A Fatal Freedom (The Ursula Grandison Mysteries)
Language: English
Pages: 352
ISBN: 0750963026
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
London 1903: American Ursula Grandison is once again involved with murder, this time in London. As she struggles to make a living in a society where women have few rights and little freedom, she teams up with old friend and private investigator Thomas Jackman, who soon find himself once gain drawing on Ursula’s investigative abilities as they battle to save an innocent woman from the noose. Set against a background of Edwardian constraints and the fight for women’s suffrage, Ursula and Jackman gradually realize they are up against a subtle and dangerous killer who strikes again before they can close the case.
that seemed about to happen, glanced at Mrs Bruton, and saw her snatch something from her mouth, secreting it in her hand. It wasn’t a humbug. Ursula gasped and tried to wrench it from Mrs Bruton. ‘That’s your dog’s whistle! It’s you who’ve upset the lions. Why?’ Mrs Bruton said nothing, her mouth a hard line. She pushed at Ursula’s shoulder. With the unexpectedness of the move, she found herself thrown down along the bench. Astonished, she tried to right herself. Then she saw Mrs Bruton open
were that couple? Why were you trying to photograph them? And how did you manage to hide your camera underneath that table?’ A man hurried up. Surely, thought Ursula, he had to be the proprietor of the menagerie. His costume was magnificent, Mexican bandit crossed with Spanish grandee; black hair was slicked down, thin moustache twirled up either side of his face, dark eyes flashing with anger. ‘Tom,’ he boomed. ‘You swore to me there would be no disruption; instead you cause uproar. The animals
‘I can see that my stepmother chose wisely when she hired you, Miss Grandison. You see,’ his tone lightened, became conciliatory, ‘I am about to return to Manchester. There is a small matter I need to check, it is in Mrs Bruton’s interest, I assure you. So if you could lead me to the books, I will be able to check it and leave. It is a considerable nuisance my stepmother is not here herself.’ If anything, the man’s change of attitude increased Ursula’s distrust of him. She was certain Mrs Bruton
you do not say, Guy. I am trying to inform this useless hunk of humanity who imagines he has some authority over us, who I am.’ He turned back to Thomas. ‘You are addressing Sir Hector Rutland; the Chief Constable is a good friend of mine and he would be appalled to hear what you are attempting to put over on us this evening.’ Thomas squared his shoulders, took hold of Millie’s wrists and fastened the cuffs on them. He handled her roughly and Ursula noticed he did not look at the girl. The man
then continued in a meaningful voice, ‘He’s got some questions to answer.’ Milllie brightened. ‘Oh, has he!’ She rested her needle and thought for a long moment. Thomas said nothing and Ursula sat quietly and finished her tea. She didn’t know where this conversation was going but she was very grateful the investigator had turned up. He was the perfect person to discuss her problem with. ‘Albert did once say,’ Millie said slowly, ‘as ’ow he was looking forward to living as a gent. Mind you,