Don't Look Back

Chapter 55

Mrs. Fielding frowned as she heard a pounding at her door. She did not employ a butler but her maid went to answer.

"We wish to speak to the owner of the home." Came a dignified voice.

Poking her head out she blinked. The activity at her home had been diverting of late, but truth be told she was now quite fatigued by it all at this point. And that ghastly woman coming there earlier that day accusing her of theft. The nerve of the would-be murderess.

"Let the gentleman in Trudy." she bayed the old maid to allow the late intrusion.

"Apologies Mrs. Fielding on such a rude call. But it is not a social one." the man of handsome countenance said as others came in behind him. One other fine gentlemen filed in, and an exotic woman. Surely one of their misteress.

"What do I owe the...?" she said trying to straighten her slumped hair.

"We are here for information on our friend." the tallest man said.

"Apologies, Mrs. Fielding, we have not been formally introduced, this Mr. Crowe, and myself, I am Sir Radmore. We are close friends of Mr. Sidney Parker. And the last is Miss Georgiana Lamb... His former ward." He introduced them all formally, knowing she was impressed by their arrival.

She blinked a moment as if struck by lightning.

"Sir... In my house..." her voice shook and it only came out in a mere gasp. "Apologies, I have little to offer such esteemed guests." she squeaked.

Sir Radmore flashed her a dashing smile. "Information would be more than adequate."

She shook her head. "I am sorry..." trying to compose herself. She knew she was supposed to keep things hush.

"We know that Mrs. Campion poisoned him. He wrote to a Miss Heywood under your addressed name after the attempt," he said simply.

Her mouth opened a little and then she gestured for them to come into the parlor she kept for herself on ground level.

"Do come in. I think I have a fine bottle of whiskey to share if you would all like a glass." she offered.

Crowe nodded. "I should like that."

The woman to the back rolled her eyes.

"The drinks can wait, can they not gentlemen?" her voice was not exotic, it seemed cultured however and far more commanding than originally expected that it led Mrs. Fielding to realize that she must be in many ways elevated above the men, or equal. Not the mistress she had assumed originally, and she recalled being informed she had been Mr. Parker's Ward.

She knew little of the man from before he came to live in her home. So she did not feel as if she had been kept in the dark.

"Of course, then I shall send for tea," she replied delicately.

Sir Radmore looked to the other woman with curious eyes.

"I thought you favored stronger drink to the more favored drink of English Ladies?" the man identified as Sir Radmore seemed to bait the girl.

Mrs. Fielding sensed a tempest of fire between the two and she smiled wanting to fan the flames but knew there was enough drama to fan herself over for a year.

"Come now, even tea can take a charge now and then. And there are no ladies present unless there are, and I am unaware." she blushed hoping she did not offend.

The woman smiled. "Thank you. I would appreciate tea, but above all, information on my guardian, Mr. Sidney Parker?" she pressed.

Clutching her heart, Mrs. Fielding feigned tears as she had been prompted to do.