‘I see. Well, would you pass on my best wishes to her? I hope she’s alright and I hope to speak with her again soon. I have a few more questions about her brother.’
‘Mrs Bradshaw wishes to be left in peace, so I shall not be bothering her with messages. I wish you a good day, Mrs Peel.’
Augusta felt her jaw drop as the door was closed on her. She took a few steps back and looked up at the house. The only sound in the street was the cheerful song of birds in the trees.
As Augusta turned to go, she caught a movement in the corner of her eye. Someone at a window, perhaps?
She surveyed the house again but saw no sign of anyone.
Augusta went on her way.
It would have been easy to feel offended by her reception at Louisa Bradshaw’s home.
But Augusta felt worried. What had happened to her?
Chapter 25
Louisa Bradshaw stood back from the window as she watched Mrs Peel walk away.
‘I told her you weren’t receiving visitors,’ came her housekeeper’s voice from behind her. ‘That’s what you wanted me to say, wasn’t it, Mrs Bradshaw?’
‘Yes. That’s right. Thank you, Mrs Wilson. What did she say?’
‘She passed on her best wishes. She seemed concerned about you.’
‘Did she?’ Louisa continued to gaze out of the window, twisting her handkerchief in her hands. She liked Mrs Peel. She hoped she wasn’t offended that she had refused to see her.
She wished she could explain to Mrs Peel that she had been warned not to speak to her.
It was too dangerous.
‘I shall get on with preparing the vegetables for dinner.’
‘Thank you, Mrs Wilson.’
Chapter 26
‘Tea! What a lovely thought. Thank you, Augusta!’ said Philip when she placed the cup on his desk.
‘I only bring you tea when I need your help with something,’ she said as she sat in the chair across the desk from him.
‘I’ve noticed that. Have you found out anything more about Alexander Miller?’
Augusta told him about John Gibson’s letters and the hostile reception she had received at Louisa Bradshaw’s house that morning.
‘I wonder why she isn’t talking to anyone,’ said Philip.
‘I don’t know if she’s refusing to speak to everyone, or just refusing to speak to me.’
‘Why would it be just you?’
‘Maybe because she finds it upsetting talking about her brother.’
‘In which case, the housekeeper could have politely explained that to you.’
‘I suppose so. I just hope Louisa Bradshaw is alright.’
‘There’s not much you can do about it, Augusta. Clearly something has happened to her, and she doesn’t wish to discuss it with anyone.’
‘I’d hoped she’d be able to tell me more about Jemima.’
‘It’s a shame you haven’t been able to speak to her again. Hopefully, you’ll find more in those letters you’re painstakingly deciphering.’
‘It certainly takes a while and a lot of patience. I can’t help wondering what happened. Did John and Alexander fall out over Jemima? Did John get rid of Alexander?’
‘It’s possible.’
‘I could enquire at the accounts department at the Great Western Railway headquarters. All three of them worked there.’
‘That’s an excellent idea, Augusta. I’m sure you’ll find someone there who’ll be able to tell you a little more about the three of them.’
Augusta took a sip of tea. ‘Mr Ramsden seems jolly. He bought four more books from me this morning.’
Philip smiled. ‘I’m pleased he’s good for your business, Augusta.’
‘Thank you for sending him my way. You don’t have to follow Mrs Ramsden about today?’
‘No. Apparently she has a head cold, so she’s spending a few days at home. She’ll soon be over it, no doubt, with the help of treatments from Mr Ramsden’s company, Hodgson Medicines. In fact, he’s donated a few medicines to me.’ Philip opened his desk drawer and took out some small brown bottles. ‘I’ve got Camrol Compound for coughs and colds, Lorine Lozenges to soothe the throat, and Perratin Pills for dyspepsia.’ He lined them up on his desk. ‘Are you in need of any of these, Augusta?’
