman who had delivered the information about Graves. Only Parker remained as Jake sat beside Olivia and took her trembling hand in both of his. ‘Tom will not be harmed. These people are well organised but they have no reason to hurt your son. Quite the reverse, since they are using him to get your attention.’
‘They most assuredly have it!’
‘You expect a demand for those letters in return for Tom?’ Parker glowered. ‘That might have been effective if Mrs Grantley was still alone at Cheyne Walk but Sir Hubert, or whoever has taken Tom, must know that she is now living here, under your protection, which means they are either audaciously arrogant or very desperate.’
‘Oh my goodness!’ Olivia clasped her face with both hands. ‘I have just remembered about the Asylum for Fatherless Children.’
‘I beg your pardon.’ Jake looked at Olivia in confusion.
‘It is Mrs Mansfield’s latest charitable cause. I have managed to avoid being pulled onto any of her committees in the past, but have run out of excuses this time. We are due to meet tomorrow in an orphanage in Whitechapel to see what can be done for the poor mites.’
‘Whoever took Tom cannot possibly suppose that you would still keep that engagement.’ Jake said.
‘Perhaps she will get instructions to do so and take the letters with her,’ Parker suggested. ‘Even if we swamp the place with our people, there is every chance that the blaggards would get away in the crowded back streets that they must know a great deal better than we do. Clever!’
‘I think we should start with what we know, not suspect,’ Jake said calmly. ‘That means a visit to your friends in Kensington, Olivia. Have the carriage brought round, Parker, and come with us. Whilst we are speaking with the lady of the house, you need to chat with the servants.’
‘Right you are.’
‘Go up and collect your things,’ Jake said softly, turning back to Olivia, ‘and we shall be on our way. Don’t worry,’ he added, sending her a smile of firm resolve. ‘Tom will be returned to you very soon. On that score you have my solemn promise.’
Chapter Thirteen
‘Oh, madam!’ Jane, waiting for Olivia in her room, looked wretched. ‘I feel responsible for what happened. I should have known that message about my ma was bogus. I just never thought…’
‘Hush now, Jane. None of us could have foreseen this.’
‘If anything happens to Master Tom then I shall never forgive myself.’ Jane dabbed at her eyes. ‘I never shall.’
Olivia found herself reassuring her son’s nursemaid, much as Jake had just reassured her. It helped her to remain in control as she selected a hat with a half-veil that would conceal her blotchy eyes. She settled it on her head and secured it in place with a pin, not bothering to examine the results.
