Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,15

we proceed?’ He asked, holding out an arm for Elizabeth to take.

‘Yes, of course.’ Elizabeth said, her chest tight.

Traditionally, funerals would take place within the deceased home, with the coffin being carried from the house to the site of the burial by horse and cart. This had been the case with Elizabeth’s father. However, as Professor de Bard had no family to organise his funeral, it was taking place in the church, and would be a public affair.

Captain Greenwood had arranged a carriage to take them to the funeral, something Elizabeth was grateful for, as she did not much feel like walking. Once they had arrived, he opened the carriage door for her, and took her hand to assist her down the step.

As they walked through the church doors, Elizabeth was vaguely aware that Captain Greenwood’s plans of courting Elizabeth seemed to be working. She felt quite safe as she walked with him, and enjoyed very much the way his hand hovered upon the small of her back in a reassuring manner.

The funeral passed in a haze of meaningless words. Men spoke of the Professor, and his achievements, yet no one really seemed to know the man personally. This made Elizabeth sad, and she wondered if the Professor had ever been lonely. To her knowledge he had never even been married.

After the funeral Elizabeth congregated outside with other attendants as they talked about the ceremony and various other events of the day. Elizabeth did not feel like conversing with people who would pretend to have known him as well as she did. Captain Greenwood remained by her side like a loyal dog, up until the moment when a tall, thin man in a very expensive suit came up to Elizabeth.

‘Are you Miss Elizabeth Searson?’ The stranger enquired.

‘Yes.’ Elizabeth said rather startled by the man’s sudden appearance.

‘My name is Charles Smith,’ He handed her a card upon which his name was written, along with some other personal details, ‘I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time?’

At her side, Captain Greenwood became suddenly stiff and eyed Charles Smith suspiciously.

‘It is regarding Professor de Bard, Miss Searson, so a private word would be appreciated. If you might find the time to come by my office – it is only a five minute carriage ride away-’

‘As Miss Searson’s chaperone-’ Captain Greenwood began loudly.

‘It is quite all right, Captain Greenwood.’ Elizabeth said in an undertone, ‘What time do you propose we meet?’

‘I am free now, Miss Searson, and my carriage awaits.’ He pointed down the road where a carriage was waiting for him.

Elizabeth was thoroughly confused as so why this man would want to talk to her about the Professor, but she did not see the harm in visiting his office.

Looking down at Charles Smith’s card, she found that he was a lawyer, and the office in which they would be conversing was an attorney’s study. The card stated that Charles Smith specialised in Estate Planning and the writing of Wills.

Captain Greenwood seemed thoroughly annoyed that his time with Elizabeth was being cut short.

‘Is this a good idea, Miss Elizabeth?’ He muttered to her in a voice too low for Charles Smith to hear, ‘I think I should come with you.’

‘I think it will be quite all right, Captain.’ Elizabeth assured him testily.

Elizabeth allowed herself to be steered in the direction of the carriage by Charles Smith, and before she knew it she was trundling down the road towards the centre of the town. The journey lasted no longer than a few minutes, and they stopped outside of a rather magnificent building. Elizabeth shielded her eyes against the bright sunlight as she looked up at the tall courthouse.

She felt extremely nervous, and underdressed as Charles led her inside the building. The entrance hall was large, with enormous marble columns leading to a high ceiling. Charles Smith led her through the courthouse, passing several doors and people who bustled about importantly. Finally he stopped at a door which had his name engraved on a gold plate upon it. Opening it, Elizabeth stepped inside and found herself in a handsome room lined with packed bookshelves, and a deep mahogany desk.

‘Please sit down.’ Charles Smith said offering Elizabeth a seat, which she took.

‘What is this all about, Mister Smith?’ Elizabeth asked as Charles took a seat opposite her.

Folding his hands upon the desk and clearing his throat loudly, Charles looked at Elizabeth closely.

‘Let us get straight down to business. Miss Searson, I am a