Part 19

The following morning, William was light as air as he walked into Scotland Yard ready to share an update on his case with Superintendent Hall. He'd woken with memories of his previous evening with Eliza, the kisses, shared stories of their day over drinks, accompanying her home, followed by a polite kiss before she left the carriage. It had felt like a dream only better because it was real. His enjoyment had been short-lived when he'd been summoned to Hall's office by telegram to his home and he could only assume that he wasn't impressed with his progress with Verla Kelly's case. Only William was in for a shock when he knocked on the office door and instead of hearing the familiar guff voice of Hall, he was called in by a posh London voice he didn't recognise.

"Come in," said the voice formally.

William walked in uneasily, and instead of Superintendent Hall, another man was sitting at his desk.

"Sir," William nodded curiously, as he closed the office door behind him, and carefully moved to stand in front of the desk while he waited for the man to introduce himself.

"Ah…. You're Wellington, yes?" he asked as he flicked through a file on his desk, and only glanced at William briefly.

"Yes, Sir," William confirmed as he waited for the man to tell him who he was.

"I'm the new Police Commissioner. If you're looking for Superintendent Hall, I'm afraid to say he's left his position here effective immediately." The was a tone of anger and frustration as the man put down the file and started looking over various pieces of paper left on Hall's desk.

"Left?" William couldn't hide his confusion as he stood stunned.

William had never personally met the Police Commissioner before, since he'd only been in position a few weeks before Hall and had only heard an odd mention of him. That wasn't surprising since it was rare for The Commissioner to meet officers unless they were up for a commendation. What was baffling was being summoned and told personally about Hall's departure.

"Yes, late last night. Some sort of family issue and he needed to take a leave of absence from London. So, it's left me in quite the predicament."

William listened completely bewildered as he had no idea what he was doing there if it wasn't Hall who had asked for him. Suddenly the fact that the message was sent to his house rather than left at the front desk for him to pick up on his arrival caused a panic in his mind as too where the conversation was going. After all, Hall was never happy with his performance.

"Therefore, while we organise a replacement Superintendent, I'll need everyone to step up. Chief Inspector Tillman will be temporarily in charge as acting Superintendent, and he's given you a glowing reference to take over as his team for him while we sort this mess out. You'll be gaining a new detective, as part of your team, and your performance will be assessed on his success."

William felt like the air was being sucked from his chest. How had he woken up in a world where Hall was gone, and he was suddenly being asked to step up to Chief Inspector without question? Certainly, he'd worked with Chief Tillson on occasion over the years, but he never thought the man would put him forward to replace him, even temporality.

"I'm sorry, who is this new Detective?" William asked, confused as to why his success would be dependent on him.

"He was previously stationed in Essex and his name is Detective Fitzroy…"

The man finally looked up and stared at William as if he was expecting him to question him, but William simply nodded, still unsure why this would make a difference. The name didn't mean anything to him, and he'd trained many officers over his time, so surely this Detective would be no different.

"Is there anything else you need?" The commissioner looked back down at the desk impatiently enquiring if he could dismiss him quickly.

William went to say no but stopped himself as an idea formed. If he could somehow get the Police Commissioner to agree to Eliza working with him, and make it official, he could avoid the new Superintendent from making the same demands as Hall.

"Actually, we're rather short-staffed and Detectives qualified in the field are hard to come by. I wondered if I could add another Private Detective agency to our retention list that we regularly work with."

William took a breath and paused a little nervously wondering what he would say.

"Is there a reason this agency is not on the list already?"

"They are a fairly new agency, but I can personally guarantee their work speaks for themselves. They have already helped me on several occasions."

"The name?"

William paused; did he say Eliza's name personally? Would mentioning her as a woman get a firm, no? His heart pounded in his chest as he made a split-second choice. The first step was to get the agency on the list, getting over the hurdle of it being run by a female detective could come later.

"Henry Scarlet Private Detective Agency," he offered confidently.

William took a deep breath and waited to see if the Commissioner knew that it was Eliza who ran the agency. Her name was becoming known around town after their recent escapades and newspaper coverage. After a moment it became clear that the Commissioner wasn't going to put two and two together.

