Deadly Double, An Adaline and Genevieve Adventure

TONY FLYE

DEADLY DOUBLE

An Adaline and Genevieve Adventure

Copyright 2018 Tony Flye, LLC.

Published by Tony Flye at Smashwords

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Deadly Double

About Tony Flye

Other books by Tony Flye

Connect with Tony Flye

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

DEDICATION

For my beautiful, better half, Susan, who makes life worth living.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Cover art by Rocky M.

DEADLY DOUBLE

An Adaline and Genevieve Adventure

Chapter 1

Excuse me, I am Lady Edna Jamison, Lord Alfred Jamison's wife and this is my sister, Lady Maude Montague, Lord Cuthbert Montague's wife. Our brother, Lord Thomas Steed had been accused of murder he says he does not remember committing. May we have a private conversation; as you can imagine it is of the utmost important? Lady Edna Jamison, the tall slender elegantly dressed society grand dame asked of Adaline and Genevieve Halverson. Lady Edna's statement about her brother being accused of murder immediately captured their attention.

Lady Edna's apparently urgent question raised Adaline's natural curiosity and overcame her caution about becoming intimately involved with the more established members of the society to which she and her sister were the youngest members.

This sounds serious, Adaline said.

It is. We need your help. May we talk, Lady Edna said.

Yes, of course, Genevieve said. Give us a few minutes to do one thing first and we will join you.

Adaline and her younger sister, Genevieve, married twin brothers, Lord Addison and Lord Garrett Halverson almost a year ago. Adaline just turned twenty-one years old, tall for a woman at six feet with a full figure. She had a narrow face, with a long, pointed nose and high cheek bones leading down to a pointed chin and naturally red cheeks. Her teeth were straight and white. Adaline Halverson had long slender fingers which she inherited from her mother. She spent a year before her marriage attending an exclusive girls school in Switzerland. Any one of her physical attributes taken by itself would make her look very plain, but taken together, Adaline was a beautiful and smart woman, wise to the ways of the world. Between herself and her sister, she was the alpha sister. Adaline enjoyed striving for what she wanted and usually managed to get it.

Genevieve Halverson could have passed for Adaline's twin sister, but with three exemptions. One, Genevieve just turned nineteen years old. Two, Genevieve was ten inches shorter than her older sister at five feet two. And third, Genevieve was a kinder, gentler and more empathetic woman than her sister and usually acted as Adaline's conscience.

Today Adaline and Genevieve were attending one of Lady Maude Montague's monthly soirées.

I hate coming to theses types of affairs, Adaline said.

I feel so out of place here with all of these older matron ladies, Genevieve said.

Think of it this way, Adaline said. That will be us in thirty years.

God, I hope not, Genevieve said, as they rejoined Lady Edna and Lady Maude.

Perhaps we can talk in the withdrawing room or Lord Cuthbert Montague's study, Lady Edna said. Lord Cuthbert and three of his friends sat in the withdrawing room around a square mahogany card table in the midst of a wildly contested Whist game. The four ladies moved on to his study which they found vacant.

Lord Cuthbert's study was the room in his house of which he was most proud. He designed the interior of the room himself. The walls were hand hewed twelve inch wide oak planks installed vertically. A cold white marble fireplace faced the desk on the opposite wall. The two walls perpendicular to the fireplace wall were lined ceiling to three feet above the floor with oak bookshelves except for the windows on the outside walls and the door in the opposite wall. Cabinets under the bookcases hid a series of drawers. One could only guess as to the contents of these drawers. The walls, bookcases, cabinets and drawers were stained a yellowish color. The floors in the study were also wide oak planks, but stained a dark walnut color.

A red and green oriental rug covered most of the floor between the the oak desk and the fireplace. Four leather upholstered chairs with walnut stained oak arms and legs sat in a arc in front of the desk.

A footman carried a sliver tray into the study with a tea service. He set out the cups, cream pitcher and a bowl filled with the new cubes of sugar and another bowl filled with lemon wedges then poured the tea.

