Episode 1.05 “Blood”
In her Hotel Room, Madame Rose sits quietly in candlelight. She places a stack of Tarot Cards on the table next to the candle and takes a deep breath before turning over the first card.
“Anger, such anger!” Madame Rose speaks out loud, “It’s consuming everything. Not a smile will be left on their faces.”
Madame Rose turns over another card and fear comes over her, “No.” she closes her eyes, “This murder will lead to the deaths of many more people.”
Madame Rose stands up and shakes her head. She walks over to the window of her Hotel Room and can see the trees that lead to the direction of Blackwell Grange.
“No one would listen to me if I told them.” Madame Rose tries to assure herself she is making the right decision by staying here, “But that girl is lying. That girl is a manipulative liar.”
Madame Rose places her hand against the glass and the glass around her hand fogs up, “If only they would listen to me.”
A sudden knock at the Hotel Room door startles Madame Rose. She quickly puts out her candle and stacks her Tarot Cards neatly in a small wooden box. She walks to the door and opens it to find a bellboy with a serving cart.
“I apologize for the delay on your dinner.” The bellboy says tipping his hat
“It’s quite alright,” Madame Rose says letting the young man into her room with the serving cart.
“You ordered the seafood medley?” the bellboy asks
“Yes,” Madame Rose says as the bellboy places her covered food platter upon the table near the window.
“Is there anything else I can do to assist you?” asks the bellboy
“Yes,” Madame Rose says, “Ring a taxi, I need to get some fresh air this evening.”
“Right away.” The bellboy responds
Madame Rose tips the boy and sends him on his way. Madame Rose turns to her food and slowly begins to eat.
“My brother will think me very foolish if I return.” Madame Rose says as if talking to someone, “But I would rather be safe than let everything fall apart. However at the same time, I have been given the gift of seeing the future, not preventing it and changing it to benefit those I love.”
Madame Rose’s eyebrows tense up in frustration.
“This is going to be a very dark year.” Madame Rose sighs, poking around at her food.
In the Gazebo at Blackwell Grange, Professor Plum smokes his pipe, looking out at the lake. It is dusk and the rain has stopped, but the air is moist.
“What did you call me away from my guests for?” asks Dr. Black
“Can’t I ask to speak to my dear brother for a moment?” asks Professor Plum
Dr. Black glances out to the Tennis Courts, where Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, and Mr. Ash mill about.
“Make it quick,” Dr. Black says
“After dinner I went upstairs to my room,” Professor Plum speaks softly, “There is a very lethal Poison that I was working on.”
“What are you getting at?” asks Dr. Black
“It’s gone.” Professor Plum says, “Someone stole it.”
“This is a problem.” Dr. Black says, “My fiancé is at war with Patricia, my nephew is at war with Mike.”
“There is too much bad blood.” Professor Plum says, “I think it was a mistake inviting Amelia and her boy to live at the Grange.”
“I don’t want to discuss that right now.” Dr. Black says
“There is something off about that woman.” Professor Plum says, “It is as if she put on a show to win your heart.”
“Peter,” Dr. Black holds his hand up
“As your brother,” Professor Plum straights his messy bowtie, “I am simply asking that you refrain from any legal changes to the will. Wait until after the wedding. That way you will know if she is all about this for the money.”
“You might actually be right.” Dr. Black sighs
“If she loves you for you, she won’t care about the money.” Professor Plum says, “She won’t even think to bring it up.”
“I’m trusting you, Peter.” Dr. Black says
“That is what brothers are for.” Professor Plum says glancing in the direction of Mrs. Peacock
From the Upstairs of Blackwell Grange, Miss Amelia Dove watches the Gazebo from a window.
“Betrayal,” Miss Dove speaks clearly and directly, “We don’t fit in to this life permanently. We are just kept in this grey-bricked prison until we aren’t needed anymore.”
Across the room, sitting in the Nursery’s rocking chair, visibly upset.
“I know you fancied that tennis boy.” Miss Dove says
“He was so handsome.” Nurse Silver sniffles
“Constantine,” Miss Dove says, “That is what these kinds of people are like. The rich ones, without any care in the world, only use people.”
“Do you feel that way about Hugh?” asks Nurse Silver
“Yes,” Miss Dove says after a moment of hesitation, “I am his fiancé and he can’t even do the one thing I ask of him.”
“Which is?” asks Nurse Silver
“I want Mrs. Peacock gone.” Miss Dove says
“Her stepdaughter is just as wicked.” Nurse Silver says, “Chandler was clearly showing interest in me and then she drunkenly hurt herself for his sympathy and now they are off screwing in her room.”
“Right now?” asks Miss Dove
“I don’t know what to do.” Nurse Silver says, “I’ve just been waiting for the right man to come along…”
“There is no right man.” Miss Dove says, “They are all the same.”
“They can’t all be.” Nurse Silver begins to protest
“Oh but they are.” Miss Dove says
FLASHBACK
Miss Amelia Dove stands at the sink of her small, humble home with bruises on her arms and face. Young Fivel sits at the kitchen table playing with a toy truck. Erik Dove comes into the Kitchen stinking of whiskey and sweat.
