"The Widow" Bertha

Chapter 29 The Mad Woman in the Attic 29

A few weeks later, the house at No. 23 Nan'an Street has basically been repaired.

Although the "haunted" mansion has been vacant for three years, the basic decoration and necessary furniture are still intact.In recent days, workers have been coming in and out, repairing and repairing. When there are too many people, the gloomy and weird atmosphere in the mansion is swept away. In addition, the parts that have been in disrepair have been repaired, and the huge mansion has become spacious and bright. Where And the look of a haunted house.

Bertha stood in the hall, very pleased with this.In the morning, she sent her maid, Grace, to buy bedding, bed sheets and other items. After buying them, she can move in after she hires another maid and a coachman.

Although the White Horse Hotel is good, it is not its own territory after all, where is the comfort of home.

"I didn't expect such a big change," Thomas said with emotion. "It's well worth the money, ma'am."

The house that has just been renovated is a bit empty, which is also related to its size: the first floor is equipped with a living room, dining room and a reception room, plus a kitchen and storage room, which is almost enough for a whole family to do daily activities here; the second floor is There are four bedrooms, a study and a master bedroom with a small ensuite.

The price of such a large mansion is only [-] pounds. According to the prices in London, this is rounded up for nothing!Bertha would really like to thank Mycroft for letting her take a big deal for nothing.

"Decorations and daily necessities can be added slowly in the future, but..."

"but?"

"Uh," Thomas showed a somewhat embarrassed expression, "the workers acquiesced that there are only two hostesses in the house, you and Miss Love, and it seems that they didn't consider that there will be men staying in your room, madam."

what?

Bertha was at a loss: "How can there be... oh in my room."

In the middle of speaking, she suddenly realized: Thomas had seen Mycroft.

"It's okay, you don't need to consider the men's stay," Bertha laughed immediately, "I have no physical relationship with my 'lover', so you don't need to consider him."

Thomas:? ? ?

Thomas Thames, the dignified former Jesse's right-hand man who has been on the streets for so many years, is the first time he has heard that there is no physical relationship between lovers.Do you rich people have so many tricks!

Bertha was only amused to see his perplexity.This matter could not be explained to others, so Bertha's eyes fell on Thomas's decent three-piece suit.

To be honest, the ten shillings were well spent, and Thomas Thames, dressed like a gentleman, was a real talent.It's just that he himself doesn't like to wear it like this. Putting on a suit and going out basically directly indicates that he has gone to run errands for Bertha.

"Have you got your contract back?" asked Bertha.

"Here it is." Thomas took out a carefully folded thick envelope from his pocket. "Congratulations, ma'am, you have added another property in the country."

The so-called rural real estate is naturally the purchase contract previously entrusted to Barclays Bank.

With the help of Mr. Barclay, Bertha finally got the title of the real estate in St. Mary Mead Village-even though she didn't even meet the real estate agent herself.

But it didn't matter, Bertha didn't buy the house to live in.Instead, she gave Miss Marple an official identity: a single lady whose hometown is in St. Mary Mead Village, which perfectly fits the setting described by Agatha.

That's... it's all real money!Bertha's heart was bleeding.

Although the prices in St. Mary Mead Village are not as high as in London, it also costs a lot of pounds.

"It's time to make money," murmured Bertha. "It's no good spending all the time."

"The house here is finished, and the workers can start repairing the pavement next door immediately, ma'am," Thomas said in time, "That's... what are you going to do with the pavement next door?"

"Better open the bar," said Bertha.

The original No. 22 Nan'an Street was originally a bar. It was located at the intersection, there were factories nearby, and it also faced the Whitechapel District. Not only from the perspective of collecting information, but also from the perspective of business operation, it was still the most suitable to open a bar.

Moreover, the pavement has been abandoned for three years, but the basic interior decoration has been maintained fairly well. If you want to open a bar and renovate it, you can do it.

"Then you need a boss, ma'am."

"Well," Bertha nodded, "I do need help."

"I can do it for you."

"You can not."

Thomas flinched slightly.

Bertha Thames was really short of men, and he couldn't have a fellow like Sikes running the bar.Thomas was very confident when he introduced himself, but Bertha rejected his proposal unceremoniously.

There is nothing more sad than sticking to the cold bench with enthusiasm, Thomas looked hurt: "You...do you think I am not capable enough, ma'am?"

Bertha glanced at Thomas amusedly: "Don't belittle yourself, you obviously have a better future, don't waste your time on running the bar. Put aside the matter of recruiting people first, and it doesn't matter to find people slowly during the repair process. "

Seeing that Thomas was silent, she continued to comfort her patiently: "I am very grateful that you are willing to help me, Thomas. If you are anxious to prove yourself, take care of the new children first."

Thomas couldn't help laughing: "Jack and Charlie don't need my care at all."

