The Case of the Belgravia Pouch

A diplomatic pouch is missing from a locked side-room at a Belgravia embassy reception. Three keys exist. None has left its owner's person.

Section I

The Scene

Victorian newspaper-style illustration for The Case of the Belgravia Pouch, set at A locked side-room at the Habsburg embassy, Belgrave Square.

Hand-drawn case map for The Case of the Belgravia Pouch, showing A locked side-room at the Habsburg embassy, Belgrave Square. — The ground in question.

Setting: A locked side-room at the Habsburg embassy, Belgrave Square
Time: Friday evening, second Friday of March 1894
Weather: Cold; thin rain on the gas-lamps; carriages drawing in for the reception
Atmosphere: Panelled walls in dark walnut; a kneehole desk under a single oil-lamp; the thin music of a string quartet from the rooms above; the clink of glass at the long door.

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