"Fine," he said unconcerned about what he had just agreed to.

William watched as The Police Commissioner waved his hand to dismiss him, and he managed to hold his smile until he'd left the room. With glee, he walked down the corridor and clapped his hands together back to his office. Finally, things were coming together.

Only, as he walked into his office, he stopped dead as he saw Rupert Parker standing at his desk. He'd never seen Rupert come to his office and was slightly confused as he stood nervously by his desk.

"Mr Parker,"

"Inspector Wellington."

The two men looked at each other unsure how they were supposed to behave. It was the first time they had seen each other since they had found Rupert sitting on the bridge.

"Inspector, I wondered, if you don't mind, I'm sure Miss Scarlet might have mentioned to you that I have decided to do some travelling and I am leaving for Europe today."

"Ah, yes she did tell me that."

William strolled across his office and sat down in his chair, still unsure what Rupert's leaving had to do with him. He waved his hand in a motion to suggest for him to sit, but Rupert declined, he wasn't planning to stay long.

"Now I'm sure you realise that Miss Scarlet and I are friends of a sort, and I admire her immensely. She probably will not like me saying this… but… I know she can tend to focus on her work so much that she might not realise what is right in front of her."

Rupert took a breath and hesitated unsure if he should meddle in Eliza's life, but after everything she'd done for him, he wanted to do something for her.

"I'm sure you don't need me to say this, but please… look after her," Rupert asked full of sincerity and with eyes wide as he waited for William to realise his meaning.

William was shocked by the request, firstly that Rupert felt it needed to be asked but also that he knew how close they were, visiting his office and asking him personally.

"I will always look after her," William confirmed softly.

"I'm sure you will. And Eliza will probably hate me for saying this, but I think she would rather appreciate you doing so. I know I will be comforted on my travels knowing she has you by her side."

There was a look on Rupert's face that William couldn't interpret. But before William could say any more, there was a knock on the door, and he looked up to see Detective Phillips standing in his doorway.

"Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt…" Phillips looked towards Rupert who was putting on his hat.

"Please, I will take my leave as I have many things to finish before I leave this afternoon. Thank you, for your time Inspector."

Rupert nodded his goodbye and Phillips stepped aside for him to pass. He was quiet until he was sure that Rupert had gone before turning back to William.

"Duke, you are never going to believe who has just come into the station."

Eliza was having a slow morning at home and happily sat in her drawing room waiting to take tea with a visitor. Somehow it felt more informal to receive them at her home instead of her office. It was still early, and the smell of Ivy baking muffins was filling the house. For once Eliza was relieved that she had been baking out of enjoyment, and not out of worry for her safety. Eliza was dressed informally in her deep blue skirt and waistcoat.

There was a knock at the front door and Eliza waited patiently for Ivy to answer and then introduce her guest. It was only a few minutes before Ivy opened the door.

"Miss Henley is here to see you, Miss."

Eliza nodded and Mari walked in, looking clean and happy, dressed formally in a beautiful dark grey day suit she had likely made herself, with her hair pulled back into a tight bun. She had brought her young daughter, Annie with her who held her hand tightly. Eliza noted she must have been only 5 or 6 and was the spitting image of her brother. She wore her sandy blond hair in pigtails and had a handmade navy dress and pinafore, but shyly hid behind Mari. They were followed closely by Charlie who was looking the happiest he'd ever been in his clean smart suit and flat cap squeezed into his hands.

Eliza thought they looked like they were heading to Church in their Sunday best clothes, rather than a simple tea with her.

"Hello Mari," Eliza offered standing up with a smile. "Charlie."

"Miss," Charlie smiled, and after an awkward moment, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Eliza's waist, pulling her into a tight hug. Eliza was a little surprised since her clients didn't usually embrace her, but she carefully stroked his head until he let her go.

"Thank you," he offered sweetly.

"You are most welcome," Eliza told him.

Mari had stood watching them with an adoring smile, and Charlie suddenly moved back to her side and grasped her hand tightly.