Thank you, Lady Edna said to the footman.

Lady Edna sat in the padded leather swivel chair behind Lord Cuthbert's walnut stained oak desk as if she were holding court. Adaline and Genevieve sat in the two leather chairs facing the desk.

What makes you think my sister and I can help you and your brother? Adaline asked after they were all seated and taken their first sip of tea.

Before Lady Edna could answer, Lady Maude entered her husband's study. I hope I am not too late, she said as she sat on the third of the four chairs in front of the desk.

No, Maudy, I was about to tell Lady Adaline and Lady Genevieve about Thomas' problem, Lady Edna said.

Thomas was arrested yesterday for the murder of Bancroft Winston, but Thomas shouted he was innocent when the Metropolitan Police came and arrested him, Lady Maude said.

Lady Maude, why are you coming to us with this problem? Adaline asked.

Please call us Maude or Maudy if you prefer and Edna. I find titles are so stuffy between peers, do you not? Edna said.

Very well Edna, we are Adaline and Genevieve, Genevieve said. Edna Jamison nodded.

To answer your question, Violet, one of our maids, who used to work for your family, told me of how you both solved the grisly murders running rampant through your house, Edna said.

Word of the killer's identity was not made public knowledge. And how do you know my sister and I solved the murders? Adaline asked.

Violet told us of how you had her come to your house on her day off so you could talk with her about the killing which took place there. She told us she told you of how Lord Cedrick Halverson violated her while she was employed in your house, Maude said.

I never liked the man. I thought he had shifty eyes, Edna said.

I am sorry to say I never trusted him either, Maude said.

"Violet also told us you gave her a pound coin for talking with you and let her leave through the front door. You both impressed poor Violet so much. She said you treated her more like a friend rather than a servant. I must tell you that after Violet told us how you treated her, we have tried to emulate your attitude towards our own servants.

There but by the grace of God, goes us, Genevieve said.

Yes, Edna said.

Violet claims you two ladies solved the killings, Maude said.

My dears, I have not lived as long as I have without knowing how things really are. By the way, how is Lady Ashley enjoying her continental tour? Maude asked with a sly grin on her wrinkled face.

Adaline and Genevieve gave each other a momentary look of shock before quickly regaining their composure. Adaline wondered if Maude knew the truth, or only thought she did. (Deadly Wives)

Lady Ashley writes she is having a wonderful time. She is enjoying herself so much she has no idea when she might be returning home, Genevieve said with a smile.

We are so happy for your family, Maude said patting Genevieve's hand in a knowing manner.

What may my sister and I do for you? Adaline asked, quickly changing the subject.

We would like you two dears to investigate who killed Mr. Bancroft Winston, Maude said.

Please, we need you help, Edna said. Her words sounded like a plea. We believe Thomas is innocent as he claims. Thomas is a kindhearted man. He would not kill a soul.

Tell us about Thomas, Genevieve said.

Edna's and my mother died twenty-five years ago. And our father remarried within the year. Our step mother Samantha is a wonderful woman. She was seventeen when she married father. She is now forty-two years old and is still a very beautiful woman. Edna and I are three and two years respectfully older than Samantha. Father was forty-two years old when they married. She is Thomas' mother. Edna and I were old enough to know of our father's needs. We found it awkward growing up having a step mother younger than us. Over time we became like older sisters to her. We were a happy family until father passed. Thomas is now twenty-three years old and I am afraid to say, a little rambunctious, Maude said.

What do you mean by rambunctious? Genevieve asked.

He is kind of a wild child. He is a good man, but he is a little unsettled, liable to lose control of himself, Maude said.

Tell us what happened, Adaline said.

As far as we can tell, Thomas was at his club three nights ago. Some friends of his said he drank a little too much whiskey, which he did often, Edna said.

Who is this Bancroft Winston your brother is accused of murdering? Adaline asked.

