The following morning, Percival stared out the window of his study. Tiffany’s response to the model of the proposed orphanage had not been quite what he expected. Although she had admired it, conceded that it was very pretty, she had raised questions about it that he had not considered.
“I suppose,” he addressed a little brown sparrow that hopped about on the window ledge, “That it is not enough to hatch your babies and to feed them. You must also teach them how to scratch for themselves and how to take part in the doings of the flock.”
McClellan cleared his throat and tapped lightly at the door.
Percival turned. “Yes, McClellan?”
“Begging you pardon, My Lord, I did not wish to interrupt your conversation with yon birdie, but there is a gentleman come to call on you.”
“Did you get his card or his name?” Percival asked.
“Both, My Lord,” McClellan returned, giving him a look that said, ‘with whom do you think you are speaking?’ “It is Constable Brooks. He says that he is expected.”
“Yes, of course he is expected. Do please show him up, and ring for some tea. I will see him in the small drawing room.”
“Very good, My Lord. I will see to it at once.”
Percival and the tea arrived in the small drawing room at the same time. A stout man, dressed in a drab, dun-colored coat was warming his hands at the fire. “A pleasure to meet you, Constable,” Percival greeted him.
“And you, My Lord. I knew your father well. How may I serve you?”
“I have a young woman in my employ. She came to me in a rather unusual way. I would like for you to check her background, and see if she is truly who she says she is, and if what she is telling me is true.”
“Why do you not bring this to the attention of the Watch, My Lord?”
“Because of the rather unusual circumstance under which I hired her.”
Retired Constable Brooks lifted one eyebrow at Percival. “Oh? You know, My Lord, that if she is a danger to others I shall be obliged to bring her in.”
“I do not believe that she is. But it is with that sort of issue in mind that I wish to have her background investigated. Can you do it?”
Brooks flipped open a worn snuff box as if to take a pinch, hesitated and offered it wordlessly to Percival.
“No, thank you,” Percival said. “I’ve never acquired the habit. But feel free if you wish.”
Brooks took a pinch, sneezed, and tucked away the box. “Why don’t you tell me about it. Then I’ll be able to say as to what I can or cannot do.”
“Come, have some of this excellent tea, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
The two gentlemen sat down at the tea table, and while Brooks laid waste to a plateful of little sandwiches, scones, and similar dainties, Percival told the story of how Tiffany Bentley came to be a member of his household.
“Well,” said Brooks, “I can see why you want to learn more about her. I do recall Bentley’s Bakery, and I did wonder what became of the girl. She was a taking little thing before Bentley died. I saw her in the shop several times after that, but she was not in evidence when Widow Bentley was turned out.”
“Is the bakery still in operation?” Percival asked.
“No,” Brooks shook his head. “The place was abandoned not long after. All the affects were sold to pay the widow’s debts.”
“Do you have any idea what happened to her?”
“No, but I can probably find out. Is there any particular reason you want to know her whereabouts?”
“Miss Bentley believes that in leaving, she betrayed a trust placed upon her by Mr. Bentley. But according to her story, the widow made life unbearable.”
“Maybe so, maybe not.”
Brooks tapped one finger against his waistcoat where he had secreted the snuff box. “I can check into it, see if I can locate the widow. Ask around and see if she has told you the truth. An’ you understand, My Lord, that there is truth, and then there is Truth. Youngsters often think that those who have charge of them are mistreatin’ ‘em, if you see what I mean.”
“I understand,” Percival nodded. “Whatever you can learn will be more than I know now. Miss Bentley seems to be reasonably forthcoming, but I do not want to put the household at risk just for a whim. Although, I declare, we have never eaten better than we have since she became the cook.”