“Get yourself to your bedroom.” Erik takes the boy by the collar, “Your mom and I need some alone time in the here.”
Fivel looks frightened towards his mother.
“Go on, Fivel.” Miss Dove says looking down at the soapy water.
“What a stupid name.” Erik says as the boy exits the room, “I don’t know why we even bothered trying to have a child after the miscarriage.”
“Erik, please,” Miss Dove says
“Please?” Erik grabs her by the wrist, “Stop asking so much from me. I do every damn thing around here anyway.”
Miss Dove composes herself, “I have to make supper.”
“It can wait.” Erik says grabbing her and pushing her against the table. He begins to unbutton her blouse
“Stop.” Miss Dove tries to move his hands away, only to be struck across the face. Out of nowhere the backdoor of the house opens and Mr. Green enters, grabbing Erik by the back of the head.
“Who the hell is this?” asks Erik
“You are gonna leave her alone.” Mr. Green instructs, “Do you understand me. The little lady here is scared for her life and the life of her little boy.”
“Amelia, who is this thug?” asks Erik
“Protection.” Mr. Green says, “Amelia and I go way back.”
“Please, Lyman.” Miss Dove says, “You’ll only make things worse.”
“I think he’ll learn his lesson.” Mr. Green takes Erik’s neck and shoves his face into the soapy water.
“Lyman,” Miss Dove shouts tugging on his arm, “You’re killing him!”
“I’m frightening him.” Mr. Green says with a light hearted chuckle
Erik’s head is below the water and his arms and legs are thrashing around in horror.
“Please,” Miss Dove shouts with tears streaming down her face
“I’m not going to let this man treat our son that way.” Mr. Green stares firmly into her eyes and then lifts Erik’s head from the soapy water.
“You are crazy!” Erik shouts
“Take care, Amelia.” Mr. Green says exiting where he came.”
END OF FLASHBACK
“If you feel that way,” Nurse Silver stands up from the rocking chair, “Why are you marrying Hugh?”
The next morning, sunlight shines through the windows of Blackwell Grange as the curtains in the Library are drawn by Yvette. She opens the windows to allow the autumn breeze inside. She turns to see a tall, redheaded girl of twenty-two standing in the doorway holding two dirty, dust covered suitcases.
“You must be the new maid!” the young woman squeals excitedly in an American Southern accent.
“You must be?” Yvette looks that the young woman with confusion.
“Melba, Melba Peach.” she introduces herself, “I’m here to see my mamma and Uncle Hugh! Is Cousin Johnnie here?”
“Did Mr. Ash let you in?” asks Yvette
“Of course not, silly!” Miss Peach chuckles, “I let myself in. The terrace door was open. I just wandered on in through the Billiard Room.”
“I’ll let Mr. Ash know you are here.” Yvette says
“Thank you, sugar.” Miss Peach smiles, plopping her suitcases down on the floor and sitting down on the couch, removing her light colored fur wraps from her shoulders and tossing them over the back of the couch.
In the upstairs hallway, Dr. Hugh Black exits the Master Bedroom and walks down the hallway towards Miss Dove’s Bedroom. He knocks and gets no response.
“Amelia,” Dr. Black says, “Are you awake?”
“Do you mind if I catch a quick shower?” Mr. Green asks passing by him in the hallway, heading to the gentlemen’s bathroom carrying a razor and shaving brush.
“Not at all,” Dr. Black motions, “Lyman, have you seen Amelia? She wasn’t in her room last night and she hasn’t said a word to me since before dinner.”
“Maybe she is with Fivel.” Mr. Green suggests
“Perhaps,” Dr. Black says turning in the direction of the Nursery.
In Miss Scarlet’s Bedroom, Miss Scarlet lays softly against Mr. Clay’s bare shoulder.
“How drunk was I?” asks Miss Scarlet as she touches her head
“You were pretty wild.” Mr. Clay kisses her forehead
“Oh crap!” Miss Scarlet springs up, “Get up. You need to get to your room before my stepmother finds out.”
“She clearly knows what we do.” Mr. Clay says, “No point in lying to her.”
“You don’t understand,” Miss Scarlet says standing up and slipping on a long, silky, red dressing gown, “She always tries to take what I have. She loves to steal what she can’t have.”
“What do you mean?” Mr. Clay sits up
“Just go to your room,” Miss Scarlet says, “I’ll explain later.”
In the Kitchen, Mrs. White is on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor with a soapy brush.
“Wasn’t the floor just cleaned yesterday?” asks Mr. Ash
“Yes,” Mrs. White says wiping her hands on her apron, leaving a watered-down red stain behind, “There was a terrible mess.”
“What kind of mess?” asks Mr. Ash, uneasily staring at the stains that cover the brick floor.
“It was just blood.” Mrs. White says, dumping the red water from the bucket out the opened back door and into the grass.
“Blood?” Mr. Ash takes Mrs. White by the arm, “What happened?”
