Mrs. Darcy and the Tenant of Ivyglenn by Mollenkopf Carrie

Author:Mollenkopf, Carrie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-02-20T00:00:00+00:00

~Fourteen~

Reginald Penwick, well experienced in dealing with all manner of unsavory persons, viewed the pathetic attempts made by Theodore Weathers with amusement. The man was clearly an amateur, and no doubt the cause of his own misery. He would begin the interview with veiled threats, and then counter with opportunity. It was a tactic that he had successfully utilized in the past, and one in which Darcy was familiar. The only regret was the use of deceit. Both men greatly disliked liars, but it was necessary, for neither could promise any sort of true assistance to Weathers, only recommendations based on cooperation.

“Theodore Weathers, we have come to speak with you about a suspicious death in which you may hold key information that if proven helpful, may improve your current circumstances.”

Penwick’s tone, authoritative but not aggressive, did much to stir the interest of his intended, but Weathers reply was less than cordial. Having regained his composure, he stared defiantly, arching one brow in contemplation.

“Indeed, and how can I be of service when my whereabouts have not permitted any contact with the outside. And unless you have the power to secure my release, I have nothing to say.”

To this, Darcy felt his irritation rise and made to challenge the refusal, but Penwick shot him a glance of restraint.

“My companion, a Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire, is interested in the purchase of a property to which you are familiar. Ivyglenn. Do you recall it?”

“You know I do… as well as the name Darcy. Everyone in that area knows of Pemberley. As for Ivyglenn, I was caretaker there for several years. I trust you have done your work constable, or you would not be here. So, stop wasting my time and tell me what you want.”

This time, Darcy would not be dissuaded and stepped up to the bars. Threats often bore poor results and he did not wish to be inside the prison any longer than necessary. Placing a gloved hand through the bars, he reached out in introduction.

“I knew your father well, but to my disappointment, our particular paths never crossed. Fitzwilliam Darcy… and despite the circumstances, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. You would be doing my family a great favor by telling us what you can about our mystery lady.”

“Lady? What lady?” Weathers asked with true surprise as he took Darcy’s proffered handshake, wiping the grime from his fingers before doing so.

“That is what we hope to discover. A young woman was found dead inside Ivyglenn’s attics…. of natural causes,” Penwick supplied, adding the significant detail for persuasion.

“In the attics you say? I cannot imagine… no one ever went up there in my time. Filled with worthless old junk. Even I did not venture there unless someone complained about damp leaking in or the occasional animal. Even when we…that is…my friends and I had our little business arrangement, we did not go there. Too difficult to vacate, if you get my meaning.”

There was no need to elaborate on the necessity for rapid escape when one was occupied in less than appropriate deeds.

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