Death of a Footman (Riley Rochester Investigates Book 8) Read online

  ‘I was far too young and naïve to appreciate your wealth of experience,’ Riley said, somehow managing not to smile. He knew that Salter would be highly offended by Ida’s behaviour, but Riley had always found her attitude entertaining. She was how she was, and made little attempt to pretend otherwise. There were many others within the ranks of the elite who shared her enjoyments in private but projected airs of prim respectability to the wider world, effectively living a lie. No one could accuse Ida Randall of being duplicitous.

  ‘How is your lovely wife?’ she asked.

  ‘She thrives, thank you for asking.’

  Ida twitched her nose. ‘And I suppose you are still devoted to her.’

  ‘Alas, yes.’

  ‘Foolish boy!’

  ‘Sergeant Salter, does that cough of yours require medical attention?’ Riley asked, sending his sergeant a mildly castigating look. ‘I’m sorry, Ida. You were telling me how Dawson came to be offered a position in your household,’ he prompted.

  ‘Oh yes, that. Well my dear, it was the most dreadful thing. I was returning from making a call one afternoon when the heavens opened and my poor coachman could barely see the hand in front of his face. It was winter, and the deluge turned the roads to quagmires. The carriage was reduced to walking pace and I was set upon by vagabonds keen to relieve me of my valuables. It was utterly terrifying.’

  ‘I can imagine.’

  ‘Then, from out of nowhere, Ezra appeared and came to my rescue. He wasn’t deterred by the odds. There were three of them and just one of him but he dealt with them magnificently!’ Ida sighed. ‘Anyway, I asked him how best I could reward him, expecting the usual coarse request and thinking I might even oblige him, handsome devil that he was. But he told me that he was unable to find gainful employment because of youthful indiscretions; brushes with the law that he now regretted. Well naturally, I knew all there was to know about being led astray when one had no idea of the perils that lay in wait for the inexperienced, so I didn’t hesitate to offer him a position. After all, were it not for him, I could well have been dead. Or worse.’

  Riley and Salter shared a glance. They were both aware that it was the oldest trick in the book. Dawson clearly didn’t want for intelligence and had done his homework. Anyone looking for a gullible lady of means would have no difficulty in unearthing the particulars of Ida’s colourful past. The newspapers had been full of her outrageous behaviour in her younger days when she had scandalised society by running amok with unsuitable male companions. The three attackers had probably been in Dawson’s pay, and the rain had been an added bonus. But still, it appeared that he had given good service, in more than one respect, and made Ida happy at least for a while.

  ‘Well, Ida, we had best speak with your servants, if you don’t mind.’

  ‘Of course I don’t mind, although I cannot think what they can tell you that I haven’t already covered.’

  ‘Even so.’ Riley smiled at her as he stood up. ‘I am sorry for your loss.’

  ‘Damn it, Riley,’ she replied, dabbing at her eyes. ‘He obviously meant more to me than I realised. And now I can’t even help him to…’

  ‘Help him to what, ma’am?’ Salter asked sharply.

  ‘Oh, it doesn’t signify now. It’s just that I was supporting his efforts to set up his own business.’

  ‘What sort of business?’ Riley asked, seating himself again.

  ‘He had identified the need for a sporting club in Clapham that working men could afford to frequent. At the moment men have to go to taverns if they want a game of cards, or goodness knows where else to watch the brutal fistfights they so enjoy. They are inevitably robbed blind by the landlords or organisers of illegal events, so Ezra told me. I wouldn’t know myself. Anyway, he had it all worked out and was confident that he would be able to get the necessary licence to make it legal. I am sure he would have done so as well. He was such a clever boy. He’d found premises and had plans to renovate them. He took me to see them and I’d never seen him half so animated. I knew he would make a success of it and was happy to give him a helping hand.’

  ‘Even if it meant ending his employment here?’ Riley asked.

  ‘But not our friendship,’ she said assuredly. ‘The dear boy was devoted to me.’

  Salter sent Riley a raised eyebrow look that reflected disbelief.

  ‘And Philip had no objection to the cash outlay?’ Riley asked.

