Cadiston – A New Beginning E-Book

Colin Oakes

• Herausgeber: novum pro Verlag
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 1382

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Ashton Cadiston is a young, enthusiastic, and very determined trainee detective, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, his great-grandfather, and his great-great-grandfather. As he nears the completion of his training, he embarks on his very first investigation into the death of a noble family member under the watchful eye of his training sergeant. What was meant to be a simple case, quickly becomes a complex twist of lies, jealousy, greed, and murder in a century's desire for revenge. It is up to the inexperienced Cadiston to persevere. He can leave no stone unturned; he cannot allow himself to be silenced and must trust his instincts in his search for the truth to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Leseprobe

Imprint

All rights of distribution, also through movies, radio and television, photomechanical reproduction, sound carrier, electronic medium and reprinting in excerpts are reserved.

© 2023 novum publishing

ISBN print edition: 978-3-99107-680-3

ISBN e-book: 978-3-99107-681-0

Editor: Nicola Grün

Cover image: Andreiuc88 | Dreamstime.com

Cover design, layout & typesetting: novum publishing

www.novum-publishing.co.uk

Preface

The Mandaten family are making the final arrangements for their big annual event which is to take place at the weekend. They have all been summoned to the Manor to discuss certain aspects of the continuance of the Mandaten family dynasty. One and a half hours after the last member of the family had driven through the gates, they were all sitting in silence around the dinner table.

Mandaten Manor had been the family seat since the Norman conquest back in 1066 when the Baron Louis François Mandaten arrived in England with William. Generations later, the head of the family, Lord Lionel Mandaten, is seriously ill and has been told that he has just a few months of life remaining and, knowing this, the time is short to announce his successor. There are fourteen family members present at the table and there is an uneasy air as they eye each other with suspicion, knowing that the time will soon be here to lay their father to rest. Though ill, he still sits at the head of the table with his wife, Florence, sitting at the other end facing him. At the table sit the two daughtwers and three sons with their respective wives and husbands. The Mandatens have two girls and one set of boy twins and a younger brother.There is also the adopted son who they have a disliking for and his wife.The four grandchildren are due to arrive on Thursday 25th.

The household comprises three housemaids; two footmen, and a very old butler, Mister Bradinham. In the kitchen are two cooks, accompanied by three helpers, all overseen by the housekeeper who is the butler’s wife. The stables and livestock are controlled by the Livestock manager, whose wife, is the head cook, he is assisted by their sons. Running the farm and living in the Manor farmhouse is the arable farm manager. His wife is the second of the cooks, he is assisted by their three sons. They have one daughter, who also works in the kitchen. These families have all worked faithfully through the generations for the Mandatens and at eighty-five, the old butler has been the longest-serving current employee and has been with them for sixty-four of his eighty-five years. Alongside him, and always close at hand, is his faithful wife. The rest of the staff range from five to thirty years respectively.

The three sons eagerly await to hear who will become the next Lord Mandaten, all of which have a plan to achieve this and ensure it is they who will inherit the Manor, its land, and the amassed fortune, with evil eyes they watch each other all were wondering who would be the one to be crowned the next Lord Mandaten and after that to inherit everything, it would take time and patience was not one of their strongpoints.

Chapter One – The Family Dinner

The gates to Mandaten Manor stood wide open, waiting for the arrival of the family who had been summoned to arrive early by their father, Lord Louie Mandaten. The livestock managers son, Jeremiah, had reluctantly left the stables and waited patiently at the gates for the family members to arrive before he could close and secure them.

The first car to arrive was that of the twins: Malcolm, accompanied by his wife, Greta, and his brother Grant, accompanied by his wife, Bonnie. There was no mistaking the friction between them as Jerimiah could hear the arguing even as the car sped past him. “No change there then, always arguing and getting at each other it is no wonder that they do not kill each other, they have everything where there are so many people that have so little and they are never satisfied. The best one is their adopted brother, Chadrick. He is so different from the other three, now there is a real gent.” Whispered Jeremiah. Thirty minutes behind them, in separate vehicles, came the two daughters: Lizabeth with her husband Tomas in their Rolls Royce, followed by Sammie with her husband Walter in their Jaguar. It was all they could do to greet Jeremiah with a wave.

“And hello to you as well, (Jeremiah mouthed and almost put his fingers up but thought better of it, they were now well past and well out of earshot so his voice was raised.) snobs! That is what you lot are, not a bit like your parents – now there is a real Lady and Gentleman. One more to arrive in my reckoning. Hope they get here soon because I want to get back to my mare, she is due to foal at any time now and I want to be there when that happens.” Jeremiah heard the vehicle coming down the private road long before he saw it and was surprised when a taxi drove slowly through the gates he was quick to step in front of the vehicle, it immediately pulled up. The instant that he saw who its passengers were, he was quick to apologise, “Sorry Master Chadrick, Miss Demmie, I did not realise that it would be you in a taxi. Hello ma’am it is good to see you both again.” “You too, Jeremiah, are the others here?”

“Master Kevin and his wife have been here three days, everyone else has arrived in the last hour and a half, you are the last, sir.” “Drop the sir please, Jeremiah, and the master, I have said it before, just call me Chadrick or even Chad. The others may but I do not want any formality or standing on ceremony and neither does my wife, do you Demmie?” She did not reply but gave a long stare of indignation at this statement. It was noticed by Jerimiah but missed by Chadrick. “Now a personal question for you, how is Star doing? Has she foaled yet?” “Any time now, sir, sorry Chad.” “Then my friend, we will get out of this taxi and walk from here so that the gates can be closed and locked, then you can get back to her.” “But it’s a tidy step up to the Manor.”

