The Winter Orphan. Cathy Sharp

in resolution. ‘Look for proof of what happened to a boy named Arthur Meaks. My husband had thought of taking him for a stable boy but the child disappeared last autumn. I was told that he had been sent to a master in Yarmouth because he had professed an interest in the sea – and when I asked for more details I was promised Master Brent would send them to me. However, he has not done so and may believe my personal troubles have made me forget.’ She sighed. ‘Had my husband not been so ill I should have pressed them more but I could not summon the will to do it.’

      ‘The name of Arthur Meaks has been mentioned to me previously,’ Arthur said. ‘Someone told me the master intended to punish him for trying to run away and no one has seen him since, which seems suspicious.’

      Lady Rowntree shivered. ‘You suspect foul play, do you not?’

      ‘Yes, my lady. I make no accusations yet, but I fear it may be the case. Others of like mind and I are trying to make these institutions more accountable than in the past for we know that many bad things have happened.’

      ‘We appointed the master and mistress with the best intentions,’ Lady Rowntree said and her hands trembled, the valuable diamonds sparkling on her fingers. ‘I believe they think themselves safe, because my husband is no longer the strong man he once was …’ She took a deep breath, then, ‘May I ask you to discover the truth and do whatever is necessary, Mr Stoneham? I will sign any power of attorney you need in relation to the governance of the workhouse, giving you complete authority.’

      ‘Thank you,’ Arthur said. ‘I will have something drawn up and call on you again. I think you are very wise.’ He rose to leave. ‘I wish your husband a speedy recovery.’

      ‘I fear my husband will not see another year out,’ she said sadly, ‘but I have great hopes for my daughter who is to be married soon.’

      Arthur inclined his head and turned to leave, then remembered. ‘I believe you think well of the seamstress Florrie’s work?’

      Lady Rowntree looked surprised. ‘Yes, she does the most delicate embroidery – why do you ask?’

      ‘She told me that she wishes to leave the workhouse but is nervous of finding enough work to support herself.’

      ‘Tell her she may come to me and live in here. I can always find work for a woman of her talent – and I am sure my friends might like to take advantage of her services sometimes.’

      ‘She was once dismissed on a false tale of theft and fears you might think ill of her.’

      Lady Rowntree shook her head. ‘I know what happened and do not believe her a thief, for her mistress at that time was a petty, spiteful woman.’ She held out her hand. ‘I thank you for calling on me, sir – and please tell Florrie to come to me as soon as she wishes.’

      Arthur kissed her hand, bowed and left her. He would still have investigated the master and mistress of the workhouse if Lady Rowntree had not been so cooperative, but her consent made his task so much easier. He intended to seize all the records going back to the Brents’ arrival years before and to have a team of men he trusted search the house and the grounds.