Chapter 5Like all Londoners, Martin was familiar with the layout of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens on the south bank of the river. On occasion, he had mingled with the gathered throng for firework displays or exhibitions during the summer months.
Aware that musical recitals started in the late afternoon to be enjoyed in daylight and having been kept late at work, it was early evening when he crossed the Thames. As he walked through the proprietor’s house to reach the entrance to the gardens, he heard the distant strains of music.
He felt strangely alert as he waited by the Rotunda as though the intended assignation held some grave import. He told himself that he would listen to Grant’s exposition like a reasonable man and then depart forthwith. The sky darkened, and the twinkling lights that