“Relax, Reggie,” Mrs. White chuckles with a sweet smile, “It’s only the meat.” Mrs. White motions to the wooden cutting block where lumps and lumps of bloody meat lay next to a large cleaver and the Knife.
“What culinary delight are you preparing today?” Mr. Ash rolls his eyes
“Rabbit stew for lunch.” Mrs. White says
“Breakfast hasn’t been prepared yet.” Mr. Ash points out, “The guests will be waking up and meandering downstairs any moment.”
“Oh, you mustn’t worry!” Mrs. White walks over to the kitchen table and takes the knife from the cutting board. She wipes the Knife clean on her apron and begins to cut a loaf of bread, “I’ll start the toast.”
“What else does the menu entail?” Mr. Ash asks
“I suppose those blood sausages ought to be made up.” Mrs. White says, “I can fix up some eggs quickly.”
“Yes, yes,” Mr. Ash says, “Just be quick about it. I sent Yvette to open all the curtains on the first floor and make certain the rooms are tidy and the cups and glasses have been collected and washed.”
“She’s such a good little helper.” Mrs. White smiles, slicing the bread, “Do you suppose she will stay with us long?”
“Yes, Mrs. White,” Mr. Ash says, “She will be with us long after you retire.”
“Oh, I don’t plan on retiring.” Mrs. White says, obliviously cheerful as ever
In the Lounge, Madame Rose sits in a high back armchair staring at the doors that lead to the Hall. She is clutching onto her carpet bag. Her face is emotionless and her mind is racing. The doors open and Yvette enters the dark room, startled to see Madame Rose.
“Oh mon dieu!” Yvette screams in French, “Madame Rose, you startled me. Aren’t you supposed to be at the hotel?”
“I needed to clear my mind for a while.” Madame Rose says as Yvette opens the curtains to the Lounge
“You people love sneaking up on the help.” Yvette says, “Your American daughter is here.”
“Melba is here?” Madame Rose’s eyes widen, “Hugh did not tell me she was coming.”
“She’s in the Library,” Yvette says adjusting a pillow on the chaise lounge.
“Is my brother awake?” asks Madame Rose stands up, “I need to speak to him at once.”
Yvette shrugs her shoulders as she straightens the doily on the sofa table. Madame Rose stands up and hands her carpet bag to the maid.
“What am I to do with this?” Yvette asks
“Put it in the cloakroom.” Madame Rose says, “I am not staying for very long.”
In the Billiard Room, Colonel Mustard smokes a cigarette at the bar, sipping the melted ice from his glass.
“How long have you been awake?” asks Mr. Boddy as he enters and grabs a hand full of darts
“Have you come to humiliate me even more?” asks Colonel Mustard as he stands up weakly from the bar
“I came to play darts.” Mr. Boddy tosses his first dart, “How much did you drink?”
“Enough to wash away the imprint you left on my mind yesterday.” Colonel Mustard says
“You are just full of so much anger, aren’t you?” Mr. Boddy says
“You had better watch yourself, boy.” Colonel Mustard says
“Why?” Mr. Boddy says, “Will I lose the lovely privilege of the pleasure of your company.”
“You will lose a lot more than my company.” Colonel Mustard says
“My uncle apologized to me for your behavior.” Mr. Boddy says, “I highly doubt I am in the position to lose anything.”
“From my honor as a colonel and from my loyalty to your uncle I will stand down from any and all accusations you throw at me.” Colonel Mustard says, “But just now this, boy, if you were any other rich brat from any other family I would take those darts and pierce those beady little green eyes of yours.”
“What is it with these empty threats?” Mr. Boddy says, “You and Mr. Green need to deal with your anger issues.”
“Maybe you need to deal with your protocols,” Colonel Mustard walks to the door leading to the Hall, “If you want to be around long enough to inherit this mansion and call it your home.”
In his bedroom on the second floor, Fivel Dove pulls on long, dark blue socks as Nurse Silver enters the room.
“It’s nearly breakfast, Fivel.” Nurse Silver says, “You are hardly dressed.”
“Mother didn’t come in to wake me.” Fivel says groggily
“Let’s get your shirt tucked in.” Nurse Silver helps the boy dress
“Where is mother?” asks Fivel
“She wasn’t feeling well last night.” Nurse Silver says, “Maybe she came down with a cold and decided to sleep past breakfast.”
Dr. Black enters the room as Nurse Silver helps Fivel with his tie.
“Has Amelia come in here this morning?” Dr. Black asks Nurse Silver
“I assumed she wasn’t feeling well.” Nurse Silver says
“She isn’t in her room.” Dr. Black says
“Maybe she went out to the Garden for some fresh air.” Nurse Silver says, “I’m sure she feels embarrassed from last night.”
“What happened last night?” asks Fivel
“Nothing,” Dr. Black says, “Your mother was just a little upset.”
“Put on your shoes,” Nurse Silver motions for the boy as she leads Dr. Black to the doorway
“Something isn’t right here.” Dr. Black says
“I know.” Nurse Silver says, “After dinner she came up here to talk with me.”
