The four companions have spent the last few days on the Queen Mary, enjoying a luxurious trip across the Atlantic. It is now Monday July 14th 1930, and you are disembarking at the bustling port of Southampton. It is around three in the afternoon, the sky is slightly overcast but the air is warm, spiced by a fresh sea breeze.

George enjoyed his voyage across the Atlantic.  This RMS Queen Mary was the Flagship of the Cunard White Star Line,
and holder of the prestigeous Blue Ribband.  She was a magnificent ship, and George used his military status
to request a visit to the bridge to see the largest magnetic ships compass on the seas.



George dressed smartly most of the time, as befits a First Class passenger of his status, in his double brested suit.  He attended Jonathan as and when required, but often made excuses if Father Glenn was present, seeking solice in different company.

The First Class passengers were afforded the most space and luxury. George relaxed in the First Class indoor swimming pool (which spanned over two decks in height), read in the libraries, played on the outdoor paddle tennis courts, and telephoned ahead to London to make arrangements for their arrival.

The largest room was the first class dining room (grand salon), which spanned three stories in height and was anchored by wide columns.  At night, George would enjoy dinner and polite conversation with Jonathan and entourage in the splendid Art Deco Grand Salon.



When the gentlemen retired for their brandy and cigars, George would excuse himself and change into his riding clothes (flight jacket, chino's, and beaten up fedora), and visit the 3rd Class compartments.  George would put on his common soldier act, lose a few dollars at cards, drink some beer and find out what was really going on about ship.

For Jonathan the voyage was a welcome respite, a chance to consider some very weighty matters.

Every morning he and 'Uncle' George repaired to the gym to spar with gloves or sabers to 'clear out the cobwebs,' as George would say.

Before lunch he would walk the decks with Father Alden to discuss philosophy and a man's place in the world. Jonathan would talk about his confusion and uncertainty at suddenly finding that he wasn't just Jonathan Cavendish, but Lord DeVille as well.

After lunch, he and Kit would play shuffleboard or paddleball and swim in the ship's pool, sometimes with Uncle George. Then they'd relax in deck chairs and read until time to dress for dinner.

After the four dined together, he might talk with Father Alden some more or go to the first-class lounge with Kit for a drink and maybe dance with the eligible young ladies, realizing that they wouldn't treat him the same if they knew he was now -- or soon to be -- a peer. Of course, the Mammas already knew he was one of George Cavendish's heirs.

Before bed he would take a solitary turn on deck and worry that his father's madness might surface in him, despite the Cavendish blood.

And so to bed.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

Kit spent his mornings in the library, enjoying some of the more obscure volumes in the ship's collection while working on his notes for his next project.

His afternoons were largely spent with Jonathan, taking advantage of the ship's leisure facilities.  He let Jonathan take the lead in choosing how to spend their time, only offering suggestions of his own when he thought his cousin's spirits might be flagging.  If you couldn't be a decent friend to a guy at a time like this, what good were you to anyone?

His evenings were dedicated to socialising, whether with his traveling companions or elsewhere.  He'd been born and raised in the First Class lifestyle, but as the trip wore on, Kit found himself feeling an interloper amongst the great and the good.  It was all a little unreal, a little like acting.

He started to grow restless and explore further afield in the evenings, making a beeline for anywhere that could offer alcohol, music, and interesting new people.  He played a lot of cards and made a number of new acquaintances.  He was fairly certain a couple of them were card sharps looking to fleece a rich boy, but he didn't hold it against them; they were entertaining company, and if they thought he was a Cavendish heir then the joke was on them, wasn't it?

After the normal formalities you find yourself in the arrivals hall, reunited with your luggage. You are expecting to be met at the port, and sure enough you notice an anaemic-looking gentleman, with a high forehead and lank black hair, approaching your party.

"Lord Deville, sirs, allow my to welcome you to England. My name is Rupert Everett of Everett, Everett and Hobbes. We took the liberty of arranging a carriage on the 5 o'clock express and with you leave I will accompany you and endeavour to answer questions you may have before the reading tomorrow"

George already had a team of porters eagerly waiting on the promise of a a large tip.  The boys had loaded all their luggage onto barrows,
or were standing bye to carry the lighter bags.