  ‘It was none of his business, and I didn’t consult him on the matter. I kept control of my own fortune when I married; I insisted upon it. It was the only way to be sure that Philip wasn’t marrying me because of it.’

  She couldn’t quite keep the hurt out of her voice and Riley knew why. She had been rejected by society because of her indiscretions, yet she had refused to accept the respectability of a marriage based on the need for financial gain, perhaps explaining why she had not married into the aristocracy.

  ‘How much had you agreed to advance to Dawson?’ Riley asked.

  He let out a low whistle when Ida told him.

  ‘What did your children have to say on the matter?’ Salter asked.

  Ida shrugged. ‘They didn’t know. Well, I don’t think they did. I certainly didn’t tell them. Anyway, what difference would it have made to any of them? It might seem like a large amount but it’s actually a very small part of a fortune that’s been invested and increased nicely over the years. My children have all been taught that they must work for a living and not have expectations. Well, the boys anyway. Sarah is happily and comfortably married and I dare say there will still be plenty left for them to inherit when I turn up my toes—if I decide that any of them deserves to benefit.’

  ‘Very well, Ida. That will do for now. Thank you. We shall consult with Gregg and then speak with all the downstairs staff.’ Riley bowed over her hand. ‘We will let you know as soon as we have any news.’

  ‘Thank you, Riley,’ she said as a tear rolled down her cheek. ‘You know, I really am devastated. Perdition, that boy well and truly got under my skin.’

  Riley could see that she meant what she said and felt a great deal of sympathy for her. ‘Saying I am sorry seems inadequate,’ he said softly.

  ‘Yes well, my critics will say that Ezra’s loss is punishment for my sins, but fortunately I never listen to criticism. Ring the bell for Gregg, if you would, Riley. I will tell him the sad news and make sure everyone talks to you.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Riley replied, doing as he was asked. The two policemen stepped out of the room, offering Ida some privacy in which to consult with her butler.

  Chapter Two

  ‘You might have given me a bit more warning, sir,’ Salter said, swiping the back of his hand across his brow.

  Riley laughed. ‘Sorry, Jack. I knew you’d be offended, but there’s really no proven way of preparing anyone for Ida. She is quite simply a law unto herself, and if you can ignore her morals, she’s the greatest possible fun too.’

  Salter sniffed. ‘I ought to be used to the unconventional ways of your lot after all my years in the job, but I’m still shocked time and again by the antics we unearth. Too much money and not enough to do to fill their time, if you ask me. Anyway, Dawson must have thought that all his Christmases had come at once when he picked on her. That fake attack and rescue is such a well-known con that I’m surprised her husband didn’t see through it and turf Dawson out on his ear.’

  ‘She probably played it down.’

  ‘Because she was immediately taken with Dawson, and he convinced her that her husband didn’t need to know the particulars? He knew Sir Philip would see straight through ’em and smell a rat.’

  ‘The possibility crossed my mind.’

  ‘And mine.’ Salter grunted with disapproval. ‘Well, I can tell you that there ain’t nothing wrong with Dawson’s old girl. I saw her myself just this morning and she was as right as rain until I told her that her son was dead. Whatever he needed time off for, it was nothing to do with his mother�
�s health.’

  Gregg joined them in the entrance hall.

  ‘My mistress tells me that you wish to speak with me, my lord. With us all. You can conduct your interviews in this room, if that will be convenient.’

  He led them into another parlour and closed the door behind them. Quietly.

  ‘Lady Randall has told you of Dawson’s death? His murder?’ Riley asked.

  ‘She has, my lord.’ Gregg showed not a flicker of emotion. ‘Most regrettable.’

  ‘For Dawson, it is indeed.’ Riley was accustomed to butlers who appeared to have been created from marble; no emotion or humanity permitted. They were supposed to rise above all crises and lead by example. Even so, there was something about Gregg’s attitude that rankled. Beneath that bland façade Riley was almost convinced that he detected signs of relief at Dawson’s demise. ‘What did you make of the man, Gregg?’

  ‘That is not for me to say, Inspector.’

