Page 29 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“Last autumn. ’E worked for the Prudential Assurance Company, but they sacked ’im.”

That was not what Tilda had expected. “I thought you were referring to his employment with the Coleman Street Ward Amicable Society. He worked for the Prudential Assurance Company before that?” At Mrs. Vickers’s nod, Tilda asked if the woman knew why Eaton had been dismissed.

Mrs. Vickers shook her head. “’E didn’t say, but I know ’e was unhappy about it. I was worried for ’im at first because ’e worked very ’ard, and I couldn’t understand why the company would do that, but ’e quickly found work with the Amicable Society doing the same work—’e recruited members. ’E liked the society, said it was a good community and service they provide, though not for women.” She sent Tilda a slightly disgruntled look.

Tilda responded with an understanding nod.

“Tim agreed with that sentiment,” Mrs. Vickers added. “’E said more than once that ’e wished ’e could offer me membership.”

“Did he recruit members on his own?” Hadrian asked. “Specifically, we’d like to know if anyone from the society approved the men he recruited.”

Mrs. Vickers’s brow puckered. “It was my impression ’e offered memberships when ’e called on people, but I don’t really know.” Her features smoothed, and she smiled. “I do know ’e was very good at it. Tim was right friendly, and ’e ’ad a bit of charm about ’im. Everyone liked ’im. I’m sure part of ’is success was due to ’is amiability and ’is ability to talk.”

Tilda found it interesting that Eaton may have had the authority to extend offers of membership without input from the doctor, at least. But perhaps the problem was that hehadn’tpossessed the authority. “Do you know who hired Mr. Eaton for his position with the Amicable Society?”

“I don’t, but Tim sometimes mentioned there was one person ’e didn’t care for as much as the others.”

“And who was that?” Tilda asked.

“I don’t recall ’is name, but I think ’e was the man in charge of the money.” Mrs. Vickers seemed to think a moment. “Farrier, perhaps?” She shrugged.

Tilda exchanged a look with Hadrian. Mrs. Vickers had to mean Furnier. Tilda had no trouble believing someone wouldn’t care for him.

Hadrian moved his gaze to Mrs. Vickers. “Do you have any idea why Mr. Eaton left in a hurry?”

Mrs. Vickers shook her head.

“Do you know of any family or friends he may have gone to stay with?” Tilda hoped Mrs. Vickers could give them something that would help them find Eaton.

“Never mentioned any family,” Mrs. Vickers replied. “I asked ’im once, and ’e said he didn’t ’ave any. I don’t know ’bout friends, but ’e spent a fair amount of time at the Wolf and Dove up on Gresham Street.”

The pub would be a helpful avenue to investigate. “I don’t suppose you’d allow us to look in Mr. Eaton’s former bedchamber?” Tilda asked.

Mrs. Vickers gave them a brief, apologetic smile. “I have another lodger in there now.”

“The person who hired us to find Mr. Eaton hasn’t seen him in some time,” Tilda said. “I wonder if you could describe what he looks like now? For instance, does he still have a mustache?” Tilda made that up to give the impression that they at least had some idea of his appearance—and it didn’t matter that it wasn’t true because Eaton could have shaved.

Mrs. Vickers surprised Tilda by blushing. “Tim’s a handsome one. Bright blond curls and shining blue eyes. And a smile that turns ’eads. ’E still has the mustache, and I’ve never seen a finer one, truth be told. But it’s the dimple in ’is chin that drew my eye. Not as tall as you, Mr. Becket, but not short.”

Tilda looked over at Hadrian and gave him a subtle nod to convey she was finished with the interview. She rose. “Thank you for speaking with us, Mrs. Vickers. We appreciate your time.”

Hadrian also stood as Mrs. Vickers jumped to her feet.

She escorted them to the entrance hall. “I do ’ope you find ’im. Why are you looking for ’im anyway?”

“We aren’t able to say,” Tilda replied with bland smile.

“In fact, it might be best if you didn’t mention that we came here today asking after him.” Hadrian gave Mrs. Vickers one of his thoroughly charming smiles. “Would that be all right?”

Mrs. Vickers blushed again. “Certainly, whatever you say.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Vickers,” Hadrian said warmly. “You’ve been most helpful.”

As they started back toward Gresham Street, Tilda chuckled softly. “Were you trying to charm Mrs. Vickers into keeping our visit secret?”

Hadrian shrugged. “It seemed like a good idea.”

“It was indeed. You quite dazzled her, I think. It seems she has a penchant for handsome men. She was clearly drawn in by Timothy Eaton.”