George smiled, stepping forward before the man could reach Jonathan.
"Good day to you Mr Everett.  Captain George Yates, US Army retired."
George offers his hand.

Jonathan extends his hand, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Everett. Thank you for taking the trouble. Am I actually Lord Deville already? I thought there'd be some sort of formal investiture or presentation to the King or something." He turns to Kit.

"Do you think I should order some new cards and stationery, Kit? Oh, forgive me. Mr. Everett, may I introduce my cousin, Christopher Cavendish. Father Alden should be around someplace."

"Pleased to meet you," Kit offers.

"You should definitely look into new stationery, Jon," he adds with a straight face.  "If you're going to be a lord now, you should do it to the hilt.  In fact, I was planning to get you a monocle next Christmas."

“Father Glen Alden, at your service.”  Father Alden stoically shook Mr. Everett’s hand.

He stepped back and took one more look at his travelling companions.

Johnathan had a good heart, but was he really ready to be a Lord?  Was he ready to navigate the rigid formalities and customs of his position?  Father Alden wasn’t convinced, but he would do his best to help guide the young lad.

To that end he had turned a blind eye to the Captain and Kit’s evening dalliances on the ship.  While he didn’t approve of the Captain and Kit’s behavior, he also recognized they were true friends.  And Johnathan would need true friends more than ever now.

He saw his role as providing the voice of reason and propriety when the Captain and Kit tried to drag Johnathan into baser activities.

George knew the Father was well intentioned, but an academic with no common sense, or grasp on reality.
George knew plenty of well intentioned men.  Most of them were dead.

George ignored the Fathers high handed morales.  George WAS teaching Jonathan how to be a gentleman, after all.
Gentleman that can't hunt, shoot, or play poker, are going to be without friends, boring and alone.  Destined for the priesthood no doubt!
This message was last edited by the player at 09:52, Sun 18 Dec 2011.

Everett favours you all with a limp handshake.


"The title passed to you directly on your father's death Lord Deville. No other actions on you part are necessary" replies Everett with the ghost of a smile.

Half an hour later the five of you sit in a first class carriage on the express to London, your luggage safely ensconced in the baggage compartment five carriages down. The train pulls smoothly out of the station, and soon you are deep in the English countryside, lush and green in the late afternoon sunlight.

Speaking to no-one in particlular,

"I have made reservations at The Savoy Hotel, in London.  It is supposed to be the best hotel in London, so I'm told."

George throws a glance at Kit.

Jonathan watches the English countryside slide past the windows of their compartment. He feels rather detached, conflicted.

Lord Deville. It doesn't seem possible. Everything has changed; my plans, my aspirations. Last month I was just a man, an heir to a modest fortune and a certain family position, but an American with all the freedom that implied.

Well, I have to discover who Lord Deville will become. What avenues are open to me and which are closed. How much does Lord Deville define Jonathan Cavendish?

"Sorry, fellows," he says looking around the compartment at his companions with a skight smile, "I was off in a brown study. It seems a bit more real now that I'm in England.

"'Oh to be in England, now that April's there.' As Browning would have it, eh, Father? Well, here I am. I wonder what England will make of me, Uncle George?

"So, Mr. Everett, I'll leave myself in your hands while we get the legal business completed anyway. I don't expect you to confine yourself to the dreary details, Kit. I'm sure you have a lot of plans of your own."

Father Alden smiled and nodded at Johnathan, choosing not to interrupt his dialogue.

He thought of the next verse in prose

“And whoever wakes in England
Sees, some morning, unaware”


Unaware, that about summed it up in Father Alden’s mind.  He couldn’t help shaking the feeling that Johnathan was unaware of what he was getting into.  He had an uneasy feeling about this trip that he just couldn’t place.  He said a silent  prayer for young Johnathan and his travelling companions.

Kit has a notebook and pen in his hands, which seem to be keeping him relatively quiet.

"Don't pretend you find the details dreary, Jon," he says with a smile but without looking up. "It's the rest of us non-lawyers who find them impenetrable.  I should be happy to join you for the reading, though, unless you want privacy there."

