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I am not normally a great one for social occasions. Although much of my work is dedicated to creating the perfect hostess, I choose most often the pleasure of my own company rather than that of others. Harwell Tusker and his wife did, however, know how to arrange a splendid event.
The joint marriage of the twin Tusker daughters provided the occasion for my return to Benfield Abbas. It was the first time I had ventured there since the eventful river journey that had thwarted the carnal aspirations of Theophilus Chang.
Chang’s operations had been quickly disrupted following his capture. There was clear evidence in his Limehouse buildings that the site had been used for the trafficking of women abducted from various parts of the country. The remnants of clothing and personal possessions would at least enable the police to identify some of those from their Missing Persons list. A Royal Navy frigate had been sent from Chatham in pursuit of the junk but fog in the estuary had allowed the Chinese vessel to elude its pursuers. One could only feel sympathy for those women trapped below its decks. It seemed unlikely that anything could be done to prevent them facing whatever fate Chang intended for them but at least he would no longer be a danger to others, I thought.
Amelia Tusker had organised everything splendidly. I smiled to myself as I saw her chivvying the small group of waitresses that were serving drinks and snacks to the assembled guests. It seemed no time at all since she was at Highgate, learning the skills of a housemaid and waitress so that she was now able to direct others in those same tasks. Her present accomplishment was all the greater than mine for she achieved her goals without the use of whip or cane which, I recalled, had been a constant need in her period of adjustment.
I observed the two wedding ceremonies at close hand. The brides and their grooms stood beneath a canopy in the gardens of the Priory, surrounded by friends and family. It was a warm day. The two girls were dressed in simple white embroidered smocks. Their grooms were resplendent in tail coats and gold braid trimmed waistcoats.
I took some quiet amusement from the emphatic way in which Estelle and Amanda promised to “obey” as they each took their wedding vows; I also enjoyed the looks of satisfaction that were present on the faces of the girls’ guardian and of Sir Bristow Merriweather.
A guard of honour from the Institute stood holding an archway of girders for the couples to walk through much to the amusement of Fairbody and Lee. It was clear that their two girls were as happy as it was possible to imagine.
A vast marquee, erected in the grounds of the Priory, served as the venue for the wedding breakfast. Lee approached me with his new wife, Estelle, walking a pace behind him. “My dear chap, I have not had the opportunity to thank you. Without your actions this happy day could not have occurred.”
“Your own presence of mind in realising that the barrier could prevent their escape was of equal importance.”
“And please don’t forget Fairbody’s success in preventing Chang’s crew from scuttling the submersible,” Sir Bristow added as Fairbody and Amanda approached. “Had that occurred the outcome would have been far less happy.”
“Of course,” I said. “The entire thing was an exemplary team effort.”
“I must also confess to being pleased that we could lay our hands on the submersible itself. The police considered it irrelevant to their investigations and so some of the Institute’s naval architects have been able to examine it closely on our slipway at Greenwich. A great deal of useful data regarding the design of and operation of the vessel is being gained. The Royal Navy has expressed an interest in our findings. A most satisfactory outcome and much as a result of your efforts.”
“I am just content to have been able to conclude things as we agreed, Sir Bristow, with the completion of the adjustment of the two Tusker sisters,” I replied.
“Your reward will be in the success of these two young men,” said Merriweather.
I nodded.
“And in their first posting for the Institute they will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves, the chance to carve a very substantial career indeed.”
“It sounds splendid. Can I ask what they will be doing?”
“Indeed. The arrest of Chang and his associates has created an opening for us in the Far East. These two gentlemen will re-establish the Institute’s office in Shanghai and build our business there. Their resourcefulness will, I am sure, bring great credit on the Institute.”
“And our wives will be of great assistance to us in our task,” Lee interrupted. “For that we must thank you.”
Fairbody joined in with Lee’s acclamation. I am always embarrassed by praise. I am happy to take my fees but I find it difficult to listen to others lauding my skills and achievements. Nevertheless it was satisfying to have completed another project, especially since it had presented a few unique difficulties of its own.
I listened for a short time to the two of them and then took my leave, spending a few moments to say goodbye to the two girls that had, until recently, enjoyed my hospitality.
I had reached the Priory Gateway when I suddenly realised that I had to return. I saw Fairbody and Lee deep in conversation near the entrance to the marquee. “Gentlemen,” I said, “my apologies. You will be wanting these.” I reached into the pocket of my waistcoat and pulled out two keys. One was for the belt fastened by Giacomo across Estelle’s sexual parts, the other that for Amanda’s belt. “I fear without these your wedding nights might have been a somewhat frustrating affair. Please enjoy yourselves. I hope that all works out well for you.”
The two young men laughed and thanked me as I finally left.
I felt nothing could disturb the delight resulting from the day. As I reached the railway station I collected a copy of the evening paper to provide some light reading on my journey back to London. As I opened it, a dark cloud cast itself across the otherwise sunny conclusion to the day. “Drama At Pentonville & Holloway Gaols” the headline announced. “White slaving gang leaders escape.” It seemed that Her Majesty’s prisons were no more secure than my cellar. I could only hope that Chang and Mace had learned that they should avoid encountering the Institute in future.
THE END
© Freddie Clegg 2012
Our hero will return in "The Preparation of Helena Voudrakis". Watch out for it soon.
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