A Curious Beginning

Veronica wishes to rush through the London streets, but Stoker forces a leisurely pace, reminding her that haste will draw attention. Stoker reveals that it was not Rosemorran who left the key to his gate. As they prepare to enter Rosemorran’s property, a woman exits. She identifies herself as Lady Cordelia Beauclerk, Lord Rosemorran’s sister. She is Stoker’s Cornwall contact, and Stoker is astonished to find her in London. She returned to “be of more use” to Stoker (187). Cordelia leads them through the eccentric decorations of her brother’s estate to the secure Belvedere property. A maid named Sidonie approaches with an obvious excuse, eagerly eyeing Stoker.

Veronica, Stoker, and Cordelia enter the Belvedere, which hosts an enormous room full of art and zoological specimens. Cordelia laments the “acquisitive” nature of the men in her family, whom she wishes would turn their collection into a museum for the public. They have tea while Cordelia and Stoker argue over Cordelia’s return to London. Stoker dislikes the risk to Cordelia in helping him from London, but she insists on providing aid.

Cordelia promises she never suspected Stoker as involved in the baron’s murder. She then explains to Veronica that Cordelia and Stoker know one another through Max, who shared Rosemorran’s love of art.