Jonathan grins, "Okay, Kit, ya got me." Then his face becomes more serious, "I would greatly appreciate all three of you attending the reading of my Grandfather's will. I'm still a bit trepidatious about what may come of it."

The rest of the journey passes swiftly, and soon you are alighting at Paddington station, just a few mintues after six. Another porter carries you luggage through the bustling concourse and onto the street, where Everett hails a cab. Less than half an hour later you are ensconced in your suite at the Savoy, a study in luxury and taste. Everett takes his leave, after arranging to meet you after breakfast tomorrow to conduct you to his chambers. The rest of the evening is your own...

George gets ready for dinner in his best bib and tucker! He was looking forward to getting down to business tomorrow,
at last.  All this rich living was nice enough, but George has getting the hankering for the wilderness again.
The express train through the English countryside had re-awakened his outdoorsman within.

Using the hotel stationary, George writes a short letter and seals it in an envelope.  The envelope is addressed to,

Detective Inspector Claude Eustace Teal,
New Scotland Yard,
Whitehall.

Before meeting the others in the cocktail bar for apperitifs, George visits the Concierge and leaves the letter with the desk.

"Please see this is delivered first thing in the morning.  Can you send the reply straight to me when it arrives please."
With a wink, George leaves half a crown with the clerk.

Before they headed toward their rooms, Father Alden lightly touched Johnathan’s forearm, quietly saying, “Johnathan, I do hope you don’t mind, but I believe I will retire early this evening.  I didn’t realize how tired I felt until we came inside.”

He nodded to the Captain and Kit, “Pleasant evening everyone.”

Looking back at Johnathan he couldn’t help reminding him, “Big day tomorrow, it wouldn’t do to be out too late.  You need to have your wits about you.”


After the Father reached his room, he leisurely unpacked his things.  Double checking to make sure everything was in its place, he breathed deeply and knelt down beside the bed, folded his hands, bent his head, and began to pray……..

"Good night, Father," Kit says, before turning to the others.  "What do you say, gentlemen, should we go and take in the sights?"

A night on the town with Captain Yates sounds a little like a night out with a guard dog, but Kit's confident he can win the man over, given enough time.

After an enjoyable night out, you decide to take breakfast in your suite, and descend a few minutes before 10 o'clock to find Everett waiting in the lobby. He smiles tightly as he sees you step out of the elevator.

"Ah, m'Lord, our cab is waiting. Shall we proceed?"

The question is obviously rhetorical, as Everett herds you quickly into the hansom waiting outside. After a few minutes you arrive at the offices of Everett, Everett and Hobbes on Bond Street, and are quickly ushered into a well-appointed reception room where two gentlemen are waiting.

Everett introduces you to the first, a portly, red-faced old man. "This is my father Julius Everett"

Unlike his son Everett senior has a firm handshake, and greets you all effusively. "It's a pleasure to meet you again Lord Deville" he declares "although the last time I saw you, you were barely bigger than my thumb."

The other person present in the office is a lean, dark-haired middle aged fellow. Everett senior introduces him as Graham Hobbes, the third partner in the firm.

After you are all seated, Everett senior reads out Jonathan's father's will in a businesslike manner. In simple terms, he left everything to his wife, passing to Jonathan in the event of her death. Jonathan will inherit property in Mayfair and the Blenheim estate in Northumbria, plus stocks and bonds worth £30,000 a year. Finally Everett takes a sealed envelope out of his strongbox.

"The day before your father went missing he added a codicil to his will. This letter was to be held by me until  he returned to claim it. In the event of his death I was to deliver it to your mother." Here, Everett pauses, and in a low sincere voice continues "Lord Deville, after you fathers illness you cannot imagine how difficult a position I was in. It was obvious you father had not envisaged what would befall him. Should I give the letter to your mother, even though you father was not technically dead? In the end, however, my professional ethics won over. Joseph had been most emphatic in his instructions - and there was always the possibility that he would recover. I beg you, do not judge me too harshly". As he hands over the envelope Everett looks you in the eye. "I'm sure you have realised this letter may hold a clue to your father's madness. If you decide to pursue this issue further I strongly advise you to consult with me before taking any action."

