Chapter 6 Monday Morning November 1st 1841 Imperial Hotel = All saints day.
Finally Sylvanus managed a good night’s sleep and awoke at 9.30. The gin and nervous exhaustion seemed to have finally counteracted the events which had taken such a toll on him.
After washing, dressing and breathing deep breaths of the fresh sea air Sylvanus appeared at breakfast only to find a message waiting for him at his table.
‘Dear My Kent.
It appears that there have been some new eventualities in the case. We now know who the lady in question was. She was Lady Isabella Reynolds and there is to be a memorial service for her in the newly built Brighthelm Unitarian Church hall near the station this afternoon. Tomorrow morning her body is to be transported to London and then to her ancestral family seat burial ground in Hertfordshire.
We discovered the identity of the deceased yesterday afternoon when her companion reported her missing. You may have already seen the announcement in yesterday evenings late edition of the Evening Argus newspaper.
You are invited to attend her memorial service as the person who offered her solace in her last moments and also to inform the police if you spot anyone conspicuous in the congregation.
The service is 3.00 P.M. after which we would like you to report your findings while all the attendees are also interviewed.
‘My, that is a turn up for the books.’ said Sylvanus to the waiter.
‘What is that Sir?’
‘Apparently they have found the identity of the lady who was killed the other night. Far from being a lady of the night she was the very aristocratic Lady Isabella Reynolds.’
‘Very interesting Sir.’
‘Well it does shed some new light on the case and as I am implicated by being the last person to see her alive it may make a difference to me.’
‘What would you like for breakfast Sir?’
‘Er yes, how about two poached eggs on toast and some further toast and honey to follow.’
‘Excellent Sir, and the drink.’
‘Some of your excellent coffee.’
Immediately after enjoying a sumptuous breakfast Sylvanus went back upstairs to update his notes and to enter Lady Isabella Reynolds in every position where the deceased was previously written.
There were still so many unanswered questions like what was Lady Isabella doing in Brighton and who with.
Sylvanus arrived early for the Memorial at around two thirty in order to make a note of all attendees.
The chapel was another superb example of modern religious architecture with symmetrical Doric columns and pediments and Venetian windows of multiple panes of fine glass.
The first two arrivals were two very regal looking gentlemen. One of who was physically distraught.
‘Good afternoon gentlemen. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sylvanus Kent and I was the one unfortunate enough to find her Ladyship in the alley and was with her when she drew her last breath.
‘Thank you for offering her some comfort dear fellow. I am Lord Lytton and this is my companion John Benson.’
‘Well I never. Now I know where I saw you before. You were in the first class compartment which I was evicted from last Friday evening do you remember?’ The men looked shocked and dismayed.
‘Yes I do remember, what a coincidence. I trust you are having an enjoyable stay in Brighton.’
‘I was until last evening. Well all of yesterday would have been better if it had not happened to be honest, but that’s another tale, I shall not bother you with at this time.
The two gentlemen then broke away as if their time with Sylvanus was up and they, or at least Lord Lytton did not want to divulge any more.
Next; came five impeccably dressed ladies who were ushered straight to their seats. A couple of them looked familiar but not so as to be recognisable.
Then another revelation sprung to his mind. It was Lytton and Benson who he had seen with two ladies in the Daguerreotype studio. A fact he immediately noted in his book for later analysis.
Several members of the police then arrived and sat at the back of the congregation.
Just as the service started one final gentleman arrived. Once again he was vaguely familiar but Sylvanus couldn’t put his finger on where he had seen him.
‘The human mind is such a poor receptacle of knowledge.’ thought Sylvanus.
‘Dearly beloved we are gathered here to remember a wonderful lady struck down before her time and before her chance to blossom into maturity.
We remember her today as she would wish to be remembered as a fine pillar of society yet to make her full mark on the world.
Let us remember her today of all days along with all of the saints who gave so much for us and who we remember on all saints day along with the countless others who should not be forgotten.
Let us sing a hymn and remember her ladyship through the words. The lord’s my shepherd.’
After about thirty minutes the memorial was coming to a close. The pastor stood and addressed the congregation.
‘And now the final blessing before her ladyship starts on her journey to her final resting place.
In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Ghost bless all of you and especially the soul of our dear departed Isabella. Bless that we will all dwell in your sight in heaven. Amen.’
‘Amen.' repeated the congregation.
‘The coffin will now be carried back to the chapel of rest and tomorrow to London by locomotive and then on to Hertfordshire where the burial will take place in 3 days time.
