Read Online Death in the Dark Walk by Deryn Lake - Free Book Online Page A

sitting down on the bed and indicating the place beside her. ‘Someone’s got in ahead of him. She left here several months ago with a wealthy rake who set her up in lodgings.’
    â€˜Was it the Duke of Midhurst?’ asked John, making his first mistake.
    The girl stared at him in surprise. ‘Why do you say that? No, he was no Duke, unless he was a French one.’
    â€˜She went off with a Frenchman?’ the Apothecary exclaimed, trying to hide his astonishment.
    â€˜Yes. Louis de something. He was very dandified, very rich, and she thought he could give her a better life.’
    â€˜Where did he lodge her?’
    â€˜In Vigo Lane, behind Burlington House. In a very nice set of rooms. I went there once,’ Diana added just a little wistfully.
    Suddenly sorry for her, John put his arm round the girl’s shoulders.
    â€˜What happened to Elizabeth? Have you seen her since?’
    â€˜No, she turned too grand for the likes of me. Didn’t want to be reminded of her past, I imagine. I haven’t clapped eyes on her from that day to this.’
    Those words confirmed more clearly than anything else that news of the murder had not yet reached the brothel and John silently congratulated himself on acting so promptly. John Fielding had been quite right in suggesting that the enquiry should begin there. It was obvious that at present suspicions had not been aroused.
    â€˜So, as far as you know, she still dwells in Vigo Lane?’
    â€˜I believe so, yes.’
    â€˜May I know the number in case my kinsman should wish to call?’
    Diana looked mischievous. ‘I wouldn’t advise that. The Frenchman is very jealous. He would probably challenge him to a duel.’
    â€˜My cousin is a grown man and can take care of himself,’ the Apothecary answered smoothly.
    Then it’s number twenty-four, tell him.’
    â€˜Elizabeth went a long way for a simple country girl,’ John commented wryly.
    â€˜Many of us begin like that,’ Diana answered bitterly, then added, ‘How did you know where she came from?’
    â€˜Because my cousin told me,’ he replied swiftly. ‘So am I to presume that you also did not start life in London?’
    â€˜I came to the city from Winchester and went into service. But the footman took advantage of me and I was put out of the house. One of the two Madames found me and brought me here. It was better than life as a street drab after all.’
    â€˜One of the
two
Madames?’ the Apothecary repeated, something beginning to take shape in the back of his mind.
    â€˜Yes, there are two Madames de Blond – sisters, not twins, though they look as if they are. One of them runs this house, the other is out and about procuring any innocent she can get her hands on. They’re a hateful pair, truly, though they feed and protect us well enough. By the way, they both set about the Frenchman when he took Lizzie away. Called him all the vile names under the sun and punched him with their fists. He sent one of them flying.’
    â€˜Really?’ said John, amused.
    â€˜Yes. But just a minute, Sir,’ Diana went on, suddenly earnest, ‘I have to ask you something. Do you want me or don’t you? We’ve spent so long talking I am no longer sure what you came for.’
    â€˜As I said, I really wished to help my cousin out of his dilemma.’
    â€˜Very well,’ the girl answered resignedly, buttoning up her clothes, ‘but don’t tell Madame de Blond that nothing happened between us, will you?’
    â€˜Of course not. I’ll pay her just as if it did.’
    â€˜It’s not because you don’t like me, is it?’
    â€˜Indeed no. You’re a very desirable girl.’
    Diana’s fingers hesitated over the last button. ‘Well then . . .?’
    John lowered one lid till the black lashes swept his cheek, while the other blue eye regarded Diana Linacre in a brilliant stare.