From what we gather from his friends, Thomas and this Mr. Winston got into a friendly argument over something inconsequential, Edna said.

What did they argue about? Genevieve asked.

I do not know, his friends did not say, Maude said.

Who are these friends you mentioned? Adaline asked.

Colonel Alexander Wells, a business man late of Her Majesty's army, and John Burdock, another business man. They are members of Thomas' club, as well as Mr. Winston, Edna said.

What is the name of his club? Genevieve asked.

"It is simply called The Club. Thomas told us the founding members could not decide on a proper name for the club so the name remained, The Club."

"Where is The Club located?" Adaline asked.

I believe it is located on Tottenham Court Road, not far from University College, Edna said.

The club name sounds familiar, Genevieve said.

I think our father and brother, Grayson, are members, Adaline said.

Maybe they can get us into the club so we can talk with Colonel Wells and Mr Burdock, Genevieve said.

I do not think you will be able to get into the club. They do not allow woman inside their sacred halls. We tried to get in and talk with Mr. Burdock and Colonel Wells to find out more of what happened, Maude said.

But they would not let us in the door, Maude said, finishing her sister's sentence.

Maybe we can find out about Colonel Wells and Mr. Burdock from our father and brother, Adaline said.

Then you will help us? Edna asked.

We will try, but we make no promises. If we find out your brother did indeed murder Mr. Winston, we will tell you first and we will have no choice but to inform Detective Superintendent Woodruff of Scotland Yard, Adaline said.

Do you have to tell the Scotland Yard investigator? Maude asked.

Yes. If we do not, we could be charged with aiding and abetting a murderer as well as interfering with a police investigation. We ourselves could be imprisoned or worse, Adaline said.

Genevieve could tell by the look on Edna's face, Edna had doubts running rampant through her mind about hiring them to investigate the murder. If these two young women find out our brother did commit the murder, they could be the ones to send him to the gallows at Newgate Prison. Do I want to trust these two ladies with the investigation of my brother's innocence, or do I trust my brother's fate in the hands of the police alone? Edna thought. The study became quiet as a monastery at midnight. Everyone had some doubts regarding the assignment.

Adaline sensed Edna's indecision. She was about to tell them to think over their dilemma and let them know if they wanted her and Genevieve to proceed with the investigation.

Will you take our case? We have faith in the two of you. We will pay you anything you ask, Maude said.

Again we will make no promises to you other than to do everything we can to help you, Adaline said.

That is all we can ask, Maude said. Thank you.

I think we should go and talk with father and Grayson on our way home, Adaline said as they walked down the Montague's front steps.

Where to My Ladies? Archie Atkins, their open carriage driver, asked.

Take us to our father's house please, Genevieve said, nodding to her sister.

Chapter 2

To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit," Lord Godwin said after the footman opened the door admitting his daughters.

"We wanted to talk with you and Grayson about The Club," Genevieve said as she kissed her father's cheek.

"Let us go into the withdrawing room, Godwin said.

You do know society has shortened the name 'withdrawing' room by dropping the 'with' part of the word. It is now called simply a drawing room, Celia said.

I stand corrected. Let us go into the drawing room, Godwin said."Your mother is in there playing with young William, Celia and Grayson's nine month old son. Celia sat in the drawing room with them.

Lord Godwin Montgomery was of medium height with an expanding waist line and was a month short of his sixty-third birthday. His round face always had a perpetual smile. He had plenty to smile about being the richest man in the city, both in family as well as money and.

Look what waifs showed up on our door step, Godwin said, as he ushered Genevieve and Adaline into the study.

Lady Eleanore, Adaline, Genevieve and Grayson's mother, rose and carried William on her hip to greet her daughters. What a pleasant surprise. What brings you both here? She asked.

