Читать книгу The Fatal Cup: Thomas Griffiths Wainewright and the strange deaths of his relations - John Price Williams - Страница 63

CHAPTER 7

THE INSURANCE FRAUDS

It must have been at this point that the Wainewrights realized that there would have to be another fraud; it was the only way in which large sums of money could be obtained quickly enough to pay off the most pressing debtors and ensure the continuity of life at Linden House.

The Bank of England forgeries had now remained undetected for six and more years. If an august and secure body like the Bank could be duped, it would be relatively easy to deceive other institutions with large amounts of capital - insurance companies for instance and although such a plan would involve more risks, the rewards would be so much greater.

The details fell neatly into place. The life of Eliza’s sister, Helen Abercromby, could be insured for a short period, then perhaps she could leave the country and the insurance companies could be persuaded that she was dead - and forced to disgorge. Alternatively, she could be done away with…

Helen became 21, old enough to sign papers on her own behalf, on March 12, 1830. She was a bright, energetic girl and handsome, one witness was to say, though Wainwright’s crayon drawing of her as a young girl a few years earlier fails to do justice to the description. For insurance purposes she was ideal - young and healthy.

Laying the groundwork carefully, note had to be made of her good constitution. Wainewright’s

JOHN PRICE WILLIAMS

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