  ‘Answer the question,’ Salter growled. ‘This is a murder enquiry, we need to get an idea of the victim’s character and you knew him better than most. This ain’t the time to hide behind your mistress’s petticoats.’

  Gregg pursed his lips and addressed Riley. ‘He was a great favourite of her ladyship’s, which created a degree of friction between the other male servants; the inevitable result of showing a preference, one supposes. The other footmen thought he exploited his favouritism to avoid doing his fair share of the work.’ Gregg blinked and looked faintly surprised by the fulsomeness of his own response. Riley suspected that he hadn’t intended to voice his prejudices quite so vehemently.

  ‘You didn’t like him?’ Riley asked.

  ‘I would not have appointed him to the position he occupied, if that is what you are asking me,’ Gregg replied.

  Riley sighed, aware he would get nothing more from the man on that particular subject. ‘How many other footmen are employed here?’ he asked instead.

  ‘Two, my lord. We also have two housemaids, her ladyship’s personal maid, Sir Philip’s valet, a cook, a scullery maid and myself.’

  ‘I see. Dawson presumably shared a room with the other footmen.’

  Gregg turned a snort into a cough. ‘He had a small room to himself in the servants’ quarters,’ he replied, ‘despite the fact that he was not the senior man and hadn’t earned the right. Her ladyship’s orders, of course.’

  ‘How long have you been engaged in your position here?’ Riley asked.

  ‘I was engaged by Sir Philip,’ Gregg replied, straightening an already rigid back. ‘I worked as a footman in his father’s house, and Sir Philip asked me to move here as his butler when he and Lady Randall married and purchased the property. I have endeavoured to give the best possible service since then.’

  Riley fixed the butler with a contemplative look. ‘You are loyal to Sir Philip?’

  ‘I hope I provide an equally acceptable service to both the master and the mistress,’ he replied stiffly. ‘Sir Philip, however, is an inspirational gentleman who makes personal sacrifices in order to give unstinting service to his country.’

  ‘I see. Very well, Gregg. We will speak with both the other footmen now. What are their names?’

  ‘Albert Wright and James Fuller.’

  ‘You may go,’ Riley said shortly. ‘Send the first of the footmen in.’

  ‘As your lordship wishes,’ Gregg replied, moving with an agility at direct variance to his natural stately aplomb, implying either an anxiousness to bring the inquisition to an end or a desire to speak with the household staff and instruct them in what they should say. Riley wondered what, if anything, he would prefer them not to reveal.

  ‘You didn’t take to him, did you, sir?’ Salter asked as the door closed behind Gregg.

  ‘I did not. I can tell you as well that he doesn’t approve of Sir Philip’s choice of a wife. If he thought his master was being cuckolded beneath his own roof, it would not sit well with him. He’s fiercely protective of Sir Philip’s interests and might have taken it upon himself to remove the source of the embarrassment.’

  Salter scowled. ‘He probably ain’t the only one who disapproved.’

  ‘Keep an open mind, Jack. Until you’ve met Sir Philip or discovered the truth about Ida’s background, it doesn’t do to make assumptions. Wisdom should reckon on the unforeseen.’

  ‘Come again, sir?’

  Riley smiled. ‘It’s a famous line from a Poe verse—and relevant to this particular case, I rather think.’

  Salter grunted. ‘I’m highly suspicious about a sporting club opening up in Clapham, sir.’

  ‘So am I. And since the unfortunate Dawson was murdered in Clapham, it’s highly likely that someone who is already catering to the sporting requirements of the locals might have taken extreme exception to any competition. His death might be nothing to do with Dawson’s involvement with Ida, but it just as easily might be. Her children, I fancy, might have turned a blind eye to her peccadillos, but if they learned that she intended to bestow a large part of her fortune upon Dawson’s fledgling venture, they might have felt that their futures were being threatened by his influence over their mother.’

  ‘She does seem to have been very attached to him,’ Salter said. ‘I’d say that grief weren’t put on.’

  ‘No, Jack, it wasn’t.’

  Their speculations came to an end when someone tapped at the door and a tall young man dressed in full livery with sandy hair and a freckled face walked in. He was well-built, physical presence being a consideration when footmen were employed, but otherwise unremarkable. The sort of person who would be easily overlooked in a crowd.