Lady Eleanore Montgomery turned forty-three years old two months ago. She married Godwin on her sixteenth birthday twenty six years ago. Adaline noticed her mother now had two or three silver threads running through her normally lustrous brown hair. Her naturally red lips surrounded her brilliant white teeth. She had high cheekbones the same ones she passed on to her daughters. Lady Eleanore had delicate hands and fingers which allowed her to become an accomplished harpsichordist.

Three things bring us here today, Adaline said. One, to hold and adore our little nephew. Two, to see you and father, and our brother and sister, she said referring to Celia, Grayson's wife. Celia Halverson married Grayson the day after Adaline and Genevieve married Addison and Garrett Halverson. And three, to have a private talk with father and Grayson.

Is everything alright at the Halverson house after Lady Ashley...? Eleanore asked. Grayson told us everything. Celia became sullen and looked down at her clasped hands resting in her lap, thinking about her mother and what she had done. (Deadly Wives)

What was it you wanted to talk with father and me about? Grayson asked, quickly changing the subject.

Is there someplace we can go a little more private? Genevieve asked.

We can use the dining room if that is alright? Godwin said.

Fine, Adaline said. The four of them headed towards the dining room with Celia following behind at a distance.

Shall I ring for some tea? Godwin asked as they sat around one end of the large mahogany dining table.

It would be nice, Adaline said, as if the tea didn't matter as she was anxious to learn all she could about Colonel Alexander Wells and John Burdock.

I would like some tea, thank you, Genevieve said, remembering the polite manners their mother instilled in both her daughters.

The Montgomery dining room had ivory painted walls mostly cover with portraits of Montgomery ancestors along with a portraits of Lady Eleanore's parents. The highly polished mahogany dining room table could seat twenty. Twenty matching mahogany chairs surrounded the table. The two chairs at the ends of the table for the host and hostess had arms. The upholstery was a floral ivory brocade. Along one wall was the matching mahogany buffet, where breakfasts were usually laid out so the breakfasters would choose their own dishes. On the opposite wall was the large matching mahogany glass fronted china and crystal cabinet. The cut crystal was imported from Venice and the delicate floral bone china dinnerware had been imported all the way from China. The dining room furniture as well as most of the other furniture in the house had been crafted by the city's leading cabinetmaker and was just as sound today as it was when the pieces were new. At the confluence of the ceiling and walls was a intricately carved crown molding from which the portraits hung. Tan wool carpet made by the best rug maker in England covered the walnut stained English oak floor.

A new footman Adaline didn't recognize delivered the tea service and started to pour. I think we can pour, Adaline said, a little to briskly to suit her father, but anxious to find out from her father and brother about The Club and its members, especially Colonel Wells and Mr. Burdock.

Addison and Garrett told me about what Ashley did and how they handled it, Grayson said. They told me to use my own judgment as to what to tell Celia. I talked the situation over with mother and father. They thought Celia...

My parents-in-law, my new parents... Godwin Montgomery smiled at his new daughter. They thought I should be told the truth, Celia said standing in the dining room doorway. Grayson told me as gently as he could what my mother did. Celia entered the dining room. She took her husbands hand in hers. I did not want to believe it, but my husband has never lied to me and I did not think he was lying to me then. I hated both of my parents all my life. I hated my father because he treated me worse than he treated the servants, that is until he started violating them. I hated my mother for letting my father treat me the way he did. I know this may sound terrible, but I am glad he is dead and she is locked away in an lunatic asylum. I hope she stays locked away forever. Celia did not shed a tear for her parents. She smiled at her husband and he smiled back. (Deadly Wives.)

Celia turned to face Adaline and Genevieve. The both of you treated me far better than my parents ever did. The same with Eleanore and Godwin, thank you all, she said, a single tear tolled down her cheek. Adaline and Genevieve both stood and gave their new sister a hug. Tears of happiness ran down Celia's cheeks now. I have my husband, and William and new parents and sisters. I am finally happy now, she said.

