[sylvanSpider]

It was the something else entirely that worried Simon. “Something else” was indicative of something he didn't know, something he didn't have any control over, and that simply would not do. However, his investigation was put at a standstill while an escort was found for Emily. Then, there was always the chance that the wretch would try while he was here, and that was all that he would need. But she was too clever for that, wasn't she? If she hadn't sent someone to scout, perhaps one of her fraudulent 'maids,' she'd've come herself. She would know by now that Emily was being watched. As far as he was concerned, he had her in a checkmate—so long as her attention did not divert to another woman. But no, the poisoning of Rosamund was more than enough proof that Emily was the object of desire here. Why bother with isolating her of everyone she loves first otherwise? Chief Thomas, after all, was still very much alive and well. Mrs. Thomas hadn't been isolated before her death. No, she wanted Emily for something else entirely, and it was likely that she was wanting her alive.

A knock at the door.

Two pairs of eyes followed the sound. “C-come in,” Emily squeaked, trying to find her voice. The door opened and through its frame the silhouette of Mr. Thomas as well as a woman she faintly recognized as one of the midwives of the town shadowed the doorway before they both stepped in. Emily could see the change in Mr. Thomas immediately. He appeared as though he hadn't slept since his wife's murder, dark lines encircling his eyes, dry and chapped lips, a complexion more pale than was healthy even by English standards...The man was a disaster, but he offered Emily a smile nonetheless, stepping over to her and placing a large, comforting hand on her shoulder leaning down slightly to talk to her.

“We're going to fix this, Emily. For you and William both.” There was a pause between the two sentences, one that seemed to speak louder than the words themselves. One that said that he felt her pain, that he was going to do his best for not only himself, but for her as well. Rosamund and Sarah would see their justice.

Emily's eyes searched his before she went in, wrapping her arms tightly about him, sobbing into his chest, “I'm so sorry, Mr. Thomas, I'm so sorry. Sarah was a most excellent woman...I'm so sorry...”

Mr. Thomas, at first, was taken aback. It wasn't like Emily to forsake her modesty and manners, but grief does strange things to a person, and he couldn't say he didn't understand. His arms soon engulfed her trembling body, “Thank you...thank you, Miss Barker.”

The woman who had been accompanying Mr. Thomas stood patiently, hands clasped in front of her. She, though rather poor looking, was beautiful. Long light hair escaped from the hat that had obviously been put on in some haste, framing an angular, almost feline face. That face held in it two ice blue eyes, a straight, petite nose, and small, but full lips. Simon, as this tender moment between Mr. Thomas and Miss Barker was unfolding, took a moment to survey her. They briefly made eye contact, and Simon could feel a shiver run down his spine. There was no explanation for it.

The embrace broke, and Mr. Thomas straightened, cleared his throat, and straightened his tie as Emily dried her tears, “Mr. Simon Wegg, Miss Emily Barker, this is Miss Katherine Hagert. She's the night midwife here in Flint, and has seen tremendous success. In the last three years, not a single woman has died while she was present, isn't that right, Miss Hagert?”

The woman nodded, extending a hand first to Emily who took her hand tentatively, then to Simon who took it with strength. Her hands were cold, but then, the night that she'd just come from was cold. “It is true. In my free time, I read medical journals and I have been keeping up with all of the medicinal trends and have had tremendous luck in following Queen Victoria herself in her methods with her own children. While escorting is generally not a part of my job description, I am happy to be of assistance.” Her voice was soft, svelte—sweet to the ears and hypnotizing to the soul. Emily was taken in immediately.

Simon's face betrayed no emotion, “Very well. Then I shall trust you to help keep her safe. You have been briefed on the situation, I presume?”

“Yes, Investigator.”

“Excellent. Chief Thomas, a word in private if you will?” Simon said, gesturing to the door. The gentlemen stepped out, leaving the women to their own devices. “I want eyes on this house at all times. The women are not to leave, save in an instance of emergency, and none are to enter—save for myself or other members of the force accompanied by me or yourself. Is this doable?”

“Absolutely, Mr. Wegg. I do not want to see another death, especially not one in such a young life.”