‘A lady was injured there.’
‘What happened?’
‘Someone attacked her, and she’s currently in hospital.’
‘That’s very sad, but it’s nothing to do with me.’
‘Are you sure? I believe you know her.’
‘Tell me who she is then.’
‘Mrs Peel.’
‘As I’ve said. It was nothing to do with me.’ He kept his face as straight as possible, but inwardly he felt joyful.
Augusta Peel had finally been subdued.
Chapter 49
Augusta felt a little better the following day when Philip visited. He brought her a box of Peek Freans chocolate biscuits.
‘How are you feeling, Augusta?’
‘Bored.’
‘That must be a sign you’re getting better.’ Philip sat down, opened the box of biscuits and offered her one. Then he took one for himself.
‘How have you been, Philip?’
‘Apart from worrying about you?’
‘You’ve been worrying about me?’
‘Of course I have, Augusta! I’m furious someone has got away with pushing you down a flight of steps and injuring you like this. And it frustrates me that we can’t find who did it.’
‘All we need to do is find out who’s behind Alexander Miller’s disappearance. Then we’ll know who did it. Someone’s been watching me, and I suspect it’s because I’m getting closer to the truth. They’re the person who’s scared. Not me.’
‘I agree with you, Augusta. But at the present time, you’re the one lying in a hospital bed. It’s difficult seeing you like this.’
‘But I’m getting better. I should be out of here tomorrow.’
‘Even if you are, you need to take things carefully.’
‘I will. Anyway. You haven’t told me how you’ve been.’
‘Ah yes.’ He offered her another biscuit and took another one for himself. ‘I told Mr Ramsden I could no longer work for him. He wasn’t that impressed. He said it was my fault his wife spotted me among the tea towels in the department store. He told me I’d been clumsy, and I suppose there’s some truth in that.’
‘I don’t think there’s any truth in that at all! Doesn’t he realise how difficult it is to follow someone around without them noticing you?’
‘Clearly, he doesn’t. I wish now I’d just let that thief run off with Mrs Ramsden’s handbag.’
‘But you’re not that sort of person, Philip. You wouldn’t have forgiven yourself if you’d allowed him to get away with it. It was unfortunate the incident drew Mrs Ramsden’s attention to you, but it couldn’t be helped. It’s not clumsiness on your part or any lack of professionalism. It’s just one of those things. You did what you could, and I think you’ve made the right decision to stop working for him.’
‘I suppose so. And there is no shortage of private detectives in London, so he’ll soon find someone else to do the work for him. And I told him I was quite convinced his wife wasn’t having an extramarital affair. He told me I must be mistaken.’
‘If he knows best, then it’s just as well you’re no longer working for him. It’s a shame he didn’t react well, but that’s not your fault.’
‘Well said, Augusta. Another biscuit?’
‘No, I’m alright, thank you.’ The pain in her rib was bothering her again, but she didn’t want to admit it.
‘I need one if that’s alright. There’s something else I need to tell you, Augusta. I wanted to wait until you were out of hospital, but I think you’d be annoyed at me for not telling you sooner.’
‘Yes, I would be. What is it?’
‘I visited Mr Baker at the London Weekly Chronicle again today. I wanted him to promise he won’t be printing the article about you.’
‘And?’
‘It’s not good news, I’m afraid, Augusta. He told me he’s publishing it this Wednesday.’
‘Oh no.’ Augusta rested her head back against her pillow.
‘I tried to do what I could. But I’m afraid it’s another thing I’ve failed at, Augusta.’
‘Oh Philip, you’ve not failed.’ She reached out her hand and he held it. ‘You did all you could. Thank you for trying. I appreciate it.’
Chapter 50