Celia was eighteen years old, blond hair, green eyes with a flat boy like chest which has become fuller since she became pregnant with William and started nursing him. Since she married and became a mother, her sweet, gentle kindness has blossomed forth.

After a moment's reflection on Celia's confession, Garrett asked: What was it you wanted to talk with father and me about?

It is kind of private, Adaline said. Celia smiled, gave her husband a quick kiss on the lips and headed back to the drawing room and her baby.

What is so secretive that it can only be discussed in private? Godwin asked."

Lady Edna Jamison and her sister Lady Maude Montague hired Genevieve and myself to prove their brother, Thomas Steed, did not murder the man he is accused of killing, Adaline said.

Are you back to investigating murders again? Godwin asked.

It would seem so, Genevieve said.

Grayson Montgomery is twenty years old, and wise far beyond his age. He's a few inches shorter then his older sister and a few inches taller than his younger sister at five feet nine. He has a trim, athletic body with brown hair and blue eyes which he inherited from his mother.

"Thomas Steed is a member of The Club," Adaline said.

I know him, Grayson said.

So do I, Godwin said.

What is he like? Adaline asked.

He is a nice enough chap, but he tends to drink too much, Grayson said.

So we have been informed by his sisters, Adaline said.

Does his personality change when he drinks too much? Genevieve asked.

He becomes more aggressive.

Does he become more hostile? Genevieve asked.

Do you mean would he kill someone under the influence of strong drink? Grayson asked.

Yes. His friends, Colonel Alexander Wells and Mr. John Burdock told his sisters Thomas got into an inconsequential argument with a Mr. Bancroft Winston, the man he supposedly killed. Would he kill a man over an inconsequential argument? Genevieve asked.

I do not know. I have not talked with him since Celia and I married. A year ago I did not think he could or would, now I cannot say, Grayson said.

Do you know John Burdock and Colonel Alexander Wells, Adaline asked.

I know of them, but they are not what I would call friends, Grayson said.

"Could you get us into The Club so we can talk with them?" Adaline asked.

"I would love to, but women are not allowed into The Club," Grayson said, trying to discourage his sister from trying to go there.

"Are women allowed into The Club as guests?" Genevieve asked.

No, not even as guests, Grayson said.

Could you arrange a meeting for us with them? Adaline asked.

"I will tell you what I will do for you, my sisters, I will go to The Club for you this evening and ask them your questions."

Could you arrange a meeting with them and us in some nearby public house? Adaline asked.

What do my two sisters know of public houses? Grayson asked, with a faux shocked expression on his face.

"Public houses are much like The Club, only they let women in as well. It is a place for polite conversation and a little tongue loosening drink," Adaline said.

She has got you there, Godwin said, with a grin.

It would be better if we could look into their faces when they answer our questions, Adaline said.

Why? Grayson asked.

The eyes can tell us if a person is lying to us. Adaline said.

What would your husbands think of you two going to a public house? Grayson asked.

I do not plan to ask my husband for his permission. It is much easier to ask for his forgiveness after the fact than ask for his permission before the fact, Adaline asked. Godwin and Grayson laughed.

Your husbands do not know you both are investigating again, do they? Godwin asked.

No, Adaline said.

No, Genevieve said.

That is what I thought, Godwin said. Is there any way I can stop the both of you from pursuing this dangerous course of action?

I do not think so, Genevieve said. You know Adaline when she makes up her mind.

Yes I know her mind is like a steel trap and as hard as granite, Godwin said.

That is my big sister, Genevieve said with pride.

I think Lady Maude may have an idea of the truth about Ashley, Adaline said, changing the subject.

How do you know? Godwin asked.

She made some veiled hints about it when we talked with her this afternoon, Adaline said.

I thought she may have as well, Genevieve said.

Please, for our mother's sake, be careful. Remember the murderer you two are looking for killed once for whatever reason. He would have an even better reason to hurt you two to keep his neck out of the noose at Newgate's gallows, Godwin said.

Godwin turned to face Grayson. "When you