‘The thing is, and I hope you don’t think I’m talking out of turn here, but something odd happened when I arrived. I saw a young woman coming up from the basement and as she looked very upset, I asked her if she was all right. She was crying, but before she hurried off she warned me that if I was after a job, I should stay well away from this house, or I’d end up in trouble with the Mrs’s son like she was. I’m not sure what she meant by that or if it’s got anything to do with your stolen things.’

Sarah knew the old woman had no idea what was going on in her home right under her nose, but Jenny had said that Henry was aware of Godfrey’s wicked behaviour, though he’d turned a blind eye to it. Sarah flashed the butler a look, and saw him shift uncomfortably, then discreetly clear his throat.

‘I can only suggest you saw my cleaner, but I have no idea why she would say that. Do you know, Henry?’

‘Actually, yes, ma’am. I think I do,’ Henry answered.

‘Spit it out then, man,’ the old woman barked.

‘Ma’am, I think this would be better discussed in private.’

‘Well, it’s becoming apparent that my son is a thief, so I think it’s a little late to concern ourselves with privacy. Now, Henry, I demand to know what exactly has been occurring in my house!’

Sarah thought that Mrs Alderton-Steele was quite a formidable character when riled, and hoped Henry would have the bottle to tell her what he knew. It had to come from him, as Sarah didn’t think the old woman would believe her.

‘I’m afraid to say that Miss Jepson’s story has confirmed exactly what I think Godfrey has been doing, but until now I’ve had no proof. I believe he has been taking your jewellery in order to have the staff blamed,’ Henry said, and looked at Sarah with a look of relief as if he was glad to get it off his chest.

‘Why would he do such a thing? What could he possibly gain?’

‘Er … favours, ma’am, of the … er … feminine kind,’ Henry said and lowered his head.

‘I still don’t understand, Henry. How is the theft of my jewellery involved?’

‘I’m afraid Godfrey had his eye on our previous cleaner, Miss Turner, but she refused to be forthcoming with her favours. To punish her, I think Godfrey took your jewellery and Miss Turner was blamed for the theft. I think he’s been doing something similar with this new girl, maybe blackmailing her to be freer with her favours as I caught them in somewhat of a clinch the other day.’