He solemnly hands Jonathan the envelope. A grandfather clock chimes eleven, breaking the moment. "Now Lord Deville" says Everett, his normal self again "I am available for the rest of the day to discuss your new responsibilities".

Father Alden reached a hand out to one of Johnathan’s shoulders and gave it a firm squeeze.  Quietly he said, “Keep your chin up lad, the Lord never gives us more than we can bear.”

"Thank you, Father," Jonathan returns with a slight smile. He turns to Everett, Senior, "I find no fault with your decision, Mr. Everett. I thank you for your faithful stewardship of my father's affairs. I will certainly consult you and your firm on legal and business decisions that arise.

"Now, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate a room where I can peruse my father's last message in privacy with my family and old friends." His gaze encompasses Kit, Uncle George and Father Alden.

George was up early, washed and dressed ready for breakfast en-suite.  He donned his business suit,
which is expertly cut to conceal the 1911A1 in its shoulder harness.

Before leaving in the cab with the others, George checked at reception if there was any answer to his letter.

---

"If we're gonna be here all day, I'll just nip out now for some provisions and be back for lunchtime.
What would you like, my lord?"  There was an unmistakable sarcasm in Georges voice.

You are ushered into a well-appointed conference room and discretely left alone to open the envelope. There are two documents inside. The first is a bankers draft, giving ownership of deposit box 2466 at Northumbrian and County (which you recognise as the Deville family bank bank) to the bearer of the document. The second is a letter addressed to Jonathan's mother.

Kingsgate Square 31st August 1899

My Darling Mary,
I hope to God you never have to read this. If all goes well I will be back with you the day after tomorrow. But anything happens to me, I want you to know the truth. I have left my diary in a safety deposit box at the bank - you always joked that you wanted to read it. I hope and pray that you will understand my actions, and perhaps find it in you heart to forgive me for the pain my deeds have undoubtedly caused you. I remain ever yours,

Joseph Deville

"I'd appreciate it, Uncle George, if you'd take a look at these letters with me first."

When they're alone in the room, Jonathan takes a seat at the conference table. He reads both documents, passing them to George and Kit, and indicating they should share them with Father Alden.

He waits until The other three have read each of the papers.

"I want to get my hands on that diary as soon as possible. Can anyone think of anything else we have to do with the lawyers today?"

"Very well Jonathan."  George dropped the honourific when they were alone.

"I have enquired about licences for our weapons, while we are in England.  They are waiting for us at Great Scotland Yard,
care of an Detective Inspector Teal.  We need to collect them in person before leavinf London."

"Do you have all the paperwork?  A death certificate, the will and deeds?  Can't think of much else.
A letter in the Times maybe to announce your succession?"   Again George's sarcasm breaks through.

Thinking about the trip to Northumbria, George adds
"It's a long way to your estates Jonathan, a full days travel I think.  We might be able to get tickets on the Mail Train tonight?
Then we'd arrive in the morning."

"That's a curious letter, Jon - it sounds very solemn indeed, as if your father were expecting some sort of trouble when he wrote it," Kit says.

"It almost sounds like the start of a mystery story," he adds, before realising that it's not a very thoughtful comparison to make when his cousin's feelings are so fundamentally involved.  He shrugs apologetically to Jonathan.

Nonetheless, it does sound like one to him, and his interest has been piqued.

Father Alden nodded.  “Wills and deeds, most assuredly. A good suggestion Captain”.  He pursed his lips and looked up towards the ceiling, clearly thinking.

“Keys to the safety deposit box perhaps?”

Looking at Kit briefly, then back at Johnathan, “I also recommend asking if he had any known companions or acquaintances in the area?  Either here or in Northumbria.  They may be able to shed some light on this letter.”

"I intend to get to the bank right away. Death certificate and a copy of the will sounds like a good idea," Jonathan says decisively, " Deeds and such can be dealt with by the attorneys, I expect, though a letter from them attesting my identity might be helpful. We'll come back later to wrap all that up. Or maybe they'll come round to the hotel. I am a peer of the realm, after all." He grins at the last sentence.

