Chapter 1: A Telegram from an Old Friend

Saturday 6th August, 1881. 11am
Fleming’s Tavern, Half Moon Street, Mayfair
It is a sweltering August day. This summer has been particularly leading to a prolonged drought, taking a toll on patience, temper, and even sanity among the people of South-East England. Collars and corsets feel tight and heavy, and the stiff upper lip is beginning to tremble for some of the stalwarts who inhabit this great imperial city.
The streets of Mayfair are crowded with shoppers despite the temperature, which doesn’t help the general mood. Despite these adverse conditions, the Seekers of Enlightenment meet at their regular rendezvous, summoned by their Treasurer, Dr. Alexander Campbell.
The society has grown since its inception, mainly as a result of its role in the investigation of the death of Lord Bargrove the year before, which has led to an aura of mystique. Although the society welcomes those from any walk of life, they now tend to exercise more discretion with recruiting new members.
Today’s meeting reflects this policy, being a mixture of older and newer members. In attendance are:
Miss Isolde Beauchant, Chairperson
Mr. Percy Stringer
Dr. Alexander Campbell, Treasurer
Miss Victoria Miller
and
Mr. Harry Brown
Once the members are seated and have quenched their thirst, Dr. Campbell reveals the reason for his summons, unfolding a telegram which he lays on the table. Edging closer, the companions can see the following message:
REQUEST YOUR ATTENDANCE AT FORBY HOUSE GRANTONS BRIDGE MIDDLESEX STOP INFANTILE BRAIN FEVER RELAPSE COULD BE FATAL WITHOUT YOUR AID STOP PLEASE COME STOP MRS HAROLD FORBY
Fleming’s Tavern, Half Moon Street, Mayfair
It is a sweltering August day. This summer has been particularly leading to a prolonged drought, taking a toll on patience, temper, and even sanity among the people of South-East England. Collars and corsets feel tight and heavy, and the stiff upper lip is beginning to tremble for some of the stalwarts who inhabit this great imperial city.
The streets of Mayfair are crowded with shoppers despite the temperature, which doesn’t help the general mood. Despite these adverse conditions, the Seekers of Enlightenment meet at their regular rendezvous, summoned by their Treasurer, Dr. Alexander Campbell.
The society has grown since its inception, mainly as a result of its role in the investigation of the death of Lord Bargrove the year before, which has led to an aura of mystique. Although the society welcomes those from any walk of life, they now tend to exercise more discretion with recruiting new members.
Today’s meeting reflects this policy, being a mixture of older and newer members. In attendance are:
Miss Isolde Beauchant, Chairperson
Mr. Percy Stringer
Dr. Alexander Campbell, Treasurer
Miss Victoria Miller
and
Mr. Harry Brown
Once the members are seated and have quenched their thirst, Dr. Campbell reveals the reason for his summons, unfolding a telegram which he lays on the table. Edging closer, the companions can see the following message:
REQUEST YOUR ATTENDANCE AT FORBY HOUSE GRANTONS BRIDGE MIDDLESEX STOP INFANTILE BRAIN FEVER RELAPSE COULD BE FATAL WITHOUT YOUR AID STOP PLEASE COME STOP MRS HAROLD FORBY