‘Oh, I did not recognise the name “Bigsby”!’ says Mary. ‘This is Miss Eleanor Wiltshire as was. She is the lady who was, for a brief time, my governess. You remember – “Ignorance is the curse of God, Knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven”? It is many years ago now, though. I am surprised you recognised me, Miss Wiltshire.’

‘Ah, you have a most distinctive presence. I am sure Mr Gibbs has noticed too,’ says Ellie and Richard smiles, raising an eyebrow.

‘I am afraid, though,’ says Mary, ‘we are not here to see you per se, dear Ellie, although there is much to tell you. We are here to see your friend. I believe Mrs Meake is here, is she not?’

Ellie nods, confused. ‘Why, what is this about? I’m afraid, Annie, Mrs Meake, is rather fragile at the moment. I don’t believe she should be receiving visitors of any kind.’

‘We understand,’ says Mary. ‘And indeed it concerns her husband who we believe to be the cause of the upset – but it is also of the utmost importance. Please may we speak with her?’

‘It is a grave matter,’ adds Richard. ‘I’m a journalist for the New Weekly and the Morning Express and Miss Ward and I have been investigating some most strange goings-on.’

‘Miss Ward has been investigating . . . ?’ says Ellie, amazed. ‘Oh, but of course she has!’ She smiles at Mary. ‘I cannot truly be surprised by anything she might do.’

Richard nods. ‘Miss Ward has, in fact, been the person who has driven the investigation. I cannot take any credit.’

Mary’s heart glows as he says it, a feeling of pride rising within her. ‘Please, Ellie, we must speak to her,’ she says. ‘I know it sounds ridiculous, fantastical even, but we believe a life may be in danger.’

‘Very well,’ says Ellie. ‘I can but ask.’

Richard and Mary follow Ellie up to the first floor, waiting outside as she knocks on the bedroom door and enters, closing the door softly behind her.

‘The infamous governess who said you were too difficult to teach, eh?’ whispers Richard.

‘I don’t believe that is quite what she said Mr Gibbs,’ says Mary. ‘Oh, I do so hope she will see us!’

The door opens and Ellie holds it wide for them to enter. ‘Come in,’ she says.

Annie lies on the bed before them. Pale and worn-looking, she props herself up on an elbow. ‘What is this about?’ she asks, recognising Mary. ‘I have seen you before, have I not?’

‘I am Mary Ward and this is Richard Gibbs,’ says Mary. ‘We mean you no harm, Mrs Meake, I assure you. We come here in friendship and to ask for your help.’

‘My help?’

‘Your husband,’ says Mary. She pauses for a moment. ‘We believe he is holding someone – a woman – prisoner in your basement.’