The Mermaid in the Basement (13 page)

David suddenly turned to face her. His dark blue eyes were troubled, she saw with concern, and he chewed on his lower lip. He was pondering some question, and she knew he would come out with it soon.

“Mum, was my father a good rider?”

The question caught Serafina off guard, for David almost never asked about his father. He had asked rather often some time ago, but it seemed that he had put away all thoughts of his father. She said quickly, “Oh yes, he was a very good rider. He liked to ride to the hounds.”

David asked several more questions about his father’s horsemanship, then he reached up and stroked the pony’s nose. Suddenly he looked down and whispered, “Did—did he like me, Mum?”

Serafina at once went to David, still holding the reins, and put her arm around the boy’s shoulder.His body was tense as a wire, and she said quickly, “Why, of course he did, David.”

David looked up, and there was a desperate expression of hope in his eyes. She could not read him, and it troubled her. She had put all of her hopes in this young son of hers, and always there was the danger that some of his father might appear—especially as he grew older. She saw in his face nothing but innocence and a desire for a father whom she knew he could not have. Quickly, she said, “I’ve got to go to town today, Son, but how about this—I’ll tell Danny to take you out to collect butterflies. Would you like that?”

“Oh yes,Mum, I like Danny, and will you read me some of that book with the funny title that Dora gave you—
The Mermaid in the Basement
?”

“No, but I’ll get you a new book and read it to you.”

“But I like that one,Mum! I want to know how someone got a mermaid in the basement. Do you think they kept her in a big bathtub?”

“It’s just a silly romance, David. Now let’s go back to the house.”

The two rode back to the stable, and David insisted on staying with Danny, who unsaddled the horses and listened as the boy chattered.

“You two have a good time.” Serafina smiled, then she went to the house. As she entered and moved down the foyer, she suddenly stopped, turned, and fixed her eyes on a large picture centered on the wall. It was a portrait of Viscount Charles Trent, her late husband. Serafina studied the handsome features, but even as she watched, a chill seemed to take her, and she gave a spastic motion of despair. She shut her eyes, swayed slightly, and whispered in a voice torn by torment, “Leave me alone, Charles!”

“Wot’s that you say, ma’am?”

Serafina turned abruptly to see Rachel, the housekeeper, watching her. She said quickly, “Oh, just talking to myself. I’ll be going to town, Rachel. You watch out for David when he comes to the house.”

“Yes, my lady.”

As Serafina hurried down the hall and turned up the steps, Rachel turned to the tweeny, Ellie, who appeared with a pail and mop in her hands. “Ain’t it a shame, Ellie? Lady Trent misses ’im so much! She can’t even look at his picture without crying.”

“That’s true, ain’t it? She must really been in love with ’im, wasn’t she?”

As Givins helped Serafina out of the carriage, she murmured, “I probably won’t be too long, Givins.”

“Yes, Viscountess. I’ll be right ’ere waiting.”

Serafina turned and studied the imposing house. It was a huge structure, made of pale stone in the classic Georgian style. The enormous front doors were flanked by long narrow windows, and areas framed by wrought iron rails abounded. The balconies were bright with boxes of potted plants, and the grounds looked more like a public park than a private residence.

As she stepped up to the door, Serafina summoned what knowledge she had of the Winters family—which was, indeed, not much. She had heard that Winters had been only a lowly inspector in Scotland Yard until he married Jewel Fremont, the daughter of an immensely wealthy rail road magnate. Mrs.Winters had become, so Serafina had heard, a moving force in society, and it was her influence and tremendous drive—as well as perhaps some money spent—that had paved the way for her husband’s rapid rise to superintendent. She had also heard rather unsubstantial rumours that the marriage of the two was not always serene. She rapped with the heavy brass knocker, and a tall, dignified butler opened the door at once. He smiled and said, “Good afternoon, ma’am.”

“I am the Viscountess Serafina Trent calling on Mrs.Winters.”

“Oh, come in,Viscountess.”He opened the door wider and, stepping aside, motioned her in. “If you’d care to wait, Lady Trent, I’ll see if Mrs. Winters is at home.”

Serafina could not restrain a smile at the form of the butler’s address.
He certainly knows that she is home; otherwise, he would have said so. What
he really means is that he’ll see if his mistress wants to see me.
But she had learnt long ago to ignore the pretensions of society. “Thank you very much.”

As she waited for the butler to return, she studied the foyer, which glittered in the sunlight that filtered through the tall windows. She noted also the variety of fabrics: satins, laces, and velvets. She took in the sweeping stairs, the chandeliers, and the dark portraits framed in gilt with acanthus leaves and curlicues.

The butler returned very quickly and bowed.“Lady Trent, would you come this way, please? Mrs.Winters is in the parlor.”

“Thank you.” She followed the butler down the hall, and when he stepped aside, she entered one of the most magnificent rooms she had ever seen. The design featured cool green colours, which were brightened by sunlight at this time of day. A large fireplace of polished marble gleamed directly across from her, and the paintings on the walls were seascapes and Dutch pastoral scenes. Long green velvet curtains were splayed out on the floor and swagged with braided sashes. Her eyes went at once to the woman who had risen to greet her. “I apologise for calling without an appointment, Mrs.Winters.”

“Why, that’s quite all right, Viscountess.”

