Page 33 of A Whisper at Midnight

Tilda angled the chair toward Clara and sat down. “There is nothing to fear from the inquest. The coroner will ask the witnesses questions. And a jury will determine the cause of death.”

“But I will be questioned.” Clara chewed her lip. “I received a summons.”

“Don’t be nervous.” Tilda gave her an encouraging smile. “Just answer the questions. Can you do that?”

Clara nodded. “I already answered the constable’s questions earlier. Will they be like that?”

“Yes. Even more reason not to be nervous. You’ve already done this. Would you like me to ask some questions so you can feel comfortable?”

“Would you?” When Tilda nodded, the maid asked, “How do you know so much about this?”

“My father worked for the Metropolitan Police, and I am an investigator.”

Clara looked at her with admiration. “I didn’t know a woman could do that.”

“Most people don’t think they can,” Tilda said sardonically. “However, I work for a barrister who knows I am capable, and I’m starting to work as a private investigator on my own.” Never mind that all her clients so far had been the Earl of Ravenhurst. “Are you ready to answer some questions?”

Clara squared her shoulders and looked Tilda in the eye. “Yes.”

Tilda smiled. “That is an excellent way to present yourself—with confidence and enthusiasm. Now, when did you come to work here in the Chambers’ household?”

“Six years ago, when I was seventeen. I worked in the scullery for a few months, then became the maid when the other one left.”

“You were the only maid?” Tilda asked.

“Until Mr. Chambers married, and he hired a lady’s maid for Mrs. Chambers.”

“That was Martha Farrow who resigned her post? Then you became Mrs. Chambers’ maid?”

“Yes, though I still complete most of my regular duties as well.”

Tilda was glad for the chance to speak with her about the maid who’d left. “Did you know Farrow well?”

Clara clasped her hands in her lap, her body seeming to tense. “We weren’t close, but we talked and laughed together.”

“Do you know why she left?”

The maid shook her head. “It happened rather quickly. She told me she was leaving and was gone the next day.”

“Was there anything that occurred that might have prompted her to leave?” Tilda asked. “Perhaps she was unhappy here?”

Clara’s gaze shifted, and she chewed her lip again, indicating she was agitated, or so Tilda had gathered based on her behavior. “She didn’t say so. Massey seemed to know her better. You could ask him.”

Tilda made a note to do so. “I will. Do you know where Farrow is employed now?”

“No, but Massey might. Or you could ask her family. Her father does something with the law in Stepney.”

“Is he a barrister or a solicitor?”

Clara lifted her hand and gestured with enthusiasm. “A solicitor, I think.”

Tilda beamed at her. “Clara, you are doing very well.”

A smile lit Clara’s face. “Thank you. I am feeling much better. In spite of everything.”

“Would it be all right if I asked you a few more questions?” Tilda asked.

“Yes, please, this is helpful.”