“Never mind. I’ll explain later.” They hurried out into the hall. Only the missed note on the pianoforte and a sudden screech from Miss Melinda indicated anyone had noted their departure. “Mr Harrison,” Daniel called out to the figure hurrying across the landing.
The person ground to a halt but did not turn around.
“We wish you no harm,” Mrs Chambers said.
Daniel stepped closer. “Surely you know why we’re here.”
With the information gathered from the pawnbroker, and from the gentleman’s impediment, it was obvious they’d found the right fellow.
Mr Harrison turned slowly. “What … what do you want with me?”
“Two things,” Daniel said bluntly. There was no time to pass pleasantries. They had one more visit to make to complete their business, and it was difficult to focus when all he cared about was discovering the identity of Daphne Chambers’ mysterious intruder. “We require a confession and an explanation.”
“A confession?” Mr Harrison’s hollow cheeks accentuated his timid countenance. He was one of life’s victims. No doubt problems followed him wherever he went. “But it is obvious to everyone that I’m a man. And don’t ask me to explain that which I fail—”
“Do not play games, Mr Harrison. Admit to being the person who caused the damage at Madame Fontaine’s shop and agree to pay for the repairs. That is all we require. Twenty pounds should suffice.”
“Twenty pounds!” the gentleman cried, all trace of feminine intonation abandoned. “For a broken window.”
Mrs Chambers sucked in a breath. “I believe you have just confessed, sir, as Mr Thorpe made no mention of the window. Though I agree, twenty pounds is far too steep for a pane of glass.”
Mr Harrison clasped his hands together in prayer. “It was a stupid lapse of judgment. Perhaps Madame Fontaine will allow me to work to repay the debt for I do not have a spare shilling to my name.”
Daniel reached into the inside pocket of his coat, removed the folded banknote, grabbed Mr Harrison’s hand and thrust it into this palm. “That should cover all expenses. You’re to call in at the modiste’s and pay for the repair to the window as a matter of urgency. Ten pounds should suffice.”
Mr Harrison unfolded the note and gasped. “Heavens above. But what shall I do with the change?”
“Spend it. Madame Fontaine’s dresses are too expensive for your moderate income, so I suggest you call on Mrs Wilson on South Moulton Street, number fifty-nine if my memory serves me. She is a skilled dressmaker, but her prices are fair.”
Mr Harrison’s eyes brightened. “You’re giving me the money to buy a new dress? You do not wish to call a constable and report the incident?”
“There is no need to involve anyone else.” Daniel could show compassion when necessary. What was the point of punishing a man who spent his days punishing himself? “May I suggest you find a way to control your sudden outbursts? Accept your fate and make the best of it. As we have all had to do.”
“Oh, thank you, sir.” Mr Harrison bowed and then curtsied. “I’m a man of modest means, but should you need any assistance in the future you only need ask.”
Now Daniel’s interest was piqued. “And what is your profession, Mr Harrison?”
“I work as a clerk for—” He stopped abruptly. “I draw up contracts and legal papers.”
“Excellent.” Daniel inclined his head. “I shall bear that in mind should I be in need of such services. Now, if you will excuse us, we have important business elsewhere.”
Daniel placed a hand on the small of Mrs Chambers’ back and guided her towards the stairs. Her penetrating gaze never left his face, and he had to grab her arm when they reached the top step for fear of her falling.
“Despite my years investigating the strange and unusual, I’m shocked to find that some things still surprise me,” she eventually said.
Most ladies had no idea what went on inside a molly-house. Most ladies were unaware of their existence. “So you’ve never seen men parading as women before?”
“I’ve heard about them but never seen them in the flesh,” she said with a little chuckle. “But that is not what I found most surprising. It is something else entirely.”
“And what is this astonishing discovery?” he said with some amusement.
“It is not a discovery, merely what I always suspected — that beneath your austere facade, you have a kind and forgiving heart.”
Chapter 6
“Will you not admit to having a generous nature?” Daphne stepped out onto Maiden Lane and turned to face Mr Thorpe. “Kindness is an admirable quality, not something to be ashamed of.”
“Some people think it’s a weakness.”