‘If that’s the case, why is he so intent on finding Jenny?’ Their father was frowning fiercely. ‘He would need to marry for money, surely?’

‘That’s what has been bothering me ever since I saw the house.’ Matt stared at John, who was deep in thought and stirring his coffee aimlessly.

Putting the spoon in the saucer, John looked up. ‘I’d better look into this. If Greaves is in trouble, I should be able to find out.’

Luke took an apple from the fruit bowl and tossed it in the air. ‘The plot thickens,’ he said. ‘I do love a mystery.’

‘It’s all very odd.’ Their mother seemed bewildered. ‘An under housemaid who turns out to have come from a wealthy family – now living in the slums of London. And a man reputed to be extremely wealthy – now short of money.’

Luke chortled. ‘It would make a good pantomime.’

‘Except it isn’t funny, Luke.’ Matt knew his brother just couldn’t help being flippant, and it grated at times, but Luke wasn’t uncaring.

Luke raised his hands in surrender. ‘Sorry, Matt, I don’t mean anything by it. It must be wretched for the poor girl, but you must admit that it has all the ingredients of a good suspense story.’

‘Damned strange business, if you ask me.’ Their father poured himself an after-dinner brandy. ‘See what you can find out, John. He doesn’t bank with us, but it’s best to have the whole picture in case he comes asking for a loan.’

‘Yes. Some who are in difficulties have been going from bank to bank, trying to raise money. I’ll make a few inquiries tomorrow.’

The Rolls was sold the next morning at a good profit. In fact it was enough to repay Luke almost half the money he had lent Jake to get started, and to buy two more cars to sell. They weren’t quite so fussy now, and if a car needed work, they had the expertise to make it look as good as new. They found that there was more money in doing this than in just buying quality cars, and they made sure they had a good selection at all prices. The petrol pump was still well used. The garage was once again busy and they were all in high spirits. With the economic depression really gripping the country, it was nothing short of a miracle that they were doing so well. Their Mayfair location had a lot to do with their success, though.

‘Good.’ Their father nodded in approval. ‘If anyone can find out what the situation is, it’s you, John.’

In his lunch break, Matt decided to go to see how his mother and her committee were getting on at the hall.

When he arrived, he found his mother in the kitchen, looking rather harassed. ‘Hello, Matt. I’m glad you’ve come. Have you got some spare time?’