“What did she say?” asks Dr. Black
“I was a little troubled,” Nurse Silver says, “That tennis coach and Miss Scarlet…”
“Yes, I figured as much.” Dr. Black says
“Miss Dove was very distraught and claimed she could never fall in love with any man.” Nurse Silver says
“Where did she go?” asks Dr. Black
“I’m not sure.” Nurse Silver says
“I’m ready.” Fivel walks over to them with his shoes on, “Can we go to the Garden before breakfast to look for mother?”
Dr. Black and Nurse Silver lock eyes for a bit.
“Fivel,” Dr. Black kneels down to the boy’s level, “Your mother…”
Mr. Ash enters the Nursery, “Dr. Black, your sister has returned and Melba is here.”
“Constantine, take Fivel to the Conservatory.” Dr. Black instructs, “I need to speak with my sister, perhaps her gift can come in handy.”
In the Library, Miss Peach and Mrs. Peacock chat casually while Professor Plum mills about, looking at the spines of the books.
“So after considering my choice,” Miss Peach continues her story, “I decided that it might be best to get to know my mother. My daddy passed away several years ago and my mamma and Uncle Hugh are the only family I have left.”
“I just find it so sad that Madame Rose gave you to your father at such a young age.” Mrs. Peacock says
“She has always been troubled,” Miss Peach says, “Daddy always said the best thing she did was give me to him, rather than put me up for adoption.”
“It was a kind deed.” Mrs. Peacock says with a long sigh, “How do you feel about seeing your mother again after so many years?”
“I suppose I’m a bit nervous.” Miss Peach says, “She has always been very distant.”
“We come from similar backgrounds.” Professor Plum says
“Yes,” Miss Peach says, “I’ve heard about you in letters, but I’ve never had the pleasure of actually speaking with you face to face.”
“We both are the outsiders of this family.” Professor Plum sighs
“I think of us as extensions.” Miss Peach says smiling, “We might not be the center of the party, but we are family nonetheless.”
“Tell Miss Peach about your mother,” Mrs. Peacock says to Professor Plum
“My mother was a house maid to Beatrice Black, Hugh’s mother.” Professor Plum says, “She never dreamed big or wanted anything more than the life she had. But she ended up having an affair with Sir Benedict, Hugh’s father which resulted in my birth. And even though I always was told my father would return home one day, I knew that there was something else out there for me.”
“How did you find out that you were related to this family?” asks Miss Peach
“My mother was ill and before she passed away she told me the truth.” Professor Plum says
“Peter is actually the true heir to the Black fortune and Blackwell Grange.” Mrs. Peacock points out
“Oh?” Miss Peach raises an eyebrow in interest
“Yes, but I came a little late to claim.” Professor Plum chuckles nervously, “Despite being firstborn I don’t think I have any pull over the comings and goings here.”
“Yet.” Mrs. Peacock winks
“Yet?” asks Miss Peach
“We are working on getting the Professor what is rightfully his.” Mrs. Peacock says
“I would love to help in any way I can.” Miss Peach smirks
“Actually,” Professor Plum says clearing his throat, “That might not be necessary.”
“Nonsense,” Mrs. Peacock says, “You can need all the help you can get.”
“Yes,” Miss Peach says smiling brightly, “We are family after all.”
“I suppose,” Professor Plum says
“Anything for my dear Uncle Peter.” Miss Peach smiles brightly
Madame Rose enters the Library shakily.
“Mamma!” Miss Peach stands up excitedly
Madame Rose’s face grows pale.
“It’s been a long time, Rosie.” Mrs. Peacock walks over and hugs the woman, frozen in the doorway.
“That is not my daughter.” Madame Rose whispers, shakily to Mrs. Peacock.
“Of course she is.” Mrs. Peacock whispers back with a smile and leads Madame Rose over to the couch.
“I’m sure you two have so much to catch up on,” Mrs. Peacock takes Professor Plum’s arm, “Come Pete, let’s give them some time to catch up before breakfast.”
Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum enter the Hall as Dr. Black comes down the staircase.
“Have you seen my sister?” asks Dr. Black, “I heard she returned to the Grange?”
“She’s in the Library with her daughter.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Give them some time alone.”
Dr. Black reluctantly follows Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum into the Lounge.
“Have either of you seen my fiancé?” asks Dr. Black
“No,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I haven’t seen her since her outburst in the Library.”
“Her bed hasn’t been touched and Fivel hasn’t seen her either.” Dr. Black says
“Maybe she left.” Mrs. Peacock suggests
“Without her son?” Dr. Black crosses his arms
“I’m just offering a suggestion.” Mrs. Peacock says, “She wasn’t too keen on a boating trip that you were so determined to have. She wasn’t happy that all these new faces were going to be here. Maybe she got fed up and left.”
“That doesn’t seem like her.” Dr. Black says
“In all fairness,” Professor Plum clears his throat, “She wasn’t acting like herself at all last night.”
“She did seem different.” Dr. Black says
“Maybe she went out for a drink.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Shall we have Mr. Ash call the local taverns?”
“Yes,” Dr. Black says, “I just hope she is alright.”