“Not a problem my friend, (Chad was quickly out of the taxi and handing over the fare to the driver, Demmie relucktantly followed him.) anyhow, a good walk will do us both good and give us a chance to stretch our legs after all the sitting to get here.” Demmie threw a look of disagreement but Chad was out of the taxi with their cases from the boot, the driver was paid so she had no choice. “Now then without argument, you get away to your mare my friend and we will close the gates for you”. “But I –” “No, but Jeremiah, get on that horse and be away with you and let us know when the foal is born”.

“God bless you both and thank you Chad, you are a real gent.” In seconds Jeremiah had mounted his waiting horse and was galloping away. The taxi reversed and with the gates closed and secured, Chad and Demmie began their long walk up to the Manor.

“Glad we decided to travel light and only have one small suitcase each.” Said Chad “I bet that your brothers and sisters have a lot more luggage than this and even if they did not, they would not make this long walk.” Demmie said grudgingly then added. “Ten pounds bet on the luggage.” “Cannot do that my dear because what is mine is yours and what is yours is mine.” Replied Demmie slyly, “True, and that is one of the reasons that I love you, we share everything equally. You are not a bit like my sisters or brothers, they are filled with greed and out for all they want and can get and now that father is seriously ill, they will be even more at each other with their bickering and wanting to cut everyone’s throat as they continue with their fighting to gain the title of Lord in fact, I am surprised that they haven’t killed each other this far as they each stand in the others way.”

“They are welcome to all this wealth and grandeur Chad, we may not be rich but we are comfortable and I am quite happy with our simple way of missing, thank you.” He smiled and although he said nothing, he sensed an air of falseness in her statement. “You do not want me to be the Lord of the Manor then?”

“You Chad?” She shook her head and laughed quite loudly, “Most definitely not you, well the very thought.” He sensed something truthful in her reply but did not challenge it. “Well anyhow, I don’t think that there is any chance of that, besides, the title usually goes to the eldest son and that is Malcolm by four minutes and fifteen seconds over his twin Grant according to what has been said.” Remarked Chad, “And Grant should be the one to have it all.”

“Grant hmm, tell me Demmie, why do you say Grant”? She answered without a seconds hesitation. “No reason other than otherwise it will go to Malcolm and not to Kevin.” He thought her answer was extremely strange so he asked again, “Why do you say Grant should be the one?” This time she hesitated before replying, “No reason, just a name slip I guess,” “Well, you can be sure that he will want it over the other two and I can guess that they each have a plan to gain the title so there will be a lot of rivalry and animosity between them. Even the two sisters will want a bite of the cherry because they all want to have the title and all that goes with it, it is just a simple matter of who father thinks will be the best suited for the role.” “Will they physically fight each other for the role?” “You can bet on it and knowing them it could turn particulary violent.”

“You do not count yourself in the running then and do not come into the equation?” “I am not of Mandaten blood so that counts me out straight away and either sister would only stand to inherit if there were no male heirs to bare the title. They are both filled with greed and I feel very sorry for Tomas and Walter, it is just as well that they did have fortunes of their own thanks to Father, although they are sinking and in the current climate, they will need to appraise their businesses.” “Not like us then?”

“Not like us, having too much causes problems and I can well do without them, what do you say?” “Well, let me think, with all that wealth I would wear designer clothes and there would be no more work or having to do the washing, cooking or any housework at all, I would have staff at my beck and call … Umm, now that would be really lovely, oh how I want that.” He glanced at her, a bit surprised at her answer and again felt that it carried a note of truth, and then she produced a forced half-smiled. “Only kidding, it would all be far too much to handle anyway, we are fine as we are.” “We sure are but for a minute there I thought you were being serious.” He looked ahead just as her face changed into a full smile. He noticed that she was beginning to tire so he tried to give some encouragement. “Well, there she is, Demmie, there stands the good old homestead Mandaten Manor. She looks very impressive and you will not need to walk much further as we are almost there.”

They must have been observed walking up the long drive because waiting at the front door were both footmen and as they approached, Alfred disappeared. “It is good to see you both again. Come right in, now let me take your cases and show you to your room.” “Good to see you, Jonas.” Walking up the long staircase, they continued to chat, “The Sir Lowel Mandaten suite?” “Just so, it is ready for you and as we observed you walking up the long drive, we timed it to let Katrine know so she will have a hot bath already run for you, she will be your maid for your stay. Dinner will be served at seven-thirty sharp and as you know his Lordship does not like to be kept waiting.” “Thank you for reminding me, Jonas, Father was always a stickler for punctuality, I guess that comes from his days in the army.” Arriving at the Lowel suite, they were greeted by Alfred. “Welcome home Chad, Demmie, everything is ready for you, this is your room key although I have never known the doors to be locked and we hope you both enjoy your stay.” “Thank you and I can safely say that it will not be as enjoyable as three months ago with Father being taken so suddenly ill.”

“Very true Chad and it did come on extremely suddenly, one day he was absolutely fine and even went for a long ride on Thundist, then in the evening started to feel unwell. The next day he was rushed off to hospital but if I may speak out of turn?” “Just between us then.”

“He has had a good life, although tough at times and my grandfather served in his regiment during the great war and was sadly lost at Pashendale, the were both young but went anyhow and your father has reached his ninety-seventh year and it seems to me that he will just go on and not roll over and die, definitely a tough old cuss if you will excuse the saying.” “Just between us, you are perfectly right, Alfred, and I for one wish that life would allow it to be so and he could go on forever.” “You are a good man, Chad, not a bit like your three brothers and we would all be more than happy to serve under you if it were you who was our next Lord.” “Thank you for that Alfred but not possible as I am not a Mandaten by birth. I have a hard job to understand their way of thinking, maybe because I am from a different stable but that is the greed in them.” “As far as we are concerned and that is all of us that work here, you are a pure true blood Mandaten.” “Thank you for that, Jonas, and the time is ticking so now we had better get a move on.” “Us too, Chad, so we will leave you now as we have to finish preparing the dinner table.” They both turned and left.