"Miss Scarlet, I must say I was surprised to get your invitation to meet you here."

Eliza offered for Mari to sit, while she returned to the settee. She watched as Mari placed a bag at her feet and then settled Annie onto her lap. The young girl wrapped an arm around her mother's neck, she was not about to let go. Charlie too sat almost on top of Mari as he kept close to her side despite there being plenty of space for the three of them to sit comfortably.

"It's a pleasure to meet you properly. I'm pleased to see the three of you happily reunited."

"I want to thank you again for your help and for listening to Charlie when he visited you. Whilst I believed I would have found a way back to them, I realise without you, and the officers from Scotland Yard being there the other night, I'm not sure the outcome from the fire would have been so positive."

Eliza couldn't help but agree, but that was not her reason for inviting Mari over to tea. Ivy soon entered with the tea tray and a plate of homemade biscuits and warm muffins. Eliza smiled as she saw Annie and Charlie's faces lit up at the treats. Ivy retreated from the room surprisingly quickly, so Eliza sat forward and started preparing the tea while Annie whispered into Mari's ear, and her mother nodded.

Annie slipped off her mother's lap and Mari reached into her bag and pulled out a carefully wrapped package. Charlie too stood up and the pair of them carried it towards Eliza. She put down the teapot, and graciously accepted the gift from them.

"Unfortunately, I am without work, so I can't pay you, but we wanted to give you a token of our gratitude," Mari offered.

"Thank you, Miss," Annie said shyly.

Eliza felt a chill of excitement as she smiled with intrigue, pulled on the string of the gift and slowly removed the brown paper to reveal a thick black knitted shawl, that she assumed was handmade by Mari. She pulled it out with a shake, feeling the soft wool in her fingers, before she wrapped it around her shoulders to show the children it fit. Eliza was so touched by the present that it was almost better than being paid cash.

"Your office seemed cold," Charlie said simply. "This will keep you warm in the coming winter."

"I helped with sewing the letters…" Annie added as she pointed to a corner where E S was delicately hand-sewn in scarlet red stitching. Eliza carefully ran a thumb over it.

"Well thank you, for this. I'll be sure to keep it on the chair in my office." Eliza chuckled at Charlie's concern and Annie's eagerness.

"Would you both like a biscuit?"

The children eagerly nodded, and Mari quickly reminded them to take a plate as they both took one, and then hovered waiting for Eliza to nod before taking a second. Eliza poured them each a teacup and then handed a cup and plate with a muffin to Mari.

"The reason I wanted to invite you," Eliza started as she and Mari sat back to enjoy their refreshments. "I was in town yesterday, and I came across a shop a few streets from Savill Row, and a gentleman there is looking for a seamstress. He's a widow and running a shop that he and his wife had opened a few years ago. He's getting more orders than he can handle by himself, and I thought of you."

Mari's eyes were wide as Eliza pulled out a folded piece of paper from her pocket and she handed it across the room to her.

"I mentioned that, whilst I didn't personally own any of your work, I had seen it on Charlie and I'm certain he would be impressed. I can't give you any details on how much he could pay you or how many hours he would require your services, but if you're interested, I might suggest you go and see him after we finish here."

Mari was shocked, and unsure what to say, but Eliza noted she looked towards her children, and remembering that she had not mentioned to anyone at Oswald's factory about Charlie and Annie, it was likely she was concerned at what he would think of her turning up with them.

"I've already mentioned them," Eliza quickly reassured her, though she realised that it was probably overstepping by sharing information that Mari might have liked to keep private.

"He had no concerns about you having children. I assure you, he seemed incredibly lovely, and it is worth your time to at least meet with him."

Mari looked close to tears, as she looked between Eliza and the children.

"I don't know what I did to deserve your kindness," Mari admitted breathlessly.

"Nonsense," Eliza laughed, "we are both women simply trying to keep a roof over our heads. Why shouldn't we help each other when we can?"

Eliza and Mari shared a smile, and Eliza felt her heart skip a beat, proud to help her.

