The Droitwich Deceivers (3 page)

‘Well, I went into the church and when I came out again Mildred had gone,’ offered the governess speaking in a quiet, matter-of-fact voice.

‘If you could tell us in more detail what occurred,’ interrupted Ravenscroft.

‘Yes, of course. I’m sorry. Mildred and I left the house just after three o’clock this afternoon. We walked through the churchyard. I went into the church. Mildred said she would be quite happy looking at the stones. She always enjoyed reading the old inscriptions. Then I came out of the church and found that Mildred was not there. I thought for a minute that she was playing a game, hiding behind one of the vaults or stones, so I called out and then I searched the churchyard. When I failed to find her, I ran back to the house, informed the servants, and we all then made another search of the church grounds, and then the house. It is terrible. I feel so responsible.’

‘Tell me, Miss Petterson, did you often walk through the churchyard with your charge?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘Yes, we would often walk into town that way, two or three times a week.’

‘When you entered the churchyard today did you notice anything unusual?’

‘Unusual?’

‘Was there anyone else there?’

‘No, no one else.’

‘When you ran back to the house, how long was it before you returned to the churchyard with the servants?’

‘About ten minutes I suppose.’

‘So if Mildred had been hiding, she would have had time to make her way elsewhere?’ suggested Ravenscroft.

‘I do not think that would have been possible. I can assure you that I made a thorough search of the churchyard before I ran back to the house. Had she been hiding there I am sure I should have found her.’

‘She could have slipped into the church when you weren’t looking, miss,’ said Crabb looking up from his notebook.

‘The servants also made an extensive search of the church,’ corrected the governess.

‘And how long were you in the church, before you came out again, and found that Mildred was not there?’ continued Ravenscroft.

‘Not more than five minutes, I suppose, Mr Ravenscroft.’

‘Can you think of any reason why Mildred was taken?’

‘None.’

‘Had you or Mildred spoken to any strangers on one of your recent walks through the churchyard?’

‘No, I cannot recall meeting any strangers recently.’

‘Could you provide us with a description of the clothes that your charge was wearing at the time of her disappearance? Crabb, write this down if you will,’ instructed Ravenscroft.

‘Mildred was wearing a light green dress, with brown shoes and coat, and also a grey bonnet,’ replied the governess.

‘Thank you, miss,’ said Crabb.

‘I wonder whether you have a photograph of Mildred?’

‘Yes Inspector. There is one over there on the small side desk. Shall I get it for you?’

‘I’d be obliged.’

The governess walked over to the table, picked up the photograph, and handed it to Ravenscroft before resuming her seat.

‘Thank you, Miss Petterson,’ said Ravenscroft looking down at the photograph of the young girl with the smiling face and long ringlets.

‘That was taken about a year ago. The image is a particular favourite of Lady Chilton. Since then Mildred has had a different hair-style. The ringlets have been replaced by long straightened hair.’

‘Would you mind if I retained the photograph? It may be helpful in our enquiries.’

‘Yes, I am sure that Lady Chilton would not object.’

‘Thank you, Miss Petterson. May I ask how long you have been Mildred’s governess?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘I have resided here for the past three years. Before that Mildred had been in the care of a nurse, but when she attained the age of six, Sir Charles and his wife thought it best to employ a governess.’

‘And before that? Were you employed as a governess elsewhere?’ asked Ravenscroft interested in knowing more of the governess’s history.

‘Yes. I was a governess with Lord and Lady Roberts of Warminster House. I looked after their son for five years.’

‘And why did you leave that employment?’

‘Charles, my charge became old enough to go to a boarding-school.’

‘Thank you, Miss Petterson, I am obliged,’ said Ravenscroft
suddenly standing up. ‘I know it is dark and late at night, but I would like to visit the churchyard. Would it be possible to obtain some lanterns, and then if you would accompany us, retracing your steps this afternoon, that would be most helpful.’

‘Yes of course. I will see if I can get one of the servants to go with us,’ replied the governess rising from her chair and walking over to the door.

‘Oh, just one more question Miss Petterson – why did you go inside the church?’ asked Ravenscroft smiling.

‘Why did I go into the church?’

‘Yes, Miss Petterson – why did you go inside the church?’