Demmie shook her head as though in despair, “Goodness gracious, you amaze me how you talk to the staff the hired help and allow them to talk to you, surely there should be some sense of decorum between you and them. From the moment that we came through the gates and you spoke to Jeremiah, you told him no formality or standing on ceremony and I felt that it makes you just like them. To my mind, to an outsider nothing more than just one of the employed personnel, it may be alright for you but for me, I do not like that. I guess in your mind it does not really matter what anyone thinks. You told him not to call you master or sir so do you not think that you should be a little bit better than that and rise up a bit more so that they know that you are above them to ensure that they know their lowly station?” He sensed a touch of anger and snobbery in her voice and that was something he had not experienced before. “Not at all Demmie and I am surprised that you should say such a thing because like them is just what I am my darling woman, I have no visions of grandeur and I have never and will never consider myself any better than they are. Lord Mandaten, as you know, adopted me minutes after my birth and he is the only father that I have ever known and his wife the only mother, and that in my book makes me no better than any of the members of staff that are employed here or, come to that, those that we employ. They are all working for a living just as we are, the only difference is that we run our own business and they work for us and my mother and father.” He shook his head in total disbelief at what she had said. “Hmm, of course, you are right Chad, it just seems so strange to hear you speak to them on the same level, your brothers or sisters would not accept it and, I dare say, neither would their respective wives or husbands.”

“True, they would not but I am not them. Besides, there is one who seems much different in their way of thinking and that is Malcolm’s young second wife, Greta. She is a very nice person and appreciates everything that she has but as for the rest of them, they always want more and think it is beneath them to treat the staff with respect. Plus, they have always been a bit above themselves. I, for one, will always treat everyone as a human being on the same playing field and not as they do – like a doormat to wipe their feet on. Our staff works hard for us and I always promised that as we made money through their endeavors, they, in turn, would make more through their wage packets and I have stuck to that.” “And if you had not paid them so much we would have a lot more”. “I told them they would do well and better as the business grew and that is my agreement with them and will not be changed”. She now sensed his anger so changed her direction. “That is why all the staff in our business and here at Mandaten like you because you treat them all with respect and they return it to you.” “You have to earn respect Demmie, it is not something that is just given. My father told me that a long while ago and that is why his soldiers liked him, and all the staff here like him and mother equally and that is why they have remained faithful to them for so many years. He has been a strict disciplinarian but because they have always been fair with all the staff they both have their respect.” “I know that it cannot be and will never happen but that fairness, I can see, would continue with you as the next Lord and in charge of the estate and all that is connected and goes along with it. But don’t you think you would be too soft on them and that they would take advantage of that? Now, your Brother Grant, on the other hand, is much stronger than the other two and he –” He could not understand her attitude and did not wish to discuss it further so he raised his hand to stop the conversation from progressing further. “Grant again, enough said on that subject and as I have already said I am not my brothers, plus, I am not a Mandaten so I do not come into the selection at all. Now we have less than an hour to get ready for dinner so into the bath with you before it gets cold.” She looked at him then with a scowl and attempted a curtsy and said sarcastically, “Yes my lord and master.” He tapped her across the bottom.

“Lord and master indeed, not me cheeky.”

She mumbled under her breath, “Too right you are not.”Right on time, the family had bathed and dressed, ready for their evening meal and observing protocol, took up their respective position at the dinner table, and were standing by their chairs, waiting for their parents to arrive. At precisely seven twenty-seven p.m. they walked in and immediately took up their seats, the footmen instantly slid the chair into place for them to sit. With a wave of the father’s hand, the family followed suit and the instant they were all seated, the first course arrived and was served.

“Have you remembered our daughter-in-law Bonnie’s nut allergy Bradinham”?

“We have, my Lady, and as before, cook Flora has prepared all her meal with the greatest of care.” “Thank you, Bradinham.” After grace was said, the meal began and there was complete silence while they consumed the first course as the rule of the house was ‘no talking whilst eating’. The moment that the cutlery was laid down, Malcolm broke the silence. “I find this all a waste of good money but why did you need to call us to be here today, Father? As you know, we are all busy finalising our own section of the arrangement for the weekend’s show, plus we normally arrive on a Thursday with the children, not the Monday so would that not have been soon enough?” “What gives you the right to question why Malcolm?” “As the eldest son and in line to be the next Lord, I would say that gives me the perfect right, Father.” “You presume much, Malcolm. Now that aside, I have asked you all to be here early because, as you are aware, I have been informed that my remaining days are limited and while I live, I must choose and nominate my successor to be the next Lord of the Manor. My will is already written bequeathing to those that I desire the things specifically for them to have. But the matter of who steps into my shoes is a totally separate issue and it is for that reason I have brought you together early so that I can have the time to make my decision.”

“Fair enough, Father, but as the eldest son, surely there should be no question at all as to who it should be and an easy decision to make as it is I that should automatically be the next Lord. And while I am on the subject, isn’t this all very grand, and do you not think that as costs are rising, this type of formal family gathering is a bit too costly and well outdated?” “You grow very bold, Malcolm, but while I still rule at Mandaten, it shall be so.” He glanced at the three sons, Malcolm and Grant and then Kevin. “You can be sure that I am fully aware of all your thoughts and I made a special point of knowing yours just because you are the eldest son and I do not like or agree with any of them.” “My thoughts, Father? But how could you possibly know them? Surely you are not some kind of mind reader?” He then chucklad, his father smiled at him. “I have my ways and they are for me to know. I know that you would sell the Manor to the National Trust to be kept for prosperity and take up residence in the Manor farm house, which would turn our farm manager, Jacob, and his family out and I can assure you that is not going to happen. We have given a good number of local people work and have gained their loyalty and it is my desire that this continues and you, Malcolm, would break up what has taken us years to build so I will hear no more of it.” “B-but I –”

“Silence!” He said in a raised voice. “I said that I will hear no more of it.”