Jonathan looks out to the reception area and asks the secretary to let Mr. Everett know that he would like to see him. When the solicitor returns, Jonathan asks him for copies of the death certificate and of the will. He requests an afternoon appointment to deal with any other vital business. He then asks whether there's a key for deposit box 2466 at Northumbrian and County among his father's effects.

"Oh, and can you give me a rough idea how much is available in liquid assets at present? Am I one of those 'impoverished nobles' you hear about?"

"Well Lord Deville, although I am not by any means a financier, I would image that the bank would have no difficulties with providing a line of credits for tens of thousands of pounds" Everett senior answers. He readily agrees to your requests and suggest you pass by at 5 o'clock to collect the documents. No key is available, but Everett opines that the bank should be willing to supply you with a spare, and pens a brief note to the manager confirming your identity addressed to  to 'Randolf Paine, Manager, Northumbrian and County Bank, 10 Threadneedle Street'

A clerk is summoned to hail a taxi, and soon you outside the chambers, blinking in the noonday sun on Bond Street. The vehicle pulls up a few yards down the pavement...

See the Meta thread.

"Now I'm no expert, Lord Deville, but it sounds to me like you might be richer than Croesus," Kit says as the group leaves the chambers.  "Say, have you ever thought of going into publishing?"

He has a niggling sense that something might be amiss, but decides it's probably just Father Alden willing him to be quiet.  He glances over at the priest and offers him an affable smile.  Surely the man would understand that he couldn't be sombre and reflective all of the time.  Or, well, much of it at all, really.

You arrive at the bank half an hour before midday. As you enter, Jonathan reaches for the letter from Everett, but discovers it is missing from his pocket, along with the letter from his father! Jonathan recalls being jostled on the pavement by a nondescript passer by while getting into the taxi - could it be his pocket was picked?

Even without the letter of introduction you are quickly escorted to the manager's office. Randolf Paine is a small and rotund man, his round face glistening with sweat and his handshake even limper and damper than Rupert Everett's.

"My Lord Deville, may I say what a pleasure it is to meet you. You have already heard about your father's deposit boy. Would you like to view it now? We can also run through the disposition of your investments"

Jonathan's smile is a trifle distracted as he returns Paine's handshake and introduces his companions. "I would like access to the box now. Perhaps we can defer the discussion of my investments to a later date, unless you can do it very briefly. We haven't had lunch yet and I've another meeting later today."

Father Alden raised an eyebrow.  “Curious that Mr Paine didn’t  ask for a reference”, he thought to himself.  But perhaps word travelled fast in financial circles.  He decided to hold his tongue.  After all, Johnathan was getting what he asked for so why make a fuss.

George smirks to himself.

The more things change, the more they stay the same - Money Talks, Merit Walks!

"Certainly Lord Deville, I will be at your disposal to go over your portfolio whenever you have the time" Paine assures you. "Gentlemen, would you be so kind as to follow me?"

He then leads you downstairs to the vault, where a clerk produces the key and fetches box 2464. Paine stands back discretely, but his curiousity is palpable as Jonathan opens the box...

Inside is a black, leather bound 5 year journal for the years 1905 - 1909, and a yellowing photograph that appears at first glance to be severely over-exposed. It shows an elderly man lying on what looks like a hospital bed. His eyes are closed, his face gaunt and pain-wracked. The man's torso is concealed by a large blob of white. Disturbingly, the man appears to be chained to the bed...

Jonathan thumbs through the journal enough to ascertain the dates and a cursory idea of the contents. He slips the photo inside the book.


He passes the journal to Father Alden: "Would you keep this for me, Father?"

Kit makes a small noise of surprise at the sight of the photograph.

"It's not - quite what I expected," he says quietly, sounding much less sunny than earlier in the day.

“Yes, of course.” Father Alden’s anguish was palpable as he took the journal, solemnly closed it, and placed it into his inside jacket pocket.

He reached for the small silver crucifix around his neck and rubbed it quietly as he nodded at Kit’s comment.

