“That’s not an excuse. I’ll send him a note tomorrow.”
After dinner, the trio retired to the parlor for coffee and brandy. Hubert pulled out his cigar while the women were served coffee.
When Caroline told them the news of Prudence’s death, they were both shocked.
“This is dreadful. Makes you not want to walk the streets of London,” Malvina said.
“You must take care, Caroline. I don’t want you out alone after dark.” Her father said. “Until this is resolved you must take care. You must take the greatest of care.”
“I will Father. Of course, I will.”
“I will write to Prudence’s family with our condolences,” Malvina said.
“I will as well. I’m going to retire, good night,” Caroline said wearily and kissed them both on the cheek.
Upstairs she undressed and pulled on her shift but she lay in bed for several hours staring out the window and watching the wind flick the trees about. When she finally did sleep her dreams were clouded with death and despair.
???
Coming downstairs the next mo
rning, her grandmother was seated at the breakfast table reading Punch, the weekly magazine that focused on humor and satire.
“My dear, you’ve made this week’s edition of Punch,” Malvina said slowly.
“What?” She asked frowning. “That’s not possible. Why would I be in a magazine?”
Handing the magazine to her, Caroline read the small paragraph about the strangler still on the loose and Inspector Pierce romancing the sister of one of the primrose victims.
“They can’t do this!” She said shocked.
“They’ve done it,” her grandmother returned.
Caroline looked about the room and then realized what she must do. “I must speak to Val’s Superintendent. I may be angry with him and that may be misplaced, but I won’t let this rag besmirch his reputation.”
Malvina nodded. “That is commendable.”
“I can do no less. I can’t just let this go,” she told her grandmother.
Caroline dressed quickly and taking the magazine in hand she made her way to the Metropolitan police station. Instead of seeking out Val, she asked to see the Superintendent. The clerk brought her to his office and she entered it.
“Superintendent Osgood this lady needs to see you,” the clerk said.
“Miss—“
“I’m Miss Derry,” she identified herself. “Caroline Derry.”
The Superintendent seemed to look behind her for a second and she heard the door close.
“I came here as quickly as I could. I understand that this rag,” she placed the magazine on his desk, “has written some libelous filth about myself and the detective working my sister’s case.”
“Please Miss Derry—“
“I wanted to come here right away to inform you that Inspector Pierce has been very dedicated to the case and there is absolutely nothing between us.”
“Is that so?”
“Nothing beyond a proper working relationship,” she added. “I wouldn’t want his reputation harmed because some drivel that’s printed to sell magazines.”