Kevin smiled and took his chance to speak. “Do as Father says big brother. I, for one, have no desire to see what has taken years to build broken in the stroke of a pen.”

“Well, no big surprise there, little brother Kevin, of course, you would not want to break anything up, you may be the youngest but let us face it, you would like to be the Lord and master of all this just as they both would,” Grant replied, directing his comment at Kevin and his two sisters. Demmie almost rose from her seat but instead sat bolt upright before speaking.

“I agree with you, Grant, and I do not think I know that you would not see it broken up, what is ours shall always be ours if you were at the helm,” Demmie stated with a smile. All eyes were on Demmie now, all surprised at her comment. Demmie knew that she had spoken out of turn and turned sheepishly away trying to avoid their stares.

“Strange for you to join in, Demmie, as it does not concern you in the slightest. Now, it does concern you three boys and quite honestly, all you brothers make me sick the way that you all squabble, admit it you all want the title. So do not make it any more difficult for father than it already is please,” said Chad angrily. “Even our darling sisters, who look so demure, have a problem, the three of us are in their way.” Grant said with a provocative grin. “True, Grant, so that makes all of us want to rule.” Kevin said. “Not all of us, Kevin, you three brothers can fight it out amongst yourselves with pistols, swords or with whatever you chose. I have no desire to be at the helm so leave me out of the equation.” Chadrick said looking extremely annoyed. “You are a little creep, Chadrick, anyhow you are not really one of us true blood Mandaten’s and not to be considered in the running at all.” Said Malcolm. “That is very true, you are only adopted so your thoughts do not count. Plus, as Malcolm said you are not a Mandaten so you are in no position to be a Lord. In fact, I do not know why you are even here.” Lizabeth spat. “Well said, Lizabeth, and so say all of us, so that is clear enough, Chadrick, you may as well toddle away as you are not wanted or needed here and never have been.” Grant then made the movement of walking with his fingers.At this remark, Lord Mandaten snapped. “Enough of that kind of talk, Grant! Malcolm, Lizabeth, all of you, Chadrick has always been much more than a good son to us and a very good brother to you all. You have a very short memory and you forget easily that if it were not for him, even though he was years younger when it happened, then you would not be here today Grant, for you would have surely drowned in the lake if he had not risked his own life to save yours.”

“True enough, Father, and I am not allowed to forget it and that act sticks in my throat. He has been thanked for it many times and I have been reminded on more occasions than I care to remember but we do not live in the past, Father, and need to move forward if we are to survive in the future.” Grant said with a sour look on his face.“You have all done very well with what the Manor Estate has given you and that is only because it has been well run and we have indeed moved with the times and the changing situation.” He glanced around his family with steely eyes. “I can smell the greed in all of you as it spills out like an overflowing cup. I can also sense your jealousy and dislike of each other, even though you are brothers and sisters, your falseness and lies are like n overflowing cup. There are only two amongst you that have none of those traits and that makes my task extremely difficult. Now all be silent and eat.” Lord Mandaten said and focused on his plate. “And we can all guess who one of them is.” Grant said bitterly. “I said silence Grant and –.” Lord Mandaten then began to choke and without hesitation, Chadrick was the first to react and be at his side. He spoke calmly. “Take it easy Father, it is not worth upsetting yourself over, they are only words and they do me absolutely no harm.” Lord Mandaten calmed and patted him on the hand. “Thank you, son, you are a good boy and I will be alright now.” He returned to his seat under the evil constant stare of Malcolm, Grant, and Kevin, there were also long stares of hatred from Lizabeth and Sammie. Their father’s angry, long, and ice-cold glance was more than adequate to reign them in and once again silence reigned supreme but whilst they ate the building hostile atmosphere between them could be cut with a blunt knife.

With the main course finished and the cutlery laid still, the signal was given and instantly the table was being cleared. “May I be excused please, Father, as I need the restroom?” “At last some respect and not from one of my own children,you are excused Demmie.” “If she is to be excused, may we be also father?” Lord Mandaten gritted his teeth as he could sense the animosity in Lizabeth’s voice, “Lizabeth, Greta, you are also both excused.” “Thank you father.” Replied Lizabeth. The three girls rose from the table and made their way silently from the room. In the hall, they saw the trolley filled with their desserts and noted the one that was separated from the others with Bonnie’s name clearly marked on it. “They all look very nice.” Remarked Greta but Lizabeth and Demmie appeared to pay little attention although observing all that the trolly contained. Alfred and Jonas were busy removing the used main course dinnerware and, although they noticed them, paid little or no attention to the three girls as they walked past. The three met again in the hall and, without a word passing between them, re-entered and took up their seats in the dining room. “The ladies are returned, Bradinham, so serve the desert.” Bonnie’s was the first to be served to ensure that there could be no possibility of it being mistaken or contaminated. “Bonnie, I must say that your dessert looks rather delicious, cook has excelled herself for you.” said Demmie. “So do all of yours. Look delicious.” Replied Bonnie. “Enough chat, I will have silence at the table.” “Please accept our apologies, Father.” Said Bonnie shyly. With a nod of his head, there was silence again.