To Be Continued…
“Anger, such anger!” Madame Rose speaks out loud, “It’s consuming everything. Not a smile will be left on their faces.”
Madame Rose turns over another card and fear comes over her, “No.” she closes her eyes, “This murder will lead to the deaths of many more people.”
Madame Rose stands up and shakes her head. She walks over to the window of her Hotel Room and can see the trees that lead to the direction of Blackwell Grange.
“No one would listen to me if I told them.” Madame Rose tries to assure herself she is making the right decision by staying here, “But that girl is lying. That girl is a manipulative liar.”
Madame Rose places her hand against the glass and the glass around her hand fogs up, “If only they would listen to me.”
A sudden knock at the Hotel Room door startles Madame Rose. She quickly puts out her candle and stacks her Tarot Cards neatly in a small wooden box. She walks to the door and opens it to find a bellboy with a serving cart.
“I apologize for the delay on your dinner.” The bellboy says tipping his hat
“It’s quite alright,” Madame Rose says letting the young man into her room with the serving cart.
“You ordered the seafood medley?” the bellboy asks
“Yes,” Madame Rose says as the bellboy places her covered food platter upon the table near the window.
“Is there anything else I can do to assist you?” asks the bellboy
“Yes,” Madame Rose says, “Ring a taxi, I need to get some fresh air this evening.”
“Right away.” The bellboy responds
Madame Rose tips the boy and sends him on his way. Madame Rose turns to her food and slowly begins to eat.
“My brother will think me very foolish if I return.” Madame Rose says as if talking to someone, “But I would rather be safe than let everything fall apart. However at the same time, I have been given the gift of seeing the future, not preventing it and changing it to benefit those I love.”
Madame Rose’s eyebrows tense up in frustration.
“This is going to be a very dark year.” Madame Rose sighs, poking around at her food.
In the Gazebo at Blackwell Grange, Professor Plum smokes his pipe, looking out at the lake. It is dusk and the rain has stopped, but the air is moist.
“What did you call me away from my guests for?” asks Dr. Black
“Can’t I ask to speak to my dear brother for a moment?” asks Professor Plum
Dr. Black glances out to the Tennis Courts, where Mrs. Peacock, Mr. Green, Colonel Mustard, and Mr. Ash mill about.
“Make it quick,” Dr. Black says
“After dinner I went upstairs to my room,” Professor Plum speaks softly, “There is a very lethal Poison that I was working on.”
“What are you getting at?” asks Dr. Black
“It’s gone.” Professor Plum says, “Someone stole it.”
“This is a problem.” Dr. Black says, “My fiancé is at war with Patricia, my nephew is at war with Mike.”
“There is too much bad blood.” Professor Plum says, “I think it was a mistake inviting Amelia and her boy to live at the Grange.”
“I don’t want to discuss that right now.” Dr. Black says
“There is something off about that woman.” Professor Plum says, “It is as if she put on a show to win your heart.”
“Peter,” Dr. Black holds his hand up
“As your brother,” Professor Plum straights his messy bowtie, “I am simply asking that you refrain from any legal changes to the will. Wait until after the wedding. That way you will know if she is all about this for the money.”
“You might actually be right.” Dr. Black sighs
“If she loves you for you, she won’t care about the money.” Professor Plum says, “She won’t even think to bring it up.”
“I’m trusting you, Peter.” Dr. Black says
“That is what brothers are for.” Professor Plum says glancing in the direction of Mrs. Peacock
From the Upstairs of Blackwell Grange, Miss Amelia Dove watches the Gazebo from a window.
“Betrayal,” Miss Dove speaks clearly and directly, “We don’t fit in to this life permanently. We are just kept in this grey-bricked prison until we aren’t needed anymore.”
Across the room, sitting in the Nursery’s rocking chair, visibly upset.
“I know you fancied that tennis boy.” Miss Dove says
“He was so handsome.” Nurse Silver sniffles
“Constantine,” Miss Dove says, “That is what these kinds of people are like. The rich ones, without any care in the world, only use people.”
“Do you feel that way about Hugh?” asks Nurse Silver
“Yes,” Miss Dove says after a moment of hesitation, “I am his fiancé and he can’t even do the one thing I ask of him.”
“Which is?” asks Nurse Silver
“I want Mrs. Peacock gone.” Miss Dove says
“Her stepdaughter is just as wicked.” Nurse Silver says, “Chandler was clearly showing interest in me and then she drunkenly hurt herself for his sympathy and now they are off screwing in her room.”
“Right now?” asks Miss Dove
“I don’t know what to do.” Nurse Silver says, “I’ve just been waiting for the right man to come along…”
“There is no right man.” Miss Dove says, “They are all the same.”
“They can’t all be.” Nurse Silver begins to protest
“Oh but they are.” Miss Dove says
FLASHBACK
Miss Amelia Dove stands at the sink of her small, humble home with bruises on her arms and face. Young Fivel sits at the kitchen table playing with a toy truck. Erik Dove comes into the Kitchen stinking of whiskey and sweat.