The diary consists of a series of handwritten entries, with the last one dated 30th August 1909, so most of the journal has been used. There are few blank pages, indicating the writer was fairly assiduous about keeping it up to date. As far as Jonathan can judge, the handwriting seems to match that on the letter from his father he saw earlier.

Jonathan thanks Mr. Paine and leaves the bank.

"Shall we go back to the hotel for lunch? I'm fairly itching to delve into Father's diary, but I'm rather peckish."

"That sounds fine, I'm hungry too.  Should I go check out the trains soon or we might miss out on tickets?"

"Let's not go up tonight, Uncle George. I'd like to get the legal and financial business out of the way.

"Do you think I should report the theft to the police? It's nothing of any monetary value, though I hate losing anything of my father's."

"Very well.  I have planned to go to Great Scotland Yard after lunch.  Perhaps we can all go and deal with business together.
I have a contact there who may be able to help."

"At least the manager knows what you look like now," Kit observes as the group prepares to leave.

"Even if someone's running around out there with that letter and they stumble on the notion of claiming to be you, they shouldn't get much joy of it.  Doubly so, if the Captain can pull some strings with Scotland Yard."

“I concur.  While there may be no harm to you, who knows what harm the thief could do others.  We should definitely report it.”  Father Alden said firmly.

As they exit the bank, Jonathan asks, "Does anyone have an idea where the hotel is from here? Can we walk or should we try to get a cab?"

George puts his hand into his jacket pocket...

08:49, Today: Captain George Yates rolled 4 using 1d6+1. Preparedness +1. =Edit= STREET MAP
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Wed 18 Jan 2012.

London is a very confusing place, lacking the regular gridded layout of most cities in the United States. The hotel could be on the next street for all you know, but luckily Captain Yates picked up a street map of central London at reception this morning. Kit is unconsciously on the lookout for trouble but is momentarily distracted as the group pores over the map, and only spots the man barreling out of an alley towards Jonathan too late to shout a warning. The ruffian makes a grab for Jonathan's pocket, but is evidently frustrated and pulls away, obviously ready to make a run for it...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Wed 18 Jan 2012.

Jonathan lunges for the fellow, intent to bring him down.

Jonathan Cavendish rolled 3 with a +1 spend on Athletics to grab the ruffian.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Wed 18 Jan 2012.

George throws himself at the ruffian, trying to bring him down with a rugby tackle

18:58, Today: Captain George Yates rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Rugby Tackle.

The ruffian was clearly not expecting to be brought down a few paces later by an pair of efficient rugby tackles from Jonathan and George that send him crashing to the pavement, momentarily stunned. The pair quickly overpower him, pinning the miscreant to the pavement between them.

"'Ere lay off me guv I 'aint dun nuffink wrong!" he protests in a strong cockney accent.

Raging with indignation, George balls at the ruffian!
"D'you know who you're touchin' boy!  This is a Peer of the Realm."

George drags him to his feet, keeping a tight grip on his arm.
"Up you get boy, and spill the beans.  You are pickpocket, or is there something else?"

Momentarily stunned, Father Alden visibly checked Johnathan to make sure he was unharmed.  Seeing that Johnathan seemed no worse for wear, he turned to Kit, the Captain, and the scoundrel.

“Good show, men”, Father Alden complimented Kit and the good Captain on their quick capture of the ….. potential thief.

Father Alden had seen a few confessions in his time and he paid very close attention to how the miscreant responded.

George has rattled the miscreant, and the old army officer doesn't miss the ruffian's eyes flicker briefly to the right at the last question. George can't be sure, but thinks the man glanced at a trio of toughs slouching at the exit of an alley couple of dozen yards from you on the other side of the street.

"I just tripped and fell, honest guv. Beggin' yer pardon yer lordship" says the man, his attitude almost comically servile at the mention of the aristocracy.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:31, Mon 23 Jan 2012.

"A poor liar, at best," Kit says with a scowl, although he remains a few paces away, leaving the interrogation to Captain Yates.  "I distinctly saw him go for your pocket, Jon."

A worrisome thought is demanding his attention; could two robberies in one morning really be a coincidence?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Mon 23 Jan 2012.

