Wyndham Hall

by Midge Cline

  “Only the two of you could retire to the solitude of the country and make an accidental archaeological find!” She laughed as they entered through the heavy Hall doors. “I think you need to look up some words in the dictionary, like ‘relaxation’ and ‘sabbatical’.

  “Yeah, I think every sabbatical we have ever taken has ended up in adventure.” Nigel agreed.

  “How is the golden child adapting to the new digs?” She asked as she set her burdens on the floor inside the foyer. Dr. Seriah Browning was an imposing figure, though she was only 5’5, neither fat nor fit, but somewhere curvaceously in between. Her black and cream palazzo trousers and cream-colored silk tank top were covered with a conservative but elegant knee length black cardigan. Her perfectly manicured feet clad in silver Greek style sandals. A large brimmed black hat covered her shiny black hair, expertly dyed so that the green stripes and highlights blended perfectly into the long silken curls cascading from beneath the hat. She fondled the silver Cartier watch on her wrist with her neatly trimmed, perfectly enameled fingernails.

  “She is making friends and keeping busy.” He said. “And understandably upset about a dead girl hiding in her bedroom.”

  “Poor thing.” Seriah began, stopping quickly when she spotted Dexter coming from the study.

  “Seriah.” He said with a catch in his throat.

  “Dexter.” She replied, nearly without breath. Her porcelain complexion reddened at his appearance.

  “You look,” he inhaled. “Exquisite as usual.”

  “Thank you, you look,” she hesitated. “Underfed.” She said without emotion.

  “Seriah!” Gwynn exclaimed as she ran from another room to embrace her friend. “I have prepared a lovely guest room for you, we call it the green room, I thought immediately it would suit you. Come on I’ll help you get settled.” Gwynn latched herself onto her friend’s arm, grabbed one of the cases and led her away. Calling over her shoulder. “You two can bring the rest of her cases, after you take the dogs for a walk.”

  ****

  “He is still mad about you, you know.” Gwynn told her as she placed Seriah’s bags on the floor by the window in the guest room. Soft green floral drapes matched the coverlet on the enormous four poster bed.

  Seriah ignored the comment about Dexter’s affections toward her.

  “It is wonderful to see you nesting, getting settled into a home life. It suits you, but then the jungles and deserts always suited you. Your ability to adapt has always been admirable.” She said as she stepped through a single glass paned door out on to the small balcony.

  “There will be a small bistro table and chairs out here, eventually, I just have not found the right ones yet.” Gwynn admitted.

  “Did you decorate this room in green just for me? It is rather ideal.” Seriah laughed as she touched the mint green lace curtain that served as a door to the small private bath.

  “I told you, I would have a green room just for you, whenever we finally settled in.” Gwynn laughed. “You were in my thoughts as I accessorized this one, for sure. But to be honest, the walls were already this soft green color and the molding that deep forest green as well. It is as if it was meant to be.” She pointed to the bath. “We will eventually have a real door on that, it just has not happened yet.”

  “He might still be mad about me, Gwynn, and I him. But it does not change what went wrong with us. Nothing will. You could have warned me he would be here.” She said softly, blinking back the moistness in her large brown eyes. “I am famished, what have you to eat in this castle?”

  ****

  “Dr. Seriah Jayna Browning, I would like you to meet Mrs. Bonnie Brooks, the most wonderful friend I have made in this place.” Gwynn introduced the women as they entered the kitchen.

  Over tea and sweet pastries, they told the newcomer of the exciting events of the last two months culminating with the discovery of the skeleton in Binne’s room.

  “So, you believe that this Mary-Katherine Douglas may be Binne’s roommate?” She asked as she looked over the research documentation they had shared with her.

  “I think it is a solid possibility,” Gwynn told her. “I was only able to examine the remains for a moment, and Nigel has not even had a glance.”