  ‘I am Albert, officers,’ he said. ‘I gather you wish to speak with me.’

  ‘We do,’ Riley replied, introducing them both. ‘How long have you worked here?’

  ‘A little over two years, sir.’

  ‘And are you happy with your situation?’

  A momentary hesitation. ‘The master is a fair-minded gentleman but we seldom have much to do with him below stairs. The mistress runs the house.’

  ‘And your opinion of her?’ Salter asked.

  Albert hesitated. ‘I will not say anything to risk my position, Sergeant.’

  ‘You don’t like her, Albert, do you?’

  Albert remained silent, hands clasped behind his back, but didn’t deny Salter’s assertion.

  ‘You are aware that Ezra Dawson was murdered last night,’ Riley said, breaking the uneasy silence.

  ‘I have just been told. The female servants are all hysterical.’

  ‘But you are unaffected by the news,’ Riley said. ‘You don’t seem especially shocked or upset either.’

  ‘Ezra was a chancer; he was always into something. And he exploited the mistress’s preference for him, using it as a means to evade his duties, which meant that James and I had more to do, and that wasn’t fair.’

  ‘You sound resentful,’ Salter said.

  ‘Wouldn’t you be? But I didn’t go down to Clapham and kill him, if that’s what you’re thinking. I was here all day yesterday and last night. A dozen people saw me at one time or another.’

  ‘Can you think of anyone who bore Dawson a grudge?’ Riley asked. ‘Think carefully and remember that this is a murder investigation, so you must tell us anything you know, or even suspect. If you speak out of turn about any member of the family, we will not reveal the fact and your position will not be at risk. I know you didn’t like Dawson, but I am sure you must be as anxious as we are to discover who killed him.’

  When Albert hesitated, Salter spoke up. ‘If whoever did this bears a grudge against someone in this household, he could strike again. It was a member of staff who was killed, remember, not anyone above stairs.’

  Albert cleared his throat. ‘I heard Dawson and Mr Gregg having a shouting match the day before yesterday. Gregg never shouts ordinarily. He’s too pompous to get all worked up about anything other than Sir Philip’s business. If anyone does anything to inconvenience
the master, there’s always hell to pay. Anyway, I reckon he thought no one was anywhere near the butler’s pantry when he and Ezra had their set-to. I shouldn’t have been but I needed something from the store cupboard, which is how I came to hear them.’

  ‘What were they arguing about?’ Riley asked.

  ‘Ezra’s friendship with her ladyship. Like I say, Gregg is very protective of the master and told Ezra he was in danger of turning him into a laughing stock.’ Albert paused, but only to draw breath. Reticent at first, he now appeared incapable of stopping. Not that Riley had any intention of interrupting his flow, and instead gave an encouraging nod. ‘He said that if Ezra didn’t behave in a more seemly fashion or desist from embarrassing the master then he, Gregg, would find a way to put a stop to the situation.’

  Riley and Salter exchanged a glance. ‘How did Ezra respond?’ Riley asked.

  ‘He laughed in Gregg’s face. Told him he gave her ladyship something to live for since the master seemed disinterested, disinclined or incapable of doing so himself. Those were his exact words, delivered with chilling clarity. I won’t ever forget them.’

  ‘How did Gregg respond?’ Salter asked.

  ‘He didn’t. I looked in through the window and his face was all red and he was furious, opening and shutting his mouth like a landed fish, he was. I tell you true, I thought he was having a seizure or something. No one ever talks to Gregg like that, you see, and continues to be employed here. But Ezra knew he was untouchable and just laughed at him, goading him like.’

  ‘You resented Ezra because he was lazy,’ Riley said, ‘but what did you think of him as a man? Were you friends?’

  ‘I got along with him all right, truth to tell. He made me laugh and didn’t take anything too seriously. He reckoned you had to grasp whatever came your way if you wanted to get on in life, and he certainly practiced what he preached.’ Albert chuckled. ‘Besides, he rubbed Gregg up the wrong way, which kept him off our backs. Me and James, the other footman, I mean.’