As you can see this is a brand new building so we would appreciate any donation to help us serve the people of Brighton in this mission.’ continued the pastor.’
‘The police have also asked if after we have bid the funeral procession farewell that all the congregation return to the hall in order to give statements regarding the final few hours of her ladyship in order that the perpetrator of this crime be apprehended as soon as humanly possible.
Thank you all for your kind attention and understanding at this time of great sorrow.’
With that the coffin was raised and carried out onto a horse drawn funeral carriage and set off for the chapel of rest before her final railway journey the next day.
‘Now if you wouldn’t mind all returning back inside the hall we will take a short statement from you all.’ announced a policeman.
They were all ushered gently back inside the hall with little chance to escape by four burly policemen who surrounded the congregation like sheepdogs.
‘Lord Lytton would you come into the office please? And Elizabeth Gaunt into the pastor’s room.’
Aha thought Sylvanus. Elizabeth Gaunt another he remembered the face of from the train. I think she was sat beside me in the train. Perhaps she was Lady Isabella’s companion.
Elizabeth entered the pastor’s room and was greeted by one of the officers.
‘Is your name Elizabeth Gaunt?’
‘Yes.’
‘And how did you know the deceased.’
‘She was my companion or I hers. We have been life long friends.’
‘And can you take me through the events of Saturday when the murder took place.’
‘Yes, we arose and breakfasted around 9. Then at ten we had arranged to meet Lord Lytton and John Benson for a promenade.
We met them outside of the Grand Hotel where they were staying. During the promenade we passed the Daguerreotype studio and his lordship offered to treat us all to portraits.’
‘When did you first meet Lord Lytton and John Benson?
‘I first met them on the railway journey to Brighton. I believe Lord Lytton and Lady Isabella had some previous encounters but nothing was said of this.
We promenaded until lunch time when we returned to the hotel and prepared for an afternoon of shopping.’
‘And were you aware of the gentlemen’s plans for the afternoon?’
‘I believe they were looking for a house for Lord Lytton to purchase
. He had been coming under a lot of pressure from his anti slavery campaign and his banking interests and was looking for somewhere to completely relax out of the London glare.’
‘Did you arrange to meet again?’
‘Yes we arranged to meet the next day for Lunch and when I found Lady Isabella missing at breakfast and subsequently at the hotel that is when I reported her missing.’
‘And it was you who identified her.’
Elizabeth started to break down as tears tumbled down her pale cheeks from her sorrowful eyes.
‘Yes. The last thing I expected was to see her dead. That last evening at tea she was the most vibrant and excited I have ever seen her. She was getting on so well with his Lordship like love at first sight and I was so pleased for her.’
‘And how about you and Benson?’ asked the policeman.
‘We had already become good acquaintances but nothing like the bells and whistles which Isabella and his lordship were exhibiting.’
‘One final question. Can you think of anyone who might have done this? Who might have something to gain by the Death of Lady Isabella?’
‘Not really. She was such a sweet lady and a friend to everyone.’
‘Well I thank you for your time Miss Gaunt. I understand you will be travelling back to London at 11.00 tomorrow but please if you could make yourself available for any final questions before that we would be very grateful.’
She soon stood and was escorted to the door.
‘John Benson, Would you like to come in please.’
The policeman called the next person to be interviewed.
Sylvanus noted the highly emotional state of Elizabeth Gaunt and assisted her to a seat beside him.
‘Are you alright dear lady?’ asked Sylvanus.
‘Yes, just a little shaken by everything.’
‘Me too. I was the one who found her lying in the street and was with her until she passed away.’
‘Was she in pain?’
‘I don’t believe she was. Just in shock at the realization that her life may be nearing its end and neither of us could do anything.’
‘I had to identify her you know. It was horrid. I have known her all my life.’
‘I understand. I believe I recognize you from the train. I was the one thrown out of your first class carriage.’
‘Ah yes, I apologize, but I did not get much of a glance at you before the collector came.’
‘Did you have business in Brighton?’
‘No we were just young and free and decided that Brighton was a fine place to be for a weekend. What a serious mistake that turned out to be.’
‘Well if there is any way I can help or console you if you wish to discuss things please do not hesitate to contact me. I am a psychiatrist by profession and I’m staying in the Imperial. Room 223. Now I expect you want some time of quiet reflection but you know where I am if you need me?’ comforted Sylvanus.
He handed her a piece of paper which he had written his contact details on and moved to sit next to the other man
‘I thank you dear Sir.’ She called as he went.
