Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Perplexed Politician by Margaret Walsh

Author:Margaret Walsh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, murder mystery, detective, Victorian, Sherlock Holmes West Kennet Long Barrow, Avebury, Victorian Country House, Murder, Wiltshire, Prehistoric Barrow, 19th Century, funeral biscuits, Victorian Crime, Victorian England, Historical Crime Fiction, Member of Parliament, House Party, Victorian Era Servants
ISBN: 9781787055537
Publisher: Andrews UK
Published: 2020-02-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

We mounted Inspector Crawford’s trap and the amiable Fred guided us out of the village and towards the Leadbetter farm, under Holmes’ direction. It appeared that Inspector Crawford had no knowledge of the Leadbetters’ place of residence, or, as it turned out, had ever met them. Such knowledge he had of them, which he had imparted to us earlier, had come second-hand from others. Mostly from his brother Richard and from his superiors in Devizes.

Preparation for luncheon were underway when we arrived at the Leadbetter farm. We apologized for coming unannounced, but Algernon Leadbetter waved off our apologies. “I understand that you would not come here so early without good reason, Mr. Holmes.”

We introduced Inspector Crawford then Holmes said “Is there somewhere where we may speak privately with you and your sister, without fear of being overheard?”

Leadbetter gave us an odd look before leading us to the room we had taking tea in before. The maid was despatched to fetch Miss Leadbetter, who arrived slightly out of breath.

Mr. Leadbetter shut the door and turned to us. “My servants know better than to eavesdrop. So tell, me Mr. Holmes, what have you discovered that demands such secrecy?”

Holmes gazed at him solemnly. “I have heard from my brother as to the reason that Sir Francis Cigne was summarily despatched from London society.”

Verity Leadbetter caught her breath in something very close to a sob.

Holmes turned to look at her. “Pray forgive me, Miss Leadbetter. I did not mean to cause you distress.”

Algernon Leadbetter stood behind his sister, placing a reassuring hand upon her right shoulder. She fumbled in her sleeve, withdrawing a small scrap of silk and lace which, in her haste, she fumbled and dropped to the floor.

Inspector Crawford bent down and retrieved the handkerchief, handing it to Miss Leadbetter with a soft smile and a gentle word.

Miss Leadbetter murmured her thanks and dabbed at her eyes with the cloth.

Algernon Leadbetter looked at Inspector Crawford with some considerable interest, before turning his attention back to my friend. “My sister, Mr. Holmes, was a victim of that vile man’s honeyed tongue and vinegar heart. He smiled and whispered such sweet nothings as would turn a more experienced woman’s head. What chance did my sister have?”

“Very little,” replied Holmes. “Watson and I have met men like him before. Capable of swaying the most experienced of courtesans with their blend of charm and roguery. An innocent woman stands not a chance against such wiles.”

Algernon Leadbetter relaxed a little, realizing that we did not hold his sister in contempt. “Sir Francis Cigne’s family is also from Wiltshire. They come from trade, not that that is anything to despise, you understand. Our own family was the same. The Leadbetters and the Cignes both traded in fine Wiltshire hams and other small goods. Our great-grandfathers were friends. Our grandfathers fell out over some trifle that I know nothing about. It was around the time that his grandfather obtained a title. Perhaps that was the cause, I do not rightly know.

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