Chapter 5: Further Investigations

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, that's right," says Alexander. "Thank ye kindly. I'm Dr. Alexander Campbell. Doctor of Science, not Medicine."

[HoneyDog]

“Very nice” says the woman. “I’m Peggy Ashburn. I run this establishment. I believe you folks are looking into the death of Lord Bargrove?”

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, right again," says Alexander. "What have ye heard about it?"

[HoneyDog]

“Heard?” says Peggy sternly. “I haven’t heard anything, since it was nothing to do with any of us. That family is cursed, are you not aware of that fact?”

[Philulhu]

”We’re not here to blame anyone,” said Captain FitzWilliam. ”We are just trying to establish the circumstances leading up to his death. To be honest, we are at a bit of a loss to explain it.”

He pulled out a pound note. ”Perhaps I might buy some drinks and then ask a few more questions?”

[Mr. Handy]

Alexander lets the captain take the lead.

[HoneyDog]

"Of course you can buy some drinks" says Peggy, taking the money. "But I don't know if I can give you any answers to your questions."

[Rooter]

"Then perhaps you know someone who can, madam?" Percy asks. "Who in the village can perhaps tell us a little of the history of the strange occurrences involving Bargrove Hall?"

[HoneyDog]

“Well” says Peggy, “the Allinghams are cursed. No son lives past his fortieth birthday, and the present lordship was no exception. It’s tragic but it’s been that way for years. There wasn’t anything Sir William could do to outlive his destiny.”

She pauses.

"If you like, the reverend, Reverend Sherbrooke, he knows a fair bit about local history. Don't think he was a friend of Sir William though. That man wan't capable of having friends, in my opinion."

[Mr. Handy]

Thank you," says Alexander. "He sounds like just the one we need to talk to."

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Do you want to move to the Reverend's?

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,Yes, please.

[Rooter]

OOC,OK.

[HoneyDog]

Finishing their drinks and leaving the pub, the companions make the short walk over to St. George's, whose presence dominates the village. Next door to the church is a pretty little cottage which is obviously the vicarage. Knocking at the door, the investigators are greeted by a small woman in late middle age, who peers at them curiously through her eyeglasses.

“May I help you?” she enquires.

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye," says Alexander with a smile. "I'm Dr. Alexander Campbell. Is the Reverend in, by any chance?"

[HoneyDog]

“I most certainly am!” comes a cheerful voice from inside the house. An elderly man wearing a vicar’s collar appears from another room. “You must be the party from the hall! Come in. come in! Miss Pringle, put some tea on for our guests!”

Rev. Sherbrooke looks very pleased at the visitation. He ushers the companions inside and directs them to the sitting room, fussing over seating arrangements. Miss Pringle, his housekeeper, busies herself with making refreshments.

Once everyone is seated and introduced the Reverend regards them eagerly.

“You must forgive my enthusiasm” he states, “but we are a small community, and I rarely see new faces. Fifty years is a long time to spend in one place! At least one gets used to it. Now, no doubt you want to interrogate me as to the awful events we have seen recently! A most tragic affair! Pray tell me, what are your deductions as to this point?”

He regards the investigators keenly.

[Mr. Handy]

"Sadly few," says Alexander, "but we're just getting started. We've heard tell of the curse, but I'm a man of science. I have a healthy skepticism about such things. Still, curse or no, one thing is clear: 'twas a man killed Sir William. Or possibly a woman, but a man is more likely. Or there could be more than one murderer. We know rather little, which is why we've come to you, as you must know much of what happens here."

[Raiko]

Melody is the last to take a seat, unsure whether she should remain standing. She smiles warmly when she receives her cup of tea.

"Thank you."

OOC,Should be back to normal for a good few weeks now. Caught up on the posts, so I'll post every day I hope.

[aine]

"Oo, it's lovely and warm in here!" Isolde starts to unwrap and happily takes a cup of tea, become more alive by the minute.

"Well, a curse is still a viable option; we are keeping an open mind!" She looks at Alexander with a smile.
"But Dr. Campbell is right; it seems likely that the actually murder was done by a man or men. Maybe they were influenced by the curse. That is why we have come to see you, Reverend, because not only do you know the latest news but you are also an expert in the local history; if anyone knows about the curse, it must be you!"

Isolde smiles happily at Reverend Sherbrooke.

[HoneyDog]

OOC,Welcome back!

“That’s unfortunate” Sherbrooke says to Alexander. “To be frank, I cannot speculate about the murderer. His identity remains a mystery to me, and I’m quite sure none of the locals, including our recent additions, could have committed such an atrocious act.”

He addresses the group, while winking at Alexander.

“I’m a man of God myself, and so I don’t go in for such tales as curses and so forth. Our time on this earth is decided by forces more powerful than us, but those forces reside in Heaven. Oh, the villagers have their superstitions, and you’ll hear plenty about the Allingham curse. You’re aware of its origins, I presume?”