R is for Richard Crabtree. Thirty years ago, Richard Crabtree’s father, the then-Lord Cadblister, died in mysterious circumstances. Richard inherited the title for ten days, and then attempted to flee the country when the police were about to arrest him for his father’s murder. Unfortunately, he fled the country on… Continue reading
Q is for The Quarreling Couple. Harry is chauffeur up at the Hall; Harriet is a village girl, and a barmaid at The Yeoman’s Arms. They are both extremely quarrelsome people. December 28th It was late, it was dark, and it was cold. Most of the residents of Cadblister Parva… Continue reading
P is for Postmistress. Mrs. Gertie Valentine is the postmistress of Cadblister Parva- and a prodigious gossip and writer of letters. December 28th Mrs. Gertie Valentine opened up the Post Office at the usual hour of 9 A.M. and settled in behind her counter. She didn’t expect much business for… Continue reading
O is for Other Woman. Miss Madeline (Mad) Grudge was Lord Cadblister’s mistress for many years- and the whole village knew it. December 27th Mad Grudge sat in her cozy front parlor and wondered what was to become of her. She’d been doing just that for months, sitting,… Continue reading
N is for Nephew. The Hon. Percy Neville Bloater is Lady Cadblister’s nephew- and, it seems, a forger of cheques, as well as a harasser of kitchen maids. In fact, he’s a bad egg all round, and one rather hopes that he is the murderer. December 27th The Inquest… Continue reading
M is for Murder Investigations. Many persons in Cadblister Parva, some official and some not, are investigating Lord Cadblister’s murder, in one way or another. December 27th Police Station, Cadblister Parva The Inquest was finally over. It had not been efficiently or even competently run, but after much labour, it… Continue reading
Constable Wilkins is the local Constable in Cadblister Parva. He is a man of some shrewdness, though he isn’t exactly bright. You, reader, are invited to ask him anything about the mystery that you do not know, do not understand, or have forgotten and do not wish to go back… Continue reading
L is for The Lady. Lady Cadblister is the murdered man’s widow. Boxing Day Lady Cadblister stared, fascinated, at her reflection in the glass. “Widow’s Weeds,” she whispered. And then, so quietly that it was barely a sound, her voice came again. “Free,” she said. Her eyes were bright behind… Continue reading
K is for Kitchen Maid. Kate is the Kitchen Maid at Cadblister Hall. She is not really named Kate. Nor is her name Catherine. Kate’s birth name is Beatrix Howlett. She was born in Whitechapel, and became an orphan at eleven. After years of being a maid-of-all-work, she looked around… Continue reading
K is for Kitchen Maid is coming, dear readers! However, it is coming a little late, as I haven’t finished writing it yet. For now, pray accept this picture of me, dressed up in the character of Kate the kitchen maid – and my sincere apologies. Sincerely, Melanie Atherton Allen Continue reading
