Chapter 14

Leaving Burlington House, Gabe and Alex suspect Freddie Duckworth’s cocaine habit could motivate theft. Gabe and Sylvia visit Arthur Partridge in Chelsea, finding Arthur and fellow painters under the influence. Gabe reveals Arthur’s seascape is magical; Arthur realizes his late grandmother’s lessons likely awakened an instinctive gift for paint magic. Gabe loans a book on magical paint, and the artists note Lady Stanhope’s keen interest and pressure on Arthur.

Gabe and Sylvia proceed to Lady Stanhope’s Mayfair home. She pointedly flirts with Gabe and dismisses Sylvia, then denies knowing the seascape is magical and scoffs at the idea she would steal art she prefers to display. Gabe presses her alibi and interest, but she ends the interview. Her butler Huggins visibly recognizes the name Ludlow, prompting Gabe to question the servants.

In the rear lane, a maid, Agatha Clegg, reveals Ludlow was Lady Stanhope’s cook—a pastry magician—who left four months earlier after a wage dispute and received no reference. Willie, on surveillance, reports that a well-dressed woman matching Lady Stanhope visited Ludlow early that morning and handed him money.

Gabe and Sylvia confront Ludlow at his Soho flat. When Ludlow insults Sylvia, she asserts her position as Gabe’s consulting partner, forcing his cooperation. Ludlow claims he left the Stanhopes amicably and that Lady Stanhope arranged his Royal Academy job, challenging why she would pay him after a failed theft. Despite the lack of clear motive, Gabe and Sylvia remain suspicious of both Lady Stanhope and Ludlow.

On the drive back, Gabe suggests making Sylvia an official paid consultant, admiring her resolve. Returning alone to Crooked Lane in light rain, Sylvia hurries toward the library—only to suddenly encounter Tommy Allan, too late to avoid him.