Page 30 of Solving Sophronia

She didn’t let herself think about how close he stood. Did Detective Graham smell like a sweet shop?

“Well, it is indeed a possibility,” he said. “This was George Lewis’s last known location. And we know Jane Duffin told Miss Primm she was going to meet him. Whether she did, and whether their meeting was intended for the assembly hall or somewhere else, is still to be determined.” He pushed wide the double doors and stepped into the ballroom, his footsteps echoing through the cavernous space.

Sophie walked beside him, having no idea what they were meant to find in an empty room. She didn’t imagine the murderer would have left a signed confession tucked behind a painting. The large windows on the far side gave the ballroom light, but the space still felt cold and empty without the chandeliers glowing and music playing. The pair walked around the edge of the room. “How exactly did George Lewis die?” She winced at the loudness of her voice and spoke softer. “Was he strangled like... ?”

Detective Graham took a small paper sack from his jacket pocket. He offered Sophie a peppermint, then put one into his own mouth.

“Blow to the head,” Detective Graham replied. “Dr. Peabody said the object used was heavy with a straight, sharp edge. Smashed in half of his skull, which is another reason I don’t believe Mr. Smudgely could have done it.” He checked a window latch. “A strike like that would have taken exceptional force.”

“By someone very strong,” Sophie said around the piece of candy. She hoped her face didn’t reveal the shock at hearing the detective speak so bluntly about the violent act and the grisly results. If he took her to be squeamish, he may not entrust her with further case details.

He nodded. “And possibly very angry.”

“Nick Sloan?”

“So far, he is the only suspect we’ve come across with a motive. The jilted lover.”

They completed the circuit of the ballroom and returned to the entry hall. Sophie’s stomach felt ill as she considered the violent nature of the murders. Solving them, stopping the monster who was capable of something so gruesome, became even more vital.

Detective Graham looked between the different doors and rubbed his knuckle against his lip, apparently lost in thought. After a moment, he looked up. “Let us consider. Jane Duffin had a few rare hours to herself two nights ago, and what did she decide to do?”

“According to Miss Primm, she left to meet George Lewis.”

Detective Graham nodded. “She dressed in her loveliest gown and set off for a romantic visit with her paramour.”

“Did she arrange to meet him somewhere? Perhaps in Spitalfields?” Sophie shook her head as soon as she said it. “No, that doesn’t make sense. According to Mr. Smudgely, George Lewis was working Monday night.” Sophie held out a hand, palm down. “Here.”

“I imagine he wasn’t eager to lose his position,” Detective Graham said. “So the encounter likely took place here, at the assembly hall, where he could steal away for a short time.” He opened his notebook, writing something inside. “I’ll send officers to speak to cabdrivers, see if any remember her.”

“But that night this place was filled with men, aside from the staff. As a woman, she’d have drawn attention.”

The detective glanced toward the kitchen. “Not if she came by way of the delivery entrance.”

“I suppose that is possible,” Sophie said. “But she’d surely have been noticed by someone.”

“I agree,” the detective said. He removed a paper from his notebook and handed it to Sophie. “If Jane Duffin was here, someone assuredly saw her.”

“But who?” Sophie took the paper and saw that it was the employee list from Mr. Smudgely’s secretary. “How can we possibly interview all of these people?” She moved a finger down the list and counted in her head. “There are more than fifty on this list alone, not to mention the guests.” A pity the full staff wasn’t working today. Would they need to call on each of the employees at their residences? The people lived all over the city. And what of the men who had attended the dinner and lecture? Finding and interviewing each of them would take... perhaps weeks. “Oh,” Sophie said as an idea occurred to her.

“What is it?” Detective Graham asked.

It was so simple. She considered for a moment, then turned to face him directly. “Detective, I have a thought.” Seeing his nod, she continued. “In three days, there is to be a ball here at the Belcourt—the engagement ball for Lord Ruben and Lady Lorene Stanhope. It promises to be a very grand affair, and I am certain it will be largely attended.”

“I’m not certain how that pertains—”

“With such an extensive guest list, the hall is sure to be fully staffed,” she interrupted. Now that the idea was developed, she was certain it was a good one. “And most, if not all of the Kingsclere Hunting Club will be in attendance. Lord Ruben is a very prominent member of the club.”

Detective Graham’s puzzled expression indicated that he still didn’t understand her point.

“Allof the suspects and witnesses will be in attendance.” She shook the paper for emphasis. “The employees and last night’s guests.”

“I see,” Detective Graham said. “And I assume you will be a guest as well. You intend to interview each of them over the course of the night?”

“Indeed not.” She put the paper in her notebook, closing it with a snap. For a detective, his powers of deduction were at times very poor. She folded her arms. “I thoughtyouwould accompany me.” The moment the words were out of her mouth, she realized how very forward they sounded. A tingling blush spread up from her neck and over her cheeks. She looked away and attempted to keep her expression from showing embarrassment.

“I? Attend the ball... with you?”

“It was a silly idea.” Sophie’s voice came out softer than she’d intended, and the heat spread down into her chest. She opened her notebook again, took out the pencil, and cleared her throat. “Forget I mentioned it. Now, let us return to our storyline. Jane Duffin entered the assembly hall through a back entrance to meet George Lewis.”

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