So enjoy exploring The Lanes in Brighton

Posted on: 02/03/2024

The Lanes - Brighton
Backdrop to the next chapter - I so enjoy exploring The Lanes.


The Lanes in the historic quarter of Brighton is an intricate maze of twisting alleyways, aligned with small independent shops and cafes. Nestled in between a watchmaker and a jeweller is ‘Tegan’s’, a hat accessory shop and above it, the office of Fox and Bennett Private Investigators.

On the brick paved alleyway directly opposite Tegan’s, stood a tall, elegant woman, dressed in a moss green tweed long coat above shiny leather boots.
It was just before 9 o’clock and the traders were busy removing their window shutters and dressing their windows ready for the day. Tegan, the owner of the hat accessory shop emerged from the shop’s front door, with a squeegee in one hand and a cloth in the other, to clean down the display window. Her daily opening routine was cyclical every day, and at first she didn’t notice the woman standing opposite speaking into her mobile, until she saw her reflection in the glass window. Tegan immediately recognised the woman stepping forward towards the shop. In an instant, the woman disappeared through the gloss black door next to her which led to the office above. Tegan heard the door click shut before she had a chance to greet her. Taking two steps to her left, Tegan pushed hard on the black door, but it didn’t budge. In times gone by, she would have let herself in, but since the Landlord, her husband, had changed the lock on the request of his tenant, she had had no access.
Tegan banged the door in frustration, cursing herself for missing the opportunity to at least talk to the woman who was front page news in the local paper.

Rosemary Bennett greeted her visitor on the landing at the top of the stairs.
“Morning, Miss Bennett, responded the woman, “Thank you for allowing me a swift entrance. I was hoping not to be noticed, the phone call nearly did the trick, but I am convinced that the shop keeper downstairs, recognised me and saw me enter.”
“No doubt about that, Lady Pendlebury,” replied Rosemary. “The shop keeper you are referring to is Tegan, my landlord’s wife. She is forever trying to mingle in mine and Robert’s affairs, just so she can gossip to her friends when she meets up with them. She’s quite harmless really, and to be honest, she’s much better than, and less maintenance than a guard dog any day of the week.”
“Good security from your point of view. That’s good. I shall make a point of taking an interest in her shop when I leave. That will no doubt throw her off the scent of my reason for visiting you this morning.”
“Please come on through to my office. I have already prepared refreshment.”
“Splendid,” replied Lady Pendlebury.

…

Sitting on the three-seater settee positioned in front of the window in the first-floor office, Lady Francesca Pendlebury cast her eyes around the room, whilst Rosemary Bennett poured her tea in her finest Wedgewood Renaissance tea set.
Two mahogany desks were positioned opposite each other, on the other side of the room. One was neatly set out with a business card holder on its right, blotter pad with a writing pad on top, and a phone on the left, whilst the other had a clear top.
To the right of the settee on the almond white painted wall, were three picture-framed certificates. The centre framed certificate drew Francesca’s immediate attention. It was a Police Public Bravery Award made out to Rosemary Bennett for her exceptional acts in exceptional circumstances. Underneath was a small brass plaque affixed to the wall explaining why Miss Bennett had received such an accolade.
She read it to herself.
‘Known as the “Binney Award”, the certificate was presented to Rosemary Bennett for her demonstration of public duty in bringing a former Chief Constable to justice for his crimes against vulnerable women in the community in which he served.’
Francesca remembered seeing the headlines of the court case splashed over the front page of the local newspaper.
“I see that you were awarded the “Binney Award” from our local Chief Constable, Rosemary.”
Rosemary placed the teacup and saucer in front of her visitor.
“The award may have my name on it,” replied Rosemary, “however I would not have been chosen, if my business partner, Robert, hadn’t been with me at the time.”
“Was it him, who saved you?" Francesca asked.
"In more ways than one," Rosemary replied.
Is he still working here with you?” Francesca asked, eyeing the clear desk.
“Yes, he is - it’s just that he is away on business today.” Rosemary replied having seen Francesca looking over at his desk. “Likes to keep a clear desk.” She lied.