Chapter 29: The 1924 Train Murder Case (2)

Tang Mu gathered the letters she had just finished reading and handed them back to Dale.

“After all these years, my adoptive father’s old habit of worrying remains unchanged.”

Dale covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Miss Tang Mu and Baron John Joseph truly have a wonderful relationship. If only I had half your luck. Perhaps then, like you, I’d spend my days with nothing to occupy my mind but dressing beautifully and strolling wherever I pleased.”

That tone…

It seemed the relationship between Dale and “Tang Mu” was far from harmonious.

Tang Mu’s attitude shifted instantly. “Dale, remember your place! I am the adopted daughter of Baron John Joseph. You are merely a maid in the Joseph household! Without my permission, don’t entertain any thoughts you shouldn’t!”

Dale’s face stiffened. Though she was clearly dissatisfied, she had no choice but to bow her head meekly. “Yes, miss.”

Together, they loaded their luggage onto the carriage.

Though it was said to be a joint effort, in reality, Dale managed all the luggage herself.

They took their seats in a private compartment.

It was a four-person compartment, with a long corridor running outside. Several men, dressed in suits and ties and carrying trays of refreshments, moved along the corridor. Judging by their attire and demeanor, they were likely train attendants.

One attendant, James, approached carrying several plates of pastries.

“Esteemed Miss, this is the matcha cake included with your ticket.”

Tang Mu glanced at James and gave a slight nod, signaling that he could simply set the cake on the table.

“There are so many people on this train. Had I known it would be this crowded, I’d never have bought a ticket for this time. Don’t you agree, Jim?” A lady, dressed in an elegant gown, a thick pearl necklace at her throat, and a goose-feather fan in her hand, sat down across from Tang Mu and Dale with an air of indignation. Beside her was a butler in black livery—Jim—who held a charming little poodle.

After the lady was seated, she promptly took the poodle into her own arms.

The puppy had clearly just been bathed and styled, and was dressed in a pure white lace dress. By the look of it, she was a little girl.

Noticing Tang Mu’s gaze on her dog, the lady snorted disdainfully. “Laura is very well-behaved, isn’t she? Even when stared at by certain lower sorts, she never barks or misbehaves.”

…

Tang Mu was amused.

“Indeed. Especially since she’s held by a lady who looks down her nose at people. Should she step out of line, I imagine she’d be met with a torrent of your sharp remarks.”

The lady was infuriated by Tang Mu’s pointed retort. “I am Mrs. Hutt Arnold. Do you know Hutt Arnold? He’s a renowned leather merchant. All the shoes worn by English nobility come from my husband’s company—including the very pair you’re wearing… If I’m not mistaken, those are last spring’s 1923 model—quite out of fashion now.”

At this, the lady’s sense of superiority was unrestrained.

“If you’re having trouble affording new shoes, take my card and visit the London branch. For my sake, the staff will give you a thirty percent discount on a new pair.”

Tang Mu didn’t take the card, replying coolly, “Oh, I won’t need that for now.”

She added, “I only wear these shoes on the train, since they’re out of style. Once I reach London, my adoptive father, Baron John Joseph, will send money for new clothes and shoes. As for this pair, I’ll likely toss them the moment I step off the train.”

That said, there was no telling if any of them would even leave the train alive.

Tang Mu’s expression grew cold.

The lady’s face visibly stiffened at the mention of “Baron John Joseph.”

She seemed poised to say more, but her husband arrived.

He was a balding, round-bellied, rather plump middle-aged man with a fondness for sweets. From his appearance, he looked every bit the nouveau riche. Though he wore an expensive suit and a fine red tie, it was clear he wasn’t used to such formal attire.

Upon seeing the matcha cake on the table, Hutt Arnold assumed it was theirs. Tugging at his too-tight tie, he didn’t bother asking—he simply grabbed the cake and stuffed it into his mouth.

He devoured it in a few bites, leaving Dale gaping in astonishment.

“Mr. Hutt Arnold, that matcha cake belongs to my young lady. Your train ticket package doesn’t include desserts or pastries, does it?”

Hearing Dale’s question, Hutt Arnold frowned and asked his wife, “Ottilia, didn’t we buy the package with desserts?”

Ottilia was clearly displeased by her husband’s boorishness, but in front of others, she dared not lose her temper.

She could only swallow her irritation and straightened his collar. “Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t eat so many sweets while we’re out? Our family doctor has made it very clear—if you want to live a healthy life, you’d best avoid desserts and pastries.”

But Hutt Arnold clearly paid the doctor’s advice no heed.

“They always exaggerate the diagnosis just so they can skimp on your consultation fees. That’s enough, Ottilia, don’t worry yourself… I’d like a little drink. Go fetch the train attendant.”

Seeing her husband’s willfulness, Ottilia had no choice but to summon a new attendant—Eli.

Eli was tall and striking—about 180 centimeters—with a golden physique, long legs, broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a shapely figure. Like the other attendants, he wore the standard uniform, but his perfect build made the plainest suit appear particularly alluring.

He also wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, giving him a refined, restrained air—seductive, yet unaware of it himself.

What caught Tang Mu’s attention most, however, was the old pocket watch pinned to his chest. On the back, the Black Butler insignia of the Queen of Spades was engraved.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” he inquired.

“This young lady’s matcha cake was carelessly eaten by my husband. Please bring her another dessert—put it on my bill. And a glass of whiskey for my husband. Here’s your tip.”

Ottilia handed Eli a five-pound note.

Eli accepted the money and bowed respectfully. “Very well, madam. Your order will be brought to you shortly.”

With that, he turned and returned to his duties.