Jewel Winters was a remarkably striking woman of average height, with hair so fair it seemed almost luminous as it caught the light.Her skin, too, was unusually pale. She was dressed in an extremely elegant muslin gown of lilac and blues on white. Serafina noted that her smooth, rounded features also included a Greek nose.

“Please be seated. I will have the maid bring tea.”

“Thank you, Mrs.Winters.”

As the two women sat down and the maid brought the tea, Serafina was aware that Mrs.Winters was watching her with a cautious air mingled with curiosity.Her sharp, piercing eyes met Serafina’s. Aloud Serifina said, “I’m embarrassed at the nature of my errand, Mrs.Winters.”

“I take it your visit has something to do with the unfortunate matter of your brother.”

“Yes, you’ve, of course, heard about that.”

“My husband talks over his cases with me.May I offer you my deepest sympathy, my dear viscountess, and I intend to call upon your mother.”

“That would be so kind of you.”

“How is she taking it?”

“Not very well, I’m afraid. None of us are.”

“Naturally, you would be distressed. Families must draw closer together when tragedy strikes.”

“It is a tragedy indeed, but I’ve called on a matter that’s very important to us.”

“And that is what, Viscountess?”

“My brother has been placed in a cell that is extremely uncomfortable. Indeed, that’s not the word for it. It’s miserable.”

“I suppose most prison cells are,”Mrs.Winters said. She was waiting and turned her head slightly to one side. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

“My family has no influence in these matters, but it occurred to me that your husband might be able to help.”

“My husband? But—he’s the one who arrested your brother.”

“I know, but I could tell that he’s a kind man. It seems such a difficult thing for me to put into words, but do you suppose you could ask your husband to have my brother transferred into more comfortable quarters?”

Mrs.Winters’ eyes instantly narrowed, and her usually full lips drew into a thin line. “I make it a policy never to interfere with my husband’s work. He tells me things, but, of course, he must make all the decisions.”

“I’m sure that’s very wise, Mrs.Winters, but would it be possible for you just to ask him if there’s anything that can be done?”

“I would not care to do that, Viscountess.” Mrs. Winters had stiffened, and somehow a wall had been erected between the two women. “I would suggest that if you have a request, you go to the prison and speak to whoever’s in charge.”

“You don’t think I should see your husband?”

“It would be pointless, my dear viscountess. Believe me, my husband cannot be influenced in matters like this.”Mrs.Winters hesitated slightly, then added, “I trust that you have retained good counsel for your brother. I understand he’s guilty, but a clever defense will, perhaps, be able to make some kind of an arrangement with the crown. Perhaps a prison term where there might be hope of parole.”

Serafina knew that her errand was fruitless. She got to her feet and said, “Thank you, Mrs.Winters, for your advice and for your time.”

“I’m sorry I could be of no help. Please tell your mother that our prayers are with her and that I will call soon.”

“I will certainly tell her, and thank you again.” Serafina left, and as the door closed behind her, it was clear that Mrs. Jewel Winters would be of no help. She had sensed a coldness in the woman, a steely quality that would permit no circumstances to interfere with her life.

Givins helped her into the carriage, and she said, “We’ll go to Scotland Yard, Givins.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The carriage moved out, and Serafina was thinking rapidly.
She didn’t
want me to talk to her husband, that much is obvious. She’s a cold woman
beneath all of that charming manner of hers, but her husband seemed to have
at least some civility to him. The least he can do is tell me
no
.

Inspector Grant lifted one eyebrow and said, “You wish to see the superintendent, Viscountess?”

“Yes, if that’s possible.”

“Perhaps it’s something I could help you with.”

“I would much rather talk to Superintendent Winters, if you don’t mind.”

Grant obviously was displeased. There was a hardness about the man that Serafina could not like, and she was glad when he shrugged and took her into an inner office.“Superintendent,Viscountess Trent is here to see you.”

“Thank you, Grant. Please come in, Viscountess.”

Serafina entered, and Superintendent Winters came forward at once.

He bowed and said, “I’m surprised to see you. Please sit down.”

“Thank you, Superintendent.” She took the seat he offered and said, “I’m quite inexperienced in matters like this.”

“Of course you are.”

“And the family is very distraught.”

“I quite understand, but why have you come to see me?”

Serafina felt almost helpless before his intent gaze.He was an imposing man, a man of strength and strength of will, but he had shown more concern for her brother’s well-being than had Inspector Grant.

“I’ve come to ask you a favour. It may be wrong of me to ask you, even unethical in some way. I’m not aware of how the system works, so please forgive me if I make a mistake.”

“You may ask me anything. I may have to say no, but perhaps not.” There was a gentleness in Winters’s manner, and he came over and sat down opposite her. “What is it, Viscountess?”

“I’m very concerned about the awful cell my brother’s in. A friend of mine visited him, and it’s a terrible, terrible place! I understand it’s a prison, not designed for comfort—but from the description my friend gave me, it’s absolutely inhuman.”

“Prisons often are.”Winters shrugged wryly. “One of the unfortunate aspects of crime. But what would you like for me to do?”

“Could you tell me if there is any way I could get him put in a more comfortable setting? I’m not asking for luxurious quarters—just bare comforts.”

“Well, I have a little influence with the jailer there, and I’m on good terms with the warden. Perhaps I could be of some help.”

Serafina looked up, and her face showed the gratitude that she felt. “That would be so kind of you, sir!”

“Why, it’s little enough I can do.”