‘I cannot remember. Oh … I … yes, I wanted to see what hymns had been selected for next Sunday’s service.’

‘Why was that?’ asked a perplexed Ravenscroft.

‘I like to see which hymns have been chosen, so that Mildred and I can go over the words together.’

‘I find that rather strange, Miss Petterson.’

‘I am sorry, Inspector, I am not making myself clear. Because we all attend church on a Sunday morning, and because Mildred has to join in the singing, I find it helps her if we can go through the words beforehand. That is why I went into the church, to see which hymns had been selected.’

‘I see. Thank you, Miss Petterson.’

‘I will go and ask the servants for some lanterns.’

‘I would be obliged.’

A few minutes later Ravenscroft, Crabb and the governess accompanied by the servant who had first greeted their arrival, closed the front door of the house behind them.

‘Now, Miss Petterson, if you would kindly retrace the route that you and Mildred took to the church today,’ requested Ravenscroft.

‘Yes. If you would care to follow me, gentlemen,’ replied the governess leading the way down the path at the side of the building. ‘This leads through the kitchen gardens to the side entrance.’

‘I see that the door is bolted on the inside,’ said Ravenscroft when the party arrived at the end of the garden. ‘Was it locked this afternoon?’

‘No, it is only bolted in the evening. As you can see it opens out at the end of the road and just over there is the gate that leads into the churchyard,’ indicated Miss Petterson.

The group made their way through the gate and up the narrow path that ran towards the church; the servant took the lead, holding the lantern high so that all could see their way.

‘Here is the church, gentlemen,’ announced the governess presently, bringing the party to a halt.

‘And is this where you left Mildred?’ inquired Ravenscroft.

‘Yes. I remember that she said she would like to read the stones, whilst I went inside,’ replied Miss Petterson.

‘Church appears to be locked, sir,’ said Crabb after stepping into the porch and failing to turn the large metal handle on the outside of the door.

‘I believe the vicar locks the door at night. There have been one or two night thefts in the area recently, Inspector,’ said the servant.

‘That is interesting, Mr…?’

‘Jukes sir,’ replied the servant.

‘Thank you Mr Jukes. So, Miss Petterson you went through the door into the church, leaving your charge here, and then you returned five minutes later to find that she had disappeared?’ asked Ravenscroft addressing the governess.

‘That is correct, Inspector.’

‘Tell me, Miss Petterson, when you went into the church,
did you leave the door open, or did you close the door behind you?’

‘I cannot remember. I may have closed the door behind me, but I am not sure.’

‘You see the reason I ask, is that if Miss Chilton had been taken against her will, she would in all probability have cried out in the ensuing struggle, in which case you would have heard the sounds and been alerted to her plight,’ suggested Ravenscroft.

‘I see. Yes I see. I suppose I must have closed the door behind me then, as I heard nothing.’

‘Thank you, Miss Petterson, that is most helpful,’ said Ravenscroft turning away. ‘I am not sure that much can be gained by continuing our investigations here tonight. Perhaps you would be kind enough to conduct us all back to the house, Mr Jukes. Quiet all of you! What is that noise?’

‘I can’t hear anything sir,’ said the servant.

‘Listen. I’m sure – yes, there it is again – a low grumbling kind of sound,’ said Ravenscroft.

‘I see what you mean, sir. Sounds more like a laughing sound to me,’ offered Crabb.

‘You’re right, Crabb. It sounds almost as though someone were laughing at us – a low, sarcastic, a mature voice I would think. Hold the lantern higher, Mr Jukes. Yes, over there. It’s coming from behind that large vault at the edge of the churchyard. Come out whoever you are! Show yourself!’ commanded Ravenscroft running towards the monument, closely followed by the others.

‘He’s gone!’ exclaimed Crabb bringing the other lantern to bear on the stone.

‘Over there, sir,’ cried out Jukes. ‘I saw something running out of the churchyard.’

‘Where does this path lead?’ asked Ravenscroft. ‘Look,
there is someone running lower down the slope. Quickly, Crabb, get after him. We will follow on behind.’

The constable raced down the path after the disappearing figure, as Ravenscroft and his two companions followed.

A few moments later, Ravenscroft found himself at the foot of the path.

‘Gone sir. He was too quick for me,’ said a breathless Crabb.

