FILE 22: THE LARGE MANSION OF DUNMORE PARK PART 2

"How'd you find that out? We were notified to keep it quiet!" she reacted in astonishment. My eyes sparkled, "I have my methods. Now, mind telling me what's going on here?"

She was about to respond when the door banged open. "Hey newbie! Name's Jonathan Allan. Welcome to Dunmore. I'm here to coach you all you need to know!" a black-haired, blue-eyed young man declared. 

Stupid idiot who doesn't know how to read the room. I put on my fake smile and beamed as I extended my hand in greeting. "Nathan McNeill. Please, go ahead. I'm extremely eager to learn." 

So for the next few miserable hours I was taught about being a butler. How to properly serve tea, how to clean, how to walk.(that shocked me). I stared incredulously as they selected a measuring tool to evaluate the distance for each utensil for meals. 

Does it genuinely have to be that perfect? I doubt the diners will notice one centimetre off, you know. 

I was frustrated when I was forced to walk in circles over and over.

I bore a tray with six wine glasses with a book on my head. "No, no. Not like that," Jonathan cried passionately. "Place your tray just above your chest. A little higher, just like that! Now walk as fast as you can without dropping a glass."

I ranted inwardly as I vainly tried not shattering a glass. I believe I broke over four in all my attempts. He slapped my shoulder in good-humour. "You did well on your first day. It's nearly dinner time. Therefore, let's get ready."

"Our dinner?" I asked hopefully. He laughed merrily. "No silly. The lady of the manor and her distinguished guests." Dammit.

We waited on the visitors with a forceful smile. The lady, Madam Alpin, gestured for me, which surprised us. I bowed and reluctantly approached her.

"Meet me in the study at midnight. I have something to discuss with you," she whispered urgently. Nodding slightly, I poured more tea and moved back to my undesirable position again.

I could barely contain my frantic excitement as this investigation finally produced some progress. Some three hours later I was called to Lady Alpin's study. Lea's burning gaze pierced into my back as I bypassed her.

I didn't do anything wrong, I promise. Knocking on the stout oak door, I lingered in the long hallway. Large paintings of men and women hung on the walls which creeped me out. There was a giant embroidery carpet spreading across the floor. 

"Come in, it's open. Just push the door." she called gently. I did as I was told. I was greeted with a smile when I walked in, given a cup of tea and we sat down on leather couches.

"What you are drinking is Earl Grey with a dash of cinnamon. It is quite soothing, yes? Now that we retain a nice peaceful atmosphere, shall I describe to you why I have requested the Otherworld Investigator?" She notified me with a sad expression.

"Please do," I affirmed as I took a sip. It tastes so good!

"Well, before I mention anything, perhaps we should wait for a few moments longer." She glanced at the grandfather clock beside her mantlepiece as she said solemnly, "It's almost time.".

"What are we waiting for?" I was baffled. She returned her cup to the table and cradled her pale hands firmly. "You'll see."

We sat in silence as the clock ticked, and ticked. At that time I heard it. A shuffling noise sounded from beyond her study door. I jumped up but she shook her head, so I returned anxiously to my seat slowly.

Something jerked the handle on the wooden door, but Alpin didn't move, thus I followed suit. Eventually it was forced open and I gasped.

"Jonathan?"

Except that the black-haired young man didn't seem to notice me. He only stared at Alpin.

"Vanora," he rasped. I blinked. Huh? Glancing at them, I was flabbergasted. "Are you two in an affair or something?"

Jonathan staggered into the room and fell across the couch before falling unconscious. Alpin sighed mournfully and pushed a button. Still confused I watched, stunned, as two men bore the boy away.

"What the heck was that?" I blurted. After closing the door, she answered sadly, "That was the spirit of my deceased husband, Baird." Oh, so they didn't have an affair. What a bummer. 

"Accept another cup of tea, and I'll disclose everything." She sat back down as I poured my second cup. 

"My husband was a shy man. Since he had difficulty approaching people, it was always up to me to influence social groups and establish a reputation. I didn't mind as it was enjoyable.

Woefully, he died three years ago of heart failure and I had to manage our private companies by myself. It never occurred to me until I took over how much work it was. Just as I was at my wits' end, he reappeared."

Vanora gave me a distressed gaze as she paused. Are you vainly seeking sympathy? I'm not feeling any, though. She continued, looking disappointed, "I was behind my desk, shifting through some paperwork when one of the employees barged in.

Vanora, Vanora, they kept crying frantically. Initially, I was startled, then I became cross. But afterwards they collapsed like Jonathan did earlier. Since then, it occurred each night five minutes past midnight, at the time of Baird's tragic death."

"And all he does is call out your name each time?" I queried eagerly. She wiped her teary eyes and concurred.

"Did he not do anything else?" 

"Not as far as I know," she answered sternly. I stared sharply at her, but she avoided my glare. "Uh huh. Fine, I'll exorcise the man's ghost tomorrow with the Spell of Release. If he performs the same thing every night, then all we need to do is wait for him to appear. Easy, right?" I promptly announced.

"Thank you, Nathan," she said gratefully. Naturally you should be. I gave my best smile, "As for the pay, it'll be four thousand pounds." Her mouth opened in shock. "Oh my. How expensive," she muttered.

I've suffered working as a butler, it's only right that you compensate me.