“I approve of caution, but can’t they move any faster? The investors want a dividend at the end of March, and that would be much easier to do if the hotel could stop pouring money into the pockets of Ritz and his cohorts. And though I know Ritz agreed to give his full cooperation to an audit, the more intrusive these investigations become and the longer they go on, the more likely he is to smell a rat.”
“He already does. He sent Richard a most irate cable from Rome, demanding to know why his staff was being harassed. And even though we managed to get Echenard out of the way by sending him on holiday, he also cabled Richard. I can only assume that Escoffier, Agostini, and Lady Stratham have been keeping both of them informed of the changes you are making and the audits the accountants are conducting.”
“Yes, I daresay they are starting to realize there’s more to this thancost-cutting to satisfy the investors. We knew they would, of course, but I’d hoped to be finished before they truly appreciated what dire straits they’re in.”
“It doesn’t make your job any easier, of course, but there it is. Mr. Dever tells me they need another month.”
“Very well, but the minute they learn anything more, let me know.”
“Of course.”
Forced to be content with that, Simon paid the bill, and he and Helen went their separate ways. But as he walked the short distance back to the Savoy, he decided that although the accountants would not be able to start investigating Lady Stratham for four more weeks, there was no reason he could not do some investigating of his own. He’d have to tread carefully, however; for though Delia was aggravating as hell, she was also devilishly clever.
Rather a shame now that he’d thrown her offer of a truce back in her face this morning. On the other hand, if he’d agreed to make peace and be friends, pumping her for information now wouldn’t be quite playing the game.
Nonetheless, as he reentered the hotel and started toward his office, he appreciated that there were ways to delve into her activities and find out more about what she might be doing without pretending to be her friend. He was her employer, after all. He could keep as close an eye on her activities as he wanted.
A glance through her doorway revealed that she was out, and he questioned Ross as to her whereabouts the moment he entered his office.
“Lady Stratham is at an appointment this afternoon, I suppose?” he asked as passed the secretary’s desk on the way to his own.
“Oh, no, my lord,” the secretary replied as he stood up. “I don’t think Lady Stratham left for an appointment. I believe she went down to the laundry.”
“The laundry?” He stopped halfway to his desk and turned, suddenly alert. “Did she say why?”
“No, not to me. But I’m sure it must have been because of the duffel bag.”
“What duffel bag?”
“When I returned from luncheon, I noticed this enormous duffel bag on Lady Stratham’s desk. A few minutes later, when her ladyship came in, I heard her give an exclamation of annoyance and say out loud—she was talking to herself, you understand—that the bundle ought to have been delivered to the laundry. Then,” he added, gesturing to the open door between offices, “I saw her pick up the bundle and go out again. I presume she was going to the laundry.”
The detectives noticed big, unmarked bundles being delivered to the Savoy laundry every Tuesday.
As he remembered Helen’s words from a short time ago, he also remembered that today was Tuesday.
“Thank you, Ross.” Feeling grim, he turned away. “I’ll be back later.”
Helen’s investigation into Lady Stratham’s activities might have to wait, but right now, he decided, was the perfect time to begin his own. Leaving his office, he started for the laundry.
8
But how are you feeling, truly?” Delia cast a concerned glance over the dark-haired young woman who was ironing on the other side of the worktable. “Are you absolutely sure you haven’t returned to your duties too soon? If money is a concern, I’m sure something can be worked out.”
Lizzie Welton smiled as she set the iron back on the plate to warm. “Please don’t worry about me, my lady. Mrs. Henderson has been very kind to me, saying I could take breaks if I needed to rest, but honestly, I feel right as rain. But then, I was only in labor for twelve hours.”
“Twelve sounds like a lot.”
“Oh, no, my lady. It’s nothing, especially when you consider that this is my first baby. The midwife couldn’t believe it. I was born to have babies, she said.”
Pain hit Delia square in the chest, but she swallowed hard and shoved the feeling aside. “A blessing, to be sure, but even so, dear Lizzie, you mustn’t tire yourself out.”
“No worries on that score. I have help at home.” Lizzie’s plump face took on a rueful expression, her pert nose wrinkling up. “My mother-in-law,” she said with a profound lack of enthusiasm, “has moved in with us.”
“Ah.” Delia gave her a knowing look in return. “Now I see why you were so eager to return to work.”
Lizzie grinned. “Exactly so, my lady.”
Delia watched her pick up the iron again and appreciated that she’d taken enough of the young woman’s time. “I had best allow you to carry on with your duties or Mrs. Henderson will scold me.” Gesturing to the half-open duffel bag on the worktable, she added, “Can I put this somewhere, so it won’t be in your way?”