“Get yourself to your bedroom.” Erik takes the boy by the collar, “Your mom and I need some alone time in the here.”
Fivel looks frightened towards his mother.
“Go on, Fivel.” Miss Dove says looking down at the soapy water.
“What a stupid name.” Erik says as the boy exits the room, “I don’t know why we even bothered trying to have a child after the miscarriage.”
“Erik, please,” Miss Dove says
“Please?” Erik grabs her by the wrist, “Stop asking so much from me. I do every damn thing around here anyway.”
Miss Dove composes herself, “I have to make supper.”
“It can wait.” Erik says grabbing her and pushing her against the table. He begins to unbutton her blouse
“Stop.” Miss Dove tries to move his hands away, only to be struck across the face. Out of nowhere the backdoor of the house opens and Mr. Green enters, grabbing Erik by the back of the head.
“Who the hell is this?” asks Erik
“You are gonna leave her alone.” Mr. Green instructs, “Do you understand me. The little lady here is scared for her life and the life of her little boy.”
“Amelia, who is this thug?” asks Erik
“Protection.” Mr. Green says, “Amelia and I go way back.”
“Please, Lyman.” Miss Dove says, “You’ll only make things worse.”
“I think he’ll learn his lesson.” Mr. Green takes Erik’s neck and shoves his face into the soapy water.
“Lyman,” Miss Dove shouts tugging on his arm, “You’re killing him!”
“I’m frightening him.” Mr. Green says with a light hearted chuckle
Erik’s head is below the water and his arms and legs are thrashing around in horror.
“Please,” Miss Dove shouts with tears streaming down her face
“I’m not going to let this man treat our son that way.” Mr. Green stares firmly into her eyes and then lifts Erik’s head from the soapy water.
“You are crazy!” Erik shouts
“Take care, Amelia.” Mr. Green says exiting where he came.”
END OF FLASHBACK
“If you feel that way,” Nurse Silver stands up from the rocking chair, “Why are you marrying Hugh?”
The next morning, sunlight shines through the windows of Blackwell Grange as the curtains in the Library are drawn by Yvette. She opens the windows to allow the autumn breeze inside. She turns to see a tall, redheaded girl of twenty-two standing in the doorway holding two dirty, dust covered suitcases.
“You must be the new maid!” the young woman squeals excitedly in an American Southern accent.
“You must be?” Yvette looks that the young woman with confusion.
“Melba, Melba Peach.” she introduces herself, “I’m here to see my mamma and Uncle Hugh! Is Cousin Johnnie here?”
“Did Mr. Ash let you in?” asks Yvette
“Of course not, silly!” Miss Peach chuckles, “I let myself in. The terrace door was open. I just wandered on in through the Billiard Room.”
“I’ll let Mr. Ash know you are here.” Yvette says
“Thank you, sugar.” Miss Peach smiles, plopping her suitcases down on the floor and sitting down on the couch, removing her light colored fur wraps from her shoulders and tossing them over the back of the couch.
In the upstairs hallway, Dr. Hugh Black exits the Master Bedroom and walks down the hallway towards Miss Dove’s Bedroom. He knocks and gets no response.
“Amelia,” Dr. Black says, “Are you awake?”
“Do you mind if I catch a quick shower?” Mr. Green asks passing by him in the hallway, heading to the gentlemen’s bathroom carrying a razor and shaving brush.
“Not at all,” Dr. Black motions, “Lyman, have you seen Amelia? She wasn’t in her room last night and she hasn’t said a word to me since before dinner.”
“Maybe she is with Fivel.” Mr. Green suggests
“Perhaps,” Dr. Black says turning in the direction of the Nursery.
In Miss Scarlet’s Bedroom, Miss Scarlet lays softly against Mr. Clay’s bare shoulder.
“How drunk was I?” asks Miss Scarlet as she touches her head
“You were pretty wild.” Mr. Clay kisses her forehead
“Oh crap!” Miss Scarlet springs up, “Get up. You need to get to your room before my stepmother finds out.”
“She clearly knows what we do.” Mr. Clay says, “No point in lying to her.”
“You don’t understand,” Miss Scarlet says standing up and slipping on a long, silky, red dressing gown, “She always tries to take what I have. She loves to steal what she can’t have.”
“What do you mean?” Mr. Clay sits up
“Just go to your room,” Miss Scarlet says, “I’ll explain later.”
In the Kitchen, Mrs. White is on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor with a soapy brush.
“Wasn’t the floor just cleaned yesterday?” asks Mr. Ash
“Yes,” Mrs. White says wiping her hands on her apron, leaving a watered-down red stain behind, “There was a terrible mess.”
“What kind of mess?” asks Mr. Ash, uneasily staring at the stains that cover the brick floor.
“It was just blood.” Mrs. White says, dumping the red water from the bucket out the opened back door and into the grass.
“Blood?” Mr. Ash takes Mrs. White by the arm, “What happened?”
“Relax, Reggie,” Mrs. White chuckles with a sweet smile, “It’s only the meat.” Mrs. White motions to the wooden cutting block where lumps and lumps of bloody meat lay next to a large cleaver and the Knife.