  “That must be killing him.” Seriah said with a knowing smile. “It should not take me long to sign off on the remains for the Guarda, if they are as old as your initial assessment. I have read the Medical Examiner’s report as well, and it also indicates that it is not a skeleton of modern times.” She said with confidence meeting Gwynn’s gaze. “The home office is paying me to be here, to make this assessment and give a report, if it is all the same to you I would like to stay the full amount of time they will allow in this case, 72 hours, and then, maybe you would not mind a guest for an additional week? I have already taken the time off, was planning to head over to London for some shopping, but I know my heart would rather be here with you.” The remains had been moved from Binne’s room to a store room they had arranged for the constable near the back of the Hall.

  “You are welcome, as long as you choose to stay.” Gwynn said, then lowered her voice. “I do not know how long Dex and Pippa will be here.”

  “Pippa?” Seriah’s voice turned cold.

  “The haughty little assistant he was assigned by the Uni.” Bonnie provided. “She is nice enough, but I am getting tired of explaining to her that I am not employed here, and she can get her own damned tea.”

  “Pippa Atkins?” Seriah’s brows rose to the near top of her forehead.

  “Yes.” Gwynn nodded. “She seems nice enough, young and entitled, but earnest in her studies. And she seems very aware of her social standing, just does not seem to grasp that it has no bearing in my house.”

  “I don’t think you have ever been one to kowtow to the masses or the classes.” Seriah laughed. “She will learn soon enough.”

  As if summoned by their conversation, Pippa appeared at the doorway, looking wan and shaken.

  “Hello Pippa,” Gwynn greeted her casually, “You look like you could use a cup of tea.” Hoping she had not heard them speaking about her.

  “I would love a cup, yes please.” She moved toward the table to join them.

  “The kettle is warm, on the hob. Sugar is here on the table, cream is in the fridge.” Bonnie pointed before she could get too close.

  “There are cups in the hutch against the far wall, or larger mugs on the hanging rack next to the cooker.” Gwynn offered.

  “And there are some lovely pastries here on the table with us.” Seriah added politely. Her smile broadening when Pippa saw her, and recognition flashed across her face.

  “Dr. Browning! What a surprise to see you.” Pippa greeted the Duchess, then quickly found a mug and made herself a cup of tea before coming to the table.

  “Well dear, I am here in an official capacity to assess the skeletal remains found in my Goddaughter’s bedroom.” Seriah said with cool indifference.

  “Your god-?” Pippa’s eyes grew wide as she sat down. “I had no idea.”

  “Well, yes, but then you couldn’t have known. One cannot be expected to know everything about their betters, now can they?” Seriah said as she picked a pastry from the plate before her. Addressing Bonnie, she added. “These are splendid, so kind of you to make them for us. I would like to place an order for several dozen before I leave next week if I may. I believe my friends and co-workers at the Home Office will devour them with great glee. Making me the hero of the next staff meeting.”

  Bonnie practically glowed with pride as she quoted her a price for the amount requested and a date and time to have them finished and ready.

  “Keep an open list, I have a feeling I might be adding to it before the end of my time here.” Seriah said, “I understand you make an amazing American clam chowder and a to-die for venison stew! Gwynn, when this museum gets off to a start, will you be renting out guest rooms as well?”

  “Actually, no. I think we have de
cided to open the museum, and the grounds to the public. A gift shop in the tower if it can be safely restored and,” she added with a meaningful glance to Bonnie. “I hope, an intimate dining room, for those willing to pay for Bonnie’s amazing creations while they spend money at the gift shop. We are also planning to hold weddings and other events here as well, for a not too modest fee.”

  “Oh Bonnie! You should so do it!” Seriah said with enthusiasm. “I swear I would escape Dublin every chance I could just to come stuff my posh face! And I would bring some rather posh, full pocketed friends with me. Truly no point in being a peer of the realm if you cannot spend your peers’ money on something that will bring them some joy.” She faced Pippa, “I am sure I can easily convince your father to come as well, he has always loved a posh affair.” Seriah suddenly sat up erect. “That is it! Gwynn, please allow me, as my gift to you, to arrange your grand opening! With noble support the place cannot fail, and I can ensure many benefactors to the museum!”

  “Ser! That would be wonderful, but I cannot ask you to arrange the entire thing-- that would be too much work!” Gwynn argued.

