12. Tea at the Windsor

Phryne rang Jack the following morning and inquired about his injury.

"I am as well as expected Miss Fisher", he said. "I followed Dr Macmillan's instructions to the letter and kept up the medication for the pain."

"Excellent" said Phryne. "I'm taking us all out for lunch. Dress smartly, I'll pick you up at 12 o'clock."

Jack was dressed and presentable when Phryne arrived with Jane and Dot, all smartly dressed. However, when they got to the Windsor Hotel, they were lost in the very elegant silks and furs that moved past them. Jack was surprised at the number of people lunching on a Sunday.

"I did not realise that so many people went out on Sundays," he said. "I thought only police and hospital staff gave up their day of rest!"

"Some people have a different day of rest," said Phryne, "Like the Rosenbergs."

"Point taken" replied Jack.

Lunch went along smoothly; Jack had no lack of assistance with his meal, his arm still in a sling. Extra attention was given to them by the waiting staff, Phyrne was able to make a certain comments to one of them. "It's such a lovely day; I hope all your workers turned up!"

Eventually Phryne said to all, "Entertain yourselves for a short time, I'm off to make some inquires!"

Dot also disappeared on a "recognisance mission"

Jane entertained Jack with all she knew about other religions. "The Rosenberg's attend Synagogue. I go to school with their daughter Hannah. The Muslims attend Mosque, which points to a city called Mecca. The Hindus attend temple, but the Communists don't go to a church. If they want to get married they have to go to the Registry Office!"

"I'll keep that in mind" said Jack politely. He had been wondering why he had to be present, but sitting with only Jane, he realised that the staff were not only helpful, but inadvertently revealing.

"You're lucky you have your daughter to help you Sir", said one waitress watching Jane proudly pour Jack another cup of coffee, "One of our house maids did not turn up, so we lost a kitchen maid to housekeeping."

Jane bubbled over with excitement. "She called me your daughter, Inspector"

"Jane, if you were my daughter, I'd have you home and locked up with your mother! You both cause trouble wherever you go!" said Jack scanning the restaurant for Phryne. Not finding her, he looked back at Jane "However, today, I will settle for "Seen, but not heard!" He looked at her sternly.

Jane's smile vanished, until he winked at her. She started giggling again, trying to cover her mouth up with her hand, she knew there was some sleuthing going on, and she was part of the plan.

Eventually Phryne and Dot returned. "One of the house maids did not turn up yesterday" said Dot.

"Yes, and there was a guest who left without paying. I gave my card to the Housekeeper, and she said she would call on me at home later today and tell me the details" said Phryne.

Indeed, Mrs Dawkins the Windsor Housekeeper arrived at St Kilda only a short time after they returned from the hotel. She hesitated when she was introduced to Jack.

"Oh" said Mrs Dawkins "I thought that I would only be speaking to the lady detective."

"The Inspector has been injured in the course of this investigation, so it is important that it is solved before anyone else is hurt. I have been bought in for the "delicate nature" of some matters!" said Phryne.

Jack rolled his eyes behind Mrs Dawkins back, but let Phryne proceed.

Mrs Dawkins was most informative. "Young Rachel Smith did not report to work yesterday or today. She's normally so reliable. She's one of the few girls who live at home. She cares for both her parents you see."

"Does Rachel try to earn extra money or do extra shifts?" asked Phryne.

"Oh Yes, she likes to earn money" aid Mrs Dawkins.

Jack and Phryne exchanged glances; perhaps she was trying a new line of work.

"Is there anything else that you want to tell us?" asked Phryne, "Has there been any property gone missing? Anything of a guest's? Ladies lingerie perhaps?"

Mrs Dawkins looked at Jack, before Phryne said "You may speak freely Mrs Dawkins, the Inspector is very discreet!"

The housekeeper whispered "A female guest left behind some ladies ..."Smalls".. that were apparently the latest fashion. Very inappropriate for a society lady. Very flimsy. Not at all supportive! They have gone missing!"

"What colour were they?" asked Phryne

Mrs Dawkins looked at Jack again. "Red, and made for a generous figure!" She then made some gestures as she whispered to Phryne, indicating the nature of the missing underwear. Phryne glanced at Jack and gave him a warning look, while the two conferred and Phryne drew pictures of the underwear.

Jack eventually cleared his throat. "I think we have established that there were under garments involved Mrs Dawkins, but please tell me more about the guest who left without paying his bill."

"It's all very peculiar" said Mrs Dawkins "Mr Rennie from Benalla has been with us so often. He frequently requested Rachel to clean his room. He said he was related to her!"

Jack took Mr Rennie's details and Mrs Dawkins left.

"Right Miss Fisher, if you could be so kind as to drive me to City South Station, and I will get all this information written down" said Jack as he stood up.

"But Jack, as you are technically off duty, I thought we could spend the afternoon together. Maybe discussing "undergarments"?" suggested Phryne.

Jack smiled, "Riveting conversation I am sure! However, I believe I may have to postpone that discussion for a couple of days, for when I am in better health" he said.

Phryne pouted, but drove him to the station.

"Wednesday, Jack" she said as he went to get out of the car "I want to see you Wednesday and not a day later. And when I say "See", I mean more than just over a meal!"

"You have my solemn promise that I will be endeavour to be as healthy as possible by Wednesday" he said. He took her hand and kissed it.

Phryne had to be content with that!