The only sound to be heard was Bradinham as he breathed erratically, the only other sound was the occasional chink of a spoon as it connected with the dessert dish. They were all enjoying the dessert and when they had finished, the spoon was laid down. “That was –” Greta never finished her sentence because suddenly Bonnie started to choke and convulse and moments later, collapsed, falling heavily from her chair. Demmie cried out, “Bonnie, what is it? what is wrong?” There was no response. “Quick, call for an ambulance, she is struggling to breathe and her heart rate is very rapid or even low –. Oh I don’t know but it is not right!”, cried Sadie. “Look at the raised rash, what could be wrong with her?” “If Kansas was here now, then he would know.” Lizabeth wailed. “But he is not here, is he? And will not be until Thursday, will he Lizabeth?” Grant’s snapped. “No need for that, Grant, Lizabeth is only trying to help.” Snapped her husband, Tomas. “I am not clued up on medical conditions but knowing Bonnie and her condition, plus, I have seen this once before,as one of my staff has the same condition, it looks as though she is suffering a reaction to something that she has eaten, get the Epipen she has in her handbag we need to try that.” Chad administed the pen but it appeared to have little or no effect, “Dam”, said Chadrick looking very concerned.“But how can that be, Chadrick? Everything was prepared with great care and she has not had a problem before as Cook is very particular when preparing Bonnie’s meals.” Said Lady Mandaten.

“Well, she has eaten something now, Mother.” snapped Grant, who was by her side trying his best to keep her breathing. Demmie moved forward to be right at his side and with her hand resting on his shoulder she whispered in his ear, “It will be alright, Grant.” “For goodness sake, move back all of you and give her room to breathe.” Shouted Greta as she ushered the family away from her, they all wanted to be by her side but were helpless as none of them had a clue what to do and could do nothing to help her. Greta began to cry and held her hand. “I wish that I knew what to do, oh! my dear sweet Bonnie.” But all that could be done was to wait for the ambulance to arrive.

A call had gone to Herbert the livestock manager who had sent one of his sons to open the gates and within eight minutes the medical team was in attendance. “This is very serious, Rob, she is suffering a severe anaphylaxis reaction and is in a deep anaphylactic shock, almost a coma. Her airway is terribly restricted and almost closed. She needs an emergency tracheotomy, try the Epinephrine and hopefully that will help.” “Trying to establish a tracheotomy that but this is not good, not good at all. I feel that she needs to be somewhere with someone who is much better equipped than we are to carry out the required procedure quickly if she is to be saved. We will keep feeding her oxygen and get her to the hospital as quickly as possible. Make the call ahead so that everything will be in place for our arrival. Now let us be away.” In a matter of a few minutes, the ambulance was on its way and speeding down the road with the siren blasting out and the blue lights flashing, following in its wake was Grant. Demmie sat beside him, calling out as she ran to his car, “He should not be going alone.” And beforeChadrick could answer, she was in the passenger seat and they were speeding away. “Kevin, Lizabeth, Sammie, with me, the rest wait here for news, they will not want us all there, especially if not blood family.” Malcolm said with urgency staring directly at Chadrick.

Malcolm had his car fired up and hardly before the doors were closed and the safety belts fastened, he had the car in gear and was chasing after Grant and the ambulance. The ambulance crew fought hard to keep Bonnie breathing and stabilised whilst in transit and their efforts were being rewarded but she needed urgent care if her life was to be saved. Arriving at the hospital, there was no delay and when the ambulance pulled into the parking bay, two porters were already opening the rear doors before the vehicle had come to a complete halt. As they wheeled her in, the consultant called out, “Ok team, let’s hustle and do our best to save this young lady’s life.”