“What culinary delight are you preparing today?” Mr. Ash rolls his eyes
“Rabbit stew for lunch.” Mrs. White says
“Breakfast hasn’t been prepared yet.” Mr. Ash points out, “The guests will be waking up and meandering downstairs any moment.”
“Oh, you mustn’t worry!” Mrs. White walks over to the kitchen table and takes the knife from the cutting board. She wipes the Knife clean on her apron and begins to cut a loaf of bread, “I’ll start the toast.”
“What else does the menu entail?” Mr. Ash asks
“I suppose those blood sausages ought to be made up.” Mrs. White says, “I can fix up some eggs quickly.”
“Yes, yes,” Mr. Ash says, “Just be quick about it. I sent Yvette to open all the curtains on the first floor and make certain the rooms are tidy and the cups and glasses have been collected and washed.”
“She’s such a good little helper.” Mrs. White smiles, slicing the bread, “Do you suppose she will stay with us long?”
“Yes, Mrs. White,” Mr. Ash says, “She will be with us long after you retire.”
“Oh, I don’t plan on retiring.” Mrs. White says, obliviously cheerful as ever
In the Lounge, Madame Rose sits in a high back armchair staring at the doors that lead to the Hall. She is clutching onto her carpet bag. Her face is emotionless and her mind is racing. The doors open and Yvette enters the dark room, startled to see Madame Rose.
“Oh mon dieu!” Yvette screams in French, “Madame Rose, you startled me. Aren’t you supposed to be at the hotel?”
“I needed to clear my mind for a while.” Madame Rose says as Yvette opens the curtains to the Lounge
“You people love sneaking up on the help.” Yvette says, “Your American daughter is here.”
“Melba is here?” Madame Rose’s eyes widen, “Hugh did not tell me she was coming.”
“She’s in the Library,” Yvette says adjusting a pillow on the chaise lounge.
“Is my brother awake?” asks Madame Rose stands up, “I need to speak to him at once.”
Yvette shrugs her shoulders as she straightens the doily on the sofa table. Madame Rose stands up and hands her carpet bag to the maid.
“What am I to do with this?” Yvette asks
“Put it in the cloakroom.” Madame Rose says, “I am not staying for very long.”
In the Billiard Room, Colonel Mustard smokes a cigarette at the bar, sipping the melted ice from his glass.
“How long have you been awake?” asks Mr. Boddy as he enters and grabs a hand full of darts
“Have you come to humiliate me even more?” asks Colonel Mustard as he stands up weakly from the bar
“I came to play darts.” Mr. Boddy tosses his first dart, “How much did you drink?”
“Enough to wash away the imprint you left on my mind yesterday.” Colonel Mustard says
“You are just full of so much anger, aren’t you?” Mr. Boddy says
“You had better watch yourself, boy.” Colonel Mustard says
“Why?” Mr. Boddy says, “Will I lose the lovely privilege of the pleasure of your company.”
“You will lose a lot more than my company.” Colonel Mustard says
“My uncle apologized to me for your behavior.” Mr. Boddy says, “I highly doubt I am in the position to lose anything.”
“From my honor as a colonel and from my loyalty to your uncle I will stand down from any and all accusations you throw at me.” Colonel Mustard says, “But just now this, boy, if you were any other rich brat from any other family I would take those darts and pierce those beady little green eyes of yours.”
“What is it with these empty threats?” Mr. Boddy says, “You and Mr. Green need to deal with your anger issues.”
“Maybe you need to deal with your protocols,” Colonel Mustard walks to the door leading to the Hall, “If you want to be around long enough to inherit this mansion and call it your home.”
In his bedroom on the second floor, Fivel Dove pulls on long, dark blue socks as Nurse Silver enters the room.
“It’s nearly breakfast, Fivel.” Nurse Silver says, “You are hardly dressed.”
“Mother didn’t come in to wake me.” Fivel says groggily
“Let’s get your shirt tucked in.” Nurse Silver helps the boy dress
“Where is mother?” asks Fivel
“She wasn’t feeling well last night.” Nurse Silver says, “Maybe she came down with a cold and decided to sleep past breakfast.”
Dr. Black enters the room as Nurse Silver helps Fivel with his tie.
“Has Amelia come in here this morning?” Dr. Black asks Nurse Silver
“I assumed she wasn’t feeling well.” Nurse Silver says
“She isn’t in her room.” Dr. Black says
“Maybe she went out to the Garden for some fresh air.” Nurse Silver says, “I’m sure she feels embarrassed from last night.”
“What happened last night?” asks Fivel
“Nothing,” Dr. Black says, “Your mother was just a little upset.”
“Put on your shoes,” Nurse Silver motions for the boy as she leads Dr. Black to the doorway
“Something isn’t right here.” Dr. Black says
“I know.” Nurse Silver says, “After dinner she came up here to talk with me.”
