The Absence of Ms. M.H. - C2, Information

Chapter 2 - Information

It was not until the next week before Mister Brennan could get in touch with the man I had mentioned before, Jacob Davidson. In that time, worry had very thoroughly taken hold of the man, and hardly a moment went by when he wasn't thinking of what he could do, or worse; what could be happening to her. He hoped, of course, that her disappearance was something mundane, that there was no harm done to her, and nothing at all to worry about. For a time, that was all he could do, hope. It was certainly a misfortune that Mister Davidson was so busy a man, however it was fortunate enough that Mister Brennan could meet with him at all.

It was another cool evening that found the two men together in the study of Mister Davidson's own home. A large estate within the city owned by his family, his father a physician, and his older brother a man of business known within the university for his travels. His father, of course, was very seldom residing in this particular home, however, as he practiced medicine in London. This left the young Mister Davidson the estate to himself on most occasions. And here, of course, was where he had invited Mister Brennan to discuss the matter. Each held a pipe in hand, and the smoke made the room rather clouded. This bothered neither of the men as they sat together over brandy.

"I hope," started Mister Davidson in a courteous tone that seemed to fit his pristine person, "that I have not inconvenienced you in asking you to accompany me within my own residence."

"Of course not, I trust that you have your reasons in bringing me here, knowing your nature," the other man spoke with a light nod. This particular trait of Mister Davidson's nature that he mentioned was simply this; his particular interest in people. Were it not for that, Mister Davidson, as educated as he was, could have easily worked on his own either in business or in medicine. Because of his father's occupation, there was by no means any desire for money, thus the man did as he pleased.

"Yes, yes. In the time that we could not meet due to my occupation, I have corresponded with an acquaintance of mine in the country who seems to know many of the affairs, if you'll pardon the term, of the people thereabouts. Just last night, I received this very letter," which he pulled from the breast pocket of his jacket, "confirming the lady's appearance there just a week ago. She met not with Mister O'Connor, as you had mentioned in one of your notes, but with the Lord and Lady Langridge, ask me not for what reason as I do not know. However, they seem to frequently host travelers in their home, and are known to hold an occasional dinner to which certain students are invited."

"Certain students? Why have I not heard of this before?"

"I would assume it is due to her focus here at the University and her affiliation with Professor Wescott, with whom the family is dearly acquainted. Before I say more, or you enquire more, I feel that you should read this particular letter." He handed the paper over to Mister Brennan and leaned back in his chair, and drawing from the pipe, producing that glow that so reminded Mister Brennan of the Lady Marianne. This provided only a short moment's distraction before the man turned to the letter.

My Dear Jacob,
I have, as you previously asked, inquired with several of my friends here in the country. I regret to say that your friend's suspicions are without basis. Although his conclusion that the Lady had come to the country is correct, she did not meet with any Mr. O'Connor. Instead, I heard that she had come to dinner at the home of the Langridges, in the company of another lady who seemed to be from the University. I have been brought to believe that only one of them had taken residence there for the evening, this being your friend's Lady M, as you so called her.
I regret to say that I know nothing more of her stay, aside that she seemed to have departed the following day. And I further regret to say that I know nothing further of the lady she was with, but that your friend should inquire with the Langridges himself should he desire to know more.
I hope that this information is sufficient, as I have no further to give to you.
Sincerely,
A.A.

"My only advice," Mister Davidson spoke as his guest raised his eyes from the letter, "is that you do just as Anthony says, and seek out the Langridges should you wish to know more on the case. I can arrange for a carriage to take you to their estate tomorrow morning if you feel that the journey would be fruitful."

"I cannot tell you how much I owe you for what you've already done, but if it is not an inconvenience, then I will accept your offer, having, of course, no means of my own by which to travel with ease."

"It is, of course, not a matter of concern. I will have my man waiting at your door at nine o'clock tomorrow morning." He rose to see his friend out, with glass and pipe in hand. "I apologize that I could not do more for your case, but I hope that that letter should be sufficient in guiding you to finding your Lady Marianne." It was not without further thanks that Mister Brennan allowed himself to depart from his friend's home.