Kerry Tombs - The Worcester Whisperers

‘-where they can be enjoyed by everyone who desires to see them,’ completed Alice Maria.

‘Indeed so, ladies,’ said Ravenscroft, smiling.

‘It is such a pity that you have decided not to stay with us,’ said Mary Ann.

Crabb coughed and gave Ravenscroft a puzzled look.

‘You are too kind, ladies. It is true that I have been offered a position with the local force here in Worcester, but I suppose I can be of greater service in London. There is nothing now to keep me here,’ said Ravenscroft, wondering how the sisters had gained knowledge of the offer that had been made to him only hours previously.

‘What a shame!’

‘We are so sorry.’

‘But we quite understand your decision.’

‘Thank you, ladies. Of course, I have not finally-’ began Ravenscroft.

‘We understand that a new librarian has been appointed.’

‘We shall have to have him to tea one afternoon, sisters.’

‘I am sure he would appreciate that,’ said Ravenscroft.

‘We thought you would like a little something to take back to London,’ said the eldest sister handing over a brown paper parcel.

‘My sister’s cakes are the envy of the town,’ said Emily proudly.

‘Hush, Sister!’ said the youngest sister turning bright red.

‘You are most kind. I am sure your cake will be delicious, and when I am eating it in my rooms in London I shall remember all the kindness I have received here.’

‘Time we went to the station, sir,’ interrupted Crabb.

‘We must not detain you, Inspector.’

‘You must not miss your train.’

‘That would never do.’

‘Thank you again, ladies,’ said Ravenscroft raising his hat, before they walked away.

‘I was not aware, that you have been offered a place with the force here in Worcester,’ said Crabb, as they made their way back towards the Cardinal’s Hat. ‘I hope you will accept such a position. May I say it has been a great honour to have served alongside you, sir.’

‘Stop it, Crabb! I have not yet refused the offer. I need to return to London and have time to consider the matter.’

‘I understand. I suppose if a certain young lady-’

‘Enough, Crabb!’ said Ravenscroft firmly. ‘If you want to make yourself useful, you can carry my bag from the Cardinal’s to the station.’

‘A pleasure, sir,’ he grinned.

After collecting his bag and paying the landlord his account, Ravenscroft made his way to the station with his colleague. They climbed up the steps to the station platform.

‘You know, Tom, it was a good thing that we went to Hay, otherwise we would never have discovered Henderson’s true identity. Until then, I was so sure that Cranston was our murderer, but I now realize that my intense dislike of the man clouded my judgement,’ said Ravenscroft.

‘Good job we didn’t arrest him then,’ replied Crabb, ‘otherwise we would have had that smart London lawyer after us.’

‘That idea does not bear thinking about. But enough of Cranston and the Whisperie . Tom, give my best regards to your wife and son.’

‘I certainly will, sir. Things are going to be a little flat around here, now that you are returning to London,’ said Crabb sadly.

‘Good morning, Inspector,’ interrupted a familiar voice.

‘Brother Jonus. How pleased I am to see you again,’ said Ravenscroft shaking the monk’s hand, ‘I was hoping to see you at the cathedral before my departure, but I see you are also travelling to London.’

‘The cathedral has a number of business interests in London, which necessitate my presence there from time to time,’ replied Jonus.

‘Then perhaps we might share a compartment together,’ suggested Ravenscroft.

‘That would be an honour, Inspector.’

The group were suddenly disturbed by the arrival of a uniformed officer, who emerged running from the stairway and on to the platform. ‘Inspector Ravenscroft, sir. I’m glad I’ve caught you.’

‘Whatever is the matter?’ enquired Crabb.

‘I’m so sorry, sir. This arrived for you yesterday. I meant to give it to you then, but placed it on the station desk and forgot all about it. I hope it is not anything important?’ said the breathless constable, handing Ravenscroft a letter.

‘Thank you, Constable.’

‘A young girl delivered it. Said her mistress had sent her all the way over from Ledbury, saying it was most urgent and that you were to read it straight away. Sorry for the delay, sir.’

‘That’s quite all right, Constable, better late than never, as they say,’ said Ravenscroft recognizing the handwriting. ‘Gentlemen, if you will excuse me for a moment.’

‘Of course, my son.’

Ravenscroft withdrew a little way down the platform, leaving Jonus and Crabb talking to the constable. He stared down at the envelope, his heart beating, a sudden hope taking possession of his mind, his hand shaking and unsure whether he dare read its contents now, or later.

The sound of the approaching train, brought him back to the reality of his present situation. He tore open the envelope and read its contents.

My Dearest Samuel,

I do hope that this letter is able to reach you before your departure to London. I had hoped that you would have found it in your heart to have visited me again, here in Ledbury, now that you have brought your investigations to a satisfactory conclusion, but I realize that after my coldness towards you during our last meeting, you would be too hurt and would want to put me out of your mind as quickly as possible.

When you arrived — so unexpectedly — I was unsure how you would be with me, after my foolishness of last year. I hope you will forgive my aloof manner towards you. It was never my intention to be so distant and seemingly uncaring. The truth is, since your generous offer of marriage last year, there has hardly been a day gone by when my thoughts have not turned in your direction wondering what you would have been doing at that moment, and whether you would still be thinking of me, and cursing my own foolishness.

There I go again — repeating the word ‘foolishness’. You must excuse such repetition, but it is an apt word to describe my behaviour towards you. I hope you will excuse these strange ramblings from one who cares for you. In time you will forget all about me — and it is all that I can expect.

However, should you find it in your heart to forgive the pain I have caused you in the past, and desire to see me again — and wish to repeat your more than generous offer that you made last year — you would receive a more than favourable response.

If I have said too much, then please excuse me, but the contents of this letter are what I feel, and are written from the heart.

Your ever loving

Lucy

‘I think your train has arrived, sir,’ interrupted Crabb.

‘Yes. Yes, of course,’ replied Ravenscroft folding over the letter and replacing it within its envelope. ‘Brother Jonus, you will have to excuse me. I find that I am unable to travel with you today.’

‘I understand my son. Follow your heart,’ said the churchman shaking Ravenscroft’s hand vigorously, before boarding the train, ‘I’m sure our paths will cross again sometime in the future.’

‘Yes, indeed,’ said Ravenscroft, closing the carriage door.

‘Good news, sir?’ enquired a smiling Crabb.

‘It is very good news indeed, Tom! When is the next train to Ledbury?’

‘In about five minutes, I believe.’

‘It looks as though I might be staying after all.’

‘Capital news, sir. Capital news indeed!’

‘Oh, and Tom, how would you like to be best man at a wedding?’

‘Delighted, I’m sure. Delighted!’