A new Case

Disclaimer: I still don’t own Constable Crane nor young Masbath but I still own everyone else. Not based on true events.


I awoke as Elaine opened the curtains of my bedroom window, the sun blinding my eyes.
I groaned and stretched myself in bed.
“Misses,… Lady O’Reilly is awaiting you in the lounge.” she said rather hectically as she fussed around.

‘Oh mother’ I thought as I let out a sigh signalising my discomfort.

Elaine’s hands shook terribly as she carried the washbowl made of porcelain, spilling the water onto the floor She dropped the bowl only seconds later. She startled , cupping her face in her hands.

“ What is the reason for your agitation Elaine?” I asked. “You have met my mother before haven’t you?”
“Yes m’am.” She replied as she crouched down to pick up the pieces.
I pulled the cover up to my chin waiting impatiently for her to be done. I thanked and dismissed her before climbing out of bed.

I untied the silky ribbons of my nightgown, slipped my arms out and pulled it down to my ankle. I then stepped out of it and picked it up. Folded up neatly I laid it onto my bed.
I got dressed quickly before I went to the mirror to comb my hair. I decided to wear it open for once, knowing my mother wouldn’t appreciate it.
It was inadequate for a women out of higher society to wear her hair open.
Only unfortunate women, meaning prostitutes wonted this habit…
Of course I only knew this from hearsay. I have never been faced with one before and coming to think of it I doubt my mother ever has.


As I entered the lounge I saw my mother looking at the cover of a book ,I’ve been reading, and putting it back down in disgust.
“Good morning mother.” I greeted calling her attention to my presence.
“Morning?” she asked slightly astonished. “If I may rectify.. It is 20 minutes after 10 already. Morning is long over.”
She was indeed a very accurate lady.
“Nevertheless.” she approached me cupping my cheek in her hand,
“ I do greet you my child.” she gently continued.
I remained silent.

“What is this?” she suddenly asked running her fingers through a streak of my hair.
“These books…”she pointed to the book ,she observed seconds before, laying on the cabinet across the room” They give you ideas! Obscene for a well-educated women like you .
Only the most primitive women read this…this Pure smut!!!”
She was inflamed with range.
She pulled her white lace cloth out of the pocket of her dress and held it to her mouth letting out a weepy sound.

I rolled my eyes, with my arms crossed in front of my chest I walked over to the window as I always do in uncomfortable situations.
“What is the occasion for your pleasant visit?”

Of course she smelled the rat instantly but as did I.
I have not seen her since the funeral. I did wonder what she had in mind.
And my instinct did not cheat me this time.

“We need to have a talk.” she said approaching me and taking my hand in hers.
”From mother to daughter, from women to women.”
‘Oh god reprieve me’ I begged soundlessly

“Come sit with me.” she said in dissembling calmness.
We sat down next to each other, her body slightly turned towards me as she still held my hand, stroking it in a motherly caring way.

“You see my dear, I know it is such a burdening time for you but you do have to carry on.
As a famous man once said: "While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil."
You must look into the future, find yourself a new husband.
Now is the time. You are young, beautiful, well-bred… and of considerable wealth. “
She paused.

I couldn’t believe what she asked for. I was speechless.

“You do remember your cousin Edward don’t you dear?
He has become such a fine gentleman .
I received a letter from your aunt Elizabeth shortly after Sir Davenports passing away. She was devastated…” she said in a dramatic performance, looking at the ceiling and holding her hand to her heart.
“as was Edward. They both sent their regrets to you. And the o so kind Edward even offered you shelter. What a compassionate soul!!!” she shook her head, pulling her lace cloth again.
“In regard of your current condition I must advise you to…”

“Oh mother I beg you pardon. How dare you speak such disgrace in time of grief!”
I interrupted, pulling my hand away.
I was furious! I knew precisely what she had in mind!!!

Remarrying so rapidly was out of question. Especially not that greedy Edward. He was by far the greasiest, hideous person I have ever met in my entire life!

She rose her voice: “ You never knew what is good for you. You are so egocentric. Think about the family for once. Think of our name!”

Both of us were standing by now.

“Out!” I screamed viciously. In this very minute I could have attacked and choked her but she turned around cockily and left almost stomping out of the room.

I exhaled rapidly causing my chest to pump up and down ,my pulse raising like mad.
I heard someone clear their throat.
As I turned around Constable Crane and a young boy stood in the room.

“Constable” I said trying to overplay my temper. I tried to avoid his judgemental gaze feeling highly ashamed of myself.

Still upset about the argument I didn’t even notice Constable Crane and his lovely assistant , young Masbath as I later found out, entering.

“Lady Davenport” he replied his hands hidden behind his back again.
His gaze was penetrating. No definable expression on his face whatsoever.
He swallowed hard and raised his eyebrows, halfway turning to the boy at his side.
“May I introduce…”he motioned his open hand towards the boy. ”My faithful assistant young Masbath.”
He bowed in front of me.
“I’m delighted young Masbath.” I smiled.
“It’s a pleasure M’am.” He said eyeing me up and down in a flirty way.

I felt in my heart that this young boy would become a rather charming fellow once he grew a little taller.
The Constable smirked at his assistant’s behaviour . Although he hid his affections well I did not fail to notice his fine smile…

His facial expression became stern and his hands disappeared inside the pockets of his vest.

“I happen to have witnessed a part of your and your mother’s ,I believe, heated conversation as I was handing my coat to the house maid.”

“Oh my..” I said feeling even more ashamed now.

“Those words were not meant for other ears. I apologize sincerely Constable but let me explain.”

An explanation was of course what he was hoping to hear I now know.

He raised his brows again and his eyes opened widely as he was awaiting my subjective opinion regarding the discrepancy.

“It is my mother’s interest for me to remarry in the nearest future which is absurd and highly inappropriate to me” ,I said in a disparaging tone and shook my head to support my point,” to maintain the good name of the family .”

He nodded once again signalising his comprehension.

“I see. I see.”he calmly said.

“Well I only wanted to let you know that if you’ve got any question you will find me here.” He scribbled an address onto a piece of paper that he pulled out of his pocket and handed it to me.”

“Good day.”he said as he left.
“Good day m’am.”young Masbath repeated.