Chapter 2

"I know.""Do you also know that we cannot refund two hundred tickets? That the musicians are engaged? That every lodging house in Ashcombe Wells is full because of this ball?""Yes.""And do you know what will happen if word gets about that the ceiling is cracking?"Phoebe looked upward again. "I know what will happen if it falls."That silenced him.By noon, the town committee had been summoned. By 1:00, six gentlemen stood in the ballroom, each with his hands behind his back, each gazing up in the manner of men who wish to appear knowledgeable without committing themselves to an opinion.Sir Lionel Bracken, chairman of the committee and owner of the largest house in the town, declared it regrettable.Mr. Phelps, the apothecary, said damp was very pernicious.Mr. Grindel, the banker, asked how much repairs might cost.Mr. Atwood, who owned several lodging houses, turned pale.Then Alderman Voss arrived. No one in Ashcombe Wells liked Mr. Voss, but everyone took care not to offend him. He had made his money in Birmingham, purchased land on the south side of the town, and recently began speaking of improvement with the cold enthusiasm of a man who expected improvement to benefit himself before anyone else.He looked up at the ceiling and smiled. "A dangerous business," he said.Phoebe disliked the satisfaction in his voice.Sir Lionel cleared his throat. "We have sent for advice.""Local advice?" asked Voss."Professional advice," Sir Lionel replied. "Mr. Jonathan Meer is expected tomorrow from Warwick."Phoebe had heard the name. Mr. Meer was a young architect of rising reputation, recently praised for restoring a church tower near Kenilworth without disturbing its ancient stonework. He was said to be clever, serious, and ambitious.Alderman Voss gave a small shrug. "An architect will tell you to spend money. That is what architects do. A practical man might advise a more profitable course.""And what course is that?" Phoebe asked.The men turned as though surprised to find she had remained in the room. Voss smiled at her."My dear Miss Hartwell, these matters are scarcely within a lady's concern.""My concern is the safety of every person who enters this building.""Admirable. Then you will agree that closure may be necessary.""For inspection, yes.""For good, perhaps."Her fingers tightened around the ledger.

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