Page 25 of Solving Sophronia

“And when did you last see her?”

“Monday, late afternoon—I am not sure of the precise time.”

Sophie hesitated, unsure how to proceed. She glanced at the detective, and seeing his nod, she took a deep breath. “When Miss Duffin... when she was discovered, she was dressed very elegantly. I expect she was going somewhere special? Perhaps to meet a man?”

Miss Primm looked down at the handkerchief in her lap, creasing the folds between her fingers. “I don’t know...” She glanced up, then to the side.

Sophie recognized her look of guilt. If it were known that Jane Duffin had had a beau, her position would likely have been terminated. She reached forward, placing a hand over Miss Primm’s. “I know you want to keep her secret, and that is admirable, but if we are to discover what happened to Jane, we need to know the truth. She is beyond reprimand now.”

Miss Primm spoke after a long pause. “George Lewis.” She didn’t look up. “He works as a footman at the Belcourt Assembly Hall.”

“Thank you,” Sophie said.

“Did Jane have any family?” Detective Graham asked. His voice had softened, sounding more gentle.

Miss Primm shook her head. “Her parents died, and her brother.”

“Did either Miss Duffin or Mr. Lewis have any enemies?” Detective Graham asked.

“Jane was well-liked. I can’t imagine anyone wishing her harm.” Miss Primm creased the handkerchief some more. “But George—Jane told me he was in a fistfight last week with her old sweetheart, Nick Sloan. Nearly got the pair of them sacked.”

“And does Mr. Sloan work at the Belcourt as well?” Sophie asked.

She nodded. “In the stables.”

“Is this George Lewis?” Detective Graham lifted a frame from the bureau and turned it toward the women. The photograph inside was not of good quality and was very small. It appeared to have been taken at a fair or exposition. But the woman was clearly recognizable as Jane Duffin. The man standing beside her was young and had a trimmed mustache and long sideburns.

“Yes, that is him.”

“I’ve seen this man,” Detective Graham said. “And I can be fairly certain he is not Jane Duffin’s murderer.”

“How could you possibly know that?” Sophie asked.

“George Lewis’s body lies at this moment in the city morgue.”

Miss Primm gasped.

“He was found Monday night just a few streets away from Miss Duffin,” Detective Graham said. He tapped his finger on his lips as he studied the picture. “Dr. Peabody estimated the time of his death to be between six and seven that evening as well.”

“Another murder?” Sophie rose and took the photograph from him. “Why did you not tell me?” She had assumed they were sharing their information, but he had deliberately kept this from her.

“Murder victims being discovered in the rookery are not so uncommon that I even considered the two might be related.”

“Well, they clearly are.” Sophie still felt indignant at being taken by surprise.

“I think we’re done here,” Detective Graham said. “Thank you, Miss Primm. Make certain you also speak to the sergeant.”

“Yes, sir, Detective.” She stood, curtsied, and held out the handkerchief to Sophie. “My lady.”

“Keep it.” Sophie clasped a hand over the woman’s and patted her shoulder. “And again, I am so very sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.” Miss Primm hurried from the room.

Sophie gave the photograph to the detective and started to exit as well.

Detective Graham caught her elbow, stopping her. “Well done, my lady.” He glanced toward where the maid had gone. “You conducted a fine interview.”

Chapter 7

---