At 40 (and several years widowed), Mrs Millington has left girlhood far behind. 5’8” tall, weighing about 11 stone, she struggles to remain voluptuous, rather than stout, though some days she’s not sure why she bothers. Her hourglass shape certainly doesn’t fit the boyish silhouette so popular nowadays, nor does it conceal her strength.

She dresses carefully, though not fashionably, and always sensible shoes. She still wears her wedding band and a signet (C) on her other hand and sometimes a brooch, but rarely any other jewelry.

Her face is rather too broad for prettiness – mouth too wide, lips too full, hazel eyes too far apart. Her faded auburn hair and somewhat sallow complexion don’t help. Adeline wears no makeup beyond a little powder and only a light lavender scent. Her smile is quite becoming.

Her voice is a pleasant alto and her vocabulary shows her education and class. Her laugh is frank, though not boisterous.

The Conyngeham family had been significant landowners in County Kildare, Ireland, where their principal holding was Brindley Park. Though never ennobled, the family were prosperous and respected members of the Anglo-Irish gentry. That is, until James Conyngeham (Adeline’s grandfather) drank and gambled away most of the lands, excepting Brindley Park itself. His son, Richard married Gwendolyn Randall, daughter of Alfred Randall, a Belfast manufacturer seeking social advancement. Thereafter, Alfred Randall provided for the family and for Adeline and Aubrey’s education.

While a student at Sunny Hill School, Adeline was courted surreptitiously by her
tutor, Stewart Millington, who was twelve years her senior. Upon her graduation
in 1902, they eloped. The new Mrs Millington convinced her father to settle £250
on the couple. Millington took the money and bought a book store in London, his
lifelong ambition.

Surprisingly, he made a go of it and Millington’s became a resource for many
scholars and researchers seeking rare and unusual volumes. Adeline thrived in the intellectual environment. The couple was devoted to one another, making frequent trips to various cities on the continent in search of books.

When Adeline’s parents were killed in a motor car accident in 1906, Alfred Randall took over Brindley Park for his own residence. Thereafter, Aubrey spent his school holidays with Adeline and Stewart. When he began his studies at the
Imperial College, London University, he became their lodger. Grandfather Randall
died in 1924 and the house passed to his oldest son.

The War years were difficult for the Millingtons. Business dropped off with the
loss of some of their foreign business and travel to replenish stock was
impossible. Then the Spanish Influenza struck down Stewart, who died in 1919,
just before Aubrey came home, somewhat altered by his military experience.

Adeline proved a capable businesswoman and developed into something of a scholar
in her own right. She re-forged foreign connections. Aubrey took up residence in
his old rooms and helped out in the shop. Adeline worried that he had no friends
and drank too much, but in general, sister and brother were content.

Then came the horrific events of Spring, 1923. Adeline and Aubrey became
involved in a weird series of occurrences that led them to the continent and a
trip on the Orient Express. Several friends and companions were killed or
mentally shattered, Aubrey among the latter. He now resides in a Soldier’s Home
in Wales, far from any railway and the whistles that render him quivering in
terror.