Island of Fear: Adventures of Letty Parker, #3

~ One ~

Sterling! Letty Parker pushed back her chair and stretched her arms above her head. It was a warm sunny day and business was booming. The pile of ledgers on the table in front of her was full of mysteries solved and bills paid. Letty Parker and Associates were well and truly in business.

At least she, Jeb and Mango were. Gabriel had departed without explanation, and Hepzibah was far too unwell to be in the office on St Michaels Hill. Letty dropped her arms and counted back the days, the weeks and the months since she and Hepzibah had worked together. Their last case was when they had discovered who was behind the destruction of Brunel’s Suspension Bridge.

That was eight months ago, she said aloud. It’s been winter since then and now it’s coming up for June, and the good weather’s here so she’s sure to be feeling better.

Letty, who are you talking to? Mango stood in the sun-filled doorway.

I wasn’t. I was thinking. About Hepzibah.

I’ve got a message from her, Mango said.

Then give it here.

Mango’s face was grim as he thrust the envelope into her hand. Ned’s outside with the carriage. He’s waiting for a reply. He said it was urgent.

Something cold slid between Letty’s shoulder blades but her fingers were hot and clumsy as she tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter.

What does it say? Mango asked anxiously.

It’s not from Hepzibah. It’s from her Aunt Beulah. She says I should come to Belvedere Terrace.

Now? Mango’s voice rose.

Letty nodded, her throat tight. Straightaway. You can look after things till I get back. Without bothering to see if he agreed, she ran out into the street.

The Harrington carriage was waiting on the corner. As soon as he saw her Ned let down the steps and Letty scrambled inside. Progress was slow because the roads were crowded with coaches, carriages, wagons and carts. There were people everywhere but for once Letty did not look out for Jeb and his gang. She sat staring straight in front of her, knees pressed together, hands clenched, willing Ned to drive faster.

The carriage crawled down the steep slope of St Michaels Hill and up Park Street until they reached the quieter parts of Clifton where Ned released the break and they set off at a brisk trot, which they kept up until they arrived outside number three Belvedere Terrace.

As the carriage came to a halt the front door opened and Aunt Beulah, who had been watching out for them, stood on the threshold. Her face was creased with anxiety and Letty knew that something was very wrong. Hurry up child. Are you going to stand there all day gawping? Aunt Beulah snapped.

Not if Hepzibah wants to see me, Letty replied and ran up the stairs to her friend’s room.

Letty you came. Hepzibah lay on the couch by the window. She was very thin and pale except for two bright spots of colour on her cheeks. She did not get up and once she had spoken her head fell back on her pillow and she shut her eyes.

Aunt Beulah said you wanted to see me, Letty said gruffly. There was a lump in her throat that made it hard to speak. She pulled up a footstool and sat down.

Letty. Her friend took a deep breath. Then there was silence. Letty waited until Hepzibah was strong enough to go on. I want you to do something for me. You will, won’t you?

Of course. Letty took Hepzibah’s hand. Anything.

You have to find my brother. Hepzibah’s eyes were bright with fever.

What? I didn’t know you had a brother. You never said.

We don’t talk about him, that’s why. Even mentioning his name upsets everyone. He went away when I was little and now, Letty, he has to come back.

We’ll find him when you’re better. We’ll do it together. That’s what us associates do. ‘Mysteries solved and the missing found’. Letty tried to sound confident and cheerful but at the same time she crossed her fingers in the folds of her skirt where the other girl could not see them.

I’m not going to get better, Hepzibah said softly. Everyone knows it – and that’s why you’ve got to find Simeon. For Papa’s sake. Promise me, Letty. Promise me you will.

Letty gulped and nodded. If this was going to be Hepzibah’s last request then she’d make sure she’d bring her brother back before it was too late. Have you got any idea where he might be?

Hepzibah’s eyes closed. Her breathing was light and shallow. Letty moved closer. I can’t help if I don’t know where to start, she said.

