The Adventure of Hecate House

Chapter 34: Veronica's Secrets

I had envisaged this possibility from the start. Even Watson had had sufficient imagination to conceive of the myriad of wicked possibilities Dr Raddison's chosen field offered him. However, concocting smoky, imaginary deeds is a very different thing to seeing them documented in black and white in front of one's eyes.

My expectations, or rather, my hopes of this venture had been finding a small mountain of circumstantial evidence, enough to eventually tip the balance of the British Justice system when they were presented in sequence; a process of anecdotal attrition, eventually shaping itself into fact. I had not been entirely sanguine, as the chances that Dr Raddison had been careful to cover his tracks seemed significant.

As I read, beginning with the names of those who were now deceased, it was increasingly bourn upon me that what I had in fact unearthed was not so much attrition as landslide. This was a goldmine; a treasure-house of criminality that almost had me whooping and salivating like a child left unattended in a sweetshop.

I began my explorations, appropriately enough, near where my investigations had begun when Miss Meredith Rangaford had first visited my sitting room: with Veronica Bellingham, the unfortunate young woman drowned in her own lake.

Mrs Bellingham's case was recorded with typical clinical efficiency, the narrative succinct, and as precise as the elegant cursive handwriting I recognised as Dr Raddison's. There were detailed notes, but also a précis which referenced them:

"Bellingham, William(29yr) and Veronica (27yr). 16 months married. Marriage was not arranged, couple met through mutual friends, basis for relationship appears mutual regard and affection. No clear dominant partner. Note that both William and Veronica answered personal questions in the same manner with their spouse absent and present.

Veronica:

Personality type: Intelligent superficially, yet careless – intellectually flitting, and distractible throughout discussions. Playful. Unreserved, open in discussions – many men may find her disconcertingly frank. Generous-spirited, unsuspicious, open-minded. Moderately gullible, as is wont to be trusting. Clearly values loyalty.

Financial situation: Considerable financial means independent of her husband. Usually obedient to his wishes, but tends to run the household and take charge of financial matters. Occasionally extravagant.

Relationship to spouse: Appears devoted to William. Aware that he holds her as image of perfection; appears occasionally uncomfortable re this. Occasionally, displays protective/maternal tendencies towards William. Much effort directed towards pleasing him.

Attitude towards children: Very keen for offspring. Strongest feeling appears to be that she is letting William down. Likely to be persuadable to variety of strategies.

Biological knowledge: Basic, but accurate. Aware of process and theory of human reproduction, but hazy about specifics.

Matrimonial habits: Positive attitude; enjoys congress. Coitus is frequent when convenient. Frequent social engagements have curtailed this somewhat; often long gaps when they have no opportunity. Veronica would appear to be the more adventurous of the party.

Biological aspects: No significant past medical history. Menarche aged 13. Menstruates every 28-30 days, for 5-7 days. Some pelvic pain during menstruation, but not intense. Admits to pre-menstrual emotional lability. Not aware of cyclical changes in bodily discharges. No offensive discharge. No pre-, post- or coital pain or bleeding. No significant pre-marital relationships; minor experimentation only. William aware of this. No history in keeping with sexually transmitted illness. Consented to physical examination; this is entirely normal. No pregnancies. No miscarriages."

A similar summary existed for William Bellingham, painting a picture of a rather lachrymose young man, who nevertheless was entirely besotted with his vivacious wife. He appeared to have led a particularly blameless existence, beside one youthful peccadillo which he seemed to view with almost morbid shame. The same bald, biological details were listed, and Raddison concluded that his medical history and physical examination was unremarkable, and that his spermatozoa appeared normal under microscopic inspection (with the rather clipped observation that "obtaining the sample took considerable persuasive effort, owing to the patient's rather exhaustive scruples re morality and modesty").

William dealt with, the document proceeded to:

"Impression:

"Medical: Probably normal fertility in both cases. Main difficulty likely to have been timing of coitus relative to ovulation.

"Overall: Although financial recompense for basic advice and assistance with conception may be considerable, it is likely that further value may result from capitalising upon Veronica's credulous nature, and requesting additional financial recompense thereafter. She will be aware that William would be inconsolable if she fell from her pedestal. Therefore Veronica and William introduced to theory of sensory mismatch and deprivation. Appointment arranged in Rose Room for Veronica, at likely time of low fertility. Given Raddison Patent Tonic in meantime, and William warned to practice abstention."

The next document in the Bellingham file was dated three weeks later, and its contents began to expand upon the heinous and ruthless nature of this organisation.

"William in Bedroom 7, Veronica installed in Rose Room. Chloral hydrate solution administered to Veronica, warned it may cause memory loss. Kept partially sedated, and Nitrous Oxide administered to promote laughing demeanour, enhanced by tactile stimulation, and wrists lightly secured to bed posts with tasselled silken ropes, silken blindfold applied. Still plainly identifiable, and tableaux exploits likely natural playfulness were adultery voluntary. George Robinson employed for coitus, detailed photographic evidence obtained. Veronica awoke later, and asked not to discuss events with William. Unaware of deception at present."

My hands were shaking with fury as I finished this passage. I thought of poor Emily Rangaford, and the similar hoax used upon her, although obviously in Veronica Bellingham's case, Raddison thought the additional security of sedation and blindfolding requisite. The physical aspect was clearly an appalling violation in itself; the intellectual aspect sickened me further still. Laughing demeanour. My God. The poor girl had been enjoying herself, albeit drugged to the eyeballs. What guilt and revulsion must she have endured when she discovered the truth?

I had thought my loathing of Raddison complete; however I found this evidence made him all the more chilling. He evidently recognised the amiable and admirable qualities within human nature. He was not, therefore, an abomination, completely deficient in moral understanding, but a man who had coldly put that part of his nature to one side to achieve his aims. I forced myself to continue reading, that I might fully appreciate his perfidy.

There was a brief entry that a private audience had been requested with Veronica, then the next document was dated two weeks later again.

"Met with Veronica in private at her own establishment. Revealed photographs, and requested financial recompense. Arranged further private meeting in one week to discuss this further."

The narrative continued, dated one week later still. The usually immaculate handwriting was unprecedentedly shaky, but recognisable.

"Met with Veronica, and it became clear that she had been only superficially open with me during interviews. Revealed herself to be most resolute young woman, determined to resist coercion. Disclosed that she had been too shocked to respond when I first presented her with the photographs, but had now decided she must put a stop to my activities. Demanded that I write signed confession of my actions and close down Hecate House, or she would reveal proceedings to police. She had not informed anybody to date, out of concern for Williams' sensibilities, and agreed to keep her peace if I upheld my part of the bargain.

Obviously, this was not viable. James Castling was compelled to subdue her with chloroform. Conveyed to lake and gently immersed until she expired. Borrowed her craft and a spare from boat house, scuppered her own craft, and deposited her with it. Rowed back to shore. No witnesses to proceedings, and no evidence of foul play left behind. Distressing necessity, but complications limited by neat, orderly and prompt management. Find enclosed a lock of this estimable young woman's hair, as a memento of her bravery. May she Rest In Peace."

Ugh! Raddison seems to have betrayed himself by his own hand... if Holmes manages to use this information....

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