“What did she say?” asks Dr. Black
“I was a little troubled,” Nurse Silver says, “That tennis coach and Miss Scarlet…”
“Yes, I figured as much.” Dr. Black says
“Miss Dove was very distraught and claimed she could never fall in love with any man.” Nurse Silver says
“Where did she go?” asks Dr. Black
“I’m not sure.” Nurse Silver says
“I’m ready.” Fivel walks over to them with his shoes on, “Can we go to the Garden before breakfast to look for mother?”
Dr. Black and Nurse Silver lock eyes for a bit.
“Fivel,” Dr. Black kneels down to the boy’s level, “Your mother…”
Mr. Ash enters the Nursery, “Dr. Black, your sister has returned and Melba is here.”
“Constantine, take Fivel to the Conservatory.” Dr. Black instructs, “I need to speak with my sister, perhaps her gift can come in handy.”
In the Library, Miss Peach and Mrs. Peacock chat casually while Professor Plum mills about, looking at the spines of the books.
“So after considering my choice,” Miss Peach continues her story, “I decided that it might be best to get to know my mother. My daddy passed away several years ago and my mamma and Uncle Hugh are the only family I have left.”
“I just find it so sad that Madame Rose gave you to your father at such a young age.” Mrs. Peacock says
“She has always been troubled,” Miss Peach says, “Daddy always said the best thing she did was give me to him, rather than put me up for adoption.”
“It was a kind deed.” Mrs. Peacock says with a long sigh, “How do you feel about seeing your mother again after so many years?”
“I suppose I’m a bit nervous.” Miss Peach says, “She has always been very distant.”
“We come from similar backgrounds.” Professor Plum says
“Yes,” Miss Peach says, “I’ve heard about you in letters, but I’ve never had the pleasure of actually speaking with you face to face.”
“We both are the outsiders of this family.” Professor Plum sighs
“I think of us as extensions.” Miss Peach says smiling, “We might not be the center of the party, but we are family nonetheless.”
“Tell Miss Peach about your mother,” Mrs. Peacock says to Professor Plum
“My mother was a house maid to Beatrice Black, Hugh’s mother.” Professor Plum says, “She never dreamed big or wanted anything more than the life she had. But she ended up having an affair with Sir Benedict, Hugh’s father which resulted in my birth. And even though I always was told my father would return home one day, I knew that there was something else out there for me.”
“How did you find out that you were related to this family?” asks Miss Peach
“My mother was ill and before she passed away she told me the truth.” Professor Plum says
“Peter is actually the true heir to the Black fortune and Blackwell Grange.” Mrs. Peacock points out
“Oh?” Miss Peach raises an eyebrow in interest
“Yes, but I came a little late to claim.” Professor Plum chuckles nervously, “Despite being firstborn I don’t think I have any pull over the comings and goings here.”
“Yet.” Mrs. Peacock winks
“Yet?” asks Miss Peach
“We are working on getting the Professor what is rightfully his.” Mrs. Peacock says
“I would love to help in any way I can.” Miss Peach smirks
“Actually,” Professor Plum says clearing his throat, “That might not be necessary.”
“Nonsense,” Mrs. Peacock says, “You can need all the help you can get.”
“Yes,” Miss Peach says smiling brightly, “We are family after all.”
“I suppose,” Professor Plum says
“Anything for my dear Uncle Peter.” Miss Peach smiles brightly
Madame Rose enters the Library shakily.
“Mamma!” Miss Peach stands up excitedly
Madame Rose’s face grows pale.
“It’s been a long time, Rosie.” Mrs. Peacock walks over and hugs the woman, frozen in the doorway.
“That is not my daughter.” Madame Rose whispers, shakily to Mrs. Peacock.
“Of course she is.” Mrs. Peacock whispers back with a smile and leads Madame Rose over to the couch.
“I’m sure you two have so much to catch up on,” Mrs. Peacock takes Professor Plum’s arm, “Come Pete, let’s give them some time to catch up before breakfast.”
Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum enter the Hall as Dr. Black comes down the staircase.
“Have you seen my sister?” asks Dr. Black, “I heard she returned to the Grange?”
“She’s in the Library with her daughter.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Give them some time alone.”
Dr. Black reluctantly follows Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum into the Lounge.
“Have either of you seen my fiancé?” asks Dr. Black
“No,” Mrs. Peacock says, “I haven’t seen her since her outburst in the Library.”
“Her bed hasn’t been touched and Fivel hasn’t seen her either.” Dr. Black says
“Maybe she left.” Mrs. Peacock suggests
“Without her son?” Dr. Black crosses his arms
“I’m just offering a suggestion.” Mrs. Peacock says, “She wasn’t too keen on a boating trip that you were so determined to have. She wasn’t happy that all these new faces were going to be here. Maybe she got fed up and left.”
“That doesn’t seem like her.” Dr. Black says
“In all fairness,” Professor Plum clears his throat, “She wasn’t acting like herself at all last night.”
“She did seem different.” Dr. Black says
“Maybe she went out for a drink.” Mrs. Peacock says, “Shall we have Mr. Ash call the local taverns?”
“Yes,” Dr. Black says, “I just hope she is alright.”
To Be Continued…