William strolled into the reception of Scotland Yard and moved towards the interview room behind the desk. He stopped at the door and drew a breath before he opened it to see Stephen Oswald sitting at the table awaiting his arrival. Stephen looked at him standing in the doorway, and William tried to decipher if he was looking nervous.

Stephen was well dressed in a very formal and high-class suit, his top hat was placed on the table in front of him, and his hair was an untamed mess of curls on top and sharply cut at the sides. He squared himself a little as he waited for William to move.

"Mr Oswald Jr., I believe."

William closed the door and strolled quietly to the desk before sitting down opposite him. Up close he seemed young for his age, but his eyes gave away tiredness and stress.

"That would be my older brother. You can just call me Stephen," he shrugged.

"You've proven to be rather illusive. Your family have consistently told me that you're in India…."

"That's probably where they would like me to be. Far away from them on the other side of the world. My father would probably say I'm a disgrace to the family name sitting here talking to the police."

William wasn't sure if the speech was an act, or if he believed his words.

"Well, you're not under arrest, you've come here of your own free will and can leave at any time…."

Stephen smirked and then went silent, trying to work out if this was part of the plan to get him to talk.

"Why don't you tell me what you were doing with 25 women living in an abandoned and potentially condemned building? Many of whom were reported to the police as missing."

Stephen dropped his eyes and shifted uncomfortably but took a deep breath.

"Before I begin, I want you to know I never hurt any of those women. I was trying to help… I just … My father couldn't have found out what I was doing." He knew it probably didn't seem like it, but his intentions had been honourable.

"My father has never thought much of me. My brother, James, was always his favourite and in his eyes could do no wrong. He was destined to take over the family factory, even though he had little interest in it. He simply copied my father, whereas I…. I saw how the workers were treated, I saw how long they worked and how little they paid them. It wasn't right…."

"Mr Oswald, you're sounding so noble… Do you expect me to believe this?" William asked, unconvinced.

"I have friends, they are Quakers based in the north, and truth be told, they have these ideas about how people should be treated. Give them a fair wage, clean air to breathe, access to food, clean water and lodgings and they will be happier and more inclined to work and stay. I agree with them…"

"I believe Quakers also disagree with vices like alcohol, gambling and Opium…"

"I'm not perfect Inspector! I know that. Yet I needed to prove to my father that my ideas for the factory weren't some drug-induced fairytale. I bought the house with my own funds that could get hands-on, and I thought if I could get a few workers to make the same high-class outfits that are expected, but offer them a roof over their heads, and warm food, they would need less pay. The women who worked for me at the house, I couldn't pay them regularly, but I offered them a share in any profits we made. It worked. They were happy to be there, knowing they didn't have to worry about anything except making clothes, because the more clothes they made, the more we sold and the more money we all got."

Stephen certainly made it seem like he'd hit on the jackpot of economic work. Yet there was a catch, and William knew it.

"This all sounds lovely… but the women weren't allowed to leave once they arrived; hence they were reported missing."

"It's not like that…."

"Those women were locked in the building. I know because I was one of the people trying to get them out while the building was on fire and collapsing around them. I dread to imagine what would have happened if we were there. Not to mention that you took off when you were told the building was on fire just to save yourself."

"I couldn't risk my father finding out. I had to prove that the idea worked so that he would believe me… I had to make sure that no one spoke to anyone about where the house was or who they were working for. I was wrong for running, but all my hard work would have been for nothing if my father knew."

William was running out of patience with Stephen's do-good act, and had it not been for the fact that every woman whom he had spoken to the previous day had insisted they weren't being held against their will he would have arrested him for illegal imprisonment.

"Tell me about Verla Kelly?" he asked out of the blue. "The women all said she disappeared without a trace one afternoon. Did she try to leave? Is that why you killed her and dumped her body?"

"NO!" Fear was evident as Stephen shook his head fiercely denying the question and spoke quickly to clear his name.

