Chapter 2: At Blenheim House
Wednesday July 16th 1930, 8:20 PM.
You change to the Newcastle Express at York, then after a discussion with a taxi bureau at Newcastle station, engage a cab to take you to Blenheim House.
Close to sunset, after a bewildering trek through the Northumbrian countryside, you find yourself driving along a bumpy track, following the directions provided by a passing crofter a few miles back. After ten minutes of rolling moorland dotted with herds of sheep and cattle you begin to appreciate the extent of Jonathan's new wealth.
As the driveway crests a low rise you catch site of Blenheim house for the first time, nestling in a shallow valley. The red brick manor seems to glow blood red in the setting sun, giving the estate a distinctly menacing atmosphere. A dry stone wall bisects the drive at this point, and your route is blocked by a heavy iron gate. Your taxi driver, Bill is forced to stop the car, and gets out to open the gate, but it is chained shut and secured by a large padlock.
Bill looks apologetic. "Sorry sirs, can't go any further with the car till we get that gate open".
You get out to stretch your legs and look down at the manor house below, perhaps a quarter of a mile away. The place looks uninhabited and you see no sign of any activity.
You can still discuss the diary in The Reading thread, will not close it for now.