Hepzibah’s eyelids flickered. With a great effort she lifted her hand. Her fingers opened and Letty saw that she was holding a gold chain. On it was a gold coin and a small seal. Take it, Hepzibah whispered, pushing the chain into Letty’s hand. It’s all I have of his.

I’ll look after it, Letty said. And I’ll bring it back when I—

Before she could say more, Aunt Beulah’s shadow fell across the light. Leaning over the girls she put her hand on her niece’s forehead. The fever is back. She must sleep now. You should leave.

No. I want to stay, Letty protested, but Aunt Beulah was steering her towards the door. There’s things I have to ask her about her brother Simeon.

Aunt Beulah sighed heavily and shook her head. It’s the fever talking, that’s all it is. She wants to believe that Simeon is still alive but he was lost to us many years ago. It’s best you leave it at that. No good will come of it. If you raise her hopes... Let her last days be peaceful.

But I promised.

Shh. Aunt Beulah frowned and put her finger to her lips. Then very gently she placed her hands on Letty’s shoulders and turned her towards the door. Scrubbing her eyes with her fists Letty made her way down the stairs, and when she reached the bottom step she sank down and put her head in her hands.

This couldn’t be the end, not for Hepzibah. Children died, she knew that. The graveyards of Bristol were full of young bones, but not Hepzibah’s. Not her friend. Not yet. They had been through so much together. They’d stopped the Dark Ones from taking power in the city. They’d rescued the children Mother Jenkins had planned to drain of their blood. On their last case, if it hadn’t been for Hepzibah, Count Nicholas would have had Letty sacrificed to the spirit of the river. He had intended to throw Letty into the gorge to ensure that Mr Brunel’s bridge would not be destroyed.

Letty thumped the wall with her fist. What was wrong with everyone? Where were the best doctors in the city? Mr Harrington was rich. He could get whoever he wanted to cure his daughter and if, by some strange chance, he didn’t have enough money then Letty would give him what he needed from the gold she had received as a reward for bringing Hepzibah home. She’d go and tell him right now.

Standing up, she shook out her skirt and marched down the hall to the master’s study. Her loud knocking only brought Ned out of the servants’ door. The master’s not in, he said bleakly. He’s gone to Bath to consult with Mr Barrington-Bowyer.

Oh. Letty lowered her fist. That’s good then.

No. Mr Barrington-Bowyer and the other doctors, they’ve all said the same thing.

Which is?

There’s nothing more that can be done.

There must be. We can’t let her die.

Miss Letty— Ned began.

Letty held up her hand. I won’t have it. I won’t let it happen. She’s got to see her brother. I’ve got to get Simeon back.

Ned sighed and shook his head.

Don’t, Letty said fiercely. Don’t give up. I won’t.

Well, Ned said slowly, if you’re set on it, then there’s something you should know.

~ Two ~

Letty followed Ned down the servants’ staircase, along a stone-flagged corridor and into the basement kitchen. Down beneath pavement level, even in the bright afternoon, it was dark and gloomy. Cook, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, her face shiny with sweat, was kneading bread at the big pine table.

Why, Letty Parker, what are you doing here? Cook wiped her hands on her apron.

I was sent to fetch her, Ned said.

Because Hepzibah wants the associates to find her brother Simeon, Letty added.

Does she now? Cook glared at Ned as if this were all his doing. I can’t say I’m happy about that. There’s more than enough trouble in this house, as it is.

Well I never. Bessie the maid came in from the scullery. Since Letty’s come to visit, I’ll bring us a glass of lemonade, shall I?

Bessie glanced at Cook who nodded and said, And a beer for Ned. Then he can tell us what this is all about. Cook picked up the dough and pounded it fiercely.

The lemonade was cool, sharp yet sweet. Letty drank it quickly hoping for another glass but Bessie made no move to bring more. She sat down beside Ned and waited for him to finish his beer while Cook thumped and banged, then rolled up the dough, put it in a bowl and covered it with a damp cloth before setting it beside the range to rise.