George stuffed his free hand into his coat pocket, fumbling for a pair of handcuffs therein.
20:24, Today: Captain George Yates rolled 2 using 1d6. Preparedness.  Ooops!

"We are making quite a spectacle here.  Kit, can you keep a tight hold on this fella."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Mon 23 Jan 2012.

"Alright, Captain," Kit says, eyeing the would-be mugger warily as he moves closer to collar him.

He's no boxer like his cousin, but he's been in more than his fair share of scuffles and he knows the strength desperation can lend a fellow.

"Let him go, Kit. I'm sure it was an honest accident," Jonathan says quietly, "No harm done. Here, fellow, have a pint on me." He slips the man a couple of shillings with a smile.

Once the man is on his way, Jonathan says quietly, "Sorry, Uncle George, but we have nothing on him and a street brawl isn't in our interests just now. We all need to keep a weather eye for any future threats. Here's a cab."

"Very well, my lord" says George with a wince, clearly unhappy about the situation.

George shoots a glare at the other men in the alley, trying to remember their faces should he see them again.

“Let that be a lesson to you young man.  Not all men would be so forgiving.  Remember how fortunate you were this day.  My prayer for you would be that it would be a reminder to help you onto the straight and narrow. “, Father Alden scolded and encouraged all in the same breath.

Father Alden turned and looked at Johnathan with surprise and admiration.  Perhaps he was up to this task, he certainly was showing signs of maturity.

"Something isn't right here - I wish you hadn't cut him loose," Kit says uneasily.

"London has a criminal element, sure, but to be a victim twice in one morning?  That's more than coincidence.  I've half a mind to follow him and see what shakes out..."

  ((OOC: Kit hasn't seen the three lurking men, as I understand it.))

Folks, you can continue this conversation here if you wish link to a message in this game. Meanwhile...

According to Captain Yates' street map it's almost two miles to the hotel so you decide to take a taxi. After an agreeable lunch at the Savoy Grill the afternoon lies before you.

We can skip through the details unless something comes up, just let me know what your doing before the lawyers later on.

"Well, Uncle George, I expect we should get down to Scotland Yard and report the theft of those documents. It occurs that someone might try to use that letter of introduction to impersonate me."

He turns to Father Alden and Kit, "No sense you fellows wasting the afternoon at this. You should see some of London and we'll meet you at the hotel after we finish at the lawyers. Oh, Father, you might ask the hotel to book our train tickets to... What station are we going to, George?"

"The Express from Kings Cross to York should do.  We can work out the rest later."

“Good idea, best of luck at the Yard”, Father Alden nods.

Turning towards Kit he says, “This may be the opportunity you were looking for to go see some of the city.  I will be happy to secure the train tickets.  Enjoy.”  He smiles at Kit  and strides off on his mission, happy to be useful.

As Father Alden headed towards the concierge, he thought he might try to find the local Anglican parish if time permitted.

Well, places to go, people to hopefully impress.  Kit sets out to meet his potential new publishers with mixed feelings.

He'd been feeling more confident about this interview on the voyage over, before the day had turned out to be one of petty theft and past sorrows.  Still, he plans to bounce back.

Father Alden consults the concierge and is directed to the parish church of St Paul's a few streets away. He also notices that the hotel provides a reservation service for various lines, and provisionallay books them a first class carriage on the express to York tomorrow morning.

Kit hops into a cab to Euston Road and the offices of Hodder and Stoughton, while Jonathan and George head to Scotland yard to report the theft and pick up George's gun licence.

Father Alden, Kit and Geroge, you may make a one or two point spends on Credit Rating if you desire. I will then fill out the details of your visits

Later in the afternoon Jonathan and Kit arrive half an hour early for the appointment with the lawyers, but that presents no problem and they are soon ensconced in a cosy office with Everett Senior as he goes through the finer points of Jonathans inheritance. It seems Jonathan owns a valuable property in the city, 1 Kingsgate Square, a ten bedroom residence in Mayfair. During Jonathan's father's incarceration it was looked after by the Hendersens, the housekeeper and gardener from the original staff. In the last few weeks they have been preparing for your arrival, airing out the house and recruiting a small complement of servants. The residence is now ready for you to move into immediately if you desire.