"It wasn't anything like that. The women were free to roam the grounds when others and I were there to keep an eye on things. I swear I don't know exactly what happened, but one minute she was fine out in the garden, and the next, we couldn't see her. We found her lying on the ground in the long grass and she wasn't breathing. We didn't know what to do, and I know it was wrong, but I couldn't have people looking around the house. We could have just buried her on the grounds, and no one would have been any the wiser, but I thought she deserved better than that. So, we left her body where we knew it would be found and she could be given a proper burial and people that knew her would know what had happened to her."

"And no one came looking for her and your little business went on as usual."

William glared unimpressed by his explanation. If he could, he would have thrown him into one of the cells to sweat it out for the night, but he honestly had nothing to hold him on, and it frustrated him to no end. Verla, it seemed had died due to a bee sting.

As far as William was concerned, Stephen Oswald was one very lucky man.

As Mari left Eliza had a big smile on her face and happily touched her new winter shawl. She was eager to show her new gift to Ivy. One thing she noted was that the house seemed quiet and was missing Ivy's usually busy presence. Ivy hadn't said she was going to the market or leaving the house. Eliza looked up the stairs but there was no noise up there, so it didn't seem like she was changing the bed sheets. She headed down to the kitchen, in the hopes of finding her there.

She heard Ivy's cheerful voice before she reached the doorway, and she was curious about who Ivy was talking to. It was only a few more steps until Eliza saw the reason for Ivy's happiness.

Mr Potts was sitting with his back to Eliza with a cup of tea and one of Ivy's freshly baked muffins cut in half in front of him. Ivy was intently talking, so didn't instantly realise that Eliza was watching them and taking in how happy Ivy looked. When she finally did notice her, she was visibly embarrassed.

"Lizzie," she exclaimed before Eliza took a few steps into the kitchen. "Barnabas just thought he would pop by on the off chance I was home."

Barnabas, Eliza thought as she bit her lips together as she noticed that Mr Potts was concentrating on the table in front of him as if it were the most interesting thing ever. She was amused that he'd taken up her suggestion to come to the house. Suddenly the fact that Ivy was rushing when Mari arrived made sense and Eliza realised that this was perhaps not as impromptu as Ivy had suggested.

"I didn't even think he knew where we lived," Ivy chuckled, with innocence.

"Oh, I'm sure I must have mentioned it when we met at the mortuary." Eliza lied to save Mr Potts embarrassment, and he finally glanced at her with a nod.

"Well doesn't that shawl look lovely on you," Ivy admired, and Eliza detected a hint of jealousy.

"Mari made it as a thank-you gift for my help," Eliza smiled happily.

"Did you want some more tea?" Ivy enquired quickly.

"Oh, no, I've seen Mari and her family out, and I'm due to see Rupert before leaves for Europe."

If Eliza didn't know better, she could have sworn she saw a look of relief on Ivy's face that she wasn't planning on staying long. Ivy quickly turned around and picked up a small oil-wrapped package and held it out to Eliza to take.

"Please give him these, and wish him safe travels on my behalf," Ivy said genuinely.

Eliza laughed that even with Mr Potts sitting in their kitchen, she was still being Ivy's messenger girl. She took the package with a smile, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Mr Potts momentarily confused that Ivy was offering gifts of food to another man.

"Of course. I will see that he gets these."

Eliza turned to leave but stopped as Mr Potts suddenly stood and formally bowed his head to her.

"Good day, Miss Scarlet."

Eliza looked at him curiously, unsure how to take his strange formality and somewhat forced politeness.

"You too, Mr Potts."

As he turned his back to her, Eliza looked at Ivy, silently telling her she would be requiring more information when she returned, before smiling and leaving Ivy to her guest. As she climbed the stairs, she could hear them both settling happily back into their conversation.

Eliza quickly left her home and headed to Rupert's townhouse. It would be a good afternoon's carriage ride to Dover where he would catch a boat over to the continent to start his new journey. She couldn't help but have a sinking feeling that everything was changing around her. Rupert was going travelling, Ivy was enjoying a new friendship with Mr Potts, and not to mention the fact things were happening between her and William.