‘Never mind Tom, you did your best, given the darkness and the unfamiliar terrain. Did you get a good look at him?’

‘Afraid not sir, but one thing I am sure about. It cannot have been the girl. I would say the figure was a full grown man by the size of him. Seemed to be wearing an old cloak.’

‘That’s interesting. Tell me, Miss Petterson, you said earlier that this path would eventually take one into the town?’

‘Yes, that is so,’ replied the governess.

‘Did anyone in the search party come down this way?’

‘No. After searching the churchyard and inside the church, it was thought that perhaps Mildred had returned to the house, so we all turned our attention there.’

‘I see. We appear to be quite close to the railway line, and if I am not mistaken that must be water over there,’ said Ravenscroft pointing.

‘That is the canal, sir,’ offered the servant, ‘And beyond that is the River Salwarpe.’

‘So there is a possibility that if Miss Chilton came this way, she could have met with an accident, either on the railway line, or by falling into the water.’

‘Oh no!’ cried out the governess.

‘Quickly Crabb – I think the lady is about to faint!’

CHAPTER THREE

Droitwich

‘A
nything to report constable?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘Nothing as yet sir. We have examined the railway track and can find nothing there, and the men have just started to drag the river,’ replied the uniformed officer.

It was the following morning, and Ravenscroft and Crabb had just arrived on the misty banks of the River Salwarpe, where a reluctant sun was attempting to break through the overhead clouds.

‘When you have finished here, I want the men to drag the canal for a few hundred yards in either direction.’

‘As you wish, sir.’

‘Where does the canal go?’ inquired Ravenscroft.

‘Further along that way to the salt works in the town. The barges then make their way along the canal in that direction for a few miles towards Hanbury,’ replied the policeman pointing.

‘And after Hanbury?’

‘That is where the canal joins the Worcester to Birmingham Canal, sir.’

‘I see. Thank you, my man. Please do not let us detain you,’ said Ravenscroft walking away. ‘This is a strange case, Tom.
Young girl taken in broad daylight – snatched from under her governess’s nose, and yet there has been no demand for money.’

‘Strange indeed,’ replied Crabb.

‘Do you know what I find distinctively odd about all this? When the girl disappeared the servants apparantly made a thorough search of the church and churchyard, and yet none was sent down here, to see whether the girl had made her way to the river or canal. Furthermore, why did they waste time sending for us, when they could have had the local constabulary making a search round here within minutes of the girl disappearing? In my experience, Tom, the first two or three hours are the most crucial in cases like this. By the time we arrived it was already dark and the trail had run cold.’

‘I see what you mean, sir.’

‘In fact I am not all that sure that Sir Charles Chilton was very concerned about the disappearance of his daughter; his wife seemed more distressed than he does.’

‘Yes, I noticed that, sir.’

‘And did you see how quickly he ushered us into the study, when we arrived last night, so that we could not engage his wife in conversation? He seemed quite anxious that we would not have words with her.’

‘The man is a bit of a bully I would say.’

‘Yes, I must say I did find him somewhat intimidating. I think Sir Charles Chilton is a man who is used to having his own way in this world. Not the kind of person to cross swords with.’

‘That governess is a queer fish as well,’ added Crabb. ‘Fancy leaving her charge unattended like that. Asking for trouble if you ask me.’

‘Quite. I agree it seems negligent on her part. She seemed very calm about the whole affair, however.’

‘Except when she fainted.’

‘Yes Tom, but do we believe what she is telling us? I don’t really accept that story about her going into the church, to see which hymns had been selected for next Sunday’s service. She only came up with that story when we pressed her. I suppose there is a remote possibility that she is telling us the truth, but if she did go into the church, it would surely have been natural for her to have left the door open, given that her charge was playing outside.’

‘It seems a bit careless,’ added Crabb.

‘She said she thought the door was closed, and claims that she heard nothing from outside. If the girl had been overpowered surely she would have cried out, and Miss Petterson would have heard, even though the door was closed, I would have thought.’

‘Girl could have been overpowered by some cloth held to the mouth that would have rendered her speechless?’ suggested Crabb.

‘You might be correct. Still I would like to know a lot more about our Miss Petterson.’

‘The girl could have left on her own account?’