In the other room Lord Lytton was also being interviewed by the police.
‘Your Lordship I understand your distress but if we may take a few details from you.’
‘Yes of course anything to capture this scoundrel.’
‘Can you tell me when you travelled down to Brighton?’
‘Yes that would have been Friday evening with my trusty companion John Benson.’
‘And can you tell me when you first became acquainted with Lady Isabella?’
‘I have known her for many years as a passing acquaintance at events and gatherings and debutante balls.’
‘How long have you known her well?’
Lord Lytton hesitated a little before answering.
‘I have known her well these past couple of weeks. Much too short a time to be robbed of her friendship.’
‘And what was your business in Brighton?’
‘I am looking for a residence here away from London where my every movement would not be under the glare of spotlights.’
‘And where were you staying?’
‘At the Grand.’
‘And were you aware the Lady Isabella was killed just outside the servant’s entrance to the Grand?’
‘No I was not.’
He looked physically shocked by that revelation.
‘And were you aware that she was last seen leaving the servants entrance to the Grand moments before she was murdered?’
‘No I was not.’
‘Did she visit you the night of her death your Lordship? Dressed in Servants clothes?’
‘She did officer. The actual truth is that we had been seeing each other secretly for a couple of months and this was our opportunity to cement our relationship in the open as it were.
We planned to meet up in Brighton regularly until we managed to sort out some family situations.’
‘And what exactly were these situations?’
‘Nothing serious, it is mainly that our family remained catholic after the reformation so there are a couple of other minor issues with aunts and uncles. Priest holes and all that.’
‘I see Sir.’
‘So can you think of anyone who would want to kill Lady Isabella?’
‘No she was the sweetest person. I can think of many that might want to kill me but not her.’
‘Alright Sir. You are free to go but please be available for further interviews before you leave Brighton. When are you due to travel?’
‘Tomorrow morning on the eleven o’clock train to London.’
‘Will you be attending the funeral Sir?’
‘If I am afforded an invitation I shall clearly attend.’
Lord Lytton left the interview and returned to the hall to await the return of his friend John Benson who was still being interviewed in the other room.
‘Now Sir I believe you are John Benson – Lord Lytton’s man friend.’
‘I am and I have known him for practically all my life.’
‘So how long have you known Lady Isabella?’
‘Honestly I have known her since Friday evening when her and her lady friend travelled in our first class compartment to Brighton.’
‘So you were not aware of her before that?’
‘No. Although I think his Lordship had her acquaintance. If not they seemed to be the most special couple.’
‘Did you not ask him?’
‘No perhaps if there had been more time I would have but the whole weekend was such a whirlwind. I was only here to help him to locate a new abode.’
‘Where were you on the night of the Murder John Benson?’ asked the policeman in a slightly threatening way.
‘I was rather tired after dinner as was his lordship so we both retired to our rooms agreeing to meet for breakfast the next day.’
‘He did not suggest that he might be meeting anyone that evening?’
‘No. He honestly seemed rather exhausted from the day.’
‘So you would have been surprised if he had met Lady Isabella that evening?’
‘Yes I would be surprised but as I said I was in my room all evening so I would not know.’
‘Can anyone confirm your alibi? Did you call room service or speak to anyone perhaps?’
‘No I wrote some letters then went to bed with a nightcap.’
‘Did the room service deliver the nightcap?’
‘No I brought my own flask as I always do.’
‘So you have no alibi and could easily have murdered Lady Isabella.’
‘Apart from nothing being further from my mind and nobody saw me leave the hotel I can assure you.’
‘Did you know Lady Isabella was killed just outside the servant’s entrance to your very hotel?’
‘I did not know this.’
‘So you were not laying in wait for her outside your friend’s room and followed her to her death?’
/> ‘No. Certainly not, what do you think I am?’
‘I am sorry Sir but we have to eliminate all possibilities.
So who is likely to have wanted Lady Isabella dead?’
‘I honestly do not know or I would tell you if I did to sort out this mess immediately.’
‘Unless it was you of course Sir?’ suggested the policeman.
‘Well as I assured you, it was not me. I am afraid you are wasting your time.’
‘Thank you Sir. Please do not leave Brighton without reporting to the police first
Meanwhile Sylvanus had struck up conversation with the solitary gentleman who was still awaiting his interview.
‘I was the last to see her alive you know. How did you know her Ladyship?’ Sylvanus enquired.
‘She was a family member. I just happened to be in Brighton and saw her demise reported in the Paper.’
‘The Argus? The Evening Argus?’ asked Sylvanus accusingly.