Rats, Letty thought, why can’t Ned get on with it? He said he’d tell me and now he’s sitting there knocking back his beer as if we’ve got all the time in the world. She gave the footman a look which she hoped would hurry him up, and he finally put down his glass.

Clearing his throat he began. I’ve worked for Mr Harrington for more than twenty years and I have to say he’s been a very good master to me. He stopped and looked around and the other servants nodded their agreement. It goes against the grain to talk about the master’s business but when it comes to Miss Hepzibah then I don’t think there’s any choice in the matter.

Bessie lifted the corner of her apron and wiped her eyes.

Bleedin’ ink! The words escaped before Letty could stop them. All this weeping and snivelling wasn’t going to help her find Hepzibah’s long lost brother. What she needed was hard information.

If it was anyone else but you, Letty Parker, I’d wash your mouth out with soap, Cook said but her voice was kind. Go on Ned, tell her what she needs to know and maybe she can think of a way of putting Miss Hepzibah’s mind at rest. Letty’s got the sort of friends and connections that could help us. Maybe they could write a letter, or send a message that makes it look like it was from Master Simeon.

You want me to lie to Hepzibah? Letty’s voice rose.

If I know anything, it won’t be the first time, Bessie said.

Maybe. Letty’s head went up. But never about nothing what really mattered. I made her a promise and I’m going to stick to it.

That’s all very well but I don’t think there is anything else that can be done, Cook said.

I’ll think of something. That’s what I’m here for, Letty snapped.

Keep your hair on and for goodness sake Ned, get on with it. Cook picked up a wooden spoon and waved it at the footman for all the world as if she was going to rap him over the knuckles. Bessie refilled his glass and he continued.

Before we came to Bristol, Mr Harrington and his family lived in Broome Compton. For a long time, they were very happy. Business was good and he and Mrs Harrington had a fine young son.

Hurry up. Letty stuck her elbows on the table and her thumb nails behind her front teeth. If Ned didn’t get to the point of the story soon she was going to say something she would regret. By the look on her face Cook was reaching the end of her patience too.

Master Simeon was ten years old when Miss Hepzibah was born. It was a surprise to us all, and her mamma, who was never strong, took ill and died. Cook took up the story. Mr Harrington went to pieces. He shut himself up in his room and wouldn’t come out. He wouldn’t eat nor drink. I tried all his favourite dishes but there was nothing I could make that would tempt him. It wasn’t until Miss Beulah Harrington arrived to put things to rights that he would even turn his mind to his family, let alone his business affairs.

It’s a wonder we didn’t go under, Ned continued. But with Miss Beulah in charge the master recovered.

And? Letty felt as if her brain was boiling.

The family business was saved but it was too late for Master Simeon. He’d always been a bit of a wild one and when he lost his mamma, and his papa shut himself away in his study, and Miss Harrington had her hands full with the business and the baby, there was no one to keep him on the straight and narrow. Young Master Simeon went from bad to worse. In the next few years he got into trouble wherever he went. He was sent to a good school and he ran away. His pa put him to work in the business but he got in with a bad crowd. Before we knew it the lad was an eel’s spit away from being hauled up in front of the magistrate. That’s when the master decided that the only way to save his son was to send him out of the country. Simeon was to go and learn his trade on the Harrington sugar plantation in Jamaica so that he could come home one day a decent sober young man fit to take over the family business.

Is that the whole story?

I wish it was. Father and son parted on bad terms. Master Simeon was furious at being sent away and swore he’d never come back. The master was angry because he had saved his son from the law and not received any thanks for it.

He said if that’s all the gratitude he was going to show then Simeon was no son of his, Cook added.

A crying shame, if you ask me, Bessie said.

Families. Letty raised her eyebrows. They were all strange and hers was stranger than most. Her pa was dead, her ma was too busy being famous to have anything to do with her daughter. Her step-mamma Primula Parker, and Letty’s half-sisters, Violet, Lily and Rose, were all good and kind people, but living with them was enough to drive you as mad as a box of frogs.

