Changeling

For some time I had felt a twinge of guilt because I had never said anything about that occasion when I had seen Celeste and Oliver Gerson together at The Hanging Judge. Was it of any significance?

How could I know? But in a case like this any small detail could be of importance. Who knew which were the key pieces to fit into the puzzle to complete the picture?

I could not bring myself to speak to him of Oliver Gerson. He hated the man and would not have him in the house. Understandably since he had tried to blackmail him. As for Oliver Gerson, the thought had occurred to me that he might be responsible for some of the pieces which had appeared in the press. I could well imagine his revelling in supplying damning information. I was sure he was delighted to see Benedict in trouble.

I could not believe that Celeste was dead. I awoke one morning. I had been dreaming, but it was as though a revelation had come to me. In my dream I had seen Oliver Gerson, with a malicious expression on his face. I heard his voice: “Don’t think I shall let this pass.”

I had the firm conviction that Oliver Gerson could tell us something.

He would never help Benedict, but what of me? He had been courteous and charming to me always. Of course, he had thought I was a good proposition. He had planned to marry the stepdaughter and so acquire a share in the business. That had been his motive. Most girls would have been impressed by him and very likely delighted that he had planned to marry them.

Was he so bad? Benedict had married his first wife for the goldmine she brought him. When one grew up one realized that people’s characters were made up of many facets.

Oliver Gerson had been so good to the children, amusing them, playing their games. They had both adored him—Lucie as well as Belinda—but Belinda was more fierce in her emotions. She loved with passion and hated with venom. Therefore while to Lucie he had been Nice Mr. Gerson, to Belinda he had been godlike.

If I could see him now … How? I did not know where he lived. He would, of course, still be connected with the clubs. His had been an important post there. He had been Benedict’s right-hand man; and now that Benedict was no longer working for them, he would still be there with the new owners.

I had heard the names of some of them: The Green Light, The Yellow Canary, Charade and The Devil’s Crown, but that last was the one Benedict had not acquired.

I could find out where the clubs were situated. I knew they were all in the west end of London. It would not be very difficult; and as soon as the idea occurred to me I decided to put it into practice.

I felt so much happier than I had for a long time. I was sure I should be hearing from Pedrek soon … and I owed this to Benedict. He was the one who had made me do the right thing and then set about to prove that it was not only the best for me but the truth. He had given me a chance to be happy again, and I longed to do the same for him.

Just suppose Oliver Gerson knew where Celeste was. It even occurred to me that she might have run off with him. Perhaps they had eloped together to some other country. I could try to find out. Some of his associates at the clubs might know.

I would go to London, I would make the excuse that I wanted to be with Morwenna who was so pleased that we had discovered the truth and that her son was exonerated.

Normally I should have been beset by pleas from the children to come with me. Lucie wanted to, but I told her I had a great deal to do and I should not be away for long. Belinda showed no desire to accompany me. She had been very subdued since her confession.

Leah told me that I need have no qualms about leaving the children at this difficult time. Belinda was clearly relieved that the truth had been revealed. “She had it on her mind, Miss Rebecca,” said Leah, and added, determined to protect her darling: “She meant well.”

“Yes,” I replied, “the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”

“Poor mite. It’s her father. That hurt her a lot, you know. And he was the one who got it out of her. She’s terrified of him.”

“On this occasion it was a good thing that she was.”

“Don’t you worry, Miss Rebecca. I’ll look after her when you’ve gone.”

“I know you will, Leah.”

She smiled and I remembered Mrs. Emery’s words when she had described the change in her. She no longer looked as though she were going to a funeral. Poor Leah! But she certainly did seem happier. What an effect parental attitudes had on children. There was Belinda—as she was because she resented her father’s attitude towards her. And Leah? What had life been like in that shiningly clean cottage presided over by the self-righteous Mrs. Polhenny? No wonder she was secretive … shut in on herself.

But she seemed to be growing away from that a little now. There was truly a new softness in her face for the whole world and not just for Belinda.

Morwenna was delighted when she heard I was to stay with them for a week or so. So in due course I left Manorleigh for London.