“This is Bonnie Mandaten, she is suffering a severe allergic reaction and has been unconscious for at least twelve minutes. We tried to bring her around without success and on the way here, she suffered a cardiac arrest, we managed to resuscitate but she is very unstable we tried to do an emergency tracheotomy to open her airway but were unsuccessful and her airway is virtually closed, we also administered Epinephrine but it appeared to have little effect.” Said Dave the paramedic. “Ok team, let’s get those drugs running and –.” Before the consultant had finished speaking, at that moment Bonnie’s body arched, held for a few seconds, then collapsed “Cardiac Arrest.” Said the sister in charge. “Stand clear, paddles ready!” shouted the consultant with his medical team of doctors and nurse’s in close attendance. Her body jumped as the charge ran through her. “Nothing.” Cried the emergency sister. “All clear, paddles ready!” said the consultant as he prepared to deliver another shock, Again her body jumped. “Nothing, she is gone.” Said the nurse as she felt for a pulse. “Once more please team, clear paddles ready.” Said the consultant and delivered another shock to her body. Again Bonnie’s body jumped as the charge passed through her chest but there was no response, the emergency sister felt for a pulse, then shook her head. “We are too late, she is gone.” She said reluctantly. “I think that we will need to have a post-mortem to see what has happened to this young woman and confirm the cause of death but by the appearance of the swelling and the rash on her body, it was very severe Anaphylaxis. I will do the unenviable task of breaking it to her husband.”said the consultant. Grant, with Demmie at his side, was the first to arrive and they were in the family waiting room when the rest of the family turned up. “Any news Grant?” “Not yet, Lizabeth, they would not let us in with her and we got ushered into here so don’t know a thing yet, only that they are fighting for her.” Grant replied. At that moment, the door opened. “I am Mister Manier, the emergency consultant, and have been treating Bonnie Mandaten. Which of you gentlemen would be her husband?” “That would be me, tell me what is going on, and do not fob me off with any of the medical jargon, just give it to me straight, is she alive or dead.” Grant said sternly. “And are these people with you?” “They are, so you can speak freely in front of them, is Bonnie going to be alright?” Grant urged. Before answering, the consultant hesitated for a moment, shaking his head. “I hate this part of my job.” He said quietly. “It is my solemn and sad duty to inform you that your wife sadly passed away precisely ten minutes after her arrival, we tried desperately to carry out an emergency procedure called a tracheotomy to open her airway.” He shook his head “It is unfortunate as she had another massive cardiac arrest and regrettably we were unable to save her. We did everything that we possibly could to save your wife, Mister Mandaten, but sadly her condition was beyond serious. Because of the way that your wife died we will need to carry out a post-mortem just to be certain of the cause of death, we must do that for the record. We will also need to inform the police, merely a formality, you understand because of the suddenness.” “Is that really necessary when you already know the cause of death?” Grant sounded dismayed. “It is, sir, I am deeply sorry that we failed in our attempt to save her and you have my deepest sympathy.” Said the consultant. “Thank you, can I see her?” Grant’s voice shook. “Give us a few moments, then a nurse will come to fetch you.” The consultant turned and walked away. “Bonnie’s gone, I can hardly believe it, we were eating dinner only half an hour ago, and now this. Grant, you must be devastated at this.” Said Lizabeth and started to cry. “I don’t know why you are crying, the tears are all false. Besides, you did not really like her anyhow.” She stopped crying instantly. “You ask how I feel, well, I don’t know how I feel, Lizabeth, just numb is how I feel at this moment. Time is nine p.m., you can all go back to the Manor now. Demmie will wait with me and she can drive me back.” Grant said sharply. Kevin hesitated before speaking, “Should it not be one of us family staying with you?” “Maybe Kevin but I would like it to be Demmie, she will have a calming effect on me.” Grant looked at the sad faces staring at him then continued. “A family member may be a bit stressful.” “Alright, Grant, if that is your wish, I will not argue the point, not the time or place. Come on then the rest of you, we will be getting back to inform the others.” Said Malcolm in an authoritarian voice. In silence, they left the waiting room, and as the car made its way home from the hospital, not a word was spoken, they had sped there but the return drive was much slower. As the car pulled up near the Manor, Malcolm seemed to growl. “Someone will pay for this and heads will roll, her allergy was well known to every single person employed so it is quite apparent that sufficient care could not possibly have been taken in the kitchen.” “I think that Father will have something to say on that score, brother.” Kevin said. “Well not without our input, Kevin, this is a case of just plain carelessness by either of those cooks and look at the outcome – a death.” Malcolm said irritably. Lizabeth swallowed hard then spoke, “True, but even so we cannot go jumping to conclusions can we Malcolm.” “Clear enough to me, Lizabeth.” They left the car and went into the Manor. Waiting back at the Manor, the rest of the family were eagerly waiting for news and when they heard the car pull up at around nine twenty p.m., they could hardly contain themselves and began to ask questions even before the returning family members were through the front door. “What happened?” said Chadrick. “Is she alright?” cried Greta. “The news, one of you for goodness sake tell us the news!” said Chadrick as he looked at the returning family. “I see that Grant and Demmie are not with you, why is that and what is the outcome? Is poor Bonnie going to be alright?” “She stayed with Grant, Chad.” “Stayed, but why Sammie?” Chad sounded confused. Sammie replied. “To drive him home, of course, as that was what he wanted.” Said Kevin.

“Well, all of that is immaterial so If you are quite done move away from the door so that we can come in, the sad news is that Bonnie did not make it. There is no easy way to explain or to say it but straight to the point and that is simple, truth is, she is dead. Grant is waiting to see the body and requested that your wife stays with him, said she would have a calming effect, whereas we, as blood-family, may be stressful.” Again, Malcolm had to get a dig at Chadrick’s adoption and continued, “He said that was what he wanted so due to the situation we did not argue the point.” “But surely one of you should have done that even so?” Chadrick said. “That is what Kevin said but Grant insisted on Demmie staying and, quite honestly, under the circumstances, we were not going to argue.” Replied Malcolm. Chadrick looked sad and wiped a tear from his eye before replying, “Understandably, he must be devastated.”

“Lizabeth asked him that and he replied that he was just numb.” “He did seem remarkably calm, though.” Said Sammie. “Probably because the truth of Bonnie dying so horribly has not hit him yet.” Replied Lizabeth. “Give it time, Sammie, and when it does, we must all be there to support him.” Said Kevin.

“And we as a family most certainly will.” Replied Malcolm looking at Chad as he spoke. “Of course, that goes without saying, after all, he is our brother.” Replied Sammie.

“Better go tell ma and pa the sad news, we will leave that to you, Malcolm, as you are the oldest.” Said Kevin. “Thought you might, you all go through to the lounge and I will get some coffee sorted, then find them.” Kevin gave a salute, “Yes sir”, then turned and walked away. They all headed in one direction while Malcolm went in the other. They entered the lounge in silence and were surprised to see that their parents were already there. They looked at each one individually as they entered. “No Malcolm? And I see no Grant or Demmie, where are they?” asked Lady Mandaten. “Grant and Demmie are still at the hospital and –” Just at that moment the door swung open and Malcolm walked in. “I was about to say he is ordering some coffee and looking for you but no need as he is here now.” Said Sammie, wiping her eyes. “So, tell us, my boy, what is the news on Bonnie?” Their mother asked.

“No easy way to say it, Mother, Father, Bonnie is dead and that is the truth of the matter. They fought as hard as they could and did all that was possible to save her life and, regrettably, they were not successful, therefore someone will pay for it.” Malcolm announced. “Do not presume, Malcolm, because while I live, I am still the head of this family and it is I that will make that decision once we know all the facts. Until then, we support Grant, got it?”

“Got it, Father.” There was a knock at the door and upon its opening, in walked Mister Bradinham the old butler, followed by Alfred the senior footman, with a tray containing the jugs. They were closely followed by the junior footman Jonas who had the cups and when each person had received a cup of coffee, the old butler asked, “Is there any news about Miss Bonnie, sir?”