  “Pfft, I want to do it. For my goddaughter’s future.” She insisted. “And a few more chances to eat some of these wonderful pastries!”

  “Hey,” Dexter and Nigel arrived at the back door. “Ser, did you want us to take you to the bones now?”

  “Yeah, we are heading into the tower in a bit, so we want to go up before then.” Nigel said anxiously.

  “I am surprised you were able to wait this long Morgan, patience has never been your strong suit.” She laughed.

  “I knew it was useless to even try until you two had a chance to catch up.” He admitted.

  “A smart man!” Gwynn laughed as she placed a kiss on his cheek.

  ****

  Nigel, Dexter, Bonnie, Gwynn, and Pippa filled the constable’s store room. Seriah examined the skeleton. Scribbling notes on a clipboard as she poked her gloved hands at bones and rubble alike.

  “Female, approx. 14 year of age, the cloth fragments indicate between 1480 and 1490 BCE, as does the degradation of the bones. The priest hole was nearly air tight, practically making her bones petrified. Which is good for us, scientifically speaking. She has a crushed skull, indicating a serious blow to the head, her pelvic bones had been fractured at or around the time of death, which could be indicative of a forced sexual act.” She held the skull up to the light, “Without a DNA comparison to a relative I cannot say for certain that she is your postulate, I can however, sign off for the Garda, this death is far outside their jurisdiction. Which means I can turn the scene and the remains over to you Dr. Morgan. With the full support and resources of my office to aid in your investigations.” She began to rise from her squatted position, wobbled and immediately felt Dexter’s strong hand at her elbow to stabilize and support her. She smiled at him gently and continued. “I will have the paperwork signed shortly, if you have a fax machine I can make it official within the hour.” She looked at Dexter, her eyes soft and warm. “And then I am on vacation for 9 days.” Her eyes moved to Nigel, “and your amazing wife has agreed to let me invade you all for that entire time.”

  “I would not have it any other way.” He advised her and placed a loving kiss on her forehead. “Binne will flip when she sees you. I did not tell her when you were coming. In case they sent someone else at the last moment, and because she is hard to surprise at her advanced age.”

  “Oh well then huni. Let us find and torment the lovely teen.” Seriah laughed as they left the room. “Then we can remove her former roommate, to someplace a little less,” she paused. “Nightmare inducing.”

  ****

  “Take the left side of the building, I will go right.” Binne said with excitement. “There was a feral and a banshee zombie in the back, if we catch them from both sides they won’t stand a chance!”

  Colt maneuvered his avatar on the screen with the controller in his hands, “Watch out! There is a crawler at your two o’clock!” He yelled to her, his adrenaline pumping.

  “You are nearly out of ammo, may wish to switch to the spiked club until you find more.” Seriah said from the doorway.

  “Auntie!” Binne dropped her controller on the sofa and leapt over the back of the furniture to embrace her Godmother, leaving Colt to scramble to pause the game before they were consumed by the video undead.

  “I cannot believe you are here!” Binne’s joy filled the room with her laughter. “Are you here to sign off on Mary Katherine?”

  “Yes, I am. In fact, I have already done so. Now, if it is okay with you, I would like to stay for a few days. Spend some time with my favorite teen.”

  Colt covered his ears to protect them from the high-pitched squeal that Binne emitted.

  “Are you going to introduce me to your young friend?” Seriah indicated Colt.

  “Oh, My Gawd, yes!” Binne laughed, she made the requested introductions and spoke rapidly to fill Seriah in on the events of the last few months.

  “Have to tell you, I love what you did with your room, with the obvious exception of the priest hole,” She chuckled. “But turning your wardrobe into a mini writer’s den is simply inspirational!”

  “Thank you, Auntie.” Binne smiled with pride. “I think I have a great idea for the priest hole.”

  “Already?” Seriah’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rose in a high arch.

  “Yes, I am going to put my jewelry box and my few rare books and other things like that, Colt said he would help me put some nice shelves in there and maybe even put up a battery powered touch light.”

  “So, a hidden safe?” Seriah smiled.

  “Yes! I mean it is not like I have a lot of things that are worth a ton of money, but I have things that mean a lot to me, things I want to keep safe.” Binne said.