‘Yes I imagine so.’
‘Were you a close relation?’
‘Look I am sorry; I would rather not discuss the matter. I am far too upset. I will have to tell her aunt you know. It is hard enough for me being in this heathen so called chapel. I am a protestant and a very staunch one; any other religion is the work of the devil.’ He said fingering the silver knurled knob on the top of his walking stick.
‘Well did you share Grandparents for instance?’ continued Sylvanus.
‘Yes as a matter of fact we did, now please leave me in my misery.’
Just then John Benton was released from questioning.
‘Sir would you oblige.’ The officer called in the man who Sylvanus had been questioning. He made his way slowly relying heavily on his cane to steady his limp.
‘Sit down Sir. Can you tell us your name?’
‘Charles Reynolds.’
‘And how did you know the deceased, Lady Isabella Reynolds?’
‘She was a distant cousin.’
‘And may I ask what you were doing in Brighton?’
‘I was merely here for some entertainment. The Mannequin club you know.’
‘I know of it Sir, but alas a policeman’s wages do not allow such extravagances.
And how did you hear of the memorial?’
‘In the paper. The Argus I believe it is called.’
‘Very good Sir. How well did you know Lady Isabella?’
‘We used to play as children. That is before we moved away.’
‘Why did you move Sir?’
‘My father lost his job with the bank so we had to move to a more modest accommodation.’
‘And which bank would that be?’
‘The family bank. Anyway that’s all sorted out now and I am a rather important businessman and importer of fine carpets.’
‘Very good Sir. And where were you Friday evening?’
‘I was at the mannequin club with that rather annoying man out there, Sylvanus something.’
‘With him Sir?’
‘Well at the same performance.’
‘Really Sir and when did you leave.’
‘It was well after midnight. I had some private dances and got a cab back to my lodgings.
‘So you are saying that you were at the Mannequin club at the time of the murder, and that story can be proved?
‘Yes.’
‘And where would your lodgings be?’
‘The Grand of course. Room 113.’
‘Ah I see Sir. Did you realize that she was killed very near the staff entrance of the Grand?’
‘I did not Sir.’
‘Well we would like the opportunity of interviewing you again before you return home. When will you be leaving and will you be expecting to attend the funeral.’
‘I doubt I will go to the funeral. Family business and all that and I have paid my respects. I am hoping to leave tomorrow on the 11.00 train to London.’
‘That seems to be a very popular train Sir.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Nothing Mr. Reynolds. One last question. Do you know anyone who may have benefited from Lady Isabella’s death?’
‘No. Not at all. I did not know her well but I understand she was a charming and beautiful lady.’
‘Thank you Sir you may go.’
‘Sylvanus Kent would you come in now please?’
Sylvanus was the last person remaining in the hall.’
‘Now Mr. Kent have you managed to remember anything more about the murder?’
‘I am afraid not. How about you officers? Have you discovered who the murderer is?’
‘In all good time. We have a lot of evidence to sift through and maybe tomorrow we will have a better idea but for now if you can help us no more we will say good day to you Sir.’
‘Well I do have one thing to ask. Am I still the only suspect?’
‘We have open minds, that’s what makes us good police officers but let me say that anyone without an alibi is a suspect.’
‘And who might those be? Seeing as I am one.’
‘Lord Lytton although unlikely as he is a much larger build than the person you saw, if indeed you saw anyone, John Benson, Elizabeth Gaunt all have no alibi for the time of the murder. Or of course it could be someone totally undiscovered as till now, a dreadful mistaken identity or accidental death.’
‘How about Charles Reynolds?’
‘He not only has an alibi but he also walks with a stick so is unlikely to run like your gazelle.’ replied the policeman.
‘And of those, are any being told to remain in Brighton apart from me?’
‘No Sir they may wish to attend the funeral and most seem to be taking the 11.00 a.m. train tomorrow along with the coffin.’
‘And so might I. Good day to you officers.’
‘I remind you again that we require you to remain in Brighton until further notice.’ He shouted after Sylvanus.
Sylvanus walked home still dreaming of his Annie and wondering if he would be in jail for murder tomorrow. If he remained the only suspect to be told to remain in Brighton and with the authorities so keen on solving the crime in someway or the other. Perhaps Annie was there already accused of theft.
There was so much more he gleaned from today’s service but could he solve the murder before he was framed?
On returning to his hotel Sylvanus once again returned to his paperwork. Modifying all the names and events with the information he had gleaned from today’s memorial and his conversations.