“Not that it is any concern of yours as it is a family matter and you are just our butler but for your information – she is dead.” Snapped Malcolm in reply. Even at his age, he was close to tears. Bradinham, with his two footmen, turned and left. “There was absolutely no need to speak to him in that way, you are such a pig and after all, he was only showing concern.” Chadrick said with a tone of disgust.“None of this concerns you or them, it is a family matter, so save your sympathy, Chadrick – oh, I forgot you are one of them and not one of us, definitely not a true blood Mandaten.” Sneered Malcolm.

“Bradinham has been with us since before you were born and he has become a part of our family and has grown with us.” Lord Mandaten glared at his son and continued,“Your bullish attitude is helping me to make up my mind, Malcolm. To step into my shoes and be the next Lord, you must also have compassion, be caring, understanding, and have some gentleness and that is something that you most definitely lack. Now, we will wait for Grant to return and that shouldn’t be too long. You were back promptly at twenty minutes past nine, therefore, allowing for the necessary to be done, maybe he will be here at ten-thirty. Then he can tell us more on the cause of death.”

“And that is what we all want to know.” Said their mother. “No more to be said on the subject just now, my dear, and until Grant is home, we shall keep a silent vigil with our thoughts of dear sweet Bonnie.” He glanced at them all as he spoke, they all obeyed the words of their father sitting in silence sipping their coffee. It was almost one in the morning before Grant arrived back and was ushered straight into the lounge with Demmie following close behind him.

“I am surprised to see you all still up.” Grant stated.

“Could not possibly go to bed before we knew what the outcome was and the cause of – well, only one word can be used, death.” Said Lizabeth. “Before another word, a cup of coffee and a brandy, Grant?” Demmie asked.

“That would be good, thank you, Demmie.” “While I am at the coffee pot, is there anyone else who would like another cup?” Demmie looked at everyone. Cups were passed and once filled, she handed them out, leaving Chadrick’s to the very last. “Now, however painful the result, please son, tell us.”

“From the initial examination father, mother, and the analysis, Bonnie died of a massive heart attack, cadiac arrest they call it and it may have been brought on by a severe case of shock due to her nut allergy. They said that they had dealt with cases before and had never seen such a severe reaction with a dose of epinephrine failing to work and it will be necessary to carry out a full post-mortem.” “When will they do that son?” “Tomorrow, and there is something else.” Grant continued. “What else could there be son?” asked his mother. “Try the police, because of the suddenness, it will be the police mortuary technician that carries it out and as they were informed of her sudden death, questions will be asked. They said that we can expect a visit from them in a couple of days, once they have the post-mortem results.” Grant explained.“Did they tell you that? And why involve the police? Surely it was just a case of an accident or not paying enough attention in the food preparation.” “That is just what we said when we saw her lying there, Sammie, but they told us that it is a requirement and protocol for them to be informed of a sudden death, so there you have it. That is all there is to say so I do not have any desire to talk about itany further tonight or any other night. I am off to my bed, so goodnight all.” Grant took hold of Demmie’s hand. “Thanks for tonight.” Then he winked. “The night is not over yet Grant.” She whispered in reply. He smiled, then turned and left them listening to his slow footsteps as he climbed the stairs. “Should someone go up with him?” Greta looked concerned.“Best to leave him to deal with it in his own way, Greta.” Malcolm said still watching the place Grant had exited. “Yes, but it is so sad.”

“He needs to get used to being alone Greta and you are probably right, it is sad. Plus, he knows that we family are all here if he needs us.” Replied Lizabeth looking at Chadrick as she spoke. “Like I said, best to leave him to deal with it in his own way.”Malcolm said. “Yes, you are right son.”

“That is no surprise mother as Malcolm is always right.” Replied Lizabeth sarcastically after which they fell silent. Slowly and silently, the lounge door swung open and a footman entered. “Alfred, glad you are still up, I need you to go and get a message to Herbert, tell him to have the black stallion Thundist saddled and ready for me by six a.m. sharp.” Malcolm demanded.

“I do not wish to question, sir, but at that early hour there will still be a lot of fog or mist about and he does not react kindly to that so for your safety, would it not be better to make it a bit later?” Alfred asked carefully. “How dare you question me?!” Malcolm snapped. “If I had my riding crop, I would beat you for that insolence. Just do it if you want to keep your job and know what is good for you.” Said Malcolm angrily. “I meant no offense sir, it shall be so.” Not wishing to antagonise him further, Alfred removed the used crockery and left the room. He knew it would be no good to phone and that the only way, at this late hour, that Herbert would know of master Malcolm’s request, was to make his way to his cottage and wake him now. Chadrick stood silent so nothing was said until Alfred had left the room. “Again, your bullish belittling behavior strikes with precision. There was no need for you to speak to Alfred in that manner, he was only looking out for you and to say you would have beaten him is an outrage.” “Nothing to do with you adopted boy, you can let them speak to you how you like but as for me, they will show respect.” Replied Malcolm smugly. “You have to earn respect, Malcolm, it is not a god-given right, irrespective of who you are or your position in life.” Chadrick said tiredly. “I am not going to banter words with you, Chad, and you will find that out when I am the next Lord and master of Mandaten, so take heed and be warned.” Malcolm looked the other way. “If Malcolm, if.” Malcolm gazed in the direction of the voice and watched as a chair turned. When it was stationary, a figure rose and there stood their father. “Sorry Father, I thought that you had retired to bed.” Malcolm said quickly. He raised an eyebrow. “Apparently so but as you can see, I have not, I have heard enough so I am about to do so.”

“Then I bid you a good night and rest well, Father.” Malcolm said. Lord Mandaten glared and just hummed, “Hmm.” They watched their father leave before any further conversation took place. “Put your foot in it that time, big brother.” Kevin teased. “Shut up, Kevin.” Malcolm spat back. “Temper, temper. Now then, your ride, where will you head big brother?” Kevin asked.

