Strathmorn (everyone)

[Mr. Handy]

Bonnie notices something.

Spot Hidden roll (50% skill) talking to Dr. McBride:
d%
The Great Depression was well underway by 1931, and while some people were still in denial at that point, and while some of those in charge tried to convince people that recovery was right around the corner, people could feel its effects. I'm not sure if it was called the Great Depression yet (that might have been 1932).

[Philulhu]

There was a noticeable tic on McBride’s face when Bonnie mentioned the library.

”Any of the land around here that isn’t turned over to farming belongs to the Earl,” replied Dr McBride. ”Mainly grouse and stags, some fishing too.”

[BoyBlunder78]

Have you spoken to the Reverend? He seems to be of the opinion the Manor is haunted and that the young master and his new found friend brought something back with them and rurned their back on the.church.""

[Mr. Handy]

"I'm from Inverness, and I've spent a good deal of time at the library there," says Bonnie. "It has such a wealth of information. We were just there today, in fact."

[Philulhu]

”Oh, err, were you?” McBride shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He looked over to Dr Douglas as if glad to be talking to someone else. ”Well, the Reverend would take a dim view of anything like that, wouldn’t he?” he said, with a slightly brittle laugh.

[Mr. Handy]

"We found some interesting papers at the library that the Reverend told us about, in fact," says Bonnie.

[Philulhu]

Dr McBride studied Bonnie for a long moment. ”The Reverend’s journal? I’ve read it, yes,” he replied, cautiously. ”What did you make of it? It seemed to me to be the product of its less enlightened time. All that about natives from abroad being at the centre of some sort of mysterious happening frankly smacks of witch hunts and colonialism.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Some of it does sound rather sensational," says Bonnie, "but it is interesting that sheep were being taken then just as they are now. I'm also curious aboot what happened with Moira. She eloped with a merchant from Aberdeen, but his name isna given. They could have descendants around today. Do ye ken aught about this merchant?"

[Philulhu]

McBride looked distinctly uncomfortable at the way the conversation had turned. He squirmed in his seat, glanced at his watch and blustered, ”No, I don’t know anything about him.have no knowledge of him.” He stood quickly and said, ”Thank you for the drink but I really must be going.” He nodded a brisk farewell, then made for the exit, stopping only to say a few words to some of the locals at the bar, one of whom, Willie Stewart, turned and glared at the group as the Doctor scurried out the door.

[Snapper]

Ascot grins as he savours his drink. Under his breath, he says to the others, "Well played, team, well played. Now, if young Willie comes over, he's all mine."

[Philulhu]

Stewart made no attempt to come over to their table, he just glared balefully until he had finished his drink and then he left the pub.

[BoyBlunder78]

"It seems the good doctor may have soured Stewarts night with whatever comment he said. I daresay it concerned us. Soo what do you all make of McBride's reaction to Bonnie questioning him about the Aunt? If i was a salubrious man i would sayhe may have a famil connection."

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, he must be a descendant of hers," says Bonnie, who did her best to eavesdrop. "That explains his interest in the subject - and embarrassment by it. He circled that passage. The merchant's surname may very well have been McBride. Nice to know I havena lost my touch for alienating people."

Listen roll (40% skill) to overhear Dr. McBride:
d%

[Snapper]

"That seems a good bet, doesn't it? And if he is the long lost heir, I wonder what the chances are that he's already gone and had a look at the ancestral haunt? And maybe stirred something up?"

"My suggestion is we do some exploring ourselves, tomorrow."

Ascot produces and unfolds the big local map he bought in Inverness.

"Where might have a nice view of the manor?"

Spoiler:

Is there somewhere that can be identified from the map that would allow the party to watch the manor for a while?

[Philulhu]

The manor sits surrounded by trees so there isn’t really anywhere you can sit and observe the manor per se. If you wanted to observe andy comings and goings i.e. watching people going from the village to the manor, you’d be able to find a copse of trees or similar.

[BoyBlunder78]

"Aye, he must be a descendant of hers," says Bonnie, who did her best to eavesdrop. "That explains his interest in the subject - and embarrassment by it. He circled that passage. The merchant's surname may very well have been McBride. Nice to know I havena lost my touch for alienating people."

Listen roll (40% skill) to overhear Dr. McBride:
d%

" Oh i think it was his own motives rather tha
you Bonnie that ended that conversation. You may be right Ascot if he is an heir then he may have roused some old spirits (chuckle) while researching any inheritance."

[Snapper]

Ascot folds the map away again. "It might be a good day to bring a hunting piece, if you have one. Discreetly, mind. In Rhodesia it's not unusual to see people in town with a rifle but I think it might stir trouble around here if you stroll through the village with a shotgun slung over your back."

[Mr. Handy]

"I brought two in my gun case," says Bonnie, "a rifle and a shotgun. The rifle's for me. I don't want to get close enough to a beastie to use a shotgun, but if one of ye who is unarmed wants to borrow it, ye'd be welcome. I'd suspected that Dr. McBride was related. This confirms it."

Did my Listen roll allow me to hear what Dr. McBride said to Willie?

[Philulhu]

Anything else you want to do before turning in?

[Mr. Handy]

Not unless I overheard something of significance.