“That’s excellent,” Hubert nodded. “The man needs to move on and up in the world. Most likely he’ll be made Superintendent soon. He’s just what this city needs. Good, decent men.”
???
Pulling out her black gown she laid it beside her other gown made of lavender. It was a deep lavender color with a scooped neckline and quarter length sleeves. She looked at them both and decided upon the lavender gown. She did not want to be disrespectful to her sister’s memory but it was her grandmother who said they could transition slowly to the half mourning colors.
Coming downstairs, her grandmother caught a glimpse of her.
“You look very fine in that gown, Caroline. I’m glad you’ve taken my advice,” she smiled.
“Yes Gran, I’m late,” she said kissing the older woman’s cheek and stepping outside to the hansom cab Wilmot had secured.
Val had given her directions to the property’s address and it was a quick jaunt to Westminster. When they arrived, Peter Davies was outside and he greeted her.
“Ah, Miss Derry,” Peter Davies said as he joined her. “Glad you could come. I understand our Inspector values your opinion.”
“It’s flattering to be asked but I’m sure you know much more of these things than I. And surely, he will be able to tell with his own eyes,” she smiled.
Peter shrugged. “You never can tell with these things. People see different things. Come. I don’t have much time. I’ll show you the property and leave the key with you so you can show the Inspector.”
“I show it?” She said confused.
“Yes, my dear. I have another appointment and I’m afraid I can only wait a short time.”
Just as he said, Peter Davies hastily showed her the spacious property as they walked through it together before he looked at his pocket watch, gave her the key and departed.
Caroline sighed. She sat on the vacant window seat which overlooked the street and counted the minutes. She would wait ten minutes and then be on her way. She heard movement in the next room and she saw Val striding towards her in a dark suit with a lighter colored waistcoat.
“Caroline? Miss Derry,” he corrected himself. “Where is Mr. Davies?”
“He had another appointment. He left me the key and showed me about. So, I’m your interim estate agent,” she smiled.
“A nice surprise,” he waved a hand. “After you.”
She nodded. “It’s quite lovely, th
e home.”
Together they walked into the reception hall and he followed her as she made a circular motion through the first floor of the home.
“Here’s the dining room, the pantry and kitchen, the porch, the den and the living room,” she pointed out each room as they entered it.
“The oak flooring and wood throughout is very attractive,” Val commented.
“I agree. It’s very warm and welcoming,” she said opening the French doors to the next room. “Here’s the sun room,” she motioned to it.
“I do like a conservatory or sun room as they call it. To be able to sit inside and read while still enjoying nature.” He looked about the warm room.
“You could plan a garden outside to enjoy the flowers,” she mentioned.
“Do you garden?” He asked.
“No but I admire them.” She went out into the hallway. “Shall we go upstairs?”
He followed her up the staircase and looked at the layout.
“There are four bedrooms with closets, two bathrooms with indoor plumbing and a sleeping porch,” she pointed each out to him.
“Four bedrooms?” He said.