“Up around the lake and across the meadow, then through the woods, follow the lane, then past the old Manor ruins and Devil’s Dyke and back across Rudslip Meadow, down by the stream.” Malcolm declared. “You would not get me up there by the Devil’s Dyke.” Lizabeth’s eyes turned big. “Nothing up there for you to be afraid of, Lizabeth.” “Nothing you say, the old Manor ruins and Devil’s Dyke? Nothing there to be afraid of? Not in my book, you know that they are haunted by the Lady Mary Lowell Mandaten as she drowned in that dyke back in the late seventeenth century.” Lizabeth’s eyes darted as she spoke. “Haunted, Lizabeth, that was just a tale told to us when we were young to stop us from going anywhere near them. So that is my route.”

“Well, Malcolm, you may not believe in the ghostly reappearance of Lady Mary, but I do and so should you. The atmosphere and weather conditions are just perfect for her to appear and you do know that she has been seen recently.” Said Sammie. “And when was the last sighting sister dear?”

“Now let me think, after several years absence, she reappeared about three, four, maybe five years ago, and since then, she has been seen every two to three months. You ask when the last sighting was, well, that would be three months ago around the time of the last family visit.” Informed Tomas.

“Well Tomas, I am taking a loaded gun to bag a deer, if possible, so if she shows up, then I will shoot her and then she will have died twice.” Malcolm mocked. “You may joke but strange things have happened up there since she has reappeared.” Remarked Lizabeth. “All staged and done to scare us away from that area when we were very young and impressionable.” Malcolm rolled his eyes.“I do not think so, things have happened, the latest being the migrant workers.” Said Chadrick as he began to feel very sleepy. “Who cares about them you may but not me, we are now grownups and that is all behind us, and, well, I am going and that is that.” “Well as you say Malcolm, that is that then, no more we can do for now and I am suddenly feeling rather dizzy and sleepy, I feel so tired my eyes are beginning to blur, so bed it is, enjoy your ride Malcolm, you coming Demmie”? Chad’s words were now becoming slightly slurred. “Lead on, Chad, it has been a very traumatic and a trying time and although I am tired …” She sighed and continued, “I still do not think that there will be much sleep for me on this night.” “Goodnight all and try to sleep.” Grant said as he left. They listened to his slow footsteps and as the conversation was over they began to follow him. “Night both,” was the reply, they turned and wached Grant’s slow pace up the stairs. One by one, the family left the lounge and retired to their rooms, leaving Malcolm sipping his brandy. “I am going up.”

“Ok, Greta, I will just have a brandy, then I will join you.”

As Greta passed the Lowell suite, Demmie called to her. “I did not like to hear Malcolm raise his voice, Alfred was only looking out for him and his attitude will get him disliked by them all.” She said.“I did not like it either but that is how he is and has been all the time. I do not see him changing his attitude and it is too late for him to change anyhow, as they already have a disliking for him. These are all good people who work here but he was only angry because Alfred tried to … Well, it does not matter.” Greta sighed. “But you do look very upset.” Demmie rested a hand on her arm. “It does no good, he is very stubborn and will still go on his early morning ride on Thundist. I am worried because it is far too early, plus, the fog will be hanging there and that is when Lady Mary Lowell walks. Alfred knew this and tried to help but he insisted on it being six a.m. and Thundist is a very powerful animal.” Greta sounded concerned. “He is an excellent rider and has ridden in, and won, several competitions over the years, not to mention the Gold medal at the Olympic Games. He will be absolutely fine, what could possibly happen to him as he is such an expert rider. I am sure that there will be no cause for alarm.” Demmie soothed. “You are right, I guess that I am worrying over nothing, Demmie, especially after poor Bonnie.” “Yes, a very tragic thing to have happened but Grant seems to be taking it very well. I don’t think the reality has hit him yet.” “Maybe Demmie, but I know that things were not all rosy with them, Bonnie confided in me and said that she thought he was having an affair but, well, it does not matter now if he was or wasn’t as she is gone.” “An affair you say, did she have any idea who it might be?” “She had some suspicions and was going to tell me later tonight but she is dead now and it is too late.” “Who are you talking to out there?” Chad asked and again his words were slurred. “Greta, she is a bit worried about Malcolm, he is still going on his early morning six a.m. ride.” Demmie called into the room.

“He will be fine, Greta, and if he should see the Lady Mary then he will just say hello and ride on. He is a better horseman than the rest of us put together, now, I am feeling really tired and my head is spinning, I am fighting to keep my eyes open, we all need to get some sleep for I feel that it will be an early start for all of us tommorow, so good night, Greta.” “Night Chad, night Demmie.” Greta turned and walked toward her room. Demmie was about to close the bedroom door when she heard Malcolm’s heavy footsteps and kept it open just wide enough to watch him as he walked past. “Well now, you think that you will be the next Lord, I think not Malcolm Grant has a plan.” She whispered. “Are you coming to bed or staying up all night by the door?” Chad slurred. She silently closed it and walked over to him. “What did you two have to talk about anyhow?” “Bonnie confided in her and thought that Grant was having an affair but that does not matter anymore as poor Bonnie is gone.” She said. “Very sadly, yes, but an affair, Bonnie could give him everything he needed so I see no reason for that. She was a little bit snobby at times maybe but if he was, then he is a fool, now enough chat, let us get to bed, I have had it.” “Dammit!” She said. “Problem?” “Yes, the zip has got caught up somehow.” “Come here and let me try.” Chad’s head was ringing and with his eyes blurring, he began to examine the zip. “I cannot see straight but your dress is torn, that is why the zip is caught, it’s caught in the tear and what is more, there is a nasty stain on it right near your bottom on it too, torn and stained.” “Stain? Ah yes, it must have been at the hospital, I do remember scraping on a trolley that had some sort of liquid on it.” Said Demmie.