‘In which case that would explain why there was no noise. I suppose she could have met someone she knew, and the two of them then left together, but at this stage all this is conjecture,’ said Ravenscroft glancing upwards to the church, on the large rocky outcrop, with its view over the river and canal.

‘Then there is that strange fellow in the churchyard,’ added Crabb.

‘Yes, I wonder what he was doing there at that time of night?’

‘Could have been some kind of vagrant.’

‘Perhaps. Anyway we need to try to find him.’

‘What do we do next, sir?’ asked Crabb.

‘Well in the absence of any body at present, and the fact that we have no witnesses to the time she disappeared, we must assume that the girl has been abducted. I will go back to the house and interview the servants. In my experience it is the servants who know everything that takes place in these large country houses. I will also try and interview Lady Chilton. It will be interesting to see what she has to say.’

‘And what would you like me to do, sir?’

‘I would like to know more about the governess. Go to the telegraph office and see if you can send a message to this Lord and Lady Roberts of Warminster. Ask them why the governess left, and whether they can vouch for her character. We need to know whether she has been telling us the truth. I noticed that there is an inn near the bottom of the path that leads up to the churchyard – the Gardeners Arms, I believe. It might be worth your while making enquiries there in case they saw anything yesterday. Then I want you to ask around the town and find out all you can about Sir Charles Chilton. See what folk make of him. I will meet you back at the house,’ instructed Ravenscroft beginning to make his way back up the path towards the churchyard.

‘Good morning to you, Inspector,’ said Brockway greeting Ravenscroft as he entered Hill Court.

‘Good morning Mr Brockway. I trust that there is still no news regarding young Miss Chilton?’ asked Ravenscroft closing the door behind him.

‘Nothing at all,’ replied the solicitor.

‘I have some men searching the river and canal. Hopefully they will not find anything, but we are bound to begin there.’

‘Of course. All of this has come as a great shock to Sir
Charles and his wife. We must hope that this matter reaches a speedy, satisfactory conclusion.’

‘Indeed.’

‘I have that list you asked for, Inspector. These are all the people Sir Charles has done business with in the past few years,’ said Brockway reaching into the top pocket of his coat.

‘Thank you,’ said Ravenscroft taking the sheet of paper and studying its contents. ‘This is rather a long list of names.’

‘Sir Charles has dealings with a great many people,’ remarked the solicitor drily.

‘And is there anyone on this list who has, shall we say, had a falling out with Sir Charles, and perhaps bares a grudge against him?’ inquired Ravenscroft.

‘There is no one that immediately springs to mind.’

‘Oh, come now Mr Brockway, there must be someone on this list whom Sir Charles has had difficulties with recently?’

‘Well I suppose there is someone. Mr Russell. Mr James Russell. You will see his name towards the bottom of the paper,’ said Brockway reluctantly.

‘And who is this Mr Russell?’

‘He owns some land on the edge of the town, which he farms in a small way, a family concern I believe, inherited from his parents. You will find his property towards the end of Vines Lane.’

‘Why did Sir Charles and this Mr Russell fall out?’

‘Sir Charles wishes to purchase some of Mr Russell’s land. Mr Russell refuses to sell. It is as simple as that.’

‘And why does Sir Charles wish to purchase Mr Russell’s land?’ asked Ravenscroft with interest.

‘We – Sir Charles believes there is an old salt pit on the land.’

‘I see. And Sir Charles would wish to mine the salt deposits?’

‘Sir Charles has made an offer, a very generous offer for the land, well above its agricultural value.’

‘But Mr Russell does not wish to sell?’

‘Quite.’

‘Have any threats been made by this Mr Russell?’

‘Oh dear no. It has not come to that. I will admit that some sharp words have been exchanged on both sides on the matter, but there has never been anything of that nature. In fact I am sure that Mr Russell cannot be behind all this. I only mentioned his name because I was pressed. Now if you will excuse me Inspector, I have to attend a business meeting at the Raven Hotel,’ said Brockway after quickly consulting his pocket watch.

‘Is Sir Charles available to speak to me this morning?’ asked Ravenscroft.

‘I am afraid Sir Charles has been called away on urgent business at nearby Stoke Prior.’

‘When do you expect his return?’

‘I am afraid I cannot say, Inspector.’

