A Fatal Freedom Read Online Free Page A

distrust had gradually been replaced by respect on either side.
    ‘Shall we go for a walk?’ he suggested, looking around the unattractive hotel hall.
    ‘It’s very clean,’ Ursula said apologetically. ‘I am afraid I cannot afford the charges of a fine hotel. And I have known much worse than this.’
    It was a sunny day. Jackman walked her into Kensington Gardens and across a bridge over a stretch of water she was informed was the Serpentine. ‘A popular place for swimming; frequented, I believe, by the Bohemian set of Pimlico,’ Jackman said.
    They passed two nurses pushing highly polished perambulators, chatting merrily while their charges in sweet little lace-edged bonnets waved rattles at each other.
    ‘Kensington Gardens is very popular with society nannies,’ commented Jackson. ‘You will always find them on parade here. Now, why don’t you tell me why you are in London and what your intentions are.’
    Ursula was happy with the bluntness of his approach and the way his square, craggy face had listened intelligently, his bright eyes full of amusement at her description of the society ladies who had interviewed her.
    ‘My, Miss Grandison, they have had a narrow escape,’ he observed at one point. ‘You would have organised them into oblivion almost as soon as you commenced your employment. I am feeling quite sorry for the luckless lady you finally accept.’
    She sighed. ‘I am afraid I am not having much success in that line.’ There was a little pause, then she added, ‘I have to hope that something will come along soon. But,’ she rallied, her tone bright, ‘I need to find a suitable boarding house. The charges at that hotel, mean though it is, are too much for me. Would you be able to help me find one?’
    He gave her a wry smile.
    She quickly put a hand on his arm. ‘Please do not think that is the only reason I contacted you. When we parted in Somerset, you were kind enough to say that if I did come to London, you would be happy to continue our acquaintance. I was hoping you might introduce me to some of London’s sights.’
    ‘I shall be delighted, Miss Grandison,’ he said, then produced a notebook and pencil and scribbled down several addresses. ‘The proprietors are all known to me personally and I have no hesitation in recommending them.’
    They spent a little more time walking through the pleasant environs while Jackman entertained Ursula with an account of a recent case he’d been involved with, then he returned her to her hotel with a promise of future contact. ‘But let me know your new address,’ he said, tipping the curly brim of his bowler hat as he left.
    The second of the recommended addresses was a terraced house just west of Victoria station. It only accepted female boarders. Mrs Maple, a bony woman with a severe face, showed Ursula a second-floor room. Reasonably sized, it contained a bed with a firm mattress, a comfortable armchair, a small table with a bentwood chair, a hanging rail shielded by a curtain, a chest of drawers and, behind a small screen, a washbasin. Mrs Maple’s stern expression lightened as Ursula expressed her delight at this feature.
    ‘Mr Maple insisted that every room be provided with running water,’ she said. ‘Poor man, he knew he was not long for this world and was determined that after his demise I should be provided with the means for a reasonable income.’
    Ursula announced that she would be very happy to take the room and pay two weeks’ rent in advance. As she counted out the coins, she silently hoped that before it was due again, she had obtained employment.
    She moved in the next day and posted a note to Jackman thanking him for his help and confirming her new address. Arriving back at Mrs Maple’s after another fruitless interview, Ursula was met by Meg, the lanky maid-of-all-work. ‘Oh, miss, Mr Jackman’s here. He’s with the mistress and she says you’re to go to her parlour.’
    Mrs Maple was laughing as she handed the