Still if that’s all that happened then it’s easily sorted. Hepzibah’s pa and her big brother had a fight and now they can make up and Hepzibah will be — happy, Letty said firmly. All that needs to be done is for Aunt Beulah to send a message and bring Simeon home.

She can’t do that, Bessie said.

Won’t more like.

No. Ned shook his head. She can’t send for her nephew because both she and the master believe Master Simeon is dead.

Is he? Letty asked.

Who knows. It doesn’t matter whether he is or not. It’s what Miss Hepzibah thinks that matters. Like I said, if there was a letter, a note, or something, it would ease her mind, Cook said.

Letty looked in astonishment at the three servants. I can’t forge a letter!

What would be the harm? Cook demanded. No one need ever know. Miss Harrington wouldn’t tell the master, not if it made his daughter’s last weeks happier.

What if Simeon’s still alive? What if he turns up? Letty asked.

There’s little chance of that, Ned said. After he left Broome Compton all those years ago no one heard from him again. Mr Harrington did his best to find out if the ship that Master Simeon was supposed to be on had arrived safely, and as far as we know it had, but his man in Jamaica had no word of the young master. Nor did Simeon himself let his father know where he was or what he was up to. Though if he’d run away again no one would have been surprised. Not knowing what Master Simeon had done was the worst thing of all. In the end Mr Harrington told us his son was never to be mentioned again, and that was that. As the years passed we all thought the young master must be dead, that is until Miss Hepzibah took it into her head that her brother had to be found, and that he and her pa should be reconciled.

Bleedin’ ink, Letty said again and this time no one reprimanded her. That takes the biscuit and some. What I don’t understand is why Hepzibah gave me this. She pulled the chain out of her pocket and held it up for the others to see.

There was a moment’s silence broken by a gasp and a sob. Cook looked sharply at Bessie. Do you know something we don’t?

A while back, the maid said, twisting her hands in her apron, when we were still in the old house in Broome Compton, a sailor lad came to the kitchen door. He asked for me by name and said he had a package for Miss Hepzibah. I was to give it to her without telling anyone else in the house. Well I wasn’t happy, as you can imagine, but before I could ask him what it was all about he thrust the parcel into my hand and was off as fast as if the Runners were at his heels.

A no-good rapscallion, Cook snorted.

I don’t know about that. Bessie shrugged. But that was how Miss Hepzibah got her hands on that chain Letty’s holding.

Which she is certain came from her brother. Letty looked at the chain and the coin. It was one she had never seen before. Thick and gold, it had a galleon on it, surrounded by some writing in a language she did not recognise. The seal, however, was more helpful. Look, it’s got his initials on it: SH. That proves it.

Maybe, Cook said. On the other hand, it could be someone playing a wicked trick. There’s plenty of names that begin with those two letters.

All right. But you have to admit it’s too much of a coincidence, and anyway it’s the only clue we have, so I’d better get going.

At the door she stopped and looked back at the servants sitting disconsolately around the table. If he’s to be found I’ll find him. You know me, Letty Parker, and I always keep my promises. Slipping the mysterious coin and chain into her pocket she hurried up the area steps.

~ Three ~

Her mind full of what she had learned about the Harrington family, Letty left the leafy streets of Clifton and went down the hill towards the docks. She threaded her way through the crowd of merchants, sailors, clerks and dockers until she came to the end of Tobacco Wharf. The water sparkled, the sky was blue, the ships were riding lazily at anchor, but Letty was weighed down by sadness. However much she didn’t want to think about it, she had to face the fact that Hepzibah was dying, and the only thing she could do for her friend was to fulfil the promise she had made to find Simeon Harrington.

Where to start? Simeon was supposed to have set sail from Bristol and after that there was no trace of him. Letty wrinkled her nose. That was suspicious in itself. Could he have played a part in his own disappearance? Then after a number of years away from home had he changed his mind and decided to make contact with his family? If it was Simeon who had sent his sister the coin and seal – and Letty could not think of any reason why anyone else would do that – he must truly want to be found.

She sat down on an upturned crate and stared balefully at the graceful