You know, those are two street thieves!Without the old Jews expropriating their funds, those two boys are now living a better life than many workers.

but……

Thomas Thames did not expect that a few light words from Mrs. Thames could turn Sikes to deal with his old friend.

He knew that the lady in front of him was a cruel person.Thomas has worked for gangs since he was a child. He understands the style of gangsters, robbers, and gangsters very well. It was almost the first time he saw Mrs. Bertha. Even if she was wearing expensive dresses, she couldn't hide the breath of walking in the market. Thomas could tell right away that this lady knew something about the lower society.

But Thomas didn't expect that Bertha could be so ruthless that she was almost a gangster.

Sikes did not tell him what had happened to the old Jew.Maybe he was chased away, maybe Sykes left Whitechapel overnight after an attempted attack, maybe...Thomas bowed his head, he didn't know, but Mrs Thames must know.

Of course, if Madam didn't say anything, Thomas would never ask more questions. This is the basic principle.

"Wouldn't that be more convenient? Just let them live where they live," said Bertha. "You just don't want any trouble between the two of them."

"Madam's plan is...?"

"I don't need thieves," she replied, "I need two kings."

In "The Collection of Sherlock Holmes", Sherlock Holmes owns an entire Baker Street squad, which is quite legendary, but it is also considered to have strong practical significance.

On the streets of London today, few people are more well-informed than these thieves, newsboys and street children. Even the most cautious conspirators are seldom wary of these children shuttling between carriages and pedestrians.

"Jack is so clever, and he often runs around, so let him go around Dr. Lang's laboratory," Bertha said, "you can give him a few pennies, let him buy some snacks and play with the children around Good relationship."

Without Bertha saying much, Thomas, who had been on the streets for many years, immediately understood what she meant.

The trouble with Dr. Long was to avenge Connor Thames, which Thomas couldn't wish for more.

"I see, ma'am," the young man nodded, "I will let Jacob and Jack be together so that I can keep an eye on him."

"it is good."

Bertha curled her lips, "I need to trouble you, Thomas."

The young man laughed, raised his hand and put on his gentleman's hat, his blue eyes gleaming under the black brim: "Where is it, ma'am. If nothing happens, I will discuss with the workers about renovating the bar, please rest assured. "

Bertha was naturally relieved of what he had told Thomas.But not everything can be handed over to others.

She briefly told the foreman a few words, and then took the carriage back to the White Horse Hotel.

It was already late when Bertha returned, but Miss Jane Eyre still hadn't returned from the private girls' school—tonight was the first day of evening school, which meant a lot to Mrs. Fisher and Miss Jane Eyre.

After Bertha had dinner, Jane returned late in Mrs. Fisher's carriage.

She was worried as she entered, looking preoccupied.This surprised Bertha: "Why, isn't it going well? Don't let the female workers bully you?"

"What? No."

Jane suddenly recovered from her contemplation, and hurriedly shook her head: "No, tonight's class went well."

Logically speaking, it should be so.Bertha knew Jane's character well. She was neither humble nor overbearing, modest and polite, and had an unhappy childhood. No matter in terms of character or experience, she should be able to understand the situation of female workers.In addition, she has a good personality, so no matter how unexpected the first class is, it shouldn't cause trouble.

Just looking at her frowning slightly, it was clear that something had happened.

"Sit down and talk slowly," Bertha motioned.

"Ah."

Jane sat down slowly, took the hot tea from Grace, and then sorted out her thoughts, and said softly: "The content of the first class is not much, it's just to get to know each other with the female workers, and then introduce the prepared Courses. The real knowledge content is just the beginning, and Mrs. Fisher still suggested that I establish a good relationship with them first."

"Then did you do it?"

"Actually," replied Jane, "I think it does."

After finishing speaking, a sincere smile appeared on her pale face.

"They all like me."

"Isn't that great?" Bertha also hooked the corners of her lips, "What are you worried about?"

"They like me very much and regard me as one of their own." Jane hesitated for a moment, but still answered Bertha's question seriously. "After tonight's class is over, they invited me...to attend Mrs. Fisher's public lecture."

"Preach?"

"Right near their printing plant, was a preaching about women's suffrage."

"..."

"I don't know if I should go or not."

For a woman from the 21st century, is that even a question?If Bertha had been invited, she would certainly go and see.

But she also understood why Miss Jane Eyre hesitated - think about how the gentlemen laughed at Mrs. Fisher at the Home Secretary's party before.

In this era, women running and shouting for their own power and interests are almost the same as cheating and night outings, which can be called "disrespectful".

Presumably Jane must be very entangled at this time: as a woman, of course she wants to participate in the lecture; but she is only a female teacher, and everything she gets now is based on "decentness".What would she do if she lost this decency?

For a long time Bertha looked at the young girl before her.

"Okay."

She seemed to speak casually: "I'm quite interested. I've never seen any 'preaching' before. Why don't you accompany me?"

Miss Jane Eyre's eyes suddenly lit up.