‘Then may I speak with Lady Chilton.’

‘Oh, I’m afraid that will not be possible.’

‘Why?’

‘Lady Chilton is not well today and is confined to her room: All this has proved a great strain for her, as I am sure you will appreciate.’

‘Nevertheless I would like to speak with her. She may be able to provide us with valuable information,’ said Ravenscroft determined not to be refused.

‘As I said, Lady Chilton is indisposed. Now you simply must excuse me. I am late already. Good day to you sir,’ said Brockway stepping quickly past Ravenscroft and out through the door.

Ravenscroft stood silently in the hall, contemplating the
solicitor’s answers. Why had Brockway refused him permission to speak with Lady Chilton? Surely it would have been in the family’s interests for him to have interviewed the mother of the missing girl? She above all others, might well have been able to shed light on the mystery. Then there was the question of the list of names which Brockway had provided – so many names, and yet the solicitor had only been able to pick out the name of Russell, a local landowner, with whom Sir Charles had had a minor disagreement. Given the nature of the man, surely Sir Charles would have made more enemies over the years? Why had they not been mentioned? Russell’s name had come far too easily. Were Sir Charles and Brockway suggesting Russell whilst avoiding more serious contenders? There was no way of knowing at present. Nevertheless Ravenscroft resolved that he would seek out Russell, but first he needed to explore Hill Court in more detail. Old houses sometimes contained dark secrets. Often the servants were the custodians of these past secrets. He would begin with them.

Opening a door at the far end of the entrance hall, he found himself in a corridor, the door of which in turn opened into what he deemed to be a kind of dining-room. Here a fine set of hunting prints and numerous items of brass and copper were hung from the walls. The door at the far end of the room revealed another short passage that lead into the kitchens.

‘Ah Inspector Ravenscroft, good morning to you, sir. Is there any news of Miss Chilton?’

Ravenscroft recognised Jukes, the servant who had
accompanied
them to the churchyard the previous evening.

‘Good morning. No, we have nothing to report. But I see I am disturbing you both,’ replied Ravenscroft noticing also a plump, rosy-cheeked elderly woman seated at the kitchen table.

‘It is quite all right, sir. We usually have some refreshment at this time of day,’ said Jukes.

‘Please continue, Mr Jukes.’

‘May I introduce you to Mrs Greenway our cook.’

‘Mrs Greenway I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I wonder whether I might ask to join you for some refreshment? I must say it was rather chilly by the banks of the Salwarpe this morning.’

‘Of course, sir. Sit yourself down there by the stove. You’ll soon get warm there,’ said the cook in a cheery manner rising from the table.

‘Sir Charles does not usually encourage us to speak to folk from upstairs,’ said Jukes.

‘Well I won’t tell him, if you don’t,’ smiled Ravenscroft, accepting the seat and rubbing his hands near the stove.

‘Would you like a cup of tea, Mr Ravenscroft?’ asked the cook.

‘That would be most welcome, Mrs Greenway.’

The cook walked over to the dresser, took down a cup and saucer from the rack and returned to the table. ‘This will soon warm you up sir,’ she said pouring out the liquid from a large teapot. ‘Please help yourself to milk and sugar.’

‘You are most generous. My word, this is excellent tea,’ said Ravenscroft after he had sampled the brew.

‘Mrs Greenway makes the best tea in all of Worcestershire,’ proclaimed Jukes.

‘I can more than believe it,’ said Ravenscroft taking another sip.

‘Get away with you, Jukes. Perhaps you would care to sample a piece of my special home made fruit cake, Inspector?’ smiled the cook.

‘Delighted I’m sure,’ replied Ravenscroft. ‘If it is half as good as the tea, I will consider myself to be a fortunate man.’

The cook cut a piece from the cake which adorned a china stand on the dresser, and placed it upon a blue patterned plate before handing it to the detective.

Jukes and the cook looked at Ravenscroft anxiously as he took a bite.

‘Mrs Greenway, this is just the best fruit cake I have ever eaten in all my life!’ exclaimed Ravenscroft. ‘Mr Jukes, you must be a happy man?’

‘Indeed I am sir,’ smiled the servant. ‘Mrs Greenway takes good care of us all. We servants want for nothing.’