Page 80 of The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth
His heart pounding, Elliot came alive, and sat up in his seat, his arms leaning on his desk. “Do tell. And what about being Mr. Talbot’s valet is of interest to me?” What sort of information could the man have?
“Only yesterday I was able to bring myself to begin to pack away Mr. Talbot’s things. He had no family, therefore, I had intended to give his clothing to the church so they could distribute it as they saw fit. Mr. Talbot was a good man, and I know he would have wanted me to share any worthwhile things with the less privileged.”
Davis sighed and seemed to need time to compose himself. “Mr. Talbot had a Will and left a tidy sum to each of his employees.” He stopped and took out a handkerchief and blew his nose. “He was a most generous employer.”
Elliot gave him a moment, the man obviously being quite distressed at the loss of his employer. He lowered his voice, and asked, “What is it you came to see me about today? How do I figure in Mr. Talbot’s things?”
The man laid the book he had been holding on the desk, all business once again. “I would never think to read anything of a personal nature of my employer.” He tapped the book. “This is Mr. Talbot’s journal. He wrote in it every day.” He smoothed his hand over the cover. “He left the book open at the last page he wrote, which is why I was able to read his last entry.”
“Yes.” Would the man drag out his story forever?
“When I saw your name mentioned in here, and what Mr. Talbot wrote, I thought it was my duty as a good citizen to bring it to your attention.”
Elliot reached out. “May I read it?”
Mr. Davis nodded and flipped open the cover. He thumbed through the pages until he reached the one he wanted. He read it over and then turned the book around so Elliot could see it. He pulled the book toward him and began to read.
Elliot frowned as the words began to make sense. Then he sucked in a breath of air as he continued to read. His eyes grew wide and he looked up at Mr. Davis. “Bloody hell. Bloody, bloody hell and damnation.”
Elliot jumped up, practically knocking his chair to the ground, and rounded the desk. “If you will excuse me, Mr. Davis, I must leave immediately. Thank you very much for sharing that with me. My secretary will see you out.” He raced from the room, whipping past Mr. Gleason. “Please see Mr. Davis out. I am on my way to Mrs. Pennyworth’s house.”
Dear God, how would I have ever guessed?
