Penny Dreadful Adventures: Mysteries of London 2: The Mysteries of London (Exposing the Truth) by Hall Ian

Author:Hall, Ian
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sleuth mystery series, varney the vampire, varney, victorian sleuth
Publisher: Ian Hall

As I finished the chapter, I counted the words, then mentally counted the money I’d be getting for the story. I needed so much for my journey into the country; I could hardly believe what I had chosen to do.

A note from George arrived the next day.

Here is a good place to start. Abbeyfield Stables is on the south side of Southwark Park. Ask for Stanley. Tell him you’re a friend of Charlie Swann’s.

My plan was beginning to coalesce, but there was no sign from Thackeray that Uncle James intended going to the country this weekend. With my work schedule from Monday to Thursday looming, I decided to set my preparations into full swing that weekend. I took my manuscript to the publishers, then set about finding the first part of my accoutrements. “Where will I get a sword, Reggie?”

He rubbed his chin in thought. “Do you want a cheap one, or a fancy one or for dressing up with?” he asked.

I definitely wanted to keep my spending to a minimum. “Cheap one, nothing fancy.”

“Follow me,” Reggie set off with a grin. I soon followed my little guardian to a store on Ludgate Hill, a continuation of Fleet Street.

Hougemont; Finest Steel

I opened the door, and a loud bell rang above it, announcing my entry.

I found myself in a world of swords in shiny glass display cases. As I looked around I was immediately approached by the shopkeeper. “How can I help you, sir?” he wrung his hands in front of his chest, perhaps a nervous tick.

“I’m looking for a sword, for my own protection, nothing too fancy.” The words all seemed to come out too fast.

“Are you military, sir?”

That caught me by surprise. “Ah, no.”

He cocked his head as if listening to someone’s voice. “Sword or sabre, sir?”

“I care not.” I tried to look half knowledgeable, although I felt intimidated by my strange surroundings. “Nothing too large, it is not intended to be a showpiece. In fact I’d rather attention were not drawn to it.”

“Oh,” he smiled. “A concealed weapon, then?”

I had not considered the prospect, yet it immediately appealed to me. “Yes, concealed might be the best option.” Considering I had said the words, I had no idea what to expect.

The shopkeeper walked to a display of walking-sticks, some blackened, some in polished wood. “Here we have the latest in fashion.” He picked up a shiny black walking-stick, and gave its ivory head a twist. With a sound of steel sliding on steel, he drew a blade from the stick frame, perhaps two feet long.

I gasped in fright. “Good grief man!”

“And that, sir, is the reaction you will get if accosted.” He gave a wide grin. “Steel shaft, self-sharpening sheath, ebony enclosure, silver detailed.”

I immediately saw his point, it was perfect for the job. I could carry it anywhere. “And how much will this set me back?”

“This ebony model with ivory handle is ten guineas, brass handles bring the price down. Stepping down from ebony, walnut starts around five guineas.

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