Jonathan also owns a 300 acre estate in Northumbria, with Blenheim House, a fifteenth century mansion, at the centre. The property is still maintained by the estate manager James Black and actually makes a small profit, mainly from the raising of sheep and cattle. Blenheim House is just below the border with Scotland and somewhat isolated. It will take the better part of a days travel to get there.

Most of Jonathan's income is from dividends and coupons from a portfolio of stocks and bonds. Everett makes no secret of the fact that he wants Jonathan to stay and take his rightful place as an English Lord (including his seat in the House of Lords).

Father Alden nodded his thanks to the concierge and after securing the tickets, left the hotel and walked at a brisk pace towards the parish church.

Credit Rating - 1 Pt Spend.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Sat 11 Feb 2012.

"Inspector Teal, Captain George Yates US Army Retired, at your service.  After all our correspondence I an glad to get to meet you in person..."

George want permits for ALL his weapons; he will spend 2 Credit Rating Points on this.
The Springfield 30odd6, The Colt Automatic 1911A1, and his Cavalry Sabre included.

Jonathan explains how he has just come to England to claim his inheritance. He doesn't omit that his inheritance includes a peerage. He tells how he was robbed by a pickpocket of two documents, a letter of introduction from his attorney to his bank and a letter left for him by his father.

As he has made himself known to the bank and advised them to disregard any introductory letter, his only real goal is to recover, if possible, the letter from his father, which has tremendous sentimental value.

Jonathan makes his report, and the constable, clearly impressed by Jonathan's title, assures you that inquires will be made. George Yates meets Inspector Teal, who it turns out has a broth-in-law in the Boston hunt. They are soon chatting like old friends, and permits for all your weapons will not be a problem.

You can also use Inspector Teal as a police contact when required.

Father Alden makes the acquaintance of Reverend Marsh, the parish priest, and soon the two young men are debating theology over a cup of tea in the vestry.

Reverend Marsh way also be called upon for a favour if required.

“It has truly been a pleasure, Reverend”  Father Alden says thankfully as he gets up to leave.

“But my party has a trip ahead of us in the morning.  So I will take my leave.”  Father Alden shakes Reverend Marsh’s hand.  “I look forward to continuing our discussion when we are back in town.”

Father Alden had a little more jump in his stride as he heads back to the hotel, it had been a good day.

"It's been great Claude!  The next time you go to Boston we'll paint the town red.
I'll arrange some golf with the Commissioner too, if you and the good lady wife feel like a change of scenery?"

George puts the permits safely in his waistcoat pocket, with a tap.

Kit and Father Alden are waiting in the Savoy longue when Jonathan and George get back to the hotel, a shade before 7 o'clock.

“Ah, there they are.”, commented Father Alden as he pointed out Jonathan and George to Kit.

As George and Kit came nearer, he asked “I hope everyone had a fruitful day.  Shall we catch a late dinner here in the restaurant?”

"Definately Father.  I have made a useful contact at Scotland Yard, and now have legal weapons."

Father Alden widened his eyes in mild surprise, “Well, that is very proactive of you Captain Yates, let’s hope we have no need for them.”

Turning to Jonathan he asked, “And was your day productive as well?”.

"Yes, Father, we spent boring but useful hours with the attorneys and I made my report to the police, though I doubt it will do any good."

“Doing the right thing will always do some good.  It’s just isn’t always apparent to us what it might be” he said with an optimistic tone. Turning so he could see everyone, “Shall we?”, he asked and pointed towards the dining room.

After an agreeable dinner Jonathan settles down in an armchair in the hotel lounge and loses himself in his father's diary. It quickly becomes apparent that Joseph Deville was a decent and honourable man, trying his best to live up to the role fate had assigned him. He was very much in love with Jonathan's mother, and slightly in awe of his father, Charles Deville, who comes across as a bit of an ogre. The first three years are somewhat unremarkable, and Jonathan finds himself skimming - but then things take a more sinister turn...

The next morning Jonathan and his companions are ensconced in the first class carriage on the express to York, and Jonathan has time to share his discoveries with his companions.