  “I think that is a wonderful idea.” Seriah agreed. “I need to run into the village to pick up some things I forgot to bring with me, would the two of you like to join me?”

  ****

  A large green truck pulled into the drive, a “LOGAN JACKSON CONSTRUCTION” logo magnet on the door declared its intention. Logan Jackson climbed out of the truck, clipboard in one hand, cell phone in the other. His skin instantly began to crawl, goosebumps appearing on his flesh as the hair on his arms raised themselves. ‘Oh yeah this place isn’t creepy as fuck, or nothing.’

  “Logan!” Tate Brooks called as he made his way toward the newcomer. “Good to see you, I wasn’t expecting you for another half an hour. Come on over to the tower, I’ll show you what your men will be doing.” He said as they shook hands and he led the tall, wiry man to the tower, where he introduced him to Nigel and Dexter.

  “I see three floors?” Logan said as he looked up into the chamber.

  “Yeah, the main floor here, originally held one holding cell and what appears to be an office of some kind. The second floor appears to have been a communal living space of sorts, later used as storage. And the top floor,” Nigel pointed, “has an 8 ft stone slab all the way around, where there appears to be old jail cells, some still have the iron doors. The center of the floors appears to have once been wood. But most of the wood is rotted or gone completely.”

  “The stone steps spiral all the way around from bottom to top?” Logan asked.

  “Yeah, looks like they built the floors at ten-foot increments, with doors and landings at each floor.” Tate added. “We want the original stone to stay as much as we can, replace what we must. I have matching replacement stones all ready to go as needed. But, all the wood must go and be replaced, including the high support beams.”

  “The tower is 30 ft in diameter, I think two scaffolding crews, 3 men each. I can have a six-man crew out here first thing tomorrow morning.” Logan spoke more to himself than to the men. He consulted his clipboard, flipped a few pages and looked back at Tate.

  “It is a big job, I think I can give you a 6 week turn around. My crew will be here at 8am tomorrow.” Logan shivered as the tem
perature suddenly dropped, the tower chamber filled with a chilled wind. Dust spiraled in the dim light as the wind picked up the ancient portrait off the ledge of the above floor, bringing it crashing down it to the main floor. Logan and Tate leapt out of the way, the portrait crashed to the floor inches from where they had stood. The face of Sir John Wyndham staring hard at them as the unmistakable sound of a woman’s laughter surrounded them. Logan inhaled, exhaled and inhaled again. After a moment he simply said. “Let’s not mention this to the crew. Or they will never get it done.”

  ****

  Pippa stretched out on the chaise lounge in front of the large window in her room. From her window she could see the tower, Dexter, Nigel and Tate had just entered with a man she did not recognize. Pippa leaned back, resting her head against the cushion. As her eyes closed her grip loosened on the research papers in her hand causing them to slip silently to the floor beside her. Her mind drifted into the dream with a careless ease. She was standing in the same room, a fire in the hearth warming against the cold night air. Pippa looked down at herself and saw that she was wearing a full-length skirt of a soft yellow, a cream-colored blouse with frills over a tight corset she could feel constricting her breathing. She walked softly across the room to a large hanging mirror on the far wall, where she knew a landscape painting hung in her real life. With a gasp she realized the shape of a man had appeared beside her. With sudden force she felt herself being grabbed and forced onto the four-poster bed in the room. Pippa could not breath, she fought hard as her skirts were raised up along her pale, stocking clad thighs. She tried to use her legs to fight, tried to use her self-defense training to help her, but her dream body did not appear to know how to make those moves she had spent years learning. Her arms pinned against the hard bed, her scream caught in her throat. She forced herself awake with a start, able to see that she was back in her own time, able to see that she was alone, but still unable to move, as if her dream attacker still had her pinned to the chaise. She silently thanked the fact that she had left the bedroom door ajar, when Huey, Dewey and Stan raced, barking loudly, into the room. Low growls emitting from their primal cores. The ghostly grasp released itself and Pippa sat up gasping for breath. Fresh bruises around her wrists forming before her eyes.