Miss Parsons gripped her aunt’s forearm. ‘But, don’t you see? I cannot bear it whilst my mind is troubled by doubts surrounding it.’
The vicar rose from his chair, his legs barely seeming to support him. ‘What action can these gentlemen take which we cannot take ourselves, Honoria?’
‘We are not experts in investigating dark matters, Mr Denham,’ replied the girl with courage. ‘What do we know of dragging secrets from the shadows? Mr Holmes is the foremost investigator in the world. I cannot rest until I have his opinion that there is nothing more we can do. You must allow me that, both of you, or else I cannot deal with this sadness which consumes me.’
Mrs Fairmont took her niece in her arms and comforting the girl with a touching tenderness. Mr Denham approached us and shook our hands i