As she arrived at Rupert's, she watched while two of his butlers loaded a second trunk onto the roof box of a waiting carriage. He seemed to be packing light for a trip that he wasn't sure when he would be returning from. Rupert was collecting his overcoat and putting on his gloves, and she waited patiently on the street for him to finish.

She was surprised at how sad she felt at his leaving, yet she hid it well as she noticed the big smile on his face as he walked out of his house, followed by another gentleman, who was dressed equally as smartly, if not a little more flamboyantly in bright colours.

"Eliza," Rupert said cheerfully when he saw her. "You've come to see us off then?"

"Well, I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye."

Eliza looked towards Rupert's gentleman friend who was patiently awaiting an introduction.

"Miss Eliza Scarlet, this is my dear friend, Mr Alexander Goldner…" Rupert looked deliriously happy to introduce his gentleman friend to her, and Eliza was pleased to meet him. "We will be travelling Europe together."

"I would tell you to keep Mr Parker out of trouble, but I feel that may be an unenviable task," Eliza joked.

"It's a delight to meet you, Rupert has talked a lot about you, a female detective I hear. It's a shame we're meeting just as we're leaving. Perhaps once we are settled, you might consider visiting us?"

"I'd very much like that," Eliza admitted.

Alexander seemed on first meeting a fine gentleman, and Eliza could only hope that Rupert would find happiness with him wherever they found themselves.

"I shall wait in the carriage for you," Alexander told Rupert, giving them a little space to say goodbye.

"How is your mother?" Eliza enquired quietly as they watched Alexander get into the carriage.

"Oh, you know, I'm not sure she ever was or will be happy… But I hope she understands that I need to spread my wings. I assured her once again this morning that you are not involved in this decision so you should not be bothered unduly by her."

The pair shared a knowing look that would be their secret till the end of time. She had never paid Rupert back, and if it was up to him, she would never need to since she had given him more in friendship than she ever needed to repay.

"I have a small gift for you. A token of our friendship." She smiled as she pulled out a small box from her bag and handed it to him.

Rupert seemed genuinely surprised and happily accepted the gift as he looked at what she had chosen for him.

"Just remember to write to me on occasion," Eliza smiled, swallowing a lump in her throat.

"You too Eliza, I wish to hear all about your agency, your adventures, and of course Inspector Wellington."

Rupert nudged her arm teasingly and Eliza blushed at the suggestion remembering their kisses the previous evening, before sharing a smile with him. She quickly aimed to change the subject by pulling out Ivy's package for him.

"Ivy also made you a package of muffins and biscuits for the journey."

She watched as Rupert's eyes lit up, and he excitedly took the food parcel from her, seeming more excited by the food from Ivy than her carefully chosen gift. Perhaps food really was the way to a man's heart Eliza chuckled.

"Please, thank her for these, I will miss her wonderful talents and her company."

They shared a smile, and after an awkward moment, Rupert stepped forward and gave her a gentle hug with a tap on her shoulder.

"Take care, Eliza."

"Safe travels Rupert."

Eliza took a few steps backwards and drew a shaky breath in as she watched Rupert happily join his friend in the carriage ready for a new adventure. Rupert waved through the window and Eliza faked a smile as she waved back and watched the driver call the horses to move. Eliza closed her eyes tightly fighting the growing wave of sadness that threatened to overcome her as the carriage passed her and moved down the street away from her and out of sight.

She was certainly going to miss her good friend, Mr Rupert Parker.

Unable to think of anything else to do, she hailed a carriage to take her to her office, where she planned to take her mind off Rupert by catching up on the last few days of clipping from the Police News Illustrated.

Only as she arrived, a smile formed on her lips as she saw William, leaning casually against the wall of her office next to her street door, a small paper bag in his hand. It was as if he knew she would need cheering up, and seemingly he had brought lunch with him.

She went to get out of the carriage, but she noticed he walked purposely towards her.

"William, what are you doing here?"

"I have something to show you," he said, sounding rather proud of himself.

He quietly spoke to the driver, giving him a new destination to take him before joining Eliza inside the carriage and sitting happily opposite her.

"Where are we going?" she asked